conceive_a prayer_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n object_n at_o least_o they_o say_v that_o prayer_n read_v in_o a_o book_n have_v not_o that_o quicken_a vigour_n in_o they_o like_v to_o the_o prayer_n memoriter_fw-la and_o without_o book_n the_o one_o savour_n of_o the_o deadness_n of_o the_o letter_n the_o other_o of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n answ._n but_o in_o holy_a prayer_n it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n say_v whether_o write_v or_o not_o write_v whether_o say_v within_o or_o without_o book_n but_o the_o affectionate_a zeal_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v that_o give_v vigour_n and_o efficacy_n to_o this_o holy_a duty_n and_o where_o this_o be_v want_v the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o prayer_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o person_n that_o profane_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v they_o the_o deadness_n they_o talk_v of_o lie_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o holy_a and_o good_a prayer_n and_o whosoever_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o a_o conceive_a than_o a_o write_a prayer_n think_v sure_a that_o the_o one_o be_v more_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n than_o the_o other_o and_o so_o smell_n strong_a of_o the_o heresy_n of_o enthusiasm_n pac_fw-la i_o be_o sure_a to_o speak_v foolish_o and_o impertinent_o have_v be_v usual_o account_v and_o call_v speak_v without_o book_n object_n 3._o there_o be_v many_o episcopal_a person_n and_o such_o who_o both_o use_n and_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n do_v yet_o use_v private_a prayer_n of_o their_o own_o before_o sermon_n the_o which_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o conceive_v it_o unlawful_a answ._n this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v confess_v by_o many_o person_n of_o know_a worth_n and_o integrity_n some_o with_o good_a intention_n to_o win_v upon_o such_o person_n who_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n will_v please_v some_o that_o their_o private_a prayer_n may_v be_v a_o pattetn_n whereby_o their_o people_n may_v learn_v to_o pray_v in_o private_a and_o for_o these_o reason_n i_o conceive_v this_o practice_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o overlook_v by_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n but_o in_o the_o general_n this_o custom_n be_v continue_v through_o inadvertency_n in_o not_o consider_v and_o deep_o weigh_v the_o equity_n or_o iniquity_n fitness_n or_o unfitness_n thereof_o nor_o can_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o custom_n prove_v the_o same_o to_o be_v lawful_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o beata_fw-la a_o custom_n found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o equity_n and_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o be_v contrary_a hereunto_o how_o plausible_a soever_o many_o person_n also_o that_o be_v eminent_a in_o knowledge_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o general_n may_v through_o long_a custom_n and_o many_o example_n fail_v in_o some_o particular_n through_o inconsideration_n object_n 4._o it_o be_v observable_a by_o experience_n that_o variety_n of_o expression_n and_o change_v of_o form_n in_o prayer_n do_v more_o work_n upon_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n and_o stir_v up_o their_o devotion_n than_o one_o and_o the_o same_o constant_a stand_a form_n answ_n 1._o this_o do_v more_o tickle_v the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n indeed_o and_o the_o itch_a of_o the_o ear_n come_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sure_o their_o devotion_n be_v very_o cold_a that_o must_v be_v warm_v by_o variety_n of_o expression_n the_o which_o in_o preach_v may_v be_v commendable_a but_o not_o in_o pray_v except_o by_o way_n of_o private_a ejaculation_n it_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o exhortation_n and_o move_a ing_z admonition_n in_o sermon_n to_o excite_v their_o affection_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o exhort_v unto_o whereas_o holy_a prayer_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o devout_a affection_n and_o it_o be_v then_o only_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n replete_a with_o humility_n compunction_n fervour_n and_o divine_a love_n which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v foreknowledge_n of_o the_o prayer_n we_o use_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o whereby_o our_o devout_a affection_n may_v be_v express_v answ._n 2._o it_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o the_o master_n of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o spiritual_a life_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sensible_a devotion_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n produce_v tenderness_n of_o spirit_n draw_v often_o sigh_n from_o the_o bosom_n and_o tear_n from_o the_o eye_n and_o beget_v a_o secret_a delectation_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o soul_n with_o which_o many_o person_n be_v much_o take_v and_o transport_v as_o conceive_v