the_o christian_n daily_a sacrifice_n due_o offer_v or_o a_o practical_a discourse_n teach_v the_o right_a performance_n of_o prayer_n by_o lancelot_n addison_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o lichfield_n s._n james_n iu._n 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o peacock_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o s._n paul_n 1698._o to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n benjamin_n bathurst_n sir_n in_o set_v so_o eminent_a a_o name_n before_o so_o mean_v a_o work_n show_v that_o i_o have_v as_o little_a skill_n in_o dedication_n as_o they_o have_v in_o architecture_n who_o erect_v a_o stately_a entrance_n to_o a_o house_n of_o no_o competent_a reception_n to_o which_o indecorum_n i_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o zeal_n i_o have_v ever_o have_v to_o own_o to_o the_o world_n the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n that_o for_o many_o many_o year_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o steady_a friendship_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o a_o foreign_a nation_n where_o you_o add_v no_o small_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o your_o own_o i_o therefore_o address_v you_o sir_n as_o a_o friend_n the_o noble_a title_n upon_o earth_n and_o come_v not_o mere_o to_o crave_v your_o patronage_n but_o to_o pay_v you_o a_o debt_n a_o debt_n of_o gratitude_n which_o as_o it_o will_v always_o be_v due_a so_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v pay_v but_o i_o know_v time_n and_o business_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o far_o trespass_n upon_o either_o than_o to_o beg_v your_o pious_a acceptance_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n and_o that_o you_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o pledge_n of_o my_o grateful_a sense_n of_o your_o favour_n and_o of_o the_o great_a zeal_n i_o have_v for_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o now_o sir_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o letter_n dedicatory_a pardon_v i_o that_o instead_o of_o enlarge_n upon_o your_o merit_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o prayer_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o you_o and_o your_o lady_n and_o child_n may_v long_o long_o enjoy_v health_n and_o prosperity_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o blessing_n may_v bless_v you_o with_o all_o divine_a grace_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n crown_v you_o with_o glory_n lichfield_n july_n 8._o 1698._o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n l._n addison_n introduction_n two_o very_o different_a opinion_n and_o both_o sufficient_o erroneous_a concern_v the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n get_v very_o early_o foot_v among_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o who_o st._n james_n the_o pious_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n write_v his_o circular_a epistle_n some_o there_o be_v among_o they_o in_o who_o esteem_n prayer_n be_v sink_v so_o low_a that_o they_o think_v it_o either_o whole_o unnecessary_a or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o thing_n of_o choice_n and_o not_o duty_n and_o of_o that_o indifference_n that_o they_o may_v use_v or_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o they_o please_v without_o any_o offence_n to_o god_n or_o hindrance_n to_o themselves_o and_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v those_o who_o covet_v and_o have_v not_o who_o kill_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o can_v not_o obtain_v who_o fight_v and_o war_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v not_o s._n james_n 4.2_o all_o their_o covet_v envy_v contend_v and_o fight_v bring_v they_o in_o no_o advantage_n because_o they_o neglect_v prayer_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o render_v their_o honest_a endeavour_n prosperous_a and_o successful_a and_o as_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o neglect_v and_o set_v too_o small_a a_o esteem_n upon_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o prayer_n as_o much_o bend_n to_o the_o other_o extreme_a for_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o and_o think_v it_o so_o efficacious_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o thing_n must_v of_o course_n be_v grant_v they_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o prayer_n the_o former_a make_v prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n useless_a as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o latter_a thought_n it_o able_a to_o obtain_v all_o thing_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o mere_a exercise_n thereof_o have_v such_o a_o power_n with_o god_n as_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o even_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o design_v to_o consume_v upon_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o support_v their_o envy_n malice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n how_o far_o the_o present_a age_n guilty_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o vile_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v go_v in_o this_o distemper_n i_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o observation_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o return_v at_o least_o a_o honest_a if_o not_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o request_v make_v to_o i_o namely_o to_o give_v a_o familiar_a account_n of_o the_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o without_o further_a preface_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o will_v more_o easy_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o importance_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o the_o grammatical_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o prayer_n in_o all_o language_n be_v signify_v i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o what_o prayer_n be_v and_o what_o it_o do_v imply_v now_o prayer_n according_a to_o s._n austin_n in_o psal_n 85._o be_v a_o speak_n to_o god_n when_o you_o read_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o father_n god_n speak_v to_o you_o but_o when_o you_o pray_v you_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o which_o word_n drexelius_n take_v occasion_n to_o define_v prayer_n the_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o job_n 15.4_o for_o as_o drusius_n observe_v the_o hebrew_a word_n there_o use_v for_o prayer_n signify_v to_o have_v a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o greek_a father_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n when_o