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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n christian_n zeal_n zealous_a 47 3 8.7899 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37051 The divine art of prayer containing the most proper rules to pray well. With divers meditations and prayers suitable to the necessities of Christians, useful in every family. To which are annexed seasonable prayers for souldiers, both in Their Majesties army and fleet. By Marius D'Assigny, B.D. D'Assigny, Marius, 1643-1717. 1691 (1691) Wing D283; ESTC R214982 108,311 272

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never_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n from_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v neither_o the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o holy_a altar_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n though_o of_o the_o priestly_a race_n levit._n 21.18_o if_o under_o the_o law_n the_o want_n of_o these_o member_n exclude_v man_n from_o god_n service_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o under_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o noble_a member_n be_v want_v the_o heart_n and_o its_o affection_n a_o gospel_n worship_n must_v be_v a_o hearty_a worship_n that_o only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v acceptance_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n whilst_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o formality_n who_o frequent_o attend_v at_o prayer_n without_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o our_o care_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n with_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o want_n necessity_n future_a advantage_n experience_n duty_n god_n presence_n and_o whatever_o may_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o five_o and_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v we_o must_v kindle_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n which_o must_v burn_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n as_o with_o a_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o glorify_v our_o maker_n however_o both_o may_v very_o well_o contribute_v to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n now_o this_o zeal_n needful_a in_o all_o our_o address_n be_v that_o holy_a violence_n that_o strain_v our_o affection_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v that_o perfection_n to_o the_o action_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v want_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o dissidence_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o profane_a sloathfulness_n which_o may_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n which_o awaken_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o present_a duty_n and_o as_o our_o great_a saviour_n when_o he_o expel_v the_o merchant_n and_o money-changer_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n so_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zealous_a affection_n for_o his_o god_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n all_o worldly_a business_n and_o consideration_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n the_o soul_n without_o the_o interruption_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o secular_a interest_n where_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n common_o insinuate_v themselves_o too_o much_o john_n 2.16_o six_o as_o there_o be_v a_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o our_o person_n and_o manner_n of_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o god_n glorious_a perfection_n and_o our_o own_o vile_a and_o mean_a estate_n we_o must_v likewise_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v or_o secret_a will_n god_n will_n must_v regulate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n for_o christ_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a example_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o well_o as_o desirous_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n will_n on_o earth_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a agent_n the_o great_a maker_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankined_a that_o all_o our_o inclination_n and_o will_n ought_v to_o yield_v homage_n to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o which_o submission_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n arise_v to_o ourselves_o thereby_o we_o compass_v and_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n a_o infallible_a happiness_n for_o the_o best_a self-interest_n be_v a_o submission_n to_o that_o wise_a agent_n who_o be_v engage_v to_o promote_v our_o felicity_n and_o his_o glory_n together_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n rom._n 8.28_o if_o in_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n god_n will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o weighty_a and_o religious_a action_n of_o prayer_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n together_o be_v to_o summon_v all_o their_o faculty_n and_o member_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o chief_a intent_n of_o this_o performance_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o of_o our_o desire_n to_o oppose_v his_o will_n or_o contradict_v his_o wisdom_n or_o question_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o goodness_n the_o want_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v cause_v thou_o o_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o thou_o expect_v a_o favourable_a return_n from_o his_o bounty_n thou_o must_v learn_v to_o court_v it_o by_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o governance_n both_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o seasonable_a to_o grant_v thou_o thy_o request_n all_o impatiency_n in_o prayer_n be_v guilty_a of_o indiscretion_n of_o profane_a folly_n of_o disrespect_n and_o disesteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n man_n must_v learn_v to_o prefer_v his_o glory_n who_o goodness_n they_o want_v to_o the_o satiate_v of_o their_o own_o crave_v and_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o furious_a desire_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o we_o find_v