such_o please_a delight_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o exterior_a pleasure_n of_o a_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v not_o always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o 5._o sound_n and_o right_a temper_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n because_o first_o many_o wicked_a irregenerate_a person_n may_v and_o have_v enjoy_v the_o same_o second_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o the_o natural_a temper_n three_o from_o the_o vehement_a intention_n of_o the_o mind_n four_o from_o the_o mournful_a tone_n cadence_n of_o word_n and_o power_n of_o language_n and_o such_o sensible_a delight_n even_o in_o prayer_n be_v sometime_o the_o insinuation_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n to_o puff_n up_o the_o soul_n with_o self-love_n vainglory_n presumption_n in_o god_n favour_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o such_o sensible_a consolation_n be_v often_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n give_v we_o for_o our_o encouragement_n in_o holy_a and_o divine_a office_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o obediener_n but_o there_o be_v great_a discretion_n and_o humility_n also_o require_v in_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v we_o over-high_o to_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o the_o casuist_n ibid._n observe_v because_o they_o be_v neither_o true_a virtue_n neither_o be_v they_o neeessary_a instrument_n of_o proficiency_n in_o true_a devotion_n for_o without_o such_o sensible_a consolation_n many_o holy_a person_n have_v ascend_v to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o virtue_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n the_o strong_a devotion_n and_o most_o effectual_a prayer_n be_v seldome_a attend_v with_o these_o sensible_a consolation_n and_o sweetness_n which_o flow_v in_o upon_o variety_n of_o take_v expression_n for_o a_o great_a devotion_n be_v like_o a_o great_a grief_n which_o be_v not_o so_o expressive_a in_o word_n as_o a_o less_o moderate_a passion_n a_o lesser_a grief_n also_o be_v waste_v away_o by_o tear_n and_o complaint_n whilst_o the_o great_a be_v both_o more_o silent_a and_o more_o last_v so_o the_o less_o and_o more_o weak_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v breathe_v out_o and_o waste_v in_o variety_n of_o language_n but_o not_o the_o solid_a strong_a and_o last_a server_fw-la such_o be_v the_o prevail_a devotion_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n deut._n 9_o 18._o 25._o and_o that_o of_o hannah_n when_o she_o pray_v in_o the_o temple_n 1_o sam._n 1._o 10_o 11._o their_o word_n in_o their_o prayer_n be_v few_o and_o low_a unheard_a but_o their_o desire_n and_o affection_n strong_a and_o prevalent_a as_o be_v not_o waste_v by_o much_o speak_n and_o such_o be_v that_o devotion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n heb._n 5._o 7._o his_o word_n be_v few_o but_o his_o devotion_n great_a and_o prevail_v mighty_o which_o devotion_n be_v neither_o beget_v nor_o increase_v nor_o pour_v forth_o in_o a_o flood_n of_o language_n and_o various_a expression_n for_o he_o go_v away_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o pray_v say_v the_o same_o word_n mat._n 26._o 44._o so_o that_o settle_a and_o stint_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v expressive_a enough_o of_o the_o great_a devotion_n nor_o be_v god_n more_o please_v or_o the_o soul_n that_o pray_v more_o profit_v by_o variety_n of_o expression_n though_o the_o exterior_a pleasure_n of_o a_o sensible_a devotion_n may_v be_v raise_v thereby_o object_n 5._o but_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n can_v suit_v with_o all_o temper_n and_o condition_n a_o garment_n may_v as_o well_o be_v make_v to_o fit_v the_o changeable_a moon_n as_o one_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o fit_v all_o man_n or_o any_o one_o man_n at_o all_o time_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o limit_v form_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o every_o man_n fancy_n and_o affection_n especial_o among_o such_o man_n where_o such_o prayer_n be_v either_o
they_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o christian_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a and_o feign_a deity_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v more_o for_o humility_n purity_n and_o fervency_n in_o heart_n than_o for_o glib_a nimble_a and_o voluble_a tongue_n to_o pray_v not_o with_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o phrase_n but_o with_o pertinent_a and_o pithy_a expression_n with_o ardency_n and_o godly_a zeal_n and_o the_o reason_n follow_v for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v what_o thing_n you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o court_v he_o with_o long_a and_o loud_a peayer_n imply_v our_o ignorance_n or_o misbelief_n of_o his_o perfection_n against_o such_o extravagancy_n in_o prayer_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n with_o command_n say_v after_o this_o manner_n pray_v you_o vers_fw-la 9_o i._n e._n as_o from_o the_o context_n be_v manifest_a