they_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o familiar_a talk_n with_o or_o unto_o god_n for_o in_o it_o you_o unbosom_v yourself_o and_o open_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o man_n will_v do_v unto_o his_o friend_n in_o who_o he_o most_o confide_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n speak_v rhetorical_o of_o prayer_n call_v it_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n hang_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o draw_v man_n up_o thither_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o intimate_a access_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o we_o as_o if_o it_o place_v we_o on_o mount_n tabor_n to_o enjoy_v a_o kind_n of_o transfiguration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n as_o true_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n feed_v itself_o with_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o field_n do_v refresh_v and_o recreate_v itself_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v whatever_o it_o can_v desire_v and_o through_o who_o it_o avoid_v whatever_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v in_o prayer_n say_v albertus_n magnus_n the_o soul_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o help_n and_o comfort_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n it_o bring_v a_o man_n say_v he_o to_o know_v god_n and_o know_v to_o love_v he_o and_o love_v to_o seek_v he_o and_o in_o seek_v to_o take_v pain_n and_o in_o take_v pain_n to_o find_v he_o but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v prayer_n serve_v rather_o to_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o than_o to_o declare_v its_o nature_n any_o far_a than_o that_o from_o such_o like_a expression_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o prayer_n imply_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o tell_v over_o a_o few_o bead_n as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o or_o the_o bare_a recite_v so_o many_o word_n or_o sentence_n form_v and_o compose_v into_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o a_o man_n may_v say_v a_o thousand_o of_o these_o and_o that_o too_o with_o great_a outward_a seriousness_n and_o composure_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v pray_v for_o nothing_o deserve_o bear_v that_o name_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n
vouchsafement_n whereof_o a_o mortal_a can_v be_v capable_a when_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o incense_v against_o israel_n that_o he_o resolve_v to_o consume_v they_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o whilst_o moses_n pray_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o give_v over_o his_o pray_v and_o to_o let_v he_o alone_o that_o he_o may_v execute_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v against_o that_o stiffnecked_a people_n which_o by_o moses_n intercession_n be_v restrain_v and_o though_o moses_n grant_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o god_n to_o destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o show_v also_o that_o there_o be_v great_a for_o god_n to_o spare_v they_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o deserve_v destruction_n but_o yet_o god_n glory_n be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n lest_o otherwise_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 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for_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n say_v ben-sirach_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o till_o the_o high_a regard_n it_o ecclus._n 35.17_o you_o will_v think_v yourself_o a_o happy_a man_n if_o you_o can_v get_v one_o certain_a mean_n of_o help_v you_o to_o whatever_o you_o want_v though_o it_o cost_v you_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o get_v it_o prayer_n be_v this_o certain_a mean_n which_o never_o fail_v of_o bring_v you_o if_o not_o all_o that_o you_o think_v you_o want_v yet_o all_o that_o you_o real_o want_v or_o all_o that_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o you_o and_o consider_v in_o what_o continual_a want_v you_o be_v of_o receive_v something_o for_o other_o from_o that_o bountiful_a hand_n which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v all_o want_n it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a carriage_n to_o neglect_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v procure_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o may_v dishearten_v you_o from_o its_o performance_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o uneasiness_n therein_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o the_o untowardness_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v refine_v and_o purge_v that_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a thought_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o heavenly_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o accustom_v it_o to_o prayer_n all_o uneasiness_n therein_o will_v wear_v off_o and_o for_o pain_n you_o will_v find_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o not_o only_o your_o best_a faculty_n be_v employ_v about_o the_o noble_a of_o their_o proper_a object_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v say_v but_o it_o also_o bring_v you_o near_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o felicity_n which_o must_v needs_o yield_v a_o great_a delight_n to_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o distemper_v and_o like_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v relish_v the_o most_o pleasant_a food_n but_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v taste_v by_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v carnal_a therefore_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v set_v either_o on_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o dross_n of_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o devotion_n be_v insipid_a and_o that_o like_a israel_n you_o prefer_v fleshpot_n before_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o leave_v the_o quail_n and_o manna_n for_o onion_n and_o garlic_n you_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v account_v these_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o your_o thought_n nor_o wilful_o make_v yourself_o comfortless_a by_o suffer_v either_o employment_n or_o pleasure_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mind_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o season_v your_o delight_n and_o sweeten_v your_o trouble_n and_o interpose_v themselves_o betwixt_o you_o and_o the_o world_n that_o so_o your_o life_n may_v be_v happy_a and_o your_o death_n welcome_a i_o know_v you_o