from_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v of_o you_o so_o much_o for_o this_o time_n and_o text._n a_o discourse_n upon_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n with_o exhortation_n thereunto_o on_o 1_o thessaly_n v._o 17._o by_o ezekiel_n hopkins_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o londonderry_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n a._n and_o j._n churchill_n john_n taylor_n and_o john_n wyat._n 1696._o a_o discourse_n upon_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n 1_o thess_n v._o 17._o pray_v without_o cease_v this_o text_n be_v one_o of_o those_o many_o command_n that_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o almost_o at_o the_o end_n and_o close_v of_o his_o epistle_n and_o not_o willing_a to_o omit_v the_o mention_v of_o duty_n so_o necessary_a for_o their_o practice_n he_o pour_v they_o out_o in_o short_a but_o weighty_a exhortation_n the_o connexion_n betwixt_o most_o of_o they_o be_v dark_a if_o there_o be_v any_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o vex_v the_o word_n by_o tack_v they_o 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the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n to_o make_v a_o humble_a representation_n of_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o submission_n to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o honour_n this_o be_v that_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o religion_n the_o soul_n usual_o enjoy_v the_o most_o near_o and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o gild_n or_o overwhelm_v with_o fear_n and_o grief_n what_o sweet_a retreat_n than_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o our_o god_n and_o to_o our_o father_n into_o who_o bosom_n we_o may_v unload_v all_o our_o burden_n it_o be_v the_o great_a solace_n of_o a_o afflict_a mind_n to_o lie_v prostrate_a before_o the_o lord_n and_o melt_v itself_o down_o in_o holy_a tear_n and_o in_o holy_a affection_n at_o his_o foot_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hannah_n 1_o sam._n 1.18_o that_o after_o she_o have_v pour_v out_o her_o soul_n before_o god_n her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o our_o privilege_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o glorious_a angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a that_o they_o be_v always_o near_o unto_o god_n in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o he_o that_o they_o be_v waiter_n about_o his_o throne_n and_o prayer_n give_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o high_a privilege_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o presence_n and_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o same_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n they_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o throne_n of_o glory_n and_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a view_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o it_o spirit_n 1._o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o spirit_n first_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o we_o pray_v when_o we_o breathe_v out_o those_o request_n unto_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v breathe_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 8.26_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n 8.26_o rom._n 8.26_o for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v all_o prayer_n that_o be_v not_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o howl_v in_o god_n esteem_n and_o though_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o distress_n may_v be_v very_o passionate_a and_o very_a vehement_a in_o their_o request_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v prevail_v with_o god_n sometime_o indeed_o god_n do_v hear_v they_o and_o out_o of_o his_o common_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n grant_v to_o they_o those_o temporal_a good_a thing_n that_o they_o crave_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o low_v of_o the_o ox_n sometime_o also_o hear_v wicked_a man_n under_o their_o affliction_n when_o they_o roar_v to_o he_o as_o wild_a bull_n in_o a_o net_n as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o but_o yet_o such_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n though_o they_o be_v answer_v yet_o they_o be_v never_o accept_v god_n accept_v no_o petition_n but_o such_o as_o be_v present_v to_o he_o through_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n now_o christ_n make_v intercession_n for_o none_o in_o heaven_n but_o only_o for_o such_o in_o who_o heart_n the_o spirit_n make_v intercession_n here_o upon_o earth_n their_o prayer_n alone_o ascend_v up_o to_o god_n as_o sweet_a incense_n be_v perfume_v with_o that_o much_o incense_n that_o christ_n offer_v up_o with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n god_n always_o hear_v and_o answer_v they_o either_o in_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o they_o pray_v for_o or_o else_o in_o what_o oftentimes_o be_v far_o better_a when_o they_o ask_v that_o which_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o hurt_a then_o he_o answer_v they_o gracious_o by_o deny_v they_o in_o james_n 16._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o 5.16_o jam._n 5.16_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o this_o indeed_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a tautology_n to_o say_v a_o effectual_a prayer_n avail_v for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o avail_v and_o to_o be_v effectual_a but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v the_o word_n may_v be_v translate_v the_o in-wrought_a prayer_n and_o possible_o we_o may_v with_o more_o congruity_n render_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n wrought_v in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n such_o a_o prayer_n avail_v much_o second_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n consider_v 2._o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o prayer_n essential_o and_o personal_o consider_v so_o the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o our_o want_n and_o desire_v unto_o he_o now_o god_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o essential_o or_o personal_o and_o under_o both_o respect_v we_o may_v direct_v our_o prayer_n unto_o he_o unto_o 1._o all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n so_o they_o be_v all_o adorable_a with_o this_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o god_n the_o son_n may_v be_v distinct_o pray_v unto_o we_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a instance_n in_o that_o of_o s._n stephen_n 7.59_o act_n 7.59_o act_v 7.59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n yea_o 7.59_o act_n 7.59_o and_o this_o adoration_n be_v due_a not_o only_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o in_o be_v in_o majesty_n and_o glory_n with_o the_o father_n but_o it_o be_v also_o due_a unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n as_o god-man_n and_o so_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v also_o join_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o high_a honour_n through_o its_o union_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o very_a angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v command_v to_o adore_v he_o as_o god-man_n as_o mediator_n heb._n 1.6_o 1.6_o heb._n 1.6_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o his_o first_o beget_v into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o he_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o world_n as_o man_n he_o say_v and_o let_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o indeed_o we_o no_o
prayer_n and_o that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o must_v pray_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o want_v with_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o glory_n that_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o prayer_n our_o design_n in_o beg_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v have_v it_o out_o of_o we_o again_o in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o whilst_o we_o propose_v this_o to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v like_a to_o speed_v in_o our_o request_n we_o may_v well_o hope_v our_o prayer_n will_v be_v successful_a when_o we_o beg_v mercy_n not_o to_o consume_v they_o but_o to_o husband_n they_o that_o the_o increase_n of_o all_o may_v return_v again_o to_o god_n who_o give_v they_o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v spare_v when_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n it_o concern_v his_o own_o gain_n to_o be_v liberal_a wicked_a and_o unthankful_a man_n be_v but_o like_a vapour_n and_o exhalation_n draw_v up_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n that_o do_v but_o eclipse_v the_o sun_n that_o raise_v they_o so_o when_o god_n raise_v up_o wicked_a man_n by_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n they_o only_o serve_v to_o eclipse_v and_o stain_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o godly_a man_n be_v like_o river_n that_o as_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o stream_n from_o the_o sea_n so_o they_o return_v all_o again_o into_o the_o sea_n so_o these_o whatever_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n they_o improve_v all_o for_o and_o return_v all_o again_o unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o hope_v to_o speed_v who_o beg_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o intend_v to_o return_v all_o again_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o