can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a
therefore_o have_v shine_v bright_a warm_v a_o chaos_n into_o a_o orderly_a creation_n and_o bring_v we_o forth_o to_o be_v subordinate_a governor_n over_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o enlighten_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o heat_n our_o zeal_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v since_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o pay_v our_o esteem_n unless_o injustice_n check_v ingenuity_n to_o man_n among_o ourselves_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n inherent_a in_o they_o thus_o far_o i_o suppose_v mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o i_o may_v modest_o challenge_v the_o universal_a vogue_n to_o vouch_v the_o assertion_n but_o now_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n will_v differ_v and_o temperament_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_v their_o mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o mode_n of_o address_n for_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n be_v oftentimes_o as_o different_a as_o their_o complexion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v very_o servile_a in_o attend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o fetter_n in_o which_o prejudice_n have_v chain_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a in_o its_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o though_o we_o all_o agree_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o act_n compound_v and_o the_o ceremony_n attend_v it_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o schism_n and_o contention_n among_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o resolution_n always_o to_o differ_v that_o we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o these_o wind_n be_v still_o and_o rebuke_v the_o storm_n which_o disturb_v the_o world_n that_o some_o serenity_n may_v at_o last_o appear_v when_o the_o cloud_n be_v scatter_v i_o have_v take_v the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n to_o discourse_v on_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o ought_v to_o attend_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o our_o own_o necessity_n prompt_v we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n reasonable_o require_v and_o his_o command_n render_v it_o indispensible_a but_o yet_o because_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n and_o interest_n which_o controvert_v every_o thing_n have_v perplex_v this_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v as_o instrumental_a as_o i_o can_v in_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n especal_o at_o this_o separate_a time_n of_o lent_n in_o which_o our_o public_a devotion_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n enjoin_v and_o praictise_v accompany_v with_o fast_v and_o almsgiving_n those_o mighty_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o estate_n as_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v 1._o to_o explain_v this_o duty_n 2._o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o these_o seven_o thing_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v second_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n three_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v this_o religious_a address_n four_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o this_o 1._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n 2._o with_o reference_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n 3_o in_o relation_n to_o word_n and_o expression_n five_o for_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o this_o particular_a will_v involve_v person_n and_o thing_n six_o whether_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v so_o that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o all_o man_n or_o only_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o last_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o no_o since_o god_n already_o know_v our_o want_n and_o we_o can_v break_v the_o link_n that_o chain_v cause_n to_o effect_n nor_o alter_v the_o almighty_n decree_n or_o providence_n by_o any_o of_o our_o wish_n or_o prayer_n from_o the_o state_v and_o resolution_n of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v at_o last_o infer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o church_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o perform_v that_o god_n do_v accept_v they_o and_o be_v a_o proper_a method_n of_o address_v to_o he_o second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o abominable_o peccant_a in_o she_o last_o that_o such_o as_o live_v among_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o separate_v from_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o service_n to_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n man_n dependence_n and_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o their_o creator_n and_o themselves_o chap._n i._n have_v thus_o exhibit_v my_o design_a method_n i_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o because_o many_o may_v conjecture_v that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o since_o common_a practice_n will_v just_o supersede_n this_o scruple_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o the_o resolution_n prayer_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n too_o of_o breathe_v forth_o its_o wish_n to_o our_o maker_n lodging_n they_o in_o the_o bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o our_o intercessor_n and_o through_o he_o petition_v relief_n to_o supply_v all_o its_o necessity_n and_o want_n now_o although_o this_o when_o complete_a be_v join_v with_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o prayer_n those_o be_v duty_n distinct_a from_o this_o and_o each_o require_v a_o different_a explication_n various_a man_n conceive_v divers_a definition_n of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v distingish_v by_o word_n and_o phrase_n more_o than_o sense_n one_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o discourse_n or_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n another_o a_o ascend_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o man_n exemplify_v this_o duty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o metaphor_n that_o rather_o obscure_v than_o explain_v the_o thing_n nay_o some_o set_v up_o jacob_n ladder_n in_o this_o case_n for_o angel_n to_o make_v their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v again_o a_o sensible_a and_o direct_a passage_n upward_o mount_v into_o the_o region_n above_o carrying_z man_n petition_n under_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n down_o to_o they_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v allow_v for_o rhetoric_n but_o it_o neither_o explain_v or_o argue_v the_o thing_n we_o may_v better_o guess_v at_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n by_o reflect_v on_o our_o petition_n to_o man_n in_o which_o we_o always_o signify_v our_o desire_n which_o we_o earnest_o wish_v for_o and_o humble_o beg_v the_o grant_n of_o and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o common_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o prayer_n which_o noâ—man_n that_o at_o all_o consider_v can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o now_o this_o be_v make_v when_o direct_v unto_o god_n either_o in_o the_o inflame_a and_o ardent_a desire_v of_o our_o mind_n when_o devout_o fix_v our_o intention_n upon_o he_o we_o secret_o wish_v what_o we_o do_v not_o express_v with_o our_o tongue_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v this_o method_n available_a when_o the_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o who_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o language_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o discern_v our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v our_o word_n but_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v also_o express_v by_o those_o instrument_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v as_o well_o for_o his_o service_n as_o our_o own_o when_o we_o put_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n into_o suitable_a and_o expressive_a language_n rehearse_v this_o with_o the_o due_a and_o humble_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n correspondent_a to_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o private_a and_o this_o either_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n who_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n but_o one_o flesh_n have_v some_o necessity_n betwixt_o themselves_o but_o yet_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o require_v different_a and_o more_o secret_a petition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o private_a pray_v most_o proper_o so_o which_o every_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o perform_v single_o by_o himself_o when_o first_o examine_v his_o
state_n and_o condition_n he_o devout_o beg_v what_o he_o want_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o himself_o alone_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n or_o else_o as_o he_o be_v within_o a_o large_a community_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o that_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o a_o sufficient_a caveat_n to_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o that_o either_o in_o and_z with_o our_o family_n which_o be_v indeed_o small_a congregation_n when_o the_o master_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_z in_o his_o absence_n have_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o intercede_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o become_v the_o mouth_n and_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n that_o altogether_o by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o affection_n and_o unity_n in_o word_n may_v petition_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o those_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o family_n and_o to_o each_o other_o but_o 2._o prayer_n that_o be_v more_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n consign_v to_o these_o public_a office_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n set_v apart_o to_o sacred_a and_o divine_a use_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o special_a regard_n to_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n in_o this_o discourse_n though_o man_n may_v also_o apply_v the_o particular_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n as_o frequent_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o rational_o suit_v and_o in_o this_o i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o disciple_n which_o they_o in_o reason_n may_v refuse_v to_o bear_v now_o public_a prayer_n in_o more_o solemn_a convention_n and_o among_o great_a number_n assemble_v together_o have_v so_o apparent_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n that_o the_o pretention_n to_o a_o proof_n can_v not_o but_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o foolish_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o reason_n and_o assemble_v together_o for_o common_a worship_n be_v a_o duty_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v their_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o require_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o from_o reason_n we_o may_v present_o understand_v that_o by_o this_o god_n honour_n be_v exalt_v when_o we_o joint_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o this_o we_o propagate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o our_o example_n provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o ourselves_o that_o common_a request_n such_o as_o in_o public_a we_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v to_o which_o every_o individual_a may_v say_v amen_o require_v a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v thus_o connect_v with_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o gain_v great_a degree_n of_o power_n like_o a_o twist_a cord_n they_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n they_o offer_v a_o sacred_a violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n draw_v down_o favour_n from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n moreover_o such_o prayer_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o sacred_a place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o present_a at_o least_o by_o his_o disperse_a train_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n cast_v a_o secret_a awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o public_a and_o divine_a worship_n attend_v with_o proper_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o to_o humility_n and_o adoration_n to_o excite_v within_o we_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o their_o object_n make_v our_o passion_n such_o as_o be_v divine_a and_o recall_v those_o swim_n and_o toss_v thought_n which_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v and_o final_o when_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n shall_v be_v offer_v by_o a_o ordain_v or_o consecrate_v person_n sacred_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o employment_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n by_o resignation_n and_o solemnity_n by_o his_o own_o devotion_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o secondary_a intercessor_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o creator_n he_o weep_v betwixt_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o heaven_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n in_o that_o sacred_a language_n spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o service_n must_v sound_v as_o pleasant_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o rapturous_a to_o good_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o gather_v together_o exercise_v the_o most_o exalt_a strain_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v screw_v beyond_o ordinary_a proportion_n christ_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o he_o join_v in_o our_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a angel_n spread_v their_o wing_n over_o we_o to_o adorn_v the_o solemnity_n and_o god_n himself_o behold_v we_o from_o above_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n with_o smile_n upon_o we_o smell_v a_o sweetness_n from_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v