not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n but_o after_o this_o manner_n i._n e._n in_o few_o word_n and_o such_o as_o be_v pithy_a and_o to_o purpose_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n that_o all_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v short_a and_o not_o much_o exceed_v the_o length_n of_o the_o pattern_n he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v manifest_a 1._o not_o only_o from_o the_o context_n impartial_o weigh_v and_o understand_v but_o 2._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v undeniable_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a interpreter_n of_o christ_n meaning_n in_o his_o word_n and_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o ever_o be_v such_o in_o all_o age_n in_o all_o place_n among_o all_o person_n that_o be_v call_v christian_n their_o liturgy_n or_o public_a prayer_n be_v short_a and_o pithy_a call_v therefore_o collect_v as_o be_v so_o many_o collection_n of_o much_o matter_n in_o few_o word_n 3._o such_o be_v all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o stand_v upon_o record_n in_o holy_a writ_n both_o for_o use_v and_o imitation_n viz._n the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n with_o many_o more_o all_o which_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v long_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a psalm_n or_o hymn_n yet_o they_o be_v divide_v by_o verse_n into_o so_o many_o short_a prayer_n 4._o long_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o forbid_v by_o our_o lord_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o frequent_o reprove_v by_o he_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n matth._n 23._o 14._o mar._n 12._o 40._o luke_n 12._o 47._o 5._o by_o long_a and_o manifold_a sad_a experience_n it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o all_o long_a conceive_a prayer_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o manifold_a infirmity_n light_n vain_a and_o unseemly_a expression_n not_o fit_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o all_o wise_a all-glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n yea_o many_o falsehood_n many_o impiety_n and_o profanation_n have_v be_v utter_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o have_v be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o religious_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n 6._o if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v how_o can_v we_o be_v too_o long_o in_o our_o prayer_n since_o our_o lord_n continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n luke_n 6._o 12._o and_o say_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_n 18._o 1._o and_o his_o apostle_n command_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v col._n 4._o 2._o and_o pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 17._o and_o how_o can_v these_o command_n be_v obey_v without_o long_a prayer_n answ._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o long_a prayer_n and_o pray_v long_o the_o one_o be_v unlawful_a because_o forbid_a and_o reprove_v by_o our_o lord_n the_o other_o be_v a_o religious_a duty_n because_o both_o command_v and_o practise_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n augustin_n say_v oratio_fw-la plus_fw-la gemitibus_fw-la quam_fw-la sermonibus_fw-la agitur_fw-la plus_fw-la fletu_fw-la quam_fw-la afflatu_fw-la and_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o quicken_a our_o devotion_n and_o inflame_v our_o desire_n he_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o i_o e._n as_o the_o same_o father_n secret_o incline_v our_o heart_n to_o intercede_v for_o ourselves_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 26._o from_o which_o text_n it_o be_v apparent_a quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o enthusiast_n sense_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v inward_a groan_n not_o outward_a bellow_n the_o internal_a fervent_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o multitude_n of_o word_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n the_o ordinary_a gloss_n out_o of_o st._n chrysostome_n ask_v the_o same_o question_n if_o we_o must_v not_o use_v many_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n how_o shall_v we_o pray_v without_o cease_v as_o it_o be_v command_v and_o answer_v out_o of_o the_o same_o father_n that_o both_o be_v to_o he_o observe_v in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n viz._n 1._o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v short_a and_o aly_a frequent_a and_o continue_v so_o christ_n have_v both_o command_v and_o also_o exemplify_v in_o his_o personal_a prayer_n and_o st._n paul_n also_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v short_a but_o often_o renew_v in_o few_o word_n but_o with_o great_a devotion_n end_v brief_o and_o begin_v afresh_o leave_v some_o interval_n or_o space_n of_o time_n for_o the_o re-enquickening_a and_o enkindle_n the_o fire_n of_o fervour_n and_o holy_a zeal_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v add_v out_o of_o cassianus_n the_o father_n conceive_v it_o most_o useful_a to_o use_v short_a but_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o