much_o for_o the_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v make_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o faith_n and_o fervency_n make_v a_o humble_a representation_n of_o our_o want_n and_o desire_v unto_o god_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o submission_n to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v cease_v 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o pray_v without_o cease_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v negative_o and_o positive_o first_o prayer_n 1._o negative_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v always_o engage_v in_o prayer_n negative_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v actual_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n either_o or_o ally_v verbal_o or_o mental_o it_o be_v not_o that_o all_o other_o duty_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o and_o give_v place_n unto_o prayer_n this_o be_v a_o old_a error_n of_o the_o messalian_o and_o euchites_n that_o begin_v 340_o year_n after_o christ_n who_o opinion_n it_o be_v because_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v continual_o and_o to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a therefore_o they_o think_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v only_o to_o pray_v a_o most_o fond_a and_o foolish_a error_n for_o what_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o obtain_v that_o grace_n from_o god_n that_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n certain_o god_n do_v not_o blow_v up_o one_o duty_n by_o another_o he_o that_o have_v command_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v have_v likewise_o command_v we_o to_o hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o the_o like_a yea_o although_o prayer_n be_v so_o spiritual_a and_o so_o heavenly_a a_o duty_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o time_n for_o prayer_n god_n have_v divide_v out_o the_o work_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o every_o thing_n its_o season_n in_o which_o alone_o it_o be_v beautiful_a prayer_n make_v melody_n in_o god_n ear_n then_o only_o when_o it_o be_v well_o time_v when_o we_o justle_v out_o one_o duty_n by_o another_o beside_o the_o sinful_a omission_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o we_o do_v perform_v become_v unacceptable_a because_o unseasonable_a neither_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o prayer_n will_v prevail_v with_o god_n that_o appear_v before_o he_o guilty_a of_o the_o death_n and_o murder_n if_o i_o may_v so_o phrase_n it_o of_o other_o duty_n this_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v thing_n to_o pray_v without_o cease_v imply_v four_o thing_n therefore_o second_o absolute_o or_o positive_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o fourfold_a interpretation_n of_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o cease_v 8.22_o 1._o to_o pray_v constant_o and_o at_o set_a time_n and_o season_n gen._n 8.22_o first_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v without_o cease_v that_o be_v do_v constant_o and_o at_o set_a time_n and_o season_n so_o we_o have_v the_o word_n use_v gen._n 8.22_o while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n cold_a and_o heat_n summer_n and_o winter_n day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o cease_v in_o their_o course_n and_o appoint_a time_n so_o here_o pray_v without_o cease_v that_o be_v observe_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o prayer_n at_o fix_a and_o appoint_v time_n still_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o any_o superstitious_a observation_n and_o thus_o exod._n 29.42_o 29.42_o exod._n 29.42_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n be_v call_v there_o a_o continual_a burn_v offer_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o only_o every_o morning_n and_o every_o evening_n and_o yet_o god_n account_v it_o a_o continual_a offer_n so_o here_o pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v that_o be_v keep_v up_o frequent_a and_o appoint_a time_n for_o prayer_n without_o intermission_n second_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v 13.5_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o all_o vehemency_n and_o importunity_n act_n 13.5_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o all_o importunity_n and_o vehemency_n so_o in_o act_n 13.5_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o pray_v for_o st._n peter_n without_o cease_v that_o be_v they_o be_v very_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o will_v give_v god_n no_o rest_n until_o he_o hear_v they_o so_o also_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o prevalent_a with_o god_n importunity_n be_v luke_n 18.1_o it_o be_v say_v 18.1_o luke_n 18.1_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v always_o that_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o importunate_o not_o give_v over_o till_o they_o be_v hear_v 7.8_o 1_o sam._n 7.8_o so_o also_o 1_o sam._n 7.7_o 8._o the_o child_n of_o israel_n entreat_v samuel_n not_o to_o cease_v cry_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v improve_v all_o his_o interest_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o utmost_a in_o their_o behalf_n so_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v that_o be_v to_o be_v earnest_a and_o vehement_a resolve_v to_o take_v no_o denial_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v do_v other_o duty_n also_o though_o we_o be_v vehement_a in_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o case_n towards_o god_n by_o beggar_n that_o sometime_o come_v to_o your_o door_n that_o oftentimes_o bring_v their_o work_n along_o with_o they_o they_o beg_v importunate_o and_o yet_o they_o work_v betwixt_o while_n so_o also_o shall_v we_o do_v we_o shall_v beg_v as_o importunate_o of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o charity_n and_o yet_o betwixt_o while_o we_o shall_v work_v as_o industrious_o as_o if_o we_o be_v ourselves_o to_o get_v our_o live_n with_o our_o own_o hand_n god_n 3._o it_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v send_v up_o ejaculation_n unto_o god_n three_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v be_v to_o take_v all_o occasion_n at_o every_o turn_n to_o be_v dart_v up_o of_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o ejaculation_n and_o this_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n or_o whatever_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v engage_v about_o yea_o this_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v in_o our_o worldly_a employment_n if_o your_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v heavenly_a your_o thought_n will_v force_v out_o a_o passage_n through_o the_o crowd_n and_o tumult_n of_o worldly_a business_n to_o heaven_n ejaculation_n be_v swift_a messenger_n
as_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n stand_v always_o minister_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n do_v in_o some_o kind_n associate_v we_o with_o they_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n at_o who_o foot_n also_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o power_n in_o heaven_n do_v with_o much_o more_o humility_n than_o we_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o we_o and_o they_o fall_v down_o together_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o great_a god_n we_o in_o prayer_n and_o they_o in_o praise_n this_o privilege_n cost_n jesus_n christ_n dear_a for_o it_o be_v through_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o we_o have_v access_n with_o boldness_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n all_o access_n thither_o be_v bar_v against_o sinner_n till_o christ_n open_v a_o passage_n for_o we_o by_o his_o own_o death_n and_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o 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sweet_a be_v it_o then_o to_o take_v god_n apart_o and_o give_v our_o heart_n vent_v prayer_n it_o be_v a_o make_v our_o case_n know_v to_o he_o and_o a_o spread_a our_o want_n before_o he_o cast_v all_o our_o burden_n upon_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o sustain_v we_o four_o consider_v want_v 4._o prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o all_o mercy_n that_o we_o want_v prayer_n be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v god_n he_o be_v the_o great_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n whether_o they_o be_v spiritual_a or_o temporal_a mercy_n that_o we_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v wealth_n strength_n or_o wisdom_n all_o be_v he_o if_o we_o will_v have_v spiritual_a blessing_n confer_v upon_o we_o our_o faith_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o humility_n strengthen_v and_o increase_v he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o these_o grace_n and_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o convey_v all_o these_o unto_o we_o our_o prayer_n and_o god_n mercy_n be_v like_o two_o bucket_n in_o a_o well_o while_o the_o one_o ascend_v the_o other_z descends_z so_o while_o our_o prayer_n ascend_v to_o god_n in_o heaven_n his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n descend_v down_o upon_o we_o always_o 5._o we_o be_v always_o in_o want_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v always_o five_o consider_v all_o our_o supply_n be_v only_o for_o our_o present_a exigence_n to_o serve_v we_o only_o from_o hand_n to_o mouth_n the_o stock_n of_o mercy_n be_v not_o we_o but_o god_n he_o still_o keep_v