look_v far_o dissipate_v all_o intercept_n cloud_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o prayer_n be_v chap._n ii_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n the_o euchites_n of_o old_a be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v such_o precept_n and_o phrase_n as_o pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o man_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v yet_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o both_o as_o christian_n and_o man_n too_o abundant_o refute_v such_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o the_o allotment_n of_o all_o moral_a or_o pious_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o their_o end_n as_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o dose_n of_o physic_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o patient_n vary_v so_o to_o temperament_n and_o season_n as_o may_v best_o expel_v the_o venom_n of_o the_o disease_n resist_v its_o violence_n and_o recover_v health_n to_o he_o that_o want_v it_o now_o a_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o ought_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o due_a order_n and_o sally_n of_o our_o affection_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o s._n austin_n that_o the_o christian_n in_o egypt_n have_v frequent_a prayer_n be_v brief_a ejaculation_n and_o short_a collect_v that_o a_o tedious_a continuation_n may_v not_o weary_a their_o affection_n but_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v intend_v suitable_a to_o the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v either_o flat_a or_o stupid_a lest_o the_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o effusion_n of_o word_n without_o attention_n or_o manifestation_n of_o affection_n from_o whence_o also_o our_o own_o church_n have_v order_v her_o public_a service_n so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o distinct_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o all_o may_v be_v successive_o employ_v and_o none_o at_o once_o too_o long_o burden_v and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v usual_o brief_a give_v intervall_n and_o respite_n both_o to_o priest_n and_o people_n that_o their_o soul_n and_o affection_n
may_v recover_v strength_n and_o retrieve_v their_o vigour_n by_o these_o small_a interruption_n and_o not_o suffer_v too_o great_a a_o weakness_n to_o steal_v insensible_o upon_o they_o by_o be_v always_o bend_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n therefore_o the_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v design_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v usual_o imply_v but_o they_o must_v admit_v of_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a in_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o the_o like_a 1._o when_o we_o have_v such_o prepare_v and_o ardent_a love_n to_o our_o maker_n ourselves_o and_o the_o fellow_n creature_n of_o our_o own_o species_n that_o the_o exciting_a cause_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v always_o present_a when_o the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o duty_n offer_v themselves_o 2._o when_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o perpetual_a readiness_n and_o aptitude_n for_o devotion_n when_o ever_o we_o have_v time_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o prayer_n return_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v assault_v we_o so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o settle_a temper_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o exert_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o any_o emergent_a or_o periodical_a occasion_n 3._o when_o we_o perform_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o our_o devotion_n with_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n when_o a_o long_a protraction_n or_o a_o seem_a denial_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n do_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o a_o relaxation_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o diligence_n be_v renew_v our_o supplication_n double_v and_o we_o add_v force_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o importunate_a widow_n to_o the_o end_n say_v the_o text_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_o 18.1_o last_o we_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o make_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n frequent_a and_o our_o supplication_n to_o god_n be_v willing_o present_v as_o often_o as_o time_n and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v we_o at_o least_o it_o can_v come_v short_a of_o this_o to_o make_v prayer_n our_o every_o day_n work_v so_o that_o nullâ_fw-la die_fw-la intermittantur_fw-la certa_fw-la tempora_fw-la orandi_fw-la we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o state_v time_n and_o hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o prayer_n itself_o be_v pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v dependent_a being_n and_o daily_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o want_n and_o the_o kind_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o support_v and_o nourish_v we_o the_o continual_a casualty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o frequent_a danger_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o our_o own_o inadvertency_n the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n the_o net_n which_o unfaithful_a or_o malicious_a man_n spread_v for_o we_o and_o the_o violence_n or_o insinuation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o the_o daily_a present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o law_n numb_a 28._o at_o the_o beginning_n these_o be_v type_n of_o the_o christian_a service_n which_o be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n become_v our_o solemn_a and_o reasonable_a devotion_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n too_o will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n think_v prayer_n so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o omit_v it_o he_o will_v endure_v the_o utmost_a severity_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.10_o this_o be_v enjoin_v in_o that_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o be_v both_o our_o form_n and_o our_o pattern_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o petition_v our_o daily_a bread_n day_n by_o day_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o by_o this_o prohibit_v too_o inordinate_a a_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o injoin_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o our_o maker_n command_v frequent_a and_o daily_a petition_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v now_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_o 1.75_o of_o which_o comprehensive_a duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a part_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o scheme_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o intermission_n chap._n iii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o determine_v to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o must_v without_o all_o peradventure_o be_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o being_n inferior_a to_o himself_o we_o honour_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o saint_n depart_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v sacred_a to_o we_o we_o admire_v also_o the_o excellency_n of_o angel_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o various_a and_o useful_a workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n nay_o we_o treat_v all_o thing_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o discourse_n with_o that_o esteem_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o being_n or_o that_o order_n which_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o we_o advance_v our_o contemplation_n when_o we_o think_v of_o angel_n suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o their_o being_n and_o their_o honourable_a employment_n of_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v legion_n of_o they_o at_o his_o disposal_n but_o there_o be_v from_o he_o neither_o command_n nor_o argument_n for_o invocation_n of_o they_o nor_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o aid_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v order_v by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n we_o therefore_o make_v no_o address_n to_o they_o by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o separate_v devotion_n because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o pay_v such_o service_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o our_o creator_n only_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o pay_v our_o ceremony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o respect_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n suitable_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v dignity_n and_o common_a justice_n command_v our_o internal_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v every_o one_o that_o be_v rich_o adorn_v nor_o petition_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v nay_o to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o idolatry_n or_o sin_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v such_o civil_a testimony_n of_o our_o respect_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v either_o to_o glorify_a saint_n or_o innocent_a and_o ever_o bless_a angel_n shall_v they_o at_o any_o time_n assume_v shape_n and_o mix_v themselves_o among_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o negotiate_v any_o affair_n with_o we_o and_o descend_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a conversation_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a time_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apparition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o s_o light_n and_o trick_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o any_o false_a appearance_n to_o our_o own_o imagination_n or_o either_o subtle_a or_o roguish_a invention_n of_o other_o man_n but_o may_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o delude_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o act_n of_o religion_n appropriate_v to_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o
and_o last_o a_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o this_o affection_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n especial_o in_o our_o confession_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n first_o then_o do_v we_o just_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n when_o we_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o they_o and_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o orderly_a disposal_n for_o use_n and_o ornament_n when_o we_o consider_v both_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o more_o particular_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o david_n do_v and_o see_v how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o we_o be_v make_v that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o do_v we_o perform_v the_o next_o thing_n preparative_n to_o prayer_n and_o adoration_n when_o upon_o the_o intellectual_a view_n of_o any_o of_o god_n work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n thus_o render_v apparent_a to_o we_o because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a footstep_n of_o these_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n thus_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n show_v knowledge_n psal_n 19.1_o 2._o and_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v clear_o see_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o 3._o we_o ascend_v another_o step_n of_o moral_a service_n when_o by_o due_a consideration_n we_o act_n with_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n infer_v from_o thence_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n and_o view_n we_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o affect_v with_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o mark_v out_o a_o most_o excellent_a be_v this_o affection_n will_v appear_v in_o our_o admiration_n love_n and_o awful_a regard_n to_o he_o in_o our_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o in_o our_o rejoice_v and_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o the_o like_a act_n of_o rational_a creature_n towards_o their_o great_a and_o sovereign_a creator_n and_o therefore_o last_o we_o must_v give_v all_o possible_a testimony_n of_o these_o affection_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n by_o adore_v he_o who_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v by_o invoke_v he_o on_o who_o we_o depend_v by_o give_v thanks_o to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a benefactor_n by_o continual_a call_n on_o his_o power_n for_o aid_n and_o pray_v his_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o necessity_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o king_n and_o most_o supreme_a governor_n now_o though_o none_o almost_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o any_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v refuse_v from_o the_o prospect_n of_o this_o to_o conclude_v prayer_n to_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a yet_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n especial_o when_o they_o like_v not_o the_o man_n that_o write_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o satisfy_v for_o 1._o some_o have_v conjecture_v thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n deny_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o providence_n 2._o other_o have_v introduce_v a_o stoical_a fatality_n conclude_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v necessary_a banish_v what_o we_o call_v contingency_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o concatenation_n of_o second_o cause_n by_o the_o fatality_n of_o star_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a decree_n this_o principle_n like_o the_o former_a take_v away_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o regard_v the_o procure_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o and_o render_v our_o petition_n useless_a and_o in_o vain_a if_o god_n be_v inexorable_a and_o have_v so_o tie_v himself_o up_o by_o his_o own_o decree_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o