they_o proceed_v beyond_o the_o bound_n limit_v by_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o our_o real_a happiness_n which_o common_o be_v unseparable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o desire_v from_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n for_o faith_n grace_n regeneration_n strength_n against_o sin_n truth_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o other_o blessing_n relate_v to_o god_n immediate_a glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n a_o petitioner_n can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a zealous_a and_o impatient_a such_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v wrest_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o our_o good_a god_n by_o our_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n violence_n condemn_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o such_o as_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n and_o a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n never_o return_v without_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o request_n when_o we_o ask_v the_o divine_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n unless_o we_o have_v like_o esau_n forfeit_v before_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o for_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o as_o we_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o their_o excellency_n be_v such_o that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v and_o desire_v they_o too_o much_o as_o david_n therefore_o who_o soul_n be_v insatiable_a on_o earth_n for_o grace_n and_o divine_a mercy_n let_v we_o not_o give_v ourselves_o any_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v these_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o as_o earthly_a prosperity_n and_o blessing_n relate_v to_o our_o better_a conveniency_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o value_n and_o importance_n our_o request_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v qualify_v according_o and_o because_o in_o some_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o always_o with_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o most_o conduce_v to_o our_o real_a good_a to_o desire_v they_o too_o passionate_o or_o without_o any_o such_o condescension_n be_v to_o idolise_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o those_o earthly_a and_o mean_a thing_n that_o affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o divine_a mercy_n nature_n i_o confess_v will_v be_v always_o crave_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o a_o relief_n and_o remedy_n but_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o natural_a motion_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o humanity_n be_v loath_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a cup_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o
two_o extreme_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o without_o some_o medium_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rid_v we_o of_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v for_o that_o good_a purpose_n that_o his_o wisdom_n condescend_v to_o send_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o cleanse_v from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sinful_a habit_n but_o also_o enable_v to_o this_o bless_a correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n let_v not_o therefore_o any_o persuasion_n or_o discouragement_n hinder_v thou_o o_o christian_n from_o visit_v often_o thy_o god_n in_o prayer_n let_v not_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o action_n the_o viciousness_n of_o thy_o disposition_n the_o multiplicity_n of_o worldly_a business_n the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o mistake_n of_o god_n or_o of_o thyself_o cause_v thou_o to_o omit_v this_o beneficial_a duty_n what_o if_o thou_o be_v sinful_a or_o natural_o indispose_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o performance_n remember_v christ_n in_o heaven_n sit_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o intercede_v for_o thou_o to_o render_v thy_o prayer_n effectual_a to_o sanctify_v thy_o groan_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o thy_o god_n what_o if_o thou_o make_v thy_o address_n to_o a_o glorious_a be_v of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o majesty_n if_o thy_o disposition_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o duty_n thou_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o he_o be_v thy_o heavenly_a father_n he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o render_v thou_o happy_a and_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o his_o mercy_n consider_v his_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o many_o encouragement_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o travel_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v refresh_v you_o matth._n 11.28_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o psal_n 50.15_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o psal_n 36.5_o before_o we_o call_v he_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v he_o will_v hear_v isaiah_n 65.24_o to_o all_o that_o turn_v to_o he_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n joel_n 2.13_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n matth._n 12.20_o shall_v his_o mercy_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o draw_v back_o shall_v his_o goodness_n long_o to_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o what_o thou_o want_v and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a to_o contemn_v it_o shall_v his_o love_n desire_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thou_o by_o thy_o frequent_a address_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a to_o slight_v his_o offer_a kindness_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o those_o ungracious_a soul_n who_o his_o wisdom_n invite_v in_o vain_a to_o herself_o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 1.25_o 26.28_o adversity_n may_v have_v that_o power_n to_o awaken_v many_o who_o in_o prosperity_n from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o scarce_o think_v of_o pray_v to_o their_o god_n but_o what_o