it_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o this_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v keep_v we_o in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o mercy_n from_o he_o our_o want_n grow_v up_o very_o thick_a about_o we_o and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o day_n yea_o every_o hour_n new_a cause_n to_o present_v new_a request_n and_o supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o necessity_n never_o cease_v so_o neither_o shall_v our_o prayer_n howl_v 6._o they_o â—hat_n will_v not_o pray_v shall_v howl_v six_o consider_v this_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o pray_v you_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v to_o howl_v you_o that_o will_v not_o now_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o prayer_n shall_v hereafter_o look_v up_o in_o blaspheme_v 8.21_o isai_n 8.21_o isai_n 8.21_o they_o shall_v fret_v themselves_o say_v the_o prophet_n and_o curse_n god_n and_o their_o king_n that_o be_v in_o their_o horrid_a despair_n and_o anguish_n they_o shall_v curse_v and_o blaspheme_n both_o god_n and_o their_o king_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upward_o though_o now_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o look_v to_o heaven_n yet_o than_o god_n will_v force_v they_o to_o look_v upward_o there_o may_v two_o objection_n possible_o be_v make_v against_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n object_n 1_o first_o god_n do_v beforehand_o know_v all_o our_o want_n and_o desire_n and_o therefore_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o prayer_n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v with_o st._n augustine_n god_n say_v he_o do_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o he_o not_o so_o much_o to_o make_v know_v what_o our_o will_n and_o desire_n be_v for_o that_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o to_o draw_v forth_o our_o affection_n towards_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o beg_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v fit_a to_o receive_v what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v object_n 2_o second_o say_v some_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pray_v because_o all_o our_o prayer_n can_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n we_o can_v by_o our_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n change_v the_o method_n of_o god_n decree_n if_o he_o have_v resolve_v from_o eternity_n to_o bestow_v such_o a_o mercy_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o whether_o we_o pray_v or_o pray_v not_o if_o he_o have_v resolve_v we_o shall_v never_o partake_v of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v pray_v all_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a answ_n i_o have_v long_o since_o answer_v this_o objection_n and_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v true_a god_n providence_n be_v immutable_a but_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o order_v the_o end_n to_o be_v obtain_v have_v likewise_o order_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o must_v be_v obtain_v as_o god_n have_v decree_v blessing_n to_o we_o so_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v those_o blessing_n for_o that_o be_v the_o mean_v god_n have_v decree_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o accept_v direction_n how_o we_o must_v pray_v so_o as_o to_o be_v accept_v some_o possible_o may_v say_v if_o we_o must_v thus_o pray_v without_o cease_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v how_o shall_v we_o pray_v so_o as_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v become_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n i_o answer_v they_o 1._o they_o that_o hear_v god_n god_n will_v hear_v they_o first_o if_o you_o will_v have_v god_n hear_v you_o when_o you_o pray_v you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o hear_v he_o when_o he_o speak_v see_v that_o place_n prov._n 1.24_o 28._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o have_v refuse_v and_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o say_v god_n you_o shall_v call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v you_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o shall_v not_o
it_o shall_v be_v with_o so_o much_o more_o brightness_n and_o clearness_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o obscure_a and_o glimmer_a way_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n here_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o see_v of_o he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o as_o we_o be_v know_v by_o he_o though_o to_o speak_v in_o absolute_a propriety_n of_o speech_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o any_o creature_n object_n 3_o it_o may_v seem_v no_o small_a disparagement_n to_o god_n to_o be_v everywhere_o present_n what!_o for_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n to_o be_v present_a in_o such_o vile_a and_o filthy_a place_n as_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n answ_n 1_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v god_n do_v not_o think_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o he_o nor_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o know_v and_o make_v all_o these_o which_o we_o call_v vile_a and_o filthy_a place_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o be_v present_a there_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o pollution_n or_o defilement_n from_o any_o vile_a or_o filthy_a thing_n the_o sunbeam_n be_v no_o more_o taint_v by_o shine_v on_o a_o dunghill_n than_o they_o be_v by_o shine_v on_o a_o bed_n of_o spice_n no_o more_o can_v god_n be_v sully_v by_o be_v present_a in_o filthy_a sink_n to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o glorious_a heaven_n because_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o his_o essence_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o taint_n from_o the_o creature_n the_o vile_a thing_n that_o be_v have_v still_o a_o be_v that_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n and_o as_o well-pleasing_a to_o god_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o put_v a_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_v upon_o last_o it_o reflect_v no_o more_o dishonour_n upon_o god_n to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o vile_a creature_n than_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o noble_a and_o high_a because_o the_o angel_n be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o angel_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o vile_a worm_n and_o a_o angel_n all_o be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o objection_n application_n use_v 1_o first_o be_v god_n thus_o infinite_o present_v everywhere_o and_o thus_o in_o and_o with_o all_o his_o creature_n than_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v here_o unto_o prayer_n thou_o can_v not_o say_v alas_o i_o now_o pray_v but_o how_o shall_v god_n hear_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o and_o i_o be_o on_o earth_n below_o many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n distant_a from_o his_o presence_n how_o then_o shall_v my_o weak_a whisper_n that_o can_v scarce_o reach_v the_o wall_n of_o my_o own_o closet_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v his_o ear_n no_o god_n essential_a presence_n be_v with_o thou_o wheresoever_o thou_o be_v as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o and_o god_n be_v all_o ear_n he_o can_v understand_v the_o silent_a motion_n of_o thy_o lip_n everywhere_o yea_o he_o can_v understand_v the_o secret_a motion_n of_o thy_o heart_n when_o hannah_n pray_v for_o her_o son_n samuel_n eli_n the_o priest_n of_o god_n think_v her_o gesture_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o distemper_a head_n and_o not_o from_o a_o holy_a heart_n but_o god_n be_v present_a with_o her_o lip_n and_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v think_v by_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n to_o be_v but_o a_o dumb_a show_n yet_o to_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v powerful_a rhetoric_n and_o as_o loud_o as_o thunder_n in_o his_o ear_n the_o scripture_n general_o intimate_v that_o all_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o god_n in_o heaven_n so_o solomon_n pray_v 1_o king_n 8.32_o then_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v again_o express_v in_o the_o 30_o verse_n so_o that_o most_o excellent_a composure_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o give_v our_o thought_n a_o lift_v to_o heaven_n now_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o god_n do_v no_o where_n hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o only_o in_o heaven_n but_o how_o then_o why_o be_v this_o phrase_n use_v for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o heaven_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a place_n there_o god_n especial_o have_v establish_v his_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o now_o because_o it_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o majestic_a and_o since_o god_n be_v there_o to_o hear_v suit_n and_o receive_v petition_n that_o be_v tender_v up_o by_o all_o his_o servant_n here_o on_o earth_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o that_o most_o glorious_a and_o celestial_a place_n hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n hence_o we_o have_v that_o expression_n act_v 10.4_o thy_o prayer_n and_o thy_o alm_n be_v come_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n certain_o