most_o profound_a and_o sincere_a devotion_n nor_o the_o most_o affectionate_a humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v yet_o command_v to_o petition_v he_o oh_o what_o a_o strange_a be_v do_v some_o man_n make_v he_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v so_o unlike_a to_o the_o great_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o a_o man_n of_o but_o a_o tolerable_a nature_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o description_n of_o himself_o now_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o objection_n raise_v from_o such_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n to_o expose_v the_o proposition_n upon_o which_o such_o inference_n be_v build_v yet_o because_o it_o will_v too_o much_o swell_v this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v rather_o do_v it_o with_o reference_n unto_o prayer_n by_o this_o more_o short_a and_o ready_a method_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o dark_a and_o most_o secret_a decree_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v man_n lawful_a petition_n 2._o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o even_o when_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o determine_v thing_n opposite_a to_o what_o they_o ask_v and_o 3._o by_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o will_v determine_v the_o point_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v first_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v man_n lawful_a petition_n offer_v to_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.14_o 15._o when_o solomon_n have_v finish_v that_o glorious_a temple_n devout_o dedicate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o great_a jehovah_n signify_v to_o he_o the_o acceptance_n both_o of_o his_o prayer_n and_o dedication_n together_o with_o the_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o place_n for_o a_o house_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o he_o make_v this_o solemn_a promise_n if_o i_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o there_o be_v no_o rain_n or_o if_o i_o command_v the_o locust_n to_o devour_v the_o land_n or_o if_o i_o send_v a_o pestilence_n among_o my_o people_n if_o my_o people_n upon_o who_o my_o name_n be_v call_v shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o pray_v and_o seek_v my_o face_n and_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a way_n then_o will_v i_o hear_v from_o heaven_n and_o will_v forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o will_v heal_v their_o land_n and_o my_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_a and_o my_o ear_n attent_a unto_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n 2_o chron._n seven_o chap._n 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n only_o concern_v the_o jew_n when_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v quote_v to_o prove_v be_v equal_o as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n a_o duty_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o the_o christian_n let_v he_o quit_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o point_n of_o controversy_n and_o we_o will_v present_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o new_a but_o then_o some_o jesuited_a protestant_n might_n many_o time_n lose_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v not_o prophecy_n to_o retire_v to_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o guide_v they_o yet_o however_o let_v we_o peruse_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o promise_n in_o this_o case_n will_v appear_v more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a where_o we_o have_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n that_o plead_v strong_o for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o christian_n lawful_a petition_n where_o we_o have_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n who_o continual_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n present_v both_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o triumph_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n now_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n through_o his_o hand_n ascend_v as_o incense_v when_o we_o offer_v our_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o our_o intercessor_n do_v sufficient_o consecrate_v they_o in_o who_o name_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o nay_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o incourage_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o make_v their_o petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o
and_o divine_a prayer_n '_o that_o prayer_n among_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o change_v the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o we_o pray_v but_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v not_o change_v he_o but_o only_o fit_v we_o for_o receive_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o yet_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o some_o grain_n of_o salt_n by_o distinguish_v betwixt_o god_n essence_n and_o his_o will_n his_o essence_n indeed_o can_v be_v change_v by_o our_o prayer_n but_o his_o will_n may_v again_o before_o the_o former_a assertion_n can_v be_v account_v true_a god_n decree_n must_v be_v distinguish_v into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a his_o absolute_a decree_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o his_o conditional_a may_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o however_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o one_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o one_o design_n of_o god_n command_v it_o though_o this_o can_v be_v all_o next_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o natural_a subjection_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o produce_v the_o growth_n and_o action_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o favour_n for_o which_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o some_o thoughtfulness_n consider_v what_o a_o direct_a influence_n our_o prayer_n have_v to_o the_o accomplish_v such_o glorious_a design_n we_o can_v deny_v even_o this_o argument_n to_o conclude_v our_o duty_n for_o how_o effectual_o do_v our_o prayer_n move_v we_o to_o those_o virtue_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o we_o implore_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n if_o we_o be_v at_o all_o hearty_a in_o our_o address_n and_o how_o direct_o do_v they_o check_v those_o vice_n which_o we_o both_o lament_v a_o former_a and_o pray_v against_o a_o future_a commission_n of_o our_o confession_n bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o those_o expression_n by_o which_o we_o aggravate_v they_o with_o truth_n cause_v we_o to_o abominate_a those_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o thus_o with_o horror_n most_o dreadful_o decipher_v our_o petition_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o obtain_v relief_n and_o our_o very_a thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v impress_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n can_v but_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o so_o good_a a_o benefactor_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o cause_n return_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o large_a dependence_n and_o from_o who_o as_o often_o as_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v renew_v obligation_n so_o that_o be_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n frequent_o practise_v with_o due_a humility_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v those_o sin_n with_o industry_n and_o delight_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v confess_v with_o sorrow_n and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o with_o seriousness_n and_o repentance_n and_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n give_v man_n assurance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v more_o frequent_o pray_v they_o will_v sin_v less_o and_o the_o rational_a and_o humble_a management_n of_o their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n far_o beyond_o what_o those_o can_v expect_v by_o another_o method_n who_o do_v not_o frequent_o and_o serious_o adventure_v the_o experiment_n for_o as_o according_a to_o plato_n philosophy_n the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o so_o by_o often_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o which_o we_o adore_v and_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v what_o we_o admire_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o rational_a man_n to_o imitate_v in_o themselves_o that_o which_o they_o commend_v and_o praise_n in_o another_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n which_o in_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o habitual_a possession_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v call_v communicable_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o best_o distinguish_v we_o from_o beast_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o converse_v only_o with_o sensual_a object_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o tincture_n themselves_o by_o their_o conversation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o rational_a they_o become_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o grillus_n in_o plutarch_n phaed._n reason_n and_o assert_n well_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o if_o religion_n be_v once_o take_v from_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o better_a than_o brute_n but_o more_o miserable_a for_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o evil_n their_o trouble_n be_v accent_v and_o their_o disquietment_n enlarge_v beyond_o the_o perception_n of_o other_o creature_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o insensible_a nature_n it_o be_v religion_n therefore_o that_o perfect_v and_o consummate_v the_o being_n of_o man_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o aspire_v to_o glory_n through_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o endless_a immortality_n and_o in_o this_o it_o render_v they_o far_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a brute_n who_o live_v some_o time_n and_o then_o die_v and_o perish_v now_o such_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v with_o and_o be_v bear_v upon_o our_o prayer_n to_o which_o religion_n have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n that_o whenever_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a offspring_n and_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n rise_v up_o at_o last_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o consideration_n can_v but_o convince_v we_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o either_o regard_n god_n or_o ourselves_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n or_o our_o uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o great_a god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o we_o invert_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n when_o we_o expect_v the_o conveyance_n in_o another_o way_n for_o though_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a know_v our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v not_o present_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a although_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o resolution_n nor_o can_v we_o prescribe_v method_n to_o he_o or_o with_o modest_a devotion_n desire_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o grant_v yet_o in_o prayer_n direct_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n he_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtainment_n of_o what_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o desire_n vuit_fw-la deus_fw-la rogavi_fw-la vult_fw-la cogi_fw-la vult_fw-la quâdam_fw-la importunitate_fw-la vinci_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n bona_fw-la est_fw-la haec_fw-la violentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v compel_v he_o will_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n when_o in_o prayer_n we_o wrestle_v with_o almighty_a god_n and_o like_o jacob_n we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o blessing_n behind_o he_o he_o love_v in_o our_o devotion_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o with_o due_a humility_n importune_v he_o with_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o without_o faint_v we_o express_v our_o want_n he_o will_v neither_o withhold_v grace_n nor_o glory_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o these_o and_o certain_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v such_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o who_o resolve_v not_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o happiness_n by_o miss_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v both_o gain_v and_o exercise_v in_o it_o who_o love_n communion_n with_o god_n here_o respect_v their_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o so_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o as_o for_o ever_o to_o abandon_v the_o