can_v such_o expect_v in_o reason_n from_o his_o bounty_n which_o they_o in_o their_o flourish_a estate_n despise_v or_o neglect_v those_o service_n can_v never_o be_v think_v real_a and_o sincere_a unto_o which_o necessity_n drive_v man_n and_o those_o person_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o this_o duty_n at_o any_o time_n can_v probable_o receive_v from_o it_o in_o their_o great_a urgency_n the_o benefit_n they_o expect_v it_o be_v therefore_o wisdom_n constant_o to_o practice_n that_o which_o may_v stand_v we_o in_o good_a stead_n and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v assure_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n prayer_n may_v help_v and_o comfort_v thou_o o_o man_n when_o all_o other_o help_v and_o comfort_n forsake_v thou_o when_o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o guard_n thy_o treasure_n and_o thy_o friend_n thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n shall_v leave_v thou_o to_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o disease_n or_o suffer_v thou_o to_o pass_v alone_o and_o naked_a through_o the_o dark_a and_o mournful_a vale_n of_o death_n in_o a_o word_n when_o all_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v thou_o no_o assistance_n prayer_n alone_o may_v assist_v and_o relieve_v thou_o i_o can_v prescribe_v to_o any_o person_n the_o time_n and_o moment_n for_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o address_n to_o his_o god_n there_o be_v no_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o humble_a application_n of_o a_o dutiful_a supplicant_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o st._n paul_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o cease_v which_o word_n we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o to_o spend_v all_o our_o time_n in_o this_o duty_n leave_v all_o other_o necessary_a employment_n of_o life_n as_o the_o ancient_a lazy_a heretic_n surname_v by_o the_o father_n euthick_n teach_v by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o command_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o threefold_a interpretation_n equal_o necessary_a for_o the_o observance_n of_o a_o christian_n first_o we_o may_v go_v far_o to_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n by_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n without_o intermission_n our_o hearty_a desire_n our_o sigh_n and_o groan_n when_o we_o be_v busy_a in_o our_o daily_a work_n to_o implore_v his_o needful_a assistance_n and_o protection_n the_o constant_a business_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v not_o hinder_v thou_o from_o this_o preparation_n for_o the_o next_o nor_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n clog_v thy_o soul_n from_o this_o elevation_n to_o its_o god_n with_o who_o a_o uninterrupted_a correspondence_n will_v wonderful_o advance_v our_o present_a affair_n as_o well_o as_o dispose_v thou_o o_o man_n for_o a_o more_o bless_a estate_n second_o in_o imitation_n of_o david_n of_o daniel_n and_o of_o other_o religious_a man_n mention_v in_o holy_a writ_n we_o may_v pray_v always_o by_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o prayer_n at_o those_o time_n that_o chief_o require_v a_o divine_a assistance_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n continual_a mercy_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o he_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n can_v not_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o sear_n of_o the_o lion_n fury_n from_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n to_o his_o god_n in_o the_o morning_n when_o our_o eye_n be_v open_a again_o to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o praise_v his_o divine_a attribute_n that_o shine_v as_o bright_a as_o the_o sun_n over_o our_o head_n when_o we_o receive_v a_o fresh_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o keep_v we_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o precede_a night_n in_o add_v another_o day_n to_o our_o life_n and_o a_o continuance_n of_o all_o his_o temporal_a favour_n do_v not_o justice_n and_o reason_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v as_o mindful_a of_o god_n bounty_n as_o he_o be_v of_o our_o necessity_n and_o to_o be_v as_o liberal_a of_o our_o thanks_o as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o riches_n when_o in_o the_o morning_n thou_o be_v go_v about_o thy_o employment_n and_o consider_v that_o all_o thy_o labour_n will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n without_o god_n blessing_n that_o thou_o be_v go_v through_o a_o world_n of_o danger_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a a_o world_n of_o enemy_n subtle_a malicious_a and_o powerful_a that_o besiege_v thou_o on_o all_o side_n ●s_v it_o not_o thy_o interest_n to_o beg_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o that_o good_a creator_n that_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o envious_a attempt_n that_o thy_o design_n and_o undertake_n may_v be_v successful_a thy_o labour_n fruitful_a and_o all_o thy_o proceed_n prosperous_a at_o noon_n when_o thou_o
see_v thy_o table_n cover_v with_o god_n good_a creature_n appoint_v to_o strengthen_v thy_o body_n and_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n at_o a_o distance_n thou_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o lift_v up_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o eye_n in_o prayer_n to_o this_o bountiful_a creator_n as_o well_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o such_o a_o fresh_a expression_n of_o his_o liberality_n at_o that_o time_n before_o thou_o as_o to_o implore_v his_o blessing_n needful_a to_o accompany_v the_o mean_n use_v to_o recruit_v thy_o strength_n and_o preserve_v thy_o weak_a body_n in_o the_o evening_n when_o the_o curtain_n of_o the_o night_n be_v spread_v about_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v lie_v down_o to_o refresh_v thy_o weary_a body_n with_o rest_n when_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o thy_o head_n and_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o god_n gracious_a protection_n shall_v thou_o not_o for_o thy_o own_o safety_n desire_v his_o favourable_a providence_n and_o all-seeing_a eye_n to_o