if_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v hear_v till_o they_o come_v to_o heaven_n they_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o faint_a that_o they_o will_v be_v out_o of_o breath_n by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v able_a then_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o but_o yet_o god_n speak_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o keep_v alive_a the_o sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n upon_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mean_a and_o trivial_a thing_n to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v therefore_o he_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o array_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n second_o our_o prayer_n be_v direct_v to_o god_n in_o heaven_n because_o though_o he_o hear_v they_o wherever_o they_o be_v utter_v yet_o he_o no_o where_n hear_v they_o with_o acceptation_n but_o in_o heaven_n only_o our_o prayer_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n because_o they_o be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n thy_o prayer_n be_v not_o accept_v by_o god_n because_o god_n hear_v they_o upon_o earth_n as_o they_o be_v hear_v in_o thy_o closet_n or_o as_o they_o be_v hear_v in_o thy_o heart_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a only_o as_o they_o be_v present_v before_o god_n in_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v mingle_v they_o with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n before_o they_o can_v ascend_v up_o before_o god_n as_o a_o sweet_a savour_n now_o christ_n perform_v his_o mediatory_a office_n no_o where_o but_o in_o heaven_n for_o though_o as_o god_n he_o be_v everywhere_o present_n as_o the_o father_n be_v and_o therefore_o hear_v your_o prayer_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v put_v up_o yet_o as_o mediator_n they_o be_v only_o hear_v in_o heaven_n by_o he_o and_o he_o hear_v no_o prayer_n but_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o you_o that_o christ_n hear_v your_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v god_n only_o for_o so_o he_o do_v and_o can_v but_o do_v it_o unless_o he_o hear_v your_o prayer_n likewise_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n now_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n he_o be_v god-man_n for_o as_o he_o wrought_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o both_o nature_n so_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o mediate_v for_o we_o in_o both_o nature_n and_o since_o the_o human_a nature_n be_v only_o in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o follow_v he_o perform_v the_o mediatory_a office_n only_o in_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v the_o mediatorship_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o make_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o duty_n acceptable_a to_o god_n himself_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o still_o to_o pray_v lord_n hear_v we_o in_o heaven_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o thou_o hear_v i_o on_o earth_n unless_o thou_o hear_v in_o heaven_n too_o my_o prayer_n can_v be_v hear_v acceptable_o unless_o thou_o hear_v they_o twice_o thou_o hear_v my_o prayer_n on_o earth_n not_o a_o word_n of_o my_o tongue_n but_o thou_o hear_v but_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v thy_o servant_n unless_o thou_o hear_v my_o prayer_n a_o second_o time_n repeat_v over_o to_o thou_o in_o the_o intercession_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o say_v solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.34_o hear_v thou_o in_o heaven_n and_o forgive_v when_o god_n shall_v only_o hear_v on_o earth_n he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o forgive_a that_o he_o will_v be_v avenge_v but_o when_o he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n in_o heaven_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n than_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o forgive_v and_o pardon_v we_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o jew_n pray_v towards_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o incense_n and_o mercy-seat_n in_o this_o temple_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o
great_a a_o work_n it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v present_o without_o delay_n set_v upon_o it_o work_n 1._o work_v for_o salvation_n be_v the_o undo_n our_o former_a work_n first_o it_o be_v a_o work_n in_o which_o sinner_n must_v undo_v all_o that_o they_o have_v wrought_v in_o their_o whole_a life_n before_o oh_o sinner_n think_v what_o have_v thou_o be_v do_v this_o twenty_o thirty_o forty_o year_n or_o more_o have_v thou_o not_o instead_o of_o work_v out_o thy_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v be_v work_v out_o thy_o own_o condemnation_n without_o fear_n or_o tremble_v have_v thou_o not_o be_v work_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n have_v thou_o not_o be_v work_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o father_n the_o devil_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n true_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o work_v as_o make_v of_o work_n all_o this_o must_v be_v undo_v again_o or_o you_o yourselves_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o undo_v you_o must_v unrip_v and_o unravel_v your_o whole_a 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so_o shall_v a_o christian_a pass_n from_o one_o duty_n to_o another_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o sweetness_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o work_n 3._o to_o work_v for_o salvation_n a_o difficult_a work_n three_o to_o evince_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o work_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o against_o many_o encounter_n and_o strong_a opposition_n that_o a_o christian_n will_v certain_o meet_v with_o within_o be_v strong_a corruption_n without_o be_v strong_a temptation_n you_o have_v a_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a heart_n within_o and_o this_o traitor_n hold_v intelligence_n and_o league_n with_o your_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n without_o you_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n affront_v and_o discouragement_n from_o a_o peevish_a ill-conditioned_a world_n in_o which_o you_o live_v never_o any_o yet_o can_v escape_v free_a to_o heaven_n without_o meeting_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o 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death_n but_o life_n may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v it_o will_v indeed_o cost_v you_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v you_o and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_a mercy_n that_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n may_v be_v you_o though_o upon_o any_o term_n wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v o_o how_o happy_a have_v we_o be_v if_o god_n have_v never_o command_v we_o to_o work_n if_o he_o have_v never_o require_v from_o we_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a duty_n if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o free_a from_o this_o hard_a task_n and_o heavy_a burden_n of_o obedience_n but_o alas_o foolish_a sinner_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v as_o happy_a as_o they_o count_v this_o to_o be_v yet_o if_o god_n require_v no_o work_n from_o they_o he_o shall_v then_o show_v they_o just_a so_o much_o mercy_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n and_o no_o more_o from_o who_o god_n require_v no_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v no_o duty_n 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give_v i_o leave_v to_o call_v it_o so_o and_o while_o you_o have_v so_o many_o promise_v couch_v in_o every_o command_n before_o god_n have_v leave_v off_o his_o merciful_a command_v before_o the_o time_n of_o duty_n be_v expire_v be_v persuade_v to_o work_n delay_v not_o you_o know_v not_o how_o long_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o you_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o cease_v true_o you_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n to_o press_v this_o duty_n upon_o you_o work_v and_o that_o speedy_o too_o while_o you_o may_v work_v there_o be_v hope_n that_o upon_o your_o work_n you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o while_n god_n call_v upon_o you_o and_o whilst_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o obedience_n from_o you_o it_o be_v time_n for_o you_o to_o begin_v to_o work_v short_a 3._o time_n to_o work_v for_o salvation_n in_o be_v very_o short_a three_o consider_v what_o a_o short_a scantling_n of_o time_n be_v allow_v you_o to_o do_v your_o great_a work_n in_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v branch_v out_o into_o two_o particular_n first_o consider_v how_o sad_a it_o will_v be_v for_o your_o time_n to_o be_v run_v out_o before_o your_o great_a work_n be_v do_v alas_o what_o be_v threescore_o year_n if_o we_o be_v all_o sure_a to_o live_v so_o long_o from_o the_o date_n of_o this_o present_a moment_n how_o short_a a_o space_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v of_o eternal_a concernment_n in_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o of_o we_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o which_o we_o so_o improper_o call_v old_a age_n our_o candle_n be_v light_v and_o it_o be_v but_o small_a at_o the_o best_a and_o to_o how_o many_o of_o we_o be_v it_o already_o sink_v in_o the_o socket_n and_o bring_v to_o a_o snuff_n and_o how_o soon_o the_o breath_n of_o god_n may_v blow_v it_o out_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o know_v night_n be_v hasten_v upon_o we_o the_o grave_n expect_v we_o and_o bid_v other_o corpse_n make_v room_n for_o we_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o grasp_v we_o in_o its_o cold_a arm_n and_o to_o carry_v we_o before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o alas_o how_o little_a of_o our_o great_a work_n be_v do_v what_o can_v any_o show_v that_o they_o have_v do_v where_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o perfect_a work_n of_o patience_n where_o be_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v either_o beget_v or_o increase_v where_o be_v the_o corruption_n that_o you_o have_v mortify_a these_o be_v work_n that_o require_v age_n to_o perform_v they_o in_o and_o yet_o you_o neglect_v they_o that_o have_v but_o a_o few_o day_n nay_o possible_o but_o a_o few_o minute_n to_o do_v they_o in_o but_o what_o be_v god_n severe_a be_v god_n unjust_a to_o require_v so_o