nor_o can_v any_o man_n give_v a_o true_a assent_n to_o that_o who_o truth_n he_o can_v discern_v nor_o have_v any_o overpower_a reason_n to_o believe_v this_o our_o own_o experience_n upon_o reflection_n must_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o or_o if_o any_o that_o have_v immortal_a soul_n within_o they_o and_o be_v quite_o sink_v into_o rottenness_n and_o clay_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v intend_v their_o mind_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n within_o themselves_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o be_v common_a christian_n of_o the_o low_a form_n in_o the_o school_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o apostle_n must_v convince_v they_o and_o they_o must_v on_o divine_a revelation_n believe_v that_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n must_v be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n in_o he_o that_o thus_o offer_v to_o god_n he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o consent_n to_o that_o of_o which_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o if_o i_o know_v not_o say_v s_n paul_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o voice_n i_o shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o speak_v a_o barbarian_a and_o he_o that_o speak_v a_o barbarian_a unto_o i_o 1_o cor._n 14.11_o and_o verse_n the_o 16._o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v as_o before_z in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o possess_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o i._n e._n give_v his_o assent_n at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o since_o he_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o say_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v more_o in_o such_o a_o plain_a case_n will_v apparent_o disparage_v a_o auditory_a and_o a_o reader_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v accuse_v of_o waste_a time_n and_o of_o render_v our_o adversary_n very_o considerable_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o point_n in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o beside_o this_o that_o latin_a service_n be_v former_o their_o custom_n when_o it_o be_v common_o understand_v in_o the_o western_a empire_n they_o think_v it_o fit_v and_o honourable_a to_o continue_v it_o still_o lest_o a_o change_n may_v make_v they_o lose_v the_o credit_n of_o antiquity_n though_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o utter_v divine_a service_n in_o this_o language_n be_v go_v and_o become_v a_o argument_n that_o point_v a_o quite_o contrary_a way_n and_o direct_v all_o church_n to_o their_o vulgar_a language_n since_o the_o latin_a be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o common_a tongue_n in_o which_o the_o multitude_n of_o man_n express_v their_o thought_n and_o come_v to_o the_o understanding_n each_o other_o even_o in_o those_o place_n in_o which_o by_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o public_a service_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v use_v that_o the_o common_a people_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o even_o in_o italy_n itself_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v one_o reason_n for_o it_o above_o all_o that_o the_o great_a one_o will_v let_v we_o know_v from_o themselves_o but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o here_o in_o england_n stop_v our_o mouth_n so_o that_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o can_v speak_v it_o for_o they_o though_o they_o have_v rather_o that_o we_o will_v still_o hold_v our_o tongue_n yet_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o hide_v under_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o abomination_n and_o false_a opinion_n which_o they_o practise_v and_o uphold_v in_o their_o public_a office_n their_o people_n be_v keep_v in_o great_a ignorance_n and_o dark_a devotion_n nourish_v they_o into_o a_o great_a zeal_n and_o blind_a obedience_n that_o the_o priest_n may_v make_v impression_n on_o they_o and_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o embrace_v those_o instrumental_a principle_n that_o pick_v their_o pocket_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o holy_a church_n and_o empty_a their_o purse_n into_o the_o pope_n coffer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a reason_n for_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o particular_n in_o which_o it_o be_v depart_v from_o primitive_a christianity_n but_o yet_o methinks_v i_o have_v so_o much_o confidence_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o where_o they_o can_v understand_v they_o will_v examine_v and_o if_o they_o once_o arrive_v at_o that_o they_o will_v quick_o reject_v every_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o what_o the_o reform_a protestant_n church_n of_o england_n own_v and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n who_o can_v if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n serious_a but_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o necessary_a point_n deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v so_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v the_o roman_a breviaries_n and_o mass-book_n be_v they_o faithful_o translate_v into_o our_o common_a language_n so_o that_o both_o party_n may_v sign_v the_o copy_n that_o the_o people_n will_v confute_v they_o themselves_o without_o the_o toil_n or_o pain_n of_o another_o but_o the_o romanist_n have_v rather_o still_o lurk_v behind_o the_o curtain_n deal_v with_o the_o credulous_a and_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n by_o keep_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o search_v of_o the_o people_n unless_o they_o be_v such_o particular_a part_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o afford_v they_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o better_a serve_v their_o turn_n than_o to_o permit_v a_o bold_a and_o inquisitive_a multitude_n to_o view_v all_o that_o they_o may_v make_v discovery_n and_o twattle_v to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o at_o last_o make_v inquiry_n into_o those_o service_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o governor_n be_v willing_a shall_v be_v account_v divine_a till_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v able_a by_o due_a search_n to_o confute_v the_o roman_a prayer_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o in_o a_o little_a time_n more_o the_o capitol_n itself_o must_v be_v deliver_v when_o they_o have_v no_o more_o goose_n to_o defend_v it_o i_o see_v therefore_o in_o the_o roman_a way_n the_o blind_a must_v lead_v the_o blind_a till_o both_o together_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n where_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a leave_v they_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o latin_a service_n till_o their_o seer_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o for_o when_o error_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o maintain_v it_o even_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o person_n thus_o possess_v with_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v treat_v as_o thing_n insensible_a not_o mind_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v establish_v and_o when_o people_n thus_o present_a petition_n to_o almighty_a god_n which_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o understand_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o their_o priest_n sacrifice_v to_o their_o own_o net_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o people_n delight_n in_o their_o own_o slavery_n and_o the_o priest_n love_v their_o covetousness_n too_o well_o to_o forsake_v the_o trade_n in_o which_o they_o can_v so_o easy_o impose_v on_o those_o who_o by_o such_o mean_n they_o keep_v in_o ignorance_n and_o so_o make_v a_o outside_n godliness_n their_o gain_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n can_v only_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o their_o public_a service_n with_o their_o lip_n at_o best_a when_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n be_v under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o accompany_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o they_o lose_v also_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o all_o their_o public_a prayer_n on_o themselves_o in_o raise_v their_o affection_n act_v their_o grace_n mortify_v their_o sin_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n all_o which_o prayer_n well_o compose_v utter_v and_o understand_v must_v needs_o effect_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o well_o incline_v devotionists_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o argument_n we_o have_v against_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o romanist_n that_o they_o pray_v to_o creature_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n alone_o that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o divine_a worship_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o that_o the_o romanist_n pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v their_o service_n be_v so_o full_a and_o frequent_a a_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o they_o endeavour_v therefore_o to_o justify_v the_o thing_n by_o the_o bold_a assertion_n of_o their_o own_o author_n and_o without_o any_o plain_a authority_n but_o from_o the_o heathen_n and_o themselves_o and_o without_o any_o solid_a and_o substantial_a argument_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o hint_n or_o two_o that_o none_o unless_o
reference_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n 2._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n 3._o to_o show_v something_o which_o may_v regard_v our_o word_n and_o expression_n first_o the_o rnanner_n of_o our_o address_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v include_v great_a activity_n in_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o exert_v our_o affection_n in_o some_o proportion_n to_o the_o value_n of_o our_o petition_n and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n who_o we_o invoke_v particular_o so_o that_o the_o more_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a our_o prayer_n be_v the_o more_o exalt_v and_o earnest_a must_v our_o desire_n be_v the_o external_a representation_n of_o any_o man_n devotion_n without_o the_o inward_a affection_n and_o fervency_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v act_n of_o hypocrisy_n not_o religion_n it_o be_v like_o the_o common_a dissimulation_n among_o ourselves_o when_o we_o fawn_v upon_o a_o man_n till_o we_o obtain_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v he_o my_o son_n say_v wisdom_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o and_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n be_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n matth._n 22.37_o hence_o be_v those_o declare_v bless_v by_o the_o psalmist_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n psal_n 119.2_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v king_n david_n himself_o wont_v to_o manage_v his_o address_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o god_n psal_n 119._o 10._o and_o i_o entreat_v thy_o favour_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n vers_n 58._o and_o he_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o god_n shall_v hear_v he_o because_o he_o cry_v with_o his_o whole_a heart_n vers_n 145._o his_o mind_n be_v intent_n on_o and_o accompany_v his_o petition_n and_o his_o seriousness_n in_o this_o snatch_v away_o his_o soul_n whole_o to_o itself_o and_o the_o god_n to_o who_o he_o make_v his_o address_n so_o must_v we_o in_o our_o prayer_n to_o the_o supreme_a be_v diligent_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o desire_v and_o be_v first_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n our_o most_o earnest_a wish_n must_v accompany_v the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n now_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v unless_o 1._o we_o understand_v the_o phrase_n and_o word_n in_o which_o we_o utter_v the_o petition_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o how_o can_v we_o intend_v our_o soul_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o urgency_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o our_o behalf_n there_o must_v in_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n accompany_v our_o petition_n and_o our_o soul_n must_v in_o a_o manner_n pass_v into_o our_o devotion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v total_o employ_v in_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o time_n we_o be_v about_o it_o without_o any_o divert_v reflection_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v when_o we_o have_v not_o previous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o a_o sufficient_a perception_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o petition_n nay_o and_z most_o common_o the_o very_a expression_n then_o use_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o employ_v in_o the_o invention_n of_o method_n and_o sense_n and_o strain_v also_o for_o word_n to_o express_v it_o or_o in_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o invention_n of_o another_o who_o presume_v to_o utter_v the_o want_n of_o a_o congregation_n in_o a_o new_a dress_n and_o every_o time_n with_o variation_n of_o phrase_n all_o know_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v exert_v but_o one_o act_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n nor_o consider_v any_o more_o than_o one_o thing_n at_o once_o how_o then_o can_v it_o judge_v and_o apprehend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n raise_v its_o affection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o petition_n and_o keep_v itself_o fix_v upon_o god_n in_o any_o tolerable_a measure_n it_o can_v therefore_o with_o equal_a pace_n accompany_v a_o prayer_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v before_o it_o come_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o true_o be_v this_o well_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o will_v render_v prayer_n useless_a and_o insufficient_a that_o be_v either_o make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o english_a phrase_n that_o be_v unpremeditated_a unintelligible_a or_o unknown_a before_o hand_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o the_o oblation_n so_o as_o to_o bind_v up_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o petition_n and_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o pray_v with_o understanding_n as_o to_o any_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v from_o man_n join_v in_o prayer_n which_o they_o never_o hear_v before_o as_o in_o the_o case_n when_o a_o stranger_n come_v to_o preach_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v that_o no_o man_n can_v assent_v to_o the_o whole_a with_o understanding_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a apprehension_n or_o he_o that_o pray_v make_v more_o than_o common_a pause_n at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o period_n of_o a_o petition_n that_o all_o may_v have_v time_n to_o apprehend_v and_o judge_n and_o put_v up_o a_o earnest_a wish_n with_o it_o otherwise_o some_o period_n subsequent_a must_v needs_o pass_v before_o the_o antecedent_n have_v be_v consider_v unless_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o a_o man_n that_o whatever_o he_o say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v gospel_n and_o whither_o this_o will_v carry_v we_o may_v be_v easy_o know_v since_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o