watch_v over_o thou_o shelter_n and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a enemy_n be_v we_o but_o sensible_a of_o the_o mischievous_a temper_n of_o some_o of_o those_o airy_a spirit_n that_o fly_v about_o we_o those_o many_o and_o subtle_a devil_n that_o plot_v our_o destruction_n do_v we_o but_o understand_v their_o power_n malice_n and_o their_o unavoidable_a assault_n and_o propinquity_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o god_n merciful_a protection_n when_o we_o lie_v our_o head_n down_o upon_o our_o pillow_n how_o soon_o shall_v we_o perish_v if_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v not_o as_o watchful_a to_o keep_v we_o as_o those_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n be_v watchful_a to_o destroy_v we_o they_o wait_v continual_o for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o vent_v their_o natural_a displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o evil_a thought_n filthy_a dream_n unusual_a and_o unnatural_a disturbance_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o sleep_n and_o their_o hatred_n against_o we_o who_o know_v but_o that_o god_n who_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o chain_n as_o so_o many_o furious_a beast_n will_v let_v they_o loose_v to_o punish_v thy_o contempt_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o neglect_v of_o this_o duty_n if_o thou_o forget_v to_o call_v upon_o thy_o god_n remember_v therefore_o o_o man_n thy_o weak_a thy_o frail_a and_o perilous_a condition_n thy_o life_n be_v but_o a_o breath_n thy_o riches_n uncertain_a thy_o glory_n but_o a_o shadow_n thy_o power_n but_o for_o a_o time_n thy_o prosperity_n but_o like_o a_o dream_n thy_o beauty_n but_o a_o fancy_n and_o thy_o health_n always_o besiege_v with_o many_o disease_n thy_o body_n and_o soul_n surround_v with_o enemy_n and_o thy_o present_a estate_n let_v it_o be_v ne-neve_a so_o flourish_v be_v in_o a_o continual_a want_n of_o god_n favour_n protection_n and_o blessing_n whether_o thou_o rise_v or_o lay_v thyself_o down_o lift_v up_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n and_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o this_o good_a god_n to_o supply_v thou_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o chief_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n let_v these_o be_v the_o solemn_a and_o constant_a time_n of_o thy_o address_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o unto_o he_o the_o morning_n sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o evening_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n these_o be_v the_o appoint_a time_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n 1_o chron._n 16.40_o 2_o king_n 16.15_o and_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o example_n the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o follow_v be_v wont_a to_o consecrate_v these_o hour_n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n mat._n 14.23_o luke_n 6.12_o mark_v 6.46_o see_v therefore_o that_o reason_n and_o religion_n bind_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n and_o oblige_v we_o then_o to_o renew_v our_o correspondency_n with_o god_n too_o often_o interrupt_v by_o our_o daily_a miscarriage_n let_v not_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n the_o frightful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n discourage_n or_o hinder_v thou_o from_o this_o constant_a and_o necessary_a familiarity_n with_o thy_o god_n when_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n call_v thou_o away_o so_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v up_o thy_o desire_n in_o such_o a_o solemn_a manner_n as_o be_v require_v at_o these_o usual_a time_n make_v use_n at_o least_o of_o the_o short_a prayer_n of_o the_o compendious_a ejaculation_n of_o the_o mind_n let_v thy_o soul_n be_v with_o god_n though_o the_o world_n hurry_v away_o thy_o body_n spare_v a_o thought_n unto_o that_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v spare_v thou_o to_o attend_v upon_o thy_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o who_o can_v render_v thy_o undertake_n either_o prosperous_a or_o unhappy_a as_o he_o see_v convenient_a venture_v not_o out_o into_o the_o wide_a and_o troublesome_a world_n without_o the_o safeguard_n of_o god_n protection_n and_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n this_o cousin_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o death_n without_o his_o merciful_a allowance_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n the_o three_o interpretation_n of_o the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o pray_v without_o cease_v be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o disposition_n sit_v for_o prayer_n to_o shake_v off_o all_o impediment_n all_o encumbrance_n of_o sin_n which_o hinder_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v still_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n stretch_v towards_o heaven_n always_o ready_a to_o take_v its_o flight_n the_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v rather_o animate_v thou_o and_o inflame_v thy_o devotion_n with_o a_o expectation_n and_o certain_a assurance_n to_o find_v more_o favour_n in_o he_o than_o in_o all_o inferior_a enjoyment_n his_o holy_a spirit_n can_v convey_v comfort_n into_o thy_o soul_n when_o the_o world_n fill_v thou_o with_o sorrow_n he_o can_v send_v thou_o delight_n and_o sweetness_n to_o qualify_v all_o other_o bitterness_n for_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n a_o christian_a can_v keep_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a temper_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o many_o misfortune_n and_o cross_n and_o so_o secure_a his_o soul_n that_o all_o outward_a accident_n shall_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n i_o know_v that_o the_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o gild_n be_v wont_a to_o estrange_v we_o from_o god_n and_o interrupt_v all_o correspondency_n between_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o soul_n and_o reason_n seem_v to_o forbid_v we_o together_o with_o the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o be_v when_o our_o hand_n be_v reek_v with_o blood_n or_o our_o body_n