once_o god_n let_v we_o fall_v some_o drop_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o their_o conscience_n than_o they_o hiss_v and_o boil_v and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o smoak_n and_o smother_v a_o hard_a heart_n be_v no_o security_n from_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n it_o be_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sore_a in_o the_o body_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v the_o hard_a part_n in_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o the_o sore_a also_o the_o red_a flesh_n about_o the_o sore_o be_v hard_a and_o yet_o full_a of_o pain_n and_o anguish_n so_o be_v it_o many_o time_n with_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n which_o though_o they_o be_v exceed_o hard_a yet_o be_v full_a of_o pain_n and_o anguish_n we_o read_v of_o heman_n 88.3_o psal_n 88.3_o that_o whilst_o he_o suffer_v the_o terror_n of_o god_n he_o be_v distract_v and_o david_n tell_v we_o 116.3_o psal_n 116.3_o the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n compass_v i_o about_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n get_v hold_v of_o i_o and_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v thus_o sore_a and_o terrible_a upon_o these_o holy_a man_n who_o heart_n be_v sound_a towards_o god_n how_o fret_v and_o gall_v will_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o ulcerate_v conscience_n of_o sinner_n no_o man_n have_v his_o present_a contentment_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o own_o power_n no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v his_o own_o conscience_n in_o his_o own_o power_n which_o will_v speak_v yea_o and_o speak_v terrible_a thing_n too_o when_o the_o sinner_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o stifle_v it_o nay_o let_v every_o sinner_n speak_v how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o after_o the_o madness_n and_o rage_n of_o your_o sin_n be_v over_o be_v you_o not_o then_o haunt_v with_o direful_a thought_n of_o horror_n and_o amazement_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v gnaw_v and_o devour_v your_o heart_n and_o be_v these_o they_o who_o be_v content_a to_o buy_v ease_n and_o quietness_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o be_v eternal_o torment_v hereafter_o beside_o their_o present_a pain_n and_o anguish_n after_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n now_o which_o if_o they_o feel_v not_o always_o yet_o frequent_o they_o do_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o up_o to_o such_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o become_v altogether_o insensible_a and_o stupid_a while_o they_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o what_o will_v this_o avail_v they_o will_v they_o not_o purchase_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n very_o dear_o to_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o hereafter_o and_o to_o suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n eternal_o the_o devil_n have_v put_v a_o horrid_a cheat_n upon_o these_o man_n for_o they_o do_v not_o change_v their_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n but_o only_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o for_o a_o little_a fancied_a sensual_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v enjoy_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o for_o possible_o god_n may_v be_v so_o provoke_v by_o they_o that_o he_o may_v sudden_o cut_v they_o off_o in_o their_o sin_n but_o if_o not_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a time_n that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o lust_n will_v last_v and_o then_o a_o eternity_n of_o pain_n and_o torment_n shall_v be_v their_o portion_n sinner_n be_v not_o therefore_o deceive_v suffer_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o abuse_v you_o and_o to_o impose_v his_o drudgery_n upon_o you_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o ease_n and_o quietness_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v only_o present_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o you_o seek_v if_o you_o think_v that_o you_o shall_v perish_v but_o yet_o you_o will_v perish_v the_o easy_a way_n that_o be_v not_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v not_o by_o give_v up_o of_o yourselves_o to_o a_o way_n and_o course_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o laborious_a work_v in_o that_o only_o can_v you_o find_v present_a contentment_n and_o in_o that_o possible_o you_o may_v find_v eternal_a happiness_n object_n but_o may_v some_o say_v the_o work_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o please_v to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v but_o work_v they_o but_o first_o we_o have_v no_o work_a principle_n we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o without_o grace_n so_o that_o we_o can_v work_v and_o second_o we_o can_v implant_v this_o grace_n in_o ourselves_o answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v though_o you_o neither_o have_v grace_n nor_o can_v work_v grace_n in_o yourselves_o yet_o you_o can_v do_v much_o yea_o very_o much_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o your_o own_o will_n this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o need_v to_o be_v frequent_o press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o often_o hear_v unto_o what_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n sin_n have_v reduce_v they_o and_o that_o without_o grace_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n or_o advantageous_a to_o themselves_o and_o by_o this_o they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o leave_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n at_o all_o adventure_n consider_v therefore_o salvation_n what_o sinner_n may_v do_v towards_o their_o own_o salvation_n sinner_n how_o much_o you_o may_v do_v towards_o your_o own_o salvation_n from_o your_o own_o nature_n and_o freewill_n and_o here_o first_o grace_n 1._o they_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o preparation_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n before_o grace_n the_o vile_a sinner_n even_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o his_o own_o freewill_n may_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o pitch_n of_o preparation_n that_o be_v usual_o wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n antecedent_o or_o before_o true_a grace_n such_o be_v legal_a conviction_n and_o contrition_n a_o sad_a sight_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o deep_a sorrow_n for_o it_o together_o with_o strong_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n against_o it_o with_o strong_a desire_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v short_a of_o grace_n and_o whatever_o be_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n and_o freewill_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o wound_v and_o maim_v yet_o may_v make_v shift_n to_o go_v so_o far_o as_o this_o come_v to_o true_a grace_n now_o be_v only_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n or_o freewill_n wherefore_o after_o all_o this_o preparation_n be_v wrought_v a_o sinner_n can_v no_o more_o work_v grace_n in_o himself_o than_o he_o can_v before_o yet_o be_v he_o now_o near_o to_o grace_n and_o in_o a_o great_a probability_n of_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o there_o be_v none_o but_o may_v go_v thus_o far_o if_o they_o will_v but_o improve_v that_o power_n and_o ability_n that_o they_o have_v to_o 2._o no_o duty_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n may_v carry_v a_o man_n out_o to_o second_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n may_v carry_v a_o man_n out_o to_o the_o external_a performance_n thereof_o and_o that_o with_o affection_n and_o enlargement_n also_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o herod_n hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o so_o sinner_n can_v pray_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o discourse_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n other_o have_v do_v so_o former_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v and_o can_v do_v so_o now_o indeed_o heretofore_o there_o be_v peculiar_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o wicked_a person_n immediate_o from_o god_n 24.17_o numb_a 24.17_o as_o balaam_n be_v make_v to_o prophesy_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a but_o these_o be_v now_o cease_v and_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n now_o have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o faculty_n in_o they_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v one_o as_o much_o as_o another_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n if_o they_o themselves_o will_n three_o sin_n 3._o the_o power_n of_o nature_n will_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o scandalous_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o but_o may_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o nature_n restrain_v himself_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o sin_n collective_o take_v for_o no_o man_n can_v so_o say_v his_o heart_n or_o life_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a but_o he_o may_v keep_v out_o of_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o sinner_n that_o have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o his_o lust_n but_o may_v if_o he_o will_v for_o the_o future_a live_v