rome_n for_o if_o we_o may_v implicit_o believe_v particular_a man_n without_o examination_n in_o case_n that_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n much_o more_o will_v they_o say_v may_v we_o believe_v the_o church_n but_o prayer_n indeed_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o voluble_a effusion_n of_o word_n and_o language_n but_o this_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a servour_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o dueintention_n of_o mind_n and_o this_o require_v a_o previous_a acquaintance_n with_o what_o be_v utter_v that_o the_o understanding_n may_v command_v and_o regulate_v the_o affection_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v thus_o just_o inform_v beforehand_o we_o may_v be_v more_o zealous_a and_o earnest_a in_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o a_o decent_a height_n and_o so_o six_o our_o intention_n upon_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o that_o our_o soul_n will_v suffer_v some_o kind_n of_o transport_v and_o be_v swallow_v up_o whole_o in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o see_v a_o person_n who_o delight_v in_o music_n so_o ravish_v with_o the_o stroke_n make_v upon_o his_o viol_n and_o transport_v with_o those_o pleasant_a air_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o all_o his_o faculty_n have_v be_v so_o full_o employ_v that_o he_o have_v disregard_v all_o thing_n else_o as_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v a_o transmigration_n and_o have_v whole_o pass_v into_o the_o instrument_n he_o play_v on_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n will_v permit_v with_o man_n devout_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o preparation_n and_o seriousness_n of_o mind_n that_o know_v before_o what_o we_o design_v to_o petition_v heaven_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v intent_n like_o man_n beg_v for_o their_o life_n and_o every_o prayer_n be_v the_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o so_o god_n see_v our_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o have_v mercy_n for_o when_o at_o any_o time_n our_o mind_n wander_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o accompany_v the_o word_n utter_v so_o much_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v lose_v to_o we_o as_o be_v pass_v over_o whilst_o we_o permit_v the_o diversion_n and_o the_o only_a remedy_n by_o which_o we_o may_v interest_n ourselves_o in_o what_o be_v go_v be_v in_o my_o opinion_n to_o recollect_v the_o petition_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v which_o we_o may_v do_v where_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v and_o utter_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o they_o 2._o we_o must_v in_o the_o intend_v our_o mind_n in_o our_o solemn_a devotion_n fix_v our_o soul_n on_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v throughout_o the_o whole_a carry_v along_o whilst_o we_o utter_v our_o want_n some_o notion_n of_o that_o glorious_a be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n especial_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o
manifest_v to_o the_o world_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n have_v lawful_o and_o by_o good_a consequence_n conclude_v to_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o themselves_o he_o must_v be_v endow_v therefore_o with_o all_o knowledge_n power_n goodness_n impassibility_n justice_n truth_n mercy_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o like_a with_o self_n existency_n and_o eternity_n crown_v and_o add_v a_o ornament_n to_o the_o whole_a to_o this_o god_n then_o under_o such_o glorious_a notion_n adorn_v with_o such_o transcendent_a attribute_n and_o all_o possible_a perfection_n imaginable_a to_o this_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n we_o be_v to_o give_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n adore_v those_o attribut_n of_o which_o we_o be_v transcribe_v the_o copy_n as_o far_o as_o frail_a humane_a nature_n will_v permit_v and_o by_o which_o only_o we_o can_v declare_v his_o essence_n to_o this_o transcendent_a be_v we_o ought_v to_o pray_v without_o pretend_v to_o form_v a_o idea_n or_o similitude_n of_o his_o live_a substance_n which_o we_o can_v make_v any_o likeness_n of_o nor_o frame_v a_o due_a image_n of_o his_o be_v without_o notion_n attend_v that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o such_o accident_n as_o will_v be_v blemish_n and_o imperfection_n at_o once_o lead_v we_o into_o impiety_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o to_o such_o a_o be_v when_o we_o have_v once_o settle_v a_o notion_n of_o he_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o we_o may_v address_v our_o lawful_a petition_n and_o direct_v all_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o frame_v any_o similitude_n and_o worship_v he_o who_o be_v and_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n sustain_v the_o creation_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o influence_n the_o whole_a by_o his_o daily_a providence_n who_o as_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v draw_v otherwise_o by_o the_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n the_o most_o tower_a fancy_n or_o sublimest_n and_o most_o retire_a contemplation_n because_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o this_o universal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o other_o if_o we_o thus_o direct_v suitable_a petition_n we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4._o 23._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o address_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a to_o make_v inquiry_n into_o that_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n now_o this_o in_o general_a aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o expressive_a of_o our_o humility_n reverence_n profound_a devotion_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o region_n and_o country_n in_o which_o we_o live_v for_o prayer_n testify_v our_o religion_n to_o other_o and_o by_o our_o outward_a example_n for_o they_o can_v know_v our_o inward_a thought_n draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o act_n of_o devotion_n with_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o our_o maker_n to_o raise_v and_o signify_v our_o own_o disposition_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o since_o therefore_o other_o man_n can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o by_o those_o representation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o external_a act_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v such_o in_o prayer_n as_o may_v best_o signify_v those_o to_o they_o which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o by_o which_o we_o represent_v both_o our_o humility_n and_o affection_n to_o those_o person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n have_v command_v any_o one_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n so_o strict_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o for_o in_o these_o thing_n a_o absolute_a necessity_n at_o any_o time_n become_v a_o reasonable_a dispensation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v enseeble_v in_o his_o limb_n lay_v stretch_v upon_o a_o bed_n of_o languish_v be_v move_v to_o ejaculation_n when_o he_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o trade_n or_o occupation_n he_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o field_n or_o travel_v on_o a_o journey_n and_o may_v often_o be_v lift_v his_o thought_n to_o god_n when_o he_o be_v sit_v at_o his_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o such_o case_n and_o other_o like_v they_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v his_o posture_n but_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o secret_a whisper_n or_o more_o outward_o express_v language_n nay_o the_o humble_a breathe_n and_o wish_n of_o his_o mind_n with_o or_o without_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o further_a yet_o sometime_o even_o in_o public_a assembly_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n may_v be_v in_o a_o crowd_n or_o his_o knee_n so_o benumb_v and_o his_o body_n weary_v with_o the_o length_n of_o his_o devotion_n that_o any_o one_o posture_n may_v be_v so_o uneasy_a and_o painful_a too_o as_o to_o blunt_v the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o hinder_v the_o most_o acceptable_a intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o our_o devotion_n shall_v be_v slacken_v or_o interrupt_v by_o the_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o body_n for_o this_o will_v render_v they_o not_o only_o the_o restrain_v prison_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o their_o jailer_n too_o and_o certain_o he_o to_o who_o our_o prayer_n be_v direct_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a will_v not_o enjoin_v any_o burden_n upon_o man_n who_o be_v humble_a and_o devout_a which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o forefather_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v i_o can_v therefore_o sufficient_o admire_v the_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o our_o own_o church_n who_o service_n be_v so_o admirable_o contrive_v that_o the_o frequent_a intermixture_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n reading_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v frequent_a relief_n to_o the_o age_a or_o weary_v body_n of_o man_n by_o enjoin_v suitable_a though_o uniform_a posture_n that_o by_o their_o variation_n become_v easy_a and_o delightsome_a and_o advance_v the_o fervour_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o deviate_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n we_o find_v goodman_n in_o sacred_a writ_n sometime_o worship_v by_o prostration_n on_o the_o ground_n sometime_o adore_v by_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o without_o doubt_n kiss_v their_o hand_n as_o the_o act_n of_o adore_v proper_o signify_v sometime_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n and_o sometime_o kneel_v upon_o their_o knee_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o latter_a be_v more_o frequent_a though_o prostration_n be_v a_o posture_n more_o lowly_a than_o this_o when_o saint_n stephen_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o become_v the_o first_o martyr_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n next_o to_o himself_o and_o like_o his_o master_n signalise_v his_o charity_n in_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n act._n 7.60_o when_o saint_n paul_n pray_v among_o the_o bishop_n at_o miletus_n he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o act_n 20.36_o when_o saint_n peter_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o that_o eminent_a miracle_n of_o raise_v dorcas_n from_o the_o dead_a we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v act._n 9.40_o and_o the_o bless_a and_o holy_a jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v more_o worthy_a than_o all_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o just_a and_o proportionable_a sacrifice_n for_o they_o and_o redeem_v those_o who_o be_v prisoner_n to_o death_n and_o hell_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v the_o great_a humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o only_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n but_o prostrate_v himself_o with_o his_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n when_o with_o a_o reserve_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n he_o pray_v say_v o_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o matth._n 26.39_o when_o saint_n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o tribulation_n he_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 3_o 14._o and_o when_o in_o his_o voyage_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o land_v at_o tyre_n at_o his_o departure_n from_o thence_o himself_o with_o the_o disciple_n their_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d
that_o have_v be_v due_o educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o gaudy_a luxuriance_n of_o a_o orator_n not_o welt_a with_o metaphor_n nor_o darken_v by_o any_o figurative_a allusion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o naked_a as_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o plain_a and_o open_a as_o innocence_n itself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o oracle_n in_o word_n that_o may_v beguile_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o question_n of_o the_o inquirer_n be_v otherwise_o let_v the_o language_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n amuse_v only_o but_o not_o edify_v the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o person_n who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o rational_o pronounce_v amen_n to_o it_o because_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a which_o man_n will_v not_o do_v in_o other_o case_n nay_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o such_o prayer_n s._n paul_n both_o redargues_fw-la and_o condemn_v 1_o cor._n 14._o second_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a not_o intermix_v with_o the_o levities_n of_o a_o stage_n as_o if_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v to_o be_v theatrical_a in_o prayer_n and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o raree_o show_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v our_o devotion_n into_o a_o cant_a burlesque_fw-la nor_o cause_v the_o weighty_a conception_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v breathe_v forth_o in_o air_n and_o fancy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v court_v a_o mistress_n or_o a_o common_a hall_n but_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v wise_a and_o grave_a the_o business_n of_o thought_n and_o careful_a premeditation_n and_o our_o word_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o weight_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n beg_v by_o a_o romance_n and_o to_o adorn_v his_o rag_n with_o joques_fw-la or_o flower_n this_o better_a proclaim_v his_o madness_n than_o his_o want_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o a_o person_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o yet_o rant_v aâ—_n and_o tear_n his_o benefactor_n who_o shall_v be_v stow_v