be_v frequent_a that_o our_o soul_n may_v cleave_v the_o more_o steady_a unto_o god_n by_o often_o address_v to_o his_o majesty_n to_o be_v short_a that_o we_o may_v quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o deuìl_n who_o be_v most_o busy_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n in_o our_o prayer_n which_o he_o very_o easy_o effect_n when_o the_o prayer_n we_o say_v or_o hear_v be_v long_o and_o continue_v without_o any_o intermission_n it_o be_v record_v of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o their_o transcendent_a devotion_n and_o great_a austerity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n that_o their_o prayer_n we_o many_o and_o often_o night_n and_o day_n continue_v and_o yet_o that_o they_o be_v short_a also_o not_o only_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o public_a office_n of_o devotion_n but_o also_o that_o their_o private_a prayer_n be_v as_o so_o many_o rapture_n and_o ejaculation_n or_o desire_n dart_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o as_o the_o father_n say_v thereupon_o absit_fw-la ab_fw-la oratione_fw-la multa_fw-la lobutio_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la desit_fw-la multa_fw-la precatio_fw-la si_fw-la fervens_fw-la perseveret_fw-la intentio_fw-la let_v not_o our_o devotion_n be_v accompany_v with_o much_o speak_n but_o much_o pray_n so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v hold_v out_o in_o attention_n and_o fervency_n finis_fw-la d_o r_o steward_n judgement_n of_o a_o private_a prayer_n in_o public_a relate_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o bid_v prayer_n oxford_z print_v by_o l._n lichfield_n print_v to_o the_o university_n for_o richard_n sherlock_n bookseller_n in_o the_o year_n 1684._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o his_o inscription_n near_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v inter_v in_o france_n memoriae_fw-la richardi_fw-la steward_z decani_fw-la west_n monaster_n et_fw-fr sa_o celli_n regii_fw-la in_o anglia_fw-it qui_fw-la hoc_fw-la tantum_fw-la monumento_fw-la svo_fw-la inscribi_fw-la voluit_fw-la epitaphium_fw-la hic_fw-la iaceo_fw-la r._n steward_z qui_fw-la assiduè_fw-la oravit_fw-la pro_fw-la pace_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la obiit_fw-la 14o._o novemb_n 1652._o aetat_fw-la lviiio._o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o person_n that_o have_v receive_v holy_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o use_v any_o extemporary_a or_o premeditate_a prayer_n of_o his_o own_o private_a composure_n either_o before_o or_o after_o sermon_n or_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n but_o only_o the_o liturgy_n set_v forth_o and_o allow_v first_o because_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o that_o promise_v be_v set_v down_o under_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o subscribe_v the_o three_o article_n contain_v in_o canon_n 36._o the_o second_o
forbid_v by_o our_o lord_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o frequent_o reprove_v by_o he_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n who_o love_n to_o stand_v pray_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o godly_a man_n desire_v rather_o to_o seem_v than_o real_o to_o be_v religious_a love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god._n matth._n 6._o 5._o c._n 23._o 14._o mark_v 12._o 40._o luke_n 20._o 47._o joh._n 12._o 43._o to_o pray_v continual_o then_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v nor_o yet_o of_o use_v long_a prayer_n the_o one_o be_v prohibit_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o condemn_v by_o his_o church_n but_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v command_v the_o intense_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n so_o our_o lord_n expound_v his_o own_o command_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v viz._n that_o they_o faint_v not_o luke_n 18._o 1._o to_o wit_n for_o want_v of_o that_o holy_a fervour_n and_o devout_a zeal_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o a_o effectual_a prayer_n and_o this_o same_o celestial_a fire_n of_o holy_a zeal_n in_o prayer_n spend_v not_o itself_o in_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o much_o babble_n of_o the_o lip_n but_o be_v express_v in_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 8._o 26._o which_o be_v true_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n who_o dwell_v not_o upon_o the_o tongue_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o pray_v continual_o enjoin_v the_o constant_a and_o continue_a return_n of_o this_o holy_a duty_n that_o we_o lose_v no_o time_n neglect_v no_o opportunity_n either_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o private_a prayer_n and_o closet-devotion_n upon_o the_o set_n solemn_z and_o accustom_a time_n thereof_o remember_v that_o the_o time_n only_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o sacred_a act_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n be_v redeem_v 6._o out_o of_o the_o all-devouring_a jaw_n of_o death_n and_o dark_a oblivion_n to_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n 