my_o soul_n burn_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o bright_a in_o love_n as_o my_o body_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o avail_v i_o nothing_o i_o burn_v only_o what_o be_v dead_a before_o and_o offer_v a_o carcase_n instead_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v no_o work_n or_o duty_n how_o specious_a soever_o that_o be_v of_o any_o profit_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o that_o work_n or_o duty_n have_v not_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o other_o express_v in_o it_o well_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n why_o work_n without_o grace_n be_v fruitless_a because_o they_o be_v empty_a and_o liveless_a grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o good_a work_n second_o all_o work_n and_o duty_n whatever_o without_o grace_n leave_v the_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o wrath_n and_o condemnation_n as_o before_o for_o first_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a expiation_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n shall_v such_o man_n pray_v and_o sigh_v till_o their_o breath_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o cloud_n and_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a sky_n shall_v they_o weep_v till_o they_o drown_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o tear_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v only_o the_o remorse_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o true_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n they_o will_v still_o be_v under_o the_o same_o state_n of_o condemnation_n as_o the_o most_o fear_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n micah_n tell_v of_o some_o that_o bid_v very_o high_a for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o carry_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o wherewith_o say_v they_o 7._o micah_n 6.6_o 7._o shall_v we_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n ourselves_o before_o the_o most-high_a god_n shall_v we_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n and_o with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o first-born_a for_o our_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o high_a rate_n be_v here_o bid_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o fall_v short_a there_o be_v but_o one_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o righteousness_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n second_o all_o attainment_n and_o attempt_n all_o endeavour_n and_o duty_n without_o grace_n can_v never_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o any_o one_o lust_n or_o corruption_n man_n may_v divert_v and_o chain_v and_o restrain_v their_o corruption_n and_o impale_v in_o their_o lust_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o any_o outrageous_a wickedness_n but_o yet_o without_o grace_n they_o can_v never_o subdue_v they_o because_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o that_o can_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o this_o evil_a tree_n well_o then_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n what_o man_n may_v do_v thereby_o and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v go_v yet_o here_o you_o see_v what_o impotency_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n without_o grace_n and_o what_o it_o can_v reach_v to_o perform_v but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v that_o hereby_o any_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o work_v and_o because_o some_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o grace_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v desist_v from_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o subject_a no_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v to_o persuade_v man_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o any_o work_n of_o obedience_n or_o religion_n in_o which_o some_o grace_n be_v not_o breathe_v or_o exercise_v nor_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o at_o all_o as_o inductive_a to_o salvation_n as_o in_o themselves_o but_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o true_a grace_n how_o many_o poor_a soul_n be_v there_o who_o because_o they_o run_v on_o in_o a_o round_a of_o duty_n because_o they_o do_v something_o that_o they_o call_v good_a work_n think_v that_o salvation_n be_v as_o sure_a their_o own_o as_o if_o all_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v seal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o yet_o poor_a creature_n never_o examine_v or_o regard_v from_o what_o principle_n this_o their_o obedience_n flow_v whether_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n or_o from_o the_o old_a corrupt_a principle_n of_o nature_n new-vampt_a from_o some_o new_a operation_n of_o the_o common_a spirit_n believe_v it_o this_o be_v not_o that_o obedience_n that_o god_n require_v nor_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v a_o inward_a groan_n if_o breathe_v by_o grace_n be_v of_o more_o account_n with_o god_n and_o will_v be_v more_o available_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o most_o pompous_a and_o specious_a service_n of_o unregenerate_a men._n what_o be_v it_o to_o god_n when_o you_o offer_v not_o only_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a but_o the_o dead_a also_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o abomination_n than_o obedience_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o without_o work_n 3.20_o jam._n 3.20_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n also_o that_o work_v without_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o only_o dead_a but_o rot_a and_o noisome_a every_o duty_n man_n perform_v in_o a_o graceless_a state_n and_o condition_n god_n must_v needs_o loathe_v it_o and_o they_o for_o it_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n 28.9_o prov._n 28.9_o it_o be_v as_o hateful_a unto_o god_n as_o vapour_n that_o ascend_v up_o out_o of_o tomb_n from_o putrify_a body_n be_v unto_o we_o what_o then_o must_v such_o person_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o sin_n therefore_o god_n forbid_v no_o rather_o let_v such_o think_v thus_o if_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o righteousness_n be_v so_o loathsome_a what_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n though_o every_o sinner_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n yet_o be_v it_o less_o offensive_a to_o have_v a_o dead_a carcase_n embalm_v than_o to_o have_v it_o lie_v open_a still_o therefore_o continue_v work_v but_o in_o your_o work_n first_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n before_o you_o aim_v at_o the_o obtain_n of_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n let_v it_o at_o no_o time_n content_v you_o that_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n you_o have_v perform_v but_o look_v what_o grace_n have_v you_o act_v in_o they_o what_o be_v there_o of_o god_n breathe_v in_o this_o prayer_n that_o i_o now_o put_v up_o how_o be_o i_o in_o hear_v in_o meditation_n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v my_o heart_n holy_a and_o spiritual_a be_v my_o affection_n pure_a and_o fervent_a be_v my_o grace_n active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o be_v they_o vigorous_a in_o this_o work_n of_o obedience_n else_o to_o perform_v duty_n and_o to_o neglect_v grace_n that_o alone_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v duty_n acceptable_o be_v only_o to_o go_v to_o hell_n a_o little_a more_o cleanly_a second_o 2._o direct_v 2._o if_o you_o will_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n as_o you_o must_v look_v to_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n so_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v most_o active_a and_o work_a and_o they_o be_v two_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o these_o grace_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o dispatch_v his_o great_a work_n i_o may_v call_v they_o the_o two_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o that_o be_v most_o active_a in_o these_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o both_o hand_n earnest_o first_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o work_n out_o of_o our_o salvation_n two_o sense_n there_o be_v in_o which_o salvation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v out_o first_o in_o title_n and_o second_o in_o actual_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n now_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n out_o of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o compendious_a furtherance_n towards_o the_o work_n out_o of_o the_o other_o first_o upon_o our_o believe_a salvation_n be_v already_o wrought_v out_o for_o we_o in_o right_a and_o title_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o title_n the_o great_a work_n be_v then_o do_v and_o finish_v when_o once_o faith_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n 29._o john_n