it_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v at_o bethlem_n only_o but_o not_o in_o a_o church_n certain_o therefore_o it_o must_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v bold_a man_n thuâ—_n act_v towards_o god_n almighty_a himself_o to_o find_v person_n rave_v in_o their_o prayerâ—_n as_o if_o they_o will_v hector_n the_o greâ—â—_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o scaâ—â—_n he_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o â—_z by_o a_o loud_a noise_n bold_a word_n 〈◊〉_d too_o confident_a importunity_n woulâ—_n make_v a_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n woâ—der_n where_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o trade_n or_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n ridiculous_o groan_v and_o yelp_a out_o his_o prayer_n in_o tone_n unbecoming_a solemnity_n make_v grimace_n and_o wry_a face_n as_o he_o have_v the_o gripe_n in_o his_o belly_n 〈◊〉_d will_v think_v he_o walk_v the_o field_n oâ—ten_o and_o have_v take_v note_n from_o the_o very_a cripple_n nay_o to_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v both_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o consideration_n to_o guess_v which_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o he_o will_v conclude_v both_o to_o be_v artificial_a but_o neither_o to_o be_v fit_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n almighty_n nay_o though_o we_o pray_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o promise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o urge_v god_n gracious_a and_o free_a promise_n in_o such_o dare_a and_o strange_a language_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o kindness_n to_o make_v they_o or_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o he_o can_v not_o suspend_v the_o favour_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o destroy_v that_o free_a grace_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o little_a or_o no_o duty_n to_o perform_v as_o if_o god_n must_v present_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o when_o we_o please_v answer_v our_o petition_n and_o give_v we_o our_o reward_n strange_a that_o man_n in_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n shall_v no_o better_o consider_v their_o distance_n and_o dependence_n but_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n as_o if_o they_o be_v either_o his_o equal_n or_o superior_n thus_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a cloth_n themselves_o with_o shame_n but_o shall_v the_o potsherd_n fly_v at_o the_o potter_n head_n or_o dust_n and_o ash_n endeavour_v to_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a heaven_n shall_v we_o do_v thus_o who_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n who_o one_o word_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o thus_o rude_o address_v can_v sentence_v to_o a_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o make_v the_o shade_n below_o our_o habitation_n nay_o shall_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v our_o body_n into_o a_o grave_n and_o our_o soul_n into_o most_o horrid_a darkness_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o both_o at_o last_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o shall_v he_o be_v address_v to_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o be_v his_o familiar_a acquaintance_n certain_o the_o most_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n prayer_n seem_v to_o make_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o argue_v with_o such_o rude_a and_o careless_a man_n mal._n 1.6_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o be_v then_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o you_o o_o priest_n that_o despise_v my_o name_n and_o yet_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v it_o the_o psalmist_n give_v excellent_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n nay_o our_o very_a rejoice_v must_v be_v with_o reverence_n psal_n 2.11_o and_o if_o the_o great_a king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o david_n there_o speak_v must_v thus_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a much_o more_o ought_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a allay_n to_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o be_v malepert_a with_o their_o maker_n lest_o instead_o of_o favour_n they_o receive_v vengeance_n and_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o a_o speech_n of_o hailstone_n and_o coal_n of_o fire_n let_v man_n therefore_o use_v such_o expression_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n as_o may_v evidence_n some_o dread_a and_o awe_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o declare_v such_o humility_n and_o reverence_n as_o become_v those_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n saint_n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a bishop_n by_o his_o deportment_n among_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o outward_a agreement_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n act._n 20.19_o and_o since_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o express_v our_o inward_a sentiment_n the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o as_o necessary_a too_o as_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o virtue_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o one_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o sign_n of_o the_o other_o that_o when_o gravity_n and_o humility_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v sprout_v forth_o and_o spread_v their_o branch_n in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n mouth_n and_o deportment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o that_o where_o these_o last_o thing_n be_v want_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v nay_o conclude_v the_o profession_n or_o affirmation_n that_o man_n have_v the_o other_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o pretence_n three_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a because_o otherwise_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o
we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n oâ—_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.42_o 43._o and_o why_o shall_v any_o person_n fear_n have_v good_a design_n and_o hearty_a intention_n to_o amend_v his_o life_n in_o address_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o god_n who_o compassion_n be_v infinite_a when_o mary_n magdalene_n herself_o be_v admit_v to_o his_o favour_n out_o of_o who_o go_v seven_o devil_n and_o to_o who_o also_o much_o be_v forgive_v nay_o let_v god_n promise_v however_o become_v our_o encouragement_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o a_o continuance_n in_o our_o sin_n for_o grace_n will_v not_o abound_v then_o but_o to_o admonish_v we_o to_o repent_v and_o pray_v especial_o since_o he_o have_v declare_v not_o only_o that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o but_o more_o particular_o that_o when_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a ezek._n 18.27_o can_v any_o man_n be_v more_o vile_a than_o saul_n who_o persecute_v christianity_n even_o to_o the_o death_n and_o be_v now_o strike_v blind_a with_o his_o commission_n about_o he_o which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o guilt_n and_o a_o evidence_n beyond_o oral_a witness_n to_o bring_v all_o the_o christian_n he_o can_v find_v to_o jerusalem_n have_v first_o bind_v they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v their_o sentence_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n ananias_n be_v send_v miraculous_o to_o recover_v he_o when_o once_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v inquire_v for_o saul_n say_v our_o lord_n in_o a_o vision_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v acts._n 9.11_o certain_o therefore_o none_o be_v so_o vile_a but_o if_o he_o have_v so_o real_a a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n that_o want_v of_o time_n only_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n can_v hinder_v it_o from_o appear_v in_o sincere_a action_n he_o may_v address_v himself_o to_o almighty_a god_n and_o shall_v find_v grace_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o time_n of_o need_n chap._n viii_o the_o last_o enquiry_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v make_v in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o no._n and_o this_o will_v need_v no_o discourse_n at_o all_o will_v man_n be_v content_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o mix_v christianity_n with_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o turn_v all_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n into_o school_n of_o controversy_n where_o every_o man_n determine_v out_o of_o the_o chair_n that_o be_v never_o in_o it_o christian_n religion_n will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v if_o man_n will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n a_o thing_n that_o be_v once_o do_v and_o deliver_v by_o the_o great_a messiah_n who_o be_v authorize_v and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o proclaim_v god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o mediator_n and_o all_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o way_n which_o be_v now_o recommend_v and_o practise_v in_o such_o church_n as_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o impose_v nothing_o in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n that_o attend_v religion_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a in_o order_n and_o for_o edification_n and_o no_o where_o prohibit_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o the_o contrary_n enjoin_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o such_o can_v be_v sinful_a imposition_n unless_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n can_v find_v a_o transgression_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o however_o because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o fashion_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o design_n to_o render_v easy_a thing_n by_o some_o man_n perplex_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n difficult_a and_o hard_a that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v willing_a to_o avoid_v trouble_n and_o because_o no_o other_o more_o necessary_a labour_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v consider_v than_o what_o be_v make_v public_a by_o preach_v or_o write_v i_o be_o resolve_v at_o this_o time_n be_v in_o a_o comply_a humour_n neither_o to_o balk_v the_o question_n of_o knave_n nor_o the_o scruple_n of_o fool_n the_o strong_a foundation_n upon_o which_o this_o enquiry_n be_v build_v be_v upon_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o his_o providence_n over_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o prayer_n since_o it_o can_v alter_v god_n decree_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o it_o the_o action_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o some_o man_n shall_v raise_v doubt_n concern_v that_o which_o nature_n itself_o have_v seem_v to_o dictate_v and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o mankind_n what_o if_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o few_o sceptical_a disputant_n who_o love_n to_o hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o because_o their_o spirit_n be_v determine_v to_o their_o tongue_n and_o too_o well_o love_v their_o lodging_n there_o have_v leave_v few_o in_o their_o brain_n to_o direct_v and_o guide_v they_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o their_o volubility_n of_o language_n and_o the_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o any_o dictate_v from_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o retire_a mind_n but_o make_v their_o affection_n clown_n to_o their_o understanding_n whilst_o they_o pass_v by_o without_o any_o ceremony_n or_o consideration_n yet_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o prove_v prayer_n to_o be_v necessary_a in_o spite_n of_o all_o atheist_n and_o fanatic_n if_o they_o will_v attend_v to_o reason_n or_o but_o consult_v their_o own_o system_n he_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n let_v he_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o common_a and_o periodical_a revolution_n of_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o himself_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o the_o original_n of_o those_o power_n by_o which_o he_o manage_n such_o a_o argument_n and_o if_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v hiss_v at_o he_o if_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v invoke_v and_o pray_v to_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o allow_v prayer_n in_o the_o practice_n but_o yet_o destroy_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o their_o principle_n and_o grow_v distract_v by_o their_o belief_n in_o god_n lose_v his_o attribute_n whilst_o they_o retain_v his_o name_n i_o must_v principal_o discourse_v with_o such_o man_n under_o this_o enquiry_n and_o that_o i_o may_v obtain_v leave_n with_o other_o in_o the_o world_n that_o make_v some_o figure_n among_o mankind_n to_o beat_v the_o bush_n before_o any_o thing_n be_v start_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a division_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n into_o a_o moral_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n moral_a be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o pay_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a precept_n and_o command_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n or_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o daily_a providence_n ceremonial_a be_v a_o due_a observance_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n that_o just_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o worship_n now_o though_o this_o latter_a be_v the_o controversy_n of_o our_o country_n and_o those_o time_n in_o which_o we_o live_v though_o debate_n and_o objection_n concern_v this_o be_v the_o spark_n that_o set_v whole_a house_n on_o fire_n lay_v city_n waste_v and_o make_v their_o inhabitant_n prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o like_o thorn_n crackle_v under_o the_o pot_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v little_o less_o than_o prophet_n when_o have_v lay_v they_o foretell_v their_o own_o design_n and_o by_o lucky_a hit_n bring_v they_o to_o pass_v yet_o since_o the_o first_o be_v not_o without_o its_o difficulty_n suitable_a to_o the_o variation_n of_o the_o fancy_n judgement_n or_o interest_n of_o man_n who_o according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n or_o the_o admiration_n of_o other_o make_v thing_n either_o hard_o or_o soft_a difficult_a or_o easy_a when_o it_o be_v their_o will_n to_o obscure_v or_o explain_v they_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a on_o the_o particular_a subject_n under_o consideration_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o its_o preparative_n and_o general_a ingredient_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o moral_a worship_n in_o which_o be_v include_v that_o which_o be_v natural_a to_o complete_a which_o there_o must_v 1._o be_v a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o sufficient_o declare_v his_o be_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o and_o collection_n from_o they_o 3._o a_o rational_a and_o suitable_a affection_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o our_o reasonable_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