have_v better_a monitor_n and_o carry_v the_o best_a about_o you_o in_o your_o bosom_n and_o if_o what_o i_o write_v be_v needless_a yet_o it_o argue_v my_o affection_n and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o friendship_n my_o prayer_n be_v better_a than_o my_o counsel_n and_o both_o be_v hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a for_o your_o good_a god_n prosper_v your_o perusal_n and_o make_v you_o happy_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o you_o now_o receive_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o to_o hear_v we_o and_o grant_v that_o we_o to_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o pray_v may_v by_o thy_o mighty_a aid_n be_v defend_v and_o comfort_v in_o all_o danger_n and_o adversity_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o chap._n vi_o of_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n have_v give_n you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n i_o come_v next_o to_o show_v what_o be_v require_v to_o render_v your_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o so_o prevent_v the_o pray_v amiss_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n requifite_n to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o prepare_v and_o fit_v of_o yourself_o for_o so_o excellent_a a_o performance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o preparation_n expect_v at_o your_o hand_n you_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o whence_o all_o that_o be_v solid_a and_o true_o argumentative_a be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o position_n and_o first_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o common_a to_o all_o man_n clear_o show_v you_o that_o matter_n of_o moment_n and_o importance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v till_o they_o be_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v best_a manage_v and_o effect_v he_o that_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o house_n or_o to_o make_v war_n oughts_z first_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o lest_o have_v begin_v and_o want_v ability_n to_o finish_v he_o be_v force_v to_o give_v it_o over_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n luke_n 14.28_o 29_o 30_o 31_o &c_n &c_n few_o thing_n succeed_v well_o which_o be_v not_o first_o well_v consider_v every_o thing_n you_o undertake_v require_v a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o undertake_n and_o in_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n you_o may_v fetch_v argument_n enough_o from_o within_o yourself_o for_o a_o humble_a preparation_n to_o discharge_v it_o for_o when_o you_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o your_o own_o vileness_n the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o you_o be_v to_o pray_o and_o the_o fearful_a effect_n of_o not_o pray_v aright_o you_o must_v be_v far_o go_v in_o stupidity_n and_o senselesness_n if_o you_o apprehend_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v yourself_o for_o this_o duty_n no_o man_n will_v solicit_v a_o favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o of_o like_a passion_n with_o himself_o without_o use_v the_o due_a form_n of_o application_n will_v you_o not_o esteem_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o egregious_a rudeness_n to_o address_v a_o earthly_a potentate_n in_o a_o style_n and_o mode_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o not_o do_v with_o that_o grace_n as_o be_v usual_a on_o such_o occasion_n common_a sense_n direct_v you_o to_o approach_v those_o who_o be_v your_o superior_n either_o in_o condition_n or_o power_n or_o both_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o become_v their_o station_n and_o you_o reason_n be_v a_o law_n against_o indecency_n as_o well_o as_o against_o grosser_n immorality_n so_o that_o you_o need_v no_o clear_a light_n than_o that_o within_o to_o show_v you_o with_o what_o careful_a preparedness_n you_o be_v to_o speak_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o hold_v a_o holy_a converse_n with_o he_o in_o that_o best_a of_o religious_a duty_n will_v any_o man_n of_o either_o modesty_n or_o discretion_n venture_v to_o utter_v himself_o extempore_o
as_o to_o the_o original_a of_o our_o be_v with_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o pray_v unless_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n as_o not_o only_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o to_o make_v some_o sort_n of_o approach_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o he_o who_o dwell_v there_o and_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o its_o love_n there_o must_v be_v a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o bear_v as_o much_o of_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n with_o respect_n to_o holiness_n and_o purity_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v if_o we_o do_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v a_o oblation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o declare_v our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o infinite_a power_n we_o so_o place_v ourselves_o to_o advantage_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n as_o to_o have_v the_o dimness_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o our_o mind_n cold_a and_o dead_a as_o they_o be_v make_v warm_a and_o enliven_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o everlasting_a sun_n our_o action_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v so_o influence_v as_o for_o the_o future_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o excellent_a model_n and_o pattern_n set_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o to_o become_v fit_a object_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o to_o the_o tread_v in_o his_o footstep_n we_o be_v so_o close_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o that_o it_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o not_o endure_v the_o thought_n of_o ever_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o this_o be_v what_o either_o prayer_n shall_v produce_v in_o every_o pious_a soul_n or_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o wish_v it_o may_v and_o which_o it_o will_v when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o due_a perfection_n and_o when_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_o exercise_v in_o its_o practice_n it_o be_v true_a such_o flight_n and_o rapture_n such_o fervour_n and_o transport_n as_o some_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o their_o devotion_n such_o a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o prayer_n in_o its_o perfection_n