35._o when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v by_o our_o constant_a prayer_n at_o evening_n at_o midnight_n at_o the_o cock_n crow_v and_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o time_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v by_o time_n limit_v and_o circumscribe_v that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v i._n e._n say_v the_o father_n upon_o the_o text_n at_o those_o appoint_a hour_n observe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o under_o the_o law_n call_v therefore_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n call_v the_o canonical_a hour_n so_o general_o observe_v former_o of_o all_o devout_a christian_n that_o st._n hierome_n epist._n ad_fw-la eustor_n with_o his_o quis_fw-la nescit_fw-la take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o godly_a christian_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o hour_n as_o be_v probable_o observe_v by_o holy_a david_n or_o from_o his_o example_n derive_v say_v of_o his_o own_o daily_a practice_n psal._n 119._o 164._o seven_o time_n a_o day_n do_v i_o praise_v thou_o because_o of_o thy_o righteous_a judgement_n to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n be_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n so_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a disposition_n to_o pray_v and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o all_o set_v and_o accustom_a time_n but_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o object_n present_v to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n upon_o the_o spiritual_a wing_n of_o holy_a meditation_n celestial_a affection_n devout_a colloquy_n and_o ejaculatory_a converse_v with_o heaven_n thus_o enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o be_v translate_v gen._n 5._o 24._o heb._n 11._o 5._o thus_o king_n david_n profess_v i_o have_v set_v god_n always_o before_o i_o i_o shall_v 16._o 9_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n his_o praise_n shall_v ever_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n ps._n 34._o 1._o no_o time_n omit_v evening_n and_o morning_n and_o noonday_n ps._n 55._o 17_o 18._o early_o and_o late_o ps._n 63._o 1._o 7._o no_o place_n pretermit_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o the_o land_n of_o jordan_n and_o the_o unbeaten_a path_n of_o hermon_n ps._n 42._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o constant_a employment_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n life_n to_o depend_v upon_o god_n to_o fix_v all_o our_o hope_n all_o our_o joy_n and_o consolation_n all_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o and_o in_o the_o other_o world_n in_o god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o mean_a and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n while_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o warm_a and_o more_o inflame_v the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n than_o in_o these_o late_a and_o cold_a time_n then_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o religious_a continual_o in_o heaven_n by_o holy_a and_o divine_a aspiration_n even_o when_o their_o hand_n be_v employ_v in_o any_o and_o every_o of_o their_o work_n upon_o earth_n so_o the_o divine_a ephrem_n sive_fw-la opereris_fw-la sive_fw-la sedeas_fw-la sive_fw-la comedas_fw-la in_o all_o thy_o work_n even_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o travel_v sit_v go_v standing_z lie_a pray_v without_o cease_v take_v hint_n from_o every_o thing_n thou_o see_v hear_v tast_a to_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n unto_o god_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v record_v of_o st._n bartholomew_n the_o apostle_n that_o he_o pray_v a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o day_n and_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o the_o night_n also_o ephrem_fw-la tom_fw-mi 1_o homil._n de_fw-fr orando_fw-la deum_fw-la so_o the_o great_a st._n basil_n hom._n in_o s._n jude._n so_o st._n chrysost._n hom._n 23._o in_o mat._n st._n hierom_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o often_o on_o the_o top_n of_o mountain_n and_o in_o hollow_a valley_n and_o craggy_a rock_n with_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o flow_v with_o tear_n he_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n s._n hierom._n ep._n ad_fw-la eustor_n so_o meditate_v s._n austin_n also_o te_o domine_fw-la mediter_fw-la per_fw-la dies_fw-la sine_fw-la cessatione_fw-la te_fw-la sentiam_fw-la per_fw-la soporem_fw-la in_o nocte_fw-la te_fw-la alloquar_fw-la aug._n med._n o_o that_o i_o can_v meditate_v upon_o thou_o o_o lord_n through_o the_o whole_a day_n and_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o night_n my_o spirit_n speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o my_o mind_n converse_v with_o thou_o always_o and_o alone_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o think_v of_o nothing_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o lord_n who_o love_v nothing_o above_o thou_o desire_v nothing_o beside_o thou_o bless_a be_v they_o who_o hope_n