for_o their_o much_o speakinng_a as_o because_o the_o god_n who_o christian_n be_v direct_v to_o worship_n know_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v need_n of_o before_o they_o ask_v he_o and_o then_o he_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o short_a and_o comprehensive_a form_n which_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o use_v and_o imitate_v matth._n 6._o but_o yet_o as_o st._n austin_n say_v vid._n epist_n 86._o &_o 118._o god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v by_o motive_n and_o argument_n and_o overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v encourage_v man_n to_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luke_o 18._o the_o design_n of_o which_o parable_n as_o he_o inform_v we_o be_v to_o encourage_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v also_o command_v to_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n writing_n where_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o to_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o like_a which_o injunction_n and_o exhortation_n must_v at_o least_o obtain_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bear_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o expectation_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o rebuke_v all_o despond_v thought_n that_o so_o when_o we_o petition_v our_o maker_n for_o any_o blessing_n that_o may_v relieve_v our_o necessity_n we_o may_v not_o be_v dishearten_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o or_o his_o most_o wise_a protraction_n nor_o be_v discourage_v or_o discontent_v to_o a_o omission_n of_o our_o devotion_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o sudden_a return_n to_o our_o prayer_n but_o that_o we_o may_v still_o repeat_v our_o duty_n and_o be_v the_o more_o instant_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v deny_v unless_o we_o receive_v a_o apparent_a signal_n of_o god_n displeasure_n either_o at_o the_o matter_n unseasonableness_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o address_n which_o because_o we_o can_v easy_o understand_v especial_o if_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n ground_n and_o rule_n of_o prayer_n draw_v from_o the_o object_n to_o who_o our_o devotion_n be_v direct_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o ourselves_o who_o be_v petitioner_n or_o from_o precept_n exhortation_n and_o example_n too_o which_o we_o find_v exhibit_v in_o sacred_a writ_n our_o judgement_n correspond_v to_o our_o petition_n and_o upon_o scrutiny_n we_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o defect_n in_o our_o utterance_n or_o deportment_n there_o be_v no_o way_n therefore_o leave_v but_o in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o best_a composer_n of_o petition_n to_o god_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v even_o jesus_n himself_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o dreadful_a agony_n be_v sensible_a of_o what_o he_o then_o feel_v and_o fear_v also_o what_o he_o must_v endure_v when_o fix_v upon_o the_o cross_n pray_v that_o this_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n which_o he_o then_o signify_v in_o word_n as_o plain_a as_o they_o be_v full_a of_o humility_n nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v matth._n 26.39_o but_o all_o this_o may_v yet_o be_v obey_v without_o any_o long_a and_o tedious_o continue_a prayer_n where_o protraction_n in_o the_o speaker_n too_o frequent_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a and_o bring_v a_o indisposition_n and_o weariness_n to_o most_o of_o the_o devotionist_n for_o man_n may_v bestow_v not_o only_a day_n but_o night_n too_o in_o this_o most_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o by_o obey_v the_o inference_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o religion_n we_o enjoy_v so_o large_a and_o comfortable_a a_o privilege_n by_o run_v through_o a_o short_a course_n of_o devotion_n consist_v of_o many_o collect_v and_o premeditate_a form_n which_o may_v include_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n and_o after_o little_a interval_n of_o refreshment_n return_v with_o earnestness_n to_o the_o same_o again_o for_o prayer_n certain_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n prompt_v we_o to_o it_o more_o to_o demonstrate_v our_o own_o humility_n and_o devout_a reliance_n on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n than_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o our_o necessity_n &_o trouble_n or_o by_o our_o oratory_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o hear_v we_o and_o therefore_o that_o must_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o compendious_a way_n of_o worship_n by_o which_o be_v answer_v the_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o doubt_n when_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n be_v with_o the_o high_a ardency_n and_o most_o vehement_a desire_n employ_v in_o this_o duty_n it_o best_o demonstrate_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o a_o modest_a confidence_n in_o and_o love_n to_o god_n now_o this_o be_v more_o vigorous_o accomplish_v when_o we_o use_v such_o method_n as_o may_v least_o weary_a and_o tire_v our_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o short_a ejaculation_n and_o brief_a collect_v intermix_v with_o some_o other_o various_a office_n accompany_v with_o some_o little_a intermission_n that_o give_v breath_n to_o and_o refresh_v the_o intention_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o expediency_n of_o this_o affair_n than_o a_o long_a continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a devotion_n for_o man_n may_v find_v if_o they_o will_v both_o try_v and_o judge_v fair_o that_o this_o latter_a way_n dull_v the_o fancy_n weaken_v the_o invention_n darken_v the_o object_n as_o the_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v with_o gaze_v too_o long_o at_o the_o sun_n and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a to_o sleep_v than_o to_o pray_v but_o in_o the_o former_a method_n where_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v excellent_o and_o orderly_o intermix_v and_o follow_v each_o other_o so_o that_o the_o entrance_n upon_o one_o be_v a_o relaxation_n from_o the_o other_o and_o we_o stay_v not_o too_o long_o at_o a_o time_n on_o either_o and_o these_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o different_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n and_o divers_a affection_n and_o transport_n of_o our_o mind_n here_o we_o receive_v ease_n and_o refreshment_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v better_o fit_v for_o a_o long_a continuance_n without_o distraction_n than_o if_o all_o be_v put_v together_o in_o one_o uninterrupted_a chain_n of_o expression_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n inform_v epist_n 121._o that_o the_o egyptian_a brethren_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v very_o frequent_a prayer_n sed_fw-la eas_fw-la tamen_fw-la brevissimas_fw-la &_o raptim_fw-la quodammodo_fw-la ejaculatas_fw-la but_o they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o dart_v forth_o with_o a_o sudden_a quickness_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v very_o apposite_a to_o my_o present_a argument_n lest_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v now_o vigilant_a and_o lift_v up_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o one_o that_o pray_v shall_v be_v dull_v and_o vanish_v by_o a_o long_a stay_n and_o more_o tedious_a continuance_n nay_o short_a prayer_n be_v compare_v to_o sharp_a dart_n that_o soon_o pierce_v the_o sky_n and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o commend_v these_o st._n chrysostom_n upon_o the_o six_o of_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o prohibit_v vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a seem_v to_o he_o to_o forbid_v long_a prayer_n long_o say_v he_o not_o in_o time_n but_o in_o prolixity_n of_o expression_n and_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o have_v leisure_n to_o consider_v what_o st._n austin_n say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n hoc_fw-la negotium_fw-la plus_fw-la gemitibus_fw-la quam_fw-la sermonibus_fw-la agitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o prayer_n be_v make_v more_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n than_o in_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o that_o it_o be_v evidence_v more_o by_o weep_v with_o our_o eye_n than_o by_o breathe_v at_o our_o mouth_n we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o extreme_o fond_a of_o such_o patch_a and_o thereby_o lengthen_a prayer_n to_o a_o continue_a five_o hour_n adventure_v because_o this_o discover_v only_o a_o nimble_a invention_n with_o volubility_n of_o language_n place_v in_o a_o strong_a and_o sturdy_a body_n but_o it_o stifle_v affection_n and_o render_v watchfulness_n itself_o drowsy_a in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o it_o and_o keep_v he_o that_o utter_v it_o only_o awake_v because_o he_o can_v so_o well_o speak_v in_o his_o sleep_n and_o the_o whole_a when_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n demonstrate_v confidence_n but_o not_o devotion_n nay_o it_o seem_v not_o a_o little_a strange_a to_o i_o that_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v
have_v cause_v i_o to_o omit_v some_o thing_n here_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o place_n usual_o quote_v out_o of_o tertullian_n apol._n cap._n 30._o that_o i_o find_v have_v be_v convey_v as_o low_a as_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o the_o sectary_n have_v get_v it_o by_o heart_n i_o shall_v present_v the_o text_n with_o the_o note_n upon_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o for_o this_o father_n show_v how_o the_o christian_n pray_v for_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o emperor_n that_o they_o call_v on_o the_o eternal_a true_a and_o live_a god_n and_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o hand_n spread_v forth_o because_o innocent_a and_o bear_v head_v for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a denique_fw-la sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la oramus_fw-la pro_fw-la omnibus_fw-la imperatoribus_fw-la vitam_fw-la illis_fw-la prolixam_fw-la imperium_fw-la seourum_fw-la etc._n etc._n last_o without_o a_o monitor_n or_o promptor_n say_v the_o anabaptist_n and_o out_o of_o the_o breast_n or_o by_o heart_n the_o christian_n then_o pray_v for_o all_o emperor_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o long_a life_n a_o happy_a government_n a_o safe_a palace_n strong_a force_n a_o faithful_a senate_n a_o honest_a people_n a_o quiet_a world_n and_o what_o thing_n soever_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o mankind_n and_o caesar_n and_o from_o the_o expression_n of_o sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr pectore_fw-la the_o schismatic_a frame_v a_o argument_n as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o extempore_o prayer_n but_o in_o one_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o be_v of_o pamelius_n mind_n and_o of_o rigaltius_n in_o another_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o understanding_n this_o text._n the_o former_a infer_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n here_o mention_v that_o apt_a and_o decent_a ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n since_o tertullian_n say_v even_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o apology_n for_o they_o '_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n to_o signify_v a_o faithful_a though_o humble_a confidence_n in_o the_o god_n to_o who_o their_o prayer_n be_v address_v they_o spread_v out_o their_o hand_n to_o testify_v their_o innocence_n and_o be_v bareheaded_a to_o let_v the_o naked_a truth_n of_o their_o religion_n appear_v and_o thereby_o profess_v such_o a_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o truth_n too_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o they_o need_v not_o cover_v their_o head_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o shame_n nor_o vail_v their_o face_n no_o nor_o hold_v their_o hat_n before_o they_o neither_o since_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o blush_v for_o their_o religion_n nor_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n these_o it_o seem_v were_z in_o those_o day_n symbolical_a ceremony_n but_o i_o have_v reason_n also_o to_o take_v some_o hint_n from_o the_o latter_a interpreter_n of_o this_o place_n in_o tertullian_n to_o prove_v that_o another_o thing_n be_v mean_v by_o sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr pectore_fw-la than_o what_o the_o separatist_n knavish_o suggest_v viz._n that_o the_o monitor_n here_o denote_v a_o particular_a officer_n among_o the_o heathen_a call_v by_o that_o title_n and_o be_v one_o who_o in_o their_o public_a devotion_n read_v to_o the_o people_n the_o prayer_n set_v down_o in_o writing_n that_o there_o may_v neither_o be_v a_o omission_n of_o word_n or_o any_o expression_n utter_v preposterous_o he_o mention_n also_o another_o officer_n to_o attend_v to_o this_o and_o another_o custos_fw-la who_o call_v on_o the_o people_n not_o to_o be_v too_o loud_a now_o the_o