come_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o other_o grievous_a offence_n wilful_o act_v to_o presume_v to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n immediate_o without_o any_o delay_n i_o confess_v that_o such_o unhappy_a criminal_n ought_v to_o pause_v a_o while_n upon_o their_o woeful_a condition_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o gild_n ought_v to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n before_o they_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o this_o sacrifice_n will_v meet_v with_o no_o better_a acceptance_n than_o that_o of_o cain_n or_o that_o of_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n or_o that_o of_o corah_n and_o his_o rebellious_a company_n who_o offering_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o distasteful_a because_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n moses_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v advise_v a_o christian_n to_o spend_v and_o delay_v no_o more_o time_n but_o only_o to_o prepare_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o this_o sacred_a duty_n suffer_v not_o thy_o sin_n to_o grow_v old_a nor_o this_o burden_n to_o lie_v too_o long_o upon_o thy_o soul_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v leave_v a_o impression_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v in_o haste_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o gild_n ought_v and_o will_v interrupt_v and_o break_v off_o our_o continue_a prayer_n to_o god_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o further_o from_o he_o but_o rather_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o publican_n disposition_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o so_o much_o as_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n or_o into_o the_o bless_a temper_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v
petition_v for_o thing_n with_o confidence_n and_o faith_n which_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o and_o god_n glory_n on_o earth_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intent_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o a_o assurance_n of_o obtain_v our_o irregular_a and_o inconsiderate_a desire_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a direction_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o devout_a christian_a let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o may_v safe_o be_v confident_a and_o full_o persuade_v that_o all_o prayer_n tend_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n strength_n against_o temptation_n god_n will_v in_o his_o time_n grant_v he_o his_o request_n if_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o prayer_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n math._n 7.11_o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o as_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v such_o divine_a mercy_n as_o man_n to_o ask_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a to_o obtain_v they_o as_o god_n be_v free_a to_o grant_v but_o for_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o present_a and_o worldly_a interest_n we_o may_v ask_v with_o a_o assurance_n that_o god_n if_o he_o see_v they_o fit_a for_o our_o good_a will_v doubtless_o give_v they_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o will_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o liberality_n in_o another_o way_n for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v with_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o send_v such_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o their_o desire_n he_o keep_v back_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v hurtful_a to_o they_o or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a good_a and_o instead_o of_o they_o he_o heap_v upon_o they_o other_o which_o will_v prove_v more_o real_o for_o their_o benefit_n man_n foresee_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o god_n inferior_a mercy_n good_a thing_n may_v become_v hurtful_a to_o we_o through_o the_o devil_n malice_n the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o our_o corruption_n within_o as_o many_o disease_n be_v feed_v and_o increase_v by_o that_o food_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o strengthen_v the_o body_n of_o the_o healthful_a so_o likewise_o many_o inclination_n grow_v worse_o by_o those_o very_a blessing_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o some_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o piety_n in_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v not_o always_o turn_v to_o a_o good_a use_n and_o that_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o have_v a_o petitioner_n gratify_v his_o corrupt_a humour_n so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v confident_a of_o the_o grant_n of_o his_o request_n nor_o to_o flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o that_o which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n for_o we_o as_o therefore_o a_o devout_a christian_a must_v offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o this_o clause_n if_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n let_v he_o not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o obtain_v his_o petition_n in_o that_o very_a manner_n that_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o with_o that_o improper_a limitation_n of_o the_o overrule_a goodness_n of_o our_o god_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o grant_n and_o unless_o he_o can_v discover_v the_o event_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v by_o some_o unusual_a revelation_n some_o pious_a soul_n often_o receive_v a_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n before_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comfort_v their_o droop_a spirit_n with_o a_o speedy_a and_o a_o gracious_a return_n as_o hannah_n who_o petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n 1_o sam._n 1.18_o rise_v up_o with_o a_o joyful_a countenance_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o life_n will_v give_v she_o a_o child_n she_o have_v unburthen_v herself_o of_o her_o sorrow_n in_o prayer_n and_o her_o heart_n and_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o so_o