alone_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o all_o who_o work_n be_v prayer_n and_o several_a of_o the_o devout_a father_n compute_v all_o that_o time_n lose_v wherein_o god_n be_v not_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o as_o the_o same_o st._n austin_n meditate_v for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o moment_n of_o time_n wherein_o we_o enjoy_v not_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n also_o of_o god_n protect_a presence_n with_o we_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o time_n wherein_o we_o have_v not_o god_n in_o our_o thought_n aug._n in_o marcum_n wait_v on_o thy_o god_n continual_o hos._n 12._o 16._o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o strength_n seek_v his_o face_n evermore_o ps._n 105._o 4._o thus_o st._n paul_n and_o true_o devout_a christian_n with_o he_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3.20_o whilst_o they_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n sure_o to_o have_v our_o consummation_n in_o heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n meditation_n upon_o our_o go_v to_o church_n with_o some_o short_a direction_n for_o our_o demeanour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n touch_v some_o too_o much_o mistake_v and_o neglect_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o house_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o in_o thy_o fear_n will_v i_o worship_v towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n ps._n 5._o 7._o oxford_z print_v by_o l._n lichfield_n printer_n to_o the_o university_n for_o richard_n sherlock_n
priest_n be_v command_v under_o a_o severe_a penalty_n deut._n 17._o 8._o if_o there_o arise_v a_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v arise_v and_o come_v unto_o the_o priest_n the_o levite_n and_o that_o man_n that_o will_v do_v presumptuous_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o stand_v to_o minister_n even_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n also_o the_o same_o command_n be_v give_v heb._n 13._o 17._o o_o hey_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o many_o more_o command_n in_o the_o sacred_a sheet_n of_o either_o testament_n yet_o be_v this_o christian_a duty_n slight_v and_o general_o omit_v and_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o in_o every_o flock_n who_o presume_v to_o direct_v their_o shepherd_n guide_v their_o guide_n and_o teach_v their_o teacher_n who_o if_o they_o teach_v not_o preach_v not_o pray_v not_o as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o and_o consonant_n to_o their_o humour_n and_o opinion_n they_o will_v censure_v their_o doctrine_n contemn_v their_o direction_n revile_v their_o person_n scandalize_v their_o profession_n and_o even_o snatch_v the_o holy_a oracle_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n and_o separate_v themselves_o into_o conventicle_n where_o they_o may_v heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o lust_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n believe_v and_o delight_v in_o lie_n and_o vain_a empty_a prophesying_n which_o profit_v not_o as_o be_v foretell_v of_o such_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 3_o 4._o and_o have_v mention_v conventicle_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o word_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o not_o so_o much_o in_o order_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o nation_n leave_v that_o to_o the_o secular_a magistrate_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o seduction_n of_o unwary_a and_o unstable_a soul_n into_o falsehood_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o enter_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n into_o the_o sheepfold_n but_o climb_v up_o some_o other_o way_n the_o same_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n joh._n 10_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o subtle_a thief_n when_o they_o seize_v on_o the_o honest_a traveller_n to_o drag_v he_o out_o of_o the_o high_a roadway_n into_o hedge_n and_o by-place_n the_o more_o secure_o and_o without_o interruption_n to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v he_o so_o the_o spiritual_a thief_n false_a prophet_n ringleader_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n do_v more_o easy_o seduce_v and_o rob_v poor_a silly_a man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o truth_n and_o obedience_n by_o draw_v they_o from_o the_o open_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o god_n people_n in_o his_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o by-place_n and_o lone_a honse_n where_o they_o may_v more_o secure_o breath_n forth_o the_o spiritual_a infection_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n and_o whisper_v their_o irreligious_a treason_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o place_n they_o may_v to_o their_o advantage_n vent_v and_o put_v off_o their_o counterfeit_a ware_n their_o false_a gloss_n and_o misinterpretation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o make_v their_o apocryphal_a comment_n upon_o canonical_a scripture_n make_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v