imply_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a sign_n of_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v or_o pray_v to_o any_o purpose_n the_o want_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o weight_n of_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n be_v clog_v and_o press_v down_o and_o keep_v from_o be_v elevate_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o adorable_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o then_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v what_o we_o can_v help_v and_o see_v wander_a of_o thought_n coolness_n of_o affection_n want_v of_o attention_n and_o sometime_o no_o small_a defect_n in_o outward_a behaviour_n argue_v too_o much_o inward_a sloth_n and_o negligence_n may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v owe_v to_o infirmity_n or_o inadvertency_n god_n will_v no_o doubt_n accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o desire_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v keep_v upon_o the_o wing_n and_o do_v its_o part_n in_o all_o respect_n whilst_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o our_o mouth_n utter_v our_o petition_n in_o the_o most_o decent_a expression_n we_o can_v think_v of_o and_o with_o profound_a humility_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o grant_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a show_v all_o the_o dependence_n upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o favour_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v if_o there_o be_v thus_o much_o observe_v by_o we_o towards_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o be_v hear_v for_o want_n of_o more_o that_o be_v for_o want_v of_o pray_v like_o a_o saint_n or_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o holy_a ardour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o man_n but_o still_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o heavenly_a exercise_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o ourselves_o any_o great_a benefit_n from_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n whereof_o more_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n by_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v at_o all_o time_n expect_v and_o which_o have_v according_o be_v pay_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consequence_n have_v show_v god_n approbation_n thereof_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n thing_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v either_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n due_a to_o he_o or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v some_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o his_o creature_n now_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o respect_n and_o first_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n which_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n now_o worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n we_o read_v that_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 4.26_o which_o word_n though_o they_o will_v bear_v another_o interpretation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o most_o natural_a construction_n of_o they_o demonstrate_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v pay_v unto_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o do_v this_o there_o be_v not_o then_o as_o there_o be_v now_o any_o command_n enjoin_v or_o require_v man_n to_o pray_v nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o for_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o this_o performance_n and_o as_o we_o find_v no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n so_o none_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o who_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v for_o their_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v mighty_o suppress_v by_o wicked_a man_n till_o the_o time_n of_o enosh_n but_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o good_a and_o pious_a to_o restore_v religion_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o heathen_a world_n fall_v into_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n about_o the_o godhead_n ascribe_v it_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o excellency_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o betray_v therein_o a_o great_a infatuation_n and_o stupidity_n yet_o they_o still_o invoke_v whatsoever_o they_o call_v their_o deity_n and_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o senseless_a and_o absurd_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v a_o god_n which_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v at_o their_o pleasure_n though_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a degree_n of_o infatuation_n to_o pray_v to_o a_o snake_n or_o crocodile_n for_o protection_n which_o be_v ready_a every_o hour_n to_o devour_v they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sottish_a unmanly_a conceit_n to_o beg_v health_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o recovery_n at_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o plague_n which_o thing_n sound_v so_o odd_a that_o one_o will_v not_o imagine_v such_o deity_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v think_v of_o and_o though_o i_o say_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o unmanly_a than_o to_o worship_v such_o inferior_a being_n nor_o more_o contradictory_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o amid_o these_o absurdity_n apparent_a in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n
none_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n who_o do_v not_o cheerful_o exercise_v himself_o in_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_v the_o almighty_a which_o show_v the_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o of_o all_o for_o if_o any_o shall_v vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o pay_v this_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o they_o be_v too_o holy_a or_o too_o great_a either_o they_o be_v so_o good_a as_o not_o to_o need_v to_o pray_v or_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v below_o they_o but_o no_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o holiness_n can_v be_v free_a from_o this_o duty_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a for_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v be_v also_o most_o eminent_a for_o devotion_n and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a instance_n in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v superlative_o eminent_a for_o all_o heavenly_a perfection_n and_o immaculate_a both_o by_o nature_n and_o conversation_n