with_o patience_n so_o it_o give_v he_o advantage_n to_o reprove_v other_o with_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a rule_n that_o he_o that_o reprove_v another_o ought_v himself_o to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fault_n he_o reprove_v for_o otherwise_o his_o reproof_n neither_o come_v with_o freedom_n from_o the_o reprover_n nor_o with_o efficacy_n to_o the_o reprove_v first_o a_o reproof_n that_o come_v from_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v but_o a_o stammer_n and_o a_o timorous_a reproof_n such_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n must_v needs_o rise_v up_o in_o his_o throat_n and_o choke_v his_o reproof_n consciousness_n of_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n will_v retort_v whatever_o we_o can_v say_v against_o other_o more_o strong_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o will_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v but_o hypocrisy_n for_o we_o to_o blame_v that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o practice_v with_o what_o face_n can_v thou_o press_v other_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v what_o argument_n can_v thou_o use_v to_o they_o who_o by_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n do_v thyself_o judge_v those_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o thus_o conscience_n will_v suggest_v and_o hereby_o tongue-ty_n reproof_n second_o this_o also_o make_v reproof_n ineffectual_a it_o be_v indeed_o a_o temper_n to_o be_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o that_o we_o can_v only_o respect_v how_o righteous_a the_o reproof_n be_v and_o not_o how_o righteous_a the_o person_n be_v that_o give_v it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o have_v the_o mote_n pluck_v out_o of_o our_o own_o eye_n though_o it_o be_v by_o such_o as_o have_v beam_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v sound_a admonition_n because_o they_o come_v from_o a_o unsound_a heart_n than_o there_o be_v to_o stop_v our_o ear_n against_o good_a counsel_n because_o deliver_v it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o unsavoury_a breath_n but_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v when_o man_n of_o pollute_a conscience_n and_o defile_a conversation_n come_v to_o reprove_v other_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v of_o they_o what_o be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o earnest_n do_v he_o not_o personate_v his_o reproof_n do_v he_o not_o do_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_a himself_n or_o do_v he_o envy_v i_o my_o sin_n and_o will_v engross_v they_o all_o to_o himself_o and_o so_o the_o reproof_n take_v no_o place_n at_o all_o upon_o he_o but_o now_o when_o a_o man_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o unspotted_a conscience_n reprove_v wicked_a man_n his_o reproof_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o with_o conviction_n authority_n and_o power_n if_o not_o to_o reform_v they_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o daunt_v and_o silence_v they_o here_o be_v one_o that_o reprove_v sin_n who_o doubtless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v evil_a by_o his_o own_o avoid_n of_o it_o here_o be_v one_o that_o denounce_v wrath_n if_o i_o repent_v not_o who_o doubtless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v as_o terrible_a as_o he_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v by_o his_o own_o carefulness_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o thus_o a_o clear_a conscience_n have_v great_a advantage_n to_o reprove_v sinner_n successful_o at_o least_o to_o work_v conviction_n upon_o they_o if_o not_o to_o work_v reformation_n in_o they_o god_n 3._o it_o give_v boldness_n of_o access_n unto_o god_n three_o a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v boldness_n of_o access_n unto_o god_n gild_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o abash_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o adam_n have_v sin_v against_o his_o maker_n he_o hide_v himself_o from_o he_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o in_o ourselves_o what_o slavish_a deadness_n and_o dejectedness_n of_o heart_n seize_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n in_o duty_n after_o that_o we_o have_v wrong_v he_o by_o any_o know_a sin_n we_o come_v with_o such_o a_o misgive_a kind_n of_o fear_n as_o if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n take_v notice_n that_o we_o be_v before_o he_o and_o we_o be_v still_o in_o pain_n till_o the_o duty_n be_v over_o but_o when_o our_o conscience_n be_v clear_a o_o with_o what_o delight_n do_v we_o have_v to_o god_n and_o with_o what_o content_n do_v we_o stay_v with_o he_o how_o do_v the_o soul_n dilate_v and_o spread_v itself_o under_o the_o smile_v of_o god_n beat_v full_a upon_o it_o loe_o o_o lord_n here_o be_v a_o heart_n that_o i_o labour_v to_o make_v and_o keep_v void_a of_o offence_n do_v thou_o fill_v it_o with_o thy_o promise_a grace_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o mansion_n pure_a enough_o for_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n yet_o be_v it_o such_o as_o thou_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o dwell_v in_o there_o be_v still_o many_o hide_a corruption_n in_o it_o but_o do_v thou_o search_v they_o out_o and_o thou_o who_o have_v keep_v thy_o servant_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n do_v thou_o also_o cleanse_v i_o from_o secret_a fault_n thus_o a_o clear_a conscience_n with_o a_o holy_a and_o reverend_a boldness_n address_v itself_o to_o god_n and_o sweet_o close_v up_o every_o duty_n and_o every_o prayer_n with_o full_a assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v and_o accept_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o heb._n 10.22_o let_v we_o say_v he_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n how_o may_v we_o gain_v this_o full_a assurance_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n how_o say_v he_o why_o by_o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n get_v but_o a_o pure_a and_o clear_a conscience_n and_o that_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a parallel_n place_n 3.21_o 1_o john_n 3.21_o 1_o john_n 3.21_o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n if_o conscience_n be_v not_o evil_a to_o accuse_v we_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n when_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n look_v cheerful_a and_o have_v no_o frown_n and_o wrinkle_v upon_o it_o this_o make_v we_o joyful_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n face_n to_o we_o be_v calm_a and_o serene_a too_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v welcome_a at_o all_o time_n into_o our_o father_n presence_n this_o conscience_n suggest_v to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o come_v with_o a_o holy_a yet_o with_o a_o awful_a boldness_n unto_o god_n converse_v 4._o it_o be_v the_o sweet_a bosom_n friend_n with_o which_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n free_o and_o intimate_o converse_v four_o a_o clear_a conscience_n be_v the_o sweet_a bosom_n friend_n with_o which_o we_o may_v at_o all_o time_n free_o and_o intimate_o converse_v wicked_a man_n indeed_o of_o all_o company_n in_o the_o world_n do_v most_o hate_v themselves_o for_o companion_n they_o have_v a_o lower_a and_o a_o rumble_a conscience_n at_o home_n that_o always_o threaten_v and_o disquiet_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o love_v to_o keep_v abroad_o soliloquy_n and_o heart-discovery_n be_v a_o very_a torment_n to_o they_o and_o they_o wonder_v that_o the_o psalmist_n shall_v ever_o bid_v they_o commune_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o 4.4_o psal_n 4.4_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal_n 4.4_o why_o alas_o they_o be_v never_o less_o still_a than_o when_o they_o discourse_v with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v grow_v so_o peevish_a and_o quarrelsome_a that_o they_o thunder_v out_o nothing_o but_o woe_n and_o curse_n against_o they_o hurl_v about_o they_o sword_n and_o firebrand_n and_o death_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o look_v within_o door_n but_o now_o a_o christian_a who_o conscience_n be_v calm_a and_o clear_a he_o find_v it_o the_o best_a companion_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o solitary_a retirement_n from_o the_o crowd_n and_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n with_o what_o delight_n do_v he_o call_v his_o heart_n aside_o and_o there_o be_v they_o sweet_o and_o peaceable_o confer_v together_o and_o god_n usual_o come_v in_o as_o a_o three_o friend_n and_o join_v himself_o in_o society_n with_o they_o and_o here_o pass_v mutual_a endearment_n between_o they_o the_o soul_n embrace_n and_o clasp_n about_o god_n with_o the_o arm_n of_o faith_n and_o dependence_n and_o god_n embrace_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o everlasting_a love_n here_o be_v mutual_a unbosoming_n of_o secret_n the_o soul_n unlock_v its_o secret_n before_o god_n and_o god_n again_o reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o soul_n here_o be_v mutual_a rejoice_n the_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o god_n its_o saviour_n and_o god_n rejoice_v over_o the_o soul_n to_o do_v it_o good_a and_o under_o these_o intercourse_n