not_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n intend_v therein_o but_o what_o their_o factious_a spirit_n and_o wild_a fancy_n will_v have_v it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o false_a prophet_n in_o desert_a place_n and_o private_a house_n our_o lord_n have_v foretell_v command_v all_o his_o disciple_n not_o to_o believe_v or_o follow_v they_o mat._n 24._o 26._o wherefore_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o he_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n go_v not_o forth_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o secret_a chamber_n believe_v it_o not_o st._n augustine_n observe_v of_o the_o man_n that_o fall_v among_o thief_n and_o be_v rob_v and_o wound_v luc._n 10._o 30._o si_fw-mi non_fw-la descendisset_fw-la if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v go_v down_o from_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n of_o god_n temple_n to_o jericho_n a_o profane_a and_o common_a place_n he_o have_v escape_v that_o sad_a disaster_n to_o teach_v all_o people_n to_o beware_v how_o they_o leave_v the_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o the_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n to_o convene_v in_o any_o common_a or_o profane_a by_o place_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n in_o such_o place_n it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n psa._n 5._o 7._o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o house_n even_o upon_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o in_o thy_o fear_n will_v i_o worship_v towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n and_o with_o he_o resolve_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o god_n people_n psal_n 132._o 7._o we_o will_v go_v into_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o fall_v low_a on_o our_o knee_n before_o his_o footstool_n and_o not_o only_o this_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n mark_v 11._o 17._o my_o house_n not_o the_o house_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o nation_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o under_o the_o law_n but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v there_o especial_o in_o god_n own_o house_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o meet_v his_o people_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o to_o hear_v their_o prayer_n and_o bless_v they_o to_o teach_v they_o his_o way_n by_o his_o faithful_a and_o true_a pastor_n and_o there_o in_o a_o word_n to_o dispense_v all_o the_o bless_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o they_o deuteron_n 12._o 5_o 6._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o kin._n 8._o 29_o 30._o mat._n 18._o 20._o luc._n 19_o 46._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 20._o 7._o but_o the_o grand_a excuse_n of_o the_o wander_a sheep_n and_o the_o cry_n of_o many_o orthodox_n also_o be_v the_o division_n of_o the_o shepherd_n who_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o do_v lead_v their_o flock_n into_o several_a divide_a way_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v not_o wise_a enough_o to_o know_v what_o way_n to_o take_v or_o who_o most_o secure_o to_o follow_v they_o hereupon_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o with_o the_o schismatical_a corinthian_n 1_o ep_n 1_o cap._n 12._o vers_fw-la every_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o be_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n and_o i_o of_o christ_n one_o man_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n like_v this_o man_n way_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v another_o another_o way_n and_o other_o none_o at_o all_o but_o independent_o rely_v upon_o the_o immediate_a teach_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o thus_o sect_n and_o division_n be_v multiply_v this_o complaint_n be_v too_o true_a and_o such_o sad_a effect_n thereof_o too_o evident_a and_o if_o not_o stop_v will_v prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n but_o will_v you_o know_v who_o be_v these_o divide_a pastor_n or_o preacher_n or_o sect-master_n rather_o the_o corrupt_a spring_n from_o who_o all_o our_o pollute_a stream_n of_o division_n flow_v they_o be_v such_o in_o a_o word_n as_o first_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o then_o divide_v among_o themselves_o into_o particular_a sect_n and_o faction_n wherein_o they_o all_o differ_v there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o one_o spirit_n of_o truth_n quicken_a this_o be_v our_o body_n and_o its_o member_n and_o they_o only_o and_o as_o it_o follow_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o vers_n 5_o 6._o in_o you_o all_o that_o be_v member_n of_o this_o one_o body_n and_o quicken_v with_o this_o one_o spirit_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n enforce_v from_o the_o premise_n vers_fw-la 3._o contrariwise_o than_o such_o that_o divide_v from_o this_o one_o body_n the_o church_n into_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n and_o which_o necessary_o follow_v such_o be_v not_o quicken_v with_o this_o one_o spirit_n but_o each_o with_o