sad_a because_o she_o have_v receive_v some_o assurance_n of_o a_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o obtain_v her_o petition_n eight_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o that_o a_o devout_a christian_a must_v observe_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n slack_v not_o nor_o be_v discourage_v for_o the_o first_o repulse_n or_o for_o a_o delay_n god_n grant_v not_o his_o mercy_n always_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o begin_v to_o ask_v his_o goodness_n be_v to_o be_v court_v by_o our_o zealous_a endeavour_n for_o he_o grant_v many_o time_n to_o our_o perseverance_n what_o he_o deny_v to_o our_o prayer_n the_o woman_n of_o syrophenicia_n meet_v with_o a_o refusal_n and_o have_v not_o her_o patience_n overcome_v this_o obstacle_n she_o have_v never_o return_v with_o the_o glad_a assurance_n of_o her_o daughter_n recovery_n if_o jacob_n have_v not_o contend_v with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o blessing_n a_o holy_a and_o devout_a importunity_n seldom_o or_o never_o depart_v empty_a from_o god_n unwearied_a bounty_n he_o suffer_v for_o several_a cause_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o his_o servant_n to_o live_v a_o while_n in_o expectation_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o intend_v at_o last_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v obtain_v with_o they_o a_o right_a esteem_n and_o be_v more_o high_o value_v that_o their_o faith_n patience_n confidence_n in_o he_o and_o all_o their_o grace_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o try_v the_o more_o and_o that_o their_o ability_n for_o prayer_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o a_o constant_a exercise_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o a_o communion_n with_o our_o god_n may_v be_v remove_v for_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o his_o providence_n cast_v we_o into_o the_o want_n of_o many_o enjoyment_n that_o when_o we_o seek_v they_o from_o god_n by_o prayer_n both_o the_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v they_o and_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o everlasting_a advantage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n let_v not_o therefore_o the_o devout_a christian_a be_v discourage_v if_o god_n answer_v not_o his_o request_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o expect_v or_o desire_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o indiscreet_a act_n for_o we_o ignorant_a creature_n to_o limit_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o creator_n liberality_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o open_v his_o bountiful_a hand_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o cruelty_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o impiety_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o impatient_a for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v and_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o we_o as_o injurious_a to_o his_o honour_n take_v heed_n of_o murmur_v for_o the_o want_n of_o earthly_a conveniency_n it_o be_v the_o great_a ruin_n of_o the_o israelite_n new_o escape_v out_o of_o pharaoh_n bondage_n and_o draw_v several_a plague_n upon_o their_o head_n as_o perseverance_n assist_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o bless_a mean_n to_o obtain_v and_o sanctify_v god_n mercy_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o turn_v they_o soon_o into_o curse_n than_o impatiency_n despair_n and_o insolent_a complaint_n against_o god_n love_n or_o power_n lift_v up_o always_o o_o christian_n thou_o eye_n and_o thy_o hand_n in_o expectation_n of_o god_n time_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n blessing_n be_v not_o weary_a to_o wait_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o bounty_n who_o be_v never_o weary_a to_o do_v thou_o good_a he_o be_v not_o so_o unmindful_a as_o thou_o think_v he_o to_o be_v his_o delay_n or_o refusal_n be_v more_o for_o thy_o advantage_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o mercy_n will_v be_v which_o thou_o desire_v with_o so_o much_o disrespect_n and_o impatience_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n require_v our_o confidence_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n demand_v from_o we_o a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o interest_n to_o his_o disposal_n without_o distaste_n or_o insolent_a complaint_n of_o our_o proud_a nature_n which_o
holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v act_v in_o we_o without_o our_o assistance_n and_o cooperation_n and_o if_o he_o do_v the_o devotion_n be_v he_o and_o none_o of_o we_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v the_o unruly_a and_o wander_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o pray_a temper_n in_o all_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n three_o therefore_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o we_o or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n this_o be_v a_o consequence_n deducible_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v that_o pray_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o set_a form_n and_o so_o much_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pretend_a pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o acquiesce_v to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o allege_v let_v he_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n whatever_o interpretation_n we_o give_v to_o the_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v that_o purpose_n whether_o we_o understand_v they_o concern_v the_o gift_n or_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n without_o a_o real_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o every_o expression_n without_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n petition_v for_o and_o without_o a_o devout_a composure_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v how_o this_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o our_o assidual_a endeavour_n for_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o disposition_n it_o ought_v to_o recollect_v and_o call_v back_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o labour_n to_o