that_o require_v not_o much_o time_n to_o perform_v their_o errand_n in_o for_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a mystery_n in_o point_v our_o earthly_a employment_n with_o these_o heavenly_a ejaculation_n as_o man_n point_v their_o write_n sometime_o with_o stop_v ever_o now_o and_o then_o shoot_v up_o a_o short_a mental_a prayer_n unto_o heaven_n such_o pause_n as_o these_o be_v you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o your_o worldly_a affair_n this_o be_v the_o way_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v retire_v and_o private_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n to_o turn_v his_o shop_n or_o his_o field_n into_o a_o closet_n to_o trade_n for_o earth_n and_o yet_o to_o get_v heaven_n also_o into_o the_o bargain_n so_o we_o read_v of_o nehemiah_n 2.4_o 2.4_o nehem._n 2.4_o that_o whilst_o the_o king_n be_v discourse_v to_o he_o of_o the_o state_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v say_v that_o nehemiah_n pray_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o send_v up_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n which_o though_o they_o escape_v the_o king_n notice_n and_o observation_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o prevalent_a as_o to_o bow_v and_o incline_v his_o heart_n frame_n 4._o it_o be_v always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o pray_a frame_n four_o and_o last_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o more_o in_o this_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o that_o be_v this_o we_o may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v when_o we_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o that_o we_o be_v fit_a at_o all_o time_n to_o vent_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o we_o keep_v alive_a and_o cherish_v a_o pray_a spirit_n and_o can_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o full_a soul_n and_o with_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a affection_n this_o be_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a natural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o to_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o prayer_n incline_v they_o always_o free_o and_o sweet_o to_o breathe_v out_o their_o request_n unto_o god_n thing_n they_o that_o will_v maintain_v a_o pray_a temper_n must_v be_v careful_a of_o two_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n now_o those_o that_o will_v maintain_v this_o pray_a temper_n must_v be_v especial_o careful_a of_o two_o thing_n world_n 1._o that_o they_o immerse_v not_o themselves_o in_o the_o world_n first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o too_o much_o ingulf_n themselves_o in_o the_o business_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o this_o will_n exceed_o damp_n and_o deaden_a the_o heart_n to_o this_o holy_a duty_n as_o earth_n cast_v upon_o the_o fire_n put_v it_o out_o so_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v spread_v over_o the_o affection_n must_v needs_o stifle_v and_o extinguish_v that_o holy_a flame_n that_o shall_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n that_o oppress_v himself_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o business_n to_o raise_v his_o heart_n unto_o god_n under_o all_o that_o load_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o that_o let_v out_o their_o heart_n thus_o too_o and_o fro_o a_o thousand_o way_n to_o summon_v they_o in_o the_o next_o moment_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n with_o that_o awful_a and_o serious_a frame_n that_o become_v all_o those_o that_o appear_v before_o he_o when_o we_o come_v to_o prayer_n reak_a hot_a out_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n we_o find_v our_o heart_n subject_a to_o manifold_a distraction_n and_o discomposure_n and_o our_o thought_n scatter_v like_o bee_n still_o fly_v from_o one_o flower_n to_o another_o still_o bring_v some_o intelligence_n from_o worldly_a object_n even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v about_o divine_a employment_n second_o sin_n 2._o that_o they_o fall_v into_o no_o know_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n if_o you_o will_v maintain_v a_o pray_a temper_n of_o soul_n be_v careful_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_v presumptuous_a sin_n the_o gild_n of_o sin_n lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n will_n exceed_o deaden_v the_o heart_n to_o prayer_n alas_o how_o can_v we_o go_v to_o god_n with_o any_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n how_o can_v we_o call_v he_o father_n with_o any_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n while_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v dare_o provoke_v he_o by_o some_o wilful_a offence_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o your_o own_o experience_n in_o this_o do_v not_o your_o conscience_n fly_v in_o your_o face_n do_v they_o not_o take_v you_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o even_o choke_v your_o speech_n while_o you_o be_v pray_v with_o some_o such_o suggestion_n as_o these_o what_o can_v i_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n that_o frequent_o commit_v that_o which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n shall_v i_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o unclean_a hand_n before_o his_o pure_a and_o holy_a eye_n or_o to_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o prayer_n when_o as_o those_o sin_n that_o rancour_n and_o fester_v in_o my_o conscience_n must_v needs_o make_v my_o breath_n unsavoury_a and_o noisome_a to_o he_o will_v the_o lord_n hear_v such_o prayer_n or_o if_o he_o do_v hear_v they_o will_v he_o not_o account_v they_o a_o abomination_n you_o now_o who_o conscience_n thus_o accuse_v you_o do_v you_o not_o find_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o to_o be_v great_a deadning_n to_o your_o heart_n such_o damp_n to_o duty_n such_o clipping_n of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o take_n off_o of_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o drive_v on_o but_o slow_o and_o heavy_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n certain_o gild_n be_v the_o great_a impediment_n to_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o take_v off_o from_o the_o freeness_n and_o filialness_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o distrust_n diffidence_n and_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o come_v before_o god_n rather_o as_o our_o judge_n than_o as_o our_o father_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o adam_n have_v sin_v against_o his_o maker_n he_o hide_v himself_o from_o he_o yea_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o in_o ourselves_o what_o a_o slavish_a dejectedness_n and_o deadness_n seize_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n in_o duty_n after_o we_o have_v wrong_v he_o by_o any_o know_a sin_n how_o do_v this_o make_v we_o come_v with_o such_o misgive_a fear_n as_o if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o we_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n make_v we_o to_o be_v continual_o in_o pain_n until_o the_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o pray_v constant_o at_o set_a time_n and_o season_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v importunate_o and_o vehement_o it_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o be_v send_v up_o holy_a ejaculation_n unto_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o keep_v alive_a and_o cherish_v a_o pray_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o whosoever_o will_v do_v he_o must_v beware_v of_o emerge_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o commit_v any_o know_v and_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n prayer_n a_o exhortation_n unto_o prayer_n the_o application_n shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o and_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o indeed_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n do_v consist_v and_o to_o press_v this_o upon_o you_o consider_v with_o i_o these_o follow_v particular_n birth_n 1._o prayer_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n first_n prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o man_n new_a birth_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a birth_n we_o know_v the_o child_n be_v live_v by_o its_o cry_v when_o it_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o also_o in_o this_o spiritual_a birth_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v bear_v live_v soul_n to_o god_n when_o we_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o in_o act_n 9.11_o 9.11_o act_n 9.11_o when_o god_n send_v ananias_n unto_o paul_n that_o he_o may_v take_v off_o that_o fear_n from_o he_o that_o may_v otherwise_o seize_v upon_o he_o in_o go_v to_o such_o a_o enrage_a persecutor_n as_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v he_o st._n paul_n be_v change_v for_o behold_v he_o pray_v this_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n that_o we_o be_v child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o can_v with_o a_o holy_a reverence_n and_o boldness_n cry_v abba_n father_n privilege_n 2._o prayer_n be_v a_o inestimable_a privilege_n second_o consider_v it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n that_o god_n will_v permit_v we_o to_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v such_o vile_a dust_n and_o ash_n