second_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o person_n who_o keep_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o roman_a deity_n to_o who_o several_a petition_n and_o service_n be_v direct_v and_o might_n for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v the_o custody_n of_o the_o write_a prayer_n themselves_o this_o some_o will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o nomenclator_n who_o signify_v the_o name_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o the_o particular_a deity_n to_o who_o at_o any_o time_n address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v suitable_a to_o particular_a occasion_n and_o want_n for_o these_o like_o the_o canonize_v saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v invoke_v for_o all_o thing_n but_o one_o for_o this_o and_o another_o for_o that_o now_o this_o custos_fw-la in_o rigaltius_n note_n which_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o pliny_n for_o hearken_v and_o instruct_v the_o monitor_n when_o he_o fail_v and_o bring_v forth_o or_o deliver_v the_o book_n and_o declare_v the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n to_o be_v invoke_v that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o absurd_o pray_v to_o mars_n for_o patience_n to_o bacchus_n for_o wisdom_n or_o apollo_n for_o wine_n and_o the_o like_a now_o the_o christian_n address_v themselves_o only_o to_o one_o god_n can_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o need_v neither_o custos_fw-la nor_o monitor_n because_o frequent_a use_n have_v make_v their_o prayer_n familiar_a so_o that_o all_o have_v they_o perfect_o by_o heart_n and_o therefore_o join_v with_o they_o with_o their_o very_a soul_n and_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a in_o their_o daily_a devotion_n as_o if_o they_o never_o hear_v their_o prayer_n before_o or_o be_v every_o day_n to_o change_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o god_n together_o but_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o separatist_n argument_n shall_v lay_v in_o the_o reason_n why_o as_o tertullian_n say_v they_o need_v not_o this_o monitor_n because_o they_o pray_v the_o pectore_fw-la and_o so_o need_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o form_n to_o direct_v they_o this_o can_v no_o more_o be_v prove_v from_o this_o place_n than_o that_o because_o they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la the_o christian_n than_o have_v no_o minister_n to_o direct_v the_o people_n either_o by_o premeditate_a or_o conceive_v prayer_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n therefore_o must_v be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n need_v not_o a_o custos_fw-la or_o a_o monitor_n neither_o any_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o what_o particular_a god_n they_o shall_v pray_v since_o they_o own_v but_o one_o nor_o any_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o emperor_n because_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o incline_v to_o and_o do_v it_o from_o or_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a account_n of_o the_o place_n because_o tertullian_n here_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n to_o alexander_n severus_n and_o antoninus_n his_o son_n show_n how_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o they_o pray_v for_o the_o emperor_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n can_v not_o disturb_v but_o advantage_n their_o government_n because_o pray_v thus_o hearty_o for_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o wish_v and_o act_n for_o their_o welfare_n and_o this_o argument_n certain_o hold_v among_o all_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a in_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n against_o a_o pharisee_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n only_o we_o must_v remit_v all_o such_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o pretend_v to_o pray_v i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o small_a animadversion_n or_o rather_o advice_n to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o please_v with_o extempore_o prayer_n that_o they_o usual_o deliver_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n without_o a_o serious_a and_o orderly_a premeditation_n that_o they_o will_v impartial_o consider_v whether_o when_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v so_o intent_n on_o the_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n to_o express_v it_o they_o can_v so_o well_o reflect_v on_o the_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n especial_o since_o our_o quick_a and_o most_o retire_a thought_n can_v admit_v of_o divers_a object_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n and_o if_o not_o then_o whilst_o man_n be_v invent_v matter_n and_o expression_n to_o fill_v their_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v worth_a inward_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o whether_o whilst_o they_o be_v busy_a to_o find_v out_o their_o devotion_n they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n lose_v their_o god_n and_o now_o i_o have_v write_v all_o that_o my_o present_a thought_n suggest_v and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o strong_a argument_n which_o my_o slender_a ability_n be_v able_a either_o to_o collect_v or_o invent_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o separatist_n as_o it_o be_v common_o manage_v be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o adore_v the_o dependence_n of_o mankind_n on_o he_o nor_o the_o infinite_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o themselves_o which_o may_v perhaps_o add_v something_o to_o the_o fortification_n of_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n if_o it_o can_v cause_v some_o sad_a reflection_n in_o the_o better_a nature_a
god_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v mindful_a both_o of_o modesty_n and_o discipline_n non_fw-la passim_fw-la ventilare_fw-la preces_fw-la nostras_fw-la inconditis_fw-la vocibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n not_o to_o brethe_o out_o our_o prayer_n in_o insipid_a word_n nor_o throw_v out_o our_o petition_n which_o be_v modest_o to_o be_v commend_v unto_o god_n with_o a_o tumultuous_a speech_n because_o god_n be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o voice_n but_o the_o heart_n nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o clamour_n and_o outcry_n who_o see_v and_o understand_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o both_o write_v for_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o i_o have_v as_o i_o ought_v fair_o dedicate_v it_o and_o if_o other_o only_o to_o exercise_v their_o censure_a talon_n shall_v find_v fault_n with_o it_o let_v they_o in_o charity_n honest_o mend_v it_o or_o else_o they_o may_v as_o assure_o they_o will_v turn_v the_o buckle_n of_o their_o girdle_n behind_o they_o finis_fw-la i_o desire_v here_o to_o recommend_v to_o the_o parish_n to_o which_o the_o former_a discourse_n be_v dedicate_v a_o few_o collection_n out_o of_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o vindidication_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n november_n the_o 2._o 1649._o they_o complain_v that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n some_o be_v arrive_v that_o they_o be_v labour_v for_o a_o odious_a toleration_n of_o all_o abominable_a opinion_n as_o can_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 103._o and_o that_o those_o error_n which_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o prelate_n time_n be_v now_o many_o in_o they_o their_o note_n on_o rom._n 16.17_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o require_v to_o avoid_v their_o doctrine_n but_o their_o person_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o be_v quote_v 1_o tim._n 6._o ch_n 3_o 4_o 5._o pag._n 104._o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o godliness_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o libertinism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o that_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v that_o hold_v forth_o a_o strictness_n above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o their_o advice_n be_v that_o man_n must_v be_v candidate_n of_o a_o canonical_a not_o a_o apocryphal_a strictness_n and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o a_o mouth_n to_o speak_v man_n must_v not_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o a_o heart_n to_o believe_v pag._n 105._o that_o doctrine_n which_o cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o unity_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o conclude_v with_o this_o affirmation_n that_o certain_o the_o government_n that_o carry_v in_o the_o front_n of_o it_o a_o toleration_n of_o different_a religion_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o unity_n and_o purity_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o again_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n or_o to_o any_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v pag._n 107._o nay_o they_o complain_v that_o then_o they_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n wrath_n because_o they_o have_v be_v truce-breaker_n self-lover_n traitor_n false_a accuser_n and_o all_o under_o the_o specious_a form_n of_o godliness_n nay_o if_o any_o will_v read_v over_o the_o book_n they_o will_v by_o their_o own_o confession_n prove_v some_o of_o the_o wicked_a people_n under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v say_v they_o proud_a secure_a liar_n swearer_n and_o forswearer_n murderer_n drunkard_n adulterer_n and_o oppressor_n we_o have_v not_o learned_a righteousness_n but_o unrighteousness_n by_o all_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n we_o be_v worse_o and_o worse_o by_o all_o our_o deliverance_n we_o have_v spill_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o our_o unworthy_a receive_v nay_o after_o all_o this_o long_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v all_o the_o particular_a relative_a iniquity_n of_o the_o party_n of_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o conclude_v this_o with_o those_o expression_n isai_n 1._o from_o the_o 5_o verse_n onward_o ah_o sinful_a people_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n etc._n etc._n vid._n pag._n 109_o etc._n etc._n let_v god_n and_o other_o man_n now_o judge_v out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o judge_v any_o man_n but_o to_o go_v on_o a_o little_a more_o with_o that_o orthodox_n doctrine_n which_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n there_o exhibit_v they_o say_v far_o pag._n 119._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a because_o the_o scripture_n call_v to_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o purity_n and_o verity_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o for_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v serve_v he_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o way_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n and_o for_o this_o they_o quote_v the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n predict_v the_o glorious_a flourish_a of_o the_o gospel_n jer._n 32.39_o zeph._n 3.9_o zech._n 14.9_o as_o also_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prayer_n that_o we_o may_v all_o be_v one_o as_o the_o father_n be_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o the_o father_n joh._n 17.21_o that_o so_o from_o the_o unity_n and_o love_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o therefore_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n conclude_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o much_o as_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n of_o gospel_n professor_n nay_o they_o far_o say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n can_v come_v up_o in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n together_o in_o what_o they_o agree_v and_o to_o prove_v this_o they_o quote_v the_o text_n which_o that_o very_a worthy_a and_o reverend_a person_n dr._n stillingfleet_n the_o present_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n church_n choose_v to_o preach_v his_o most_o excellent_a sermon_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n major_a of_o this_o honourable_a city_n against_o which_o so_o many_o pen_n have_v be_v sharpen_v and_o blunt_v too_o phil._n 3.16_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n nay_o they_o add_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o the_o reverend_a dean_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o yet_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o these_o provincial_a divine_n either_o as_o plain_o endeavour_v to_o deny_v such_o thing_n or_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o pharisee_n &_o jesuit_n attempt_v to_o evade_v they_o by_o face_n or_o distinction_n the_o lord_n help_v i_o who_o be_o a_o poor_a simple_a man_n when_o person_n of_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a education_n and_o learning_n thus_o talk_v in_o and_o out_o nay_o far_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o forbearance_n the_o provincial_a divine_n desire_v only_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v tolerate_v that_o consist_v with_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o with_o that_o peace_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n but_o to_o preach_v up_o or_o practice_v that_o which_o make_v rupture_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o use_v here_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o divide_v church_n from_o church_n and_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n and_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o true_a church_n and_o to_o hold_v communion_n in_o nothing_o this_o say_v they_o we_o think_v have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o will_v introduce_v all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o family_n and_o not_o only_o disturb_v but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n destroy_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n purity_n of_o religion_n peace_n of_o christian_n nay_o set_v open_a a_o wide_a gap_n to_o bring_v in_o atheism_n popery_n heresy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n conclude_v pag._n 121._o with_o that_o description_n which_o dr._n ames_n give_v