express_v both_o a_o feel_n of_o its_o want_n and_o a_o dutiful_a reverence_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n serious_o cider_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o more_o freedom_n in_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n imprint_v either_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o our_o book_n than_o in_o extemporary_a pray_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o act_v its_o part_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o devotion_n than_o in_o such_o prayer_n where_o it_o have_v so_o many_o office_n to_o perform_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o some_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n learning_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o inward_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a in_o extemporary_a prayer_n consider_v whether_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n pray_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o set_a form_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v deny_v of_o those_o help_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n wherein_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o devout_a soul_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n which_o god_n greatness_n requite_v at_o our_o hand_n second_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o ready_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o slender_a ability_n of_o such_o person_n both_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o condescend_v to_o their_o mean_a gift_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o assistance_n as_o they_o want_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n require_v from_o they_o now_o from_o the_o beginning_n set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o these_o person_n because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o and_o their_o several_a want_n to_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o become_v we_o mortal_a men._n if_o therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weak_a kind_n of_o christian_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o to_o the_o strong_a no_o doubt_n but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v use_v these_o help_n with_o more_o advantage_n a_o staff_n be_v good_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o feeble_a body_n to_o make_v it_o walk_v with_o more_o assurance_n and_o be_v likewise_o as_o beneficial_a to_o a_o strong_a person_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o one_o can_v possible_o walk_v without_o it_o and_o the_o other_o may_v march_v a_o few_o step_n and_o it_o may_v be_v proceed_v on_o in_o his_o way_n without_o it_o but_o for_o more_o ease_n and_o better_a conveniency_n it_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o tedious_a march_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o staff_n which_o may_v succour_v his_o infirmity_n and_o may_v comfort_v his_o weary_a limb_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o reject_v useful_a thing_n to_o say_v man_n may_v be_v without_o they_o i_o think_v it_o wisdom_n not_o to_o cast_v away_o such_o beneficial_a help_n to_o our_o devotion_n as_o be_v set_a form_n because_o we_o may_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o ability_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o able_a to_o compose_v some_o of_o a_o high_a strain_n and_o more_o passionate_a some_o that_o may_v gratify_v our_o own_o and_o the_o people_n corrupt_a humour_n which_o usual_o despise_v thing_n that_o be_v common_a when_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v their_o worth_n three_o consider_v how_o apt_a our_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v wander_v and_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v draw_v aside_o from_o our_o devotion_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v well_o which_o six_v our_o mind_n and_o settle_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v this_o good_a office_n to_o we_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n judicious_o compose_v either_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n or_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n for_o in_o the_o former_a method_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v tie_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o step_v aside_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o other_o sense_n yet_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o judicious_a christian_a can_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sense_n be_v better_a able_a to_o limit_v and_o stop_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o unruliness_n of_o his_o thought_n than_o when_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o they_o to_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o the_o pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o some_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o foolish_a humour_n of_o other_o have_v teach_v man_n to_o reject_v and_o contemn_v our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n establish_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v the_o best_a liturgy_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o modern_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o hinder_v man_n from_o use_v they_o with_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o their_o strong_a displeasure_n their_o frowad_n temper_n and_o their_o itch_a ear_n a_o disease_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o heart_n and_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o organ_n of_o hear_v let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v thou_o my_o christian_a reader_n serious_o to_o peruse_v these_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o let_v not_o any_o popular_a mistake_n nor_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n discourage_v thou_o in_o the_o devour_v use_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o thy_o god_n where_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v from_o thou_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n and_o in_o thy_o private_a family_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n and_o