for_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o live_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v record_v of_o this_o most_o heavenly_a divine_a person_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o humiliation_n and_o not_o arrive_v to_o the_o glorious_a and_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o celestial_a life_n heb._n 5.7_o he_o do_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o his_o piety_n here_o the_o eternal_a son_n become_v man_n make_v his_o submissive_a petition_n to_o his_o eternal_a father_n either_o to_o free_v he_o from_o that_o direful_a passage_n to_o death_n or_o to_o strengthen_v and_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o the_o horrible_a terror_n conflict_n and_o agony_n that_o therein_o he_o meet_v with_o and_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o will_v restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o to_o raise_v he_o thence_o and_o send_v back_o his_o spirit_n into_o his_o body_n and_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v his_o desire_n for_o the_o three_o day_n after_o his_o burial_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o god_n give_v he_o back_o that_o spirit_n which_o on_o the_o cross_n he_o so_o affectionate_o recommend_v into_o his_o hand_n luke_n 23.46_o and_o as_o by_o this_o plain_a example_n of_o christ_n pray_v you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o man_n sanctity_n can_v excuse_v he_o from_o do_v do_v the_o like_a so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o man_n be_v free_v from_o pray_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o grandeur_n or_o secular_a greatness_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o david_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o wear_v the_o royal_a diadem_n do_v not_o neglect_v the_o hallow_a censor_n but_o constant_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o incense_n of_o prayer_n and_o for_o his_o diligence_n and_o assiduity_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n he_o gain_v as_o some_o think_v the_o glorious_a character_n of_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o indeed_o all_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o prayer_n and_o even_o bad_a man_n too_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n for_o they_o likewise_o have_v own_a it_o to_o be_v their_o obligation_n thus_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o whenever_o they_o perform_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o saul_n pray_v for_o a_o decision_n by_o lot_n and_o god_n grant_v his_o request_n but_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_v he_o the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o his_o subject_n 1_o sam._n 14.41_o 42._o which_o show_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o justice_n and_o not_o in_o mercy_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o due_a place_n and_o now_o see_v prayer_n be_v a_o special_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n you_o must_v own_v it_o to_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o think_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n he_o command_v and_o you_o must_v discharge_v it_o your_o obedience_n herein_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o will_v be_v best_a reward_v by_o he_o chap._n iii_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v what_o we_o want_v and_o of_o convey_v a_o blessing_n on_o what_o we_o enjoy_v want_n be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o you_o want_v nothing_o you_o need_v use_v prayer_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o worship_n you_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o if_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n you_o can_v never_o solid_o hope_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o prayer_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o blessing_n and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o require_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o homage_n belong_v to_o god_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n propound_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o gain_v his_o favour_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o your_o want_n and_o blessing_n what_o you_o have_v but_o here_o i_o expect_v to_o find_v you_o object_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v undeniable_o a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o none_o ought_v to_o neglect_v yet_o you_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o the_o obtain_v a_o supply_n of_o your_o necessity_n because_o god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n nor_o to_o move_v he_o to_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v true_a god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n for_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 6.8_o he_o know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o which_o word_n show_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v god_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o but_o they_o respect_v those_o who_o at_o our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o earth_n be_v wont_a to_o lengthen_v out_o their_o prayer_n with_o vain_a repetition_n and_o idle_a tautology_n think_v they_o shall_v have_v their_o petition_n the_o soon_o grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n use_v therein_o whereas_o our_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o their_o long_a prayer_n and_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o that_o such_o be_v altogether_o useless_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o want_n as_o full_o know_v they_o without_o be_v tell_v christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o abolish_n that_o he_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o prayer_n when_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v pray_v aright_o to_o which_o end_n he_o give_v they_o a_o most_o absolute_a comprehensive_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o both_o to_o use_v and_o imitate_v which_o form_n bear_v his_o name_n and_o from_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lord's-prayer_n whereof_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mind_v you_o in_o another_o place_n as_o to_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o your_o objection_n which_o make_v prayer_n unnecessary_a to_o move_v god_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n because_o of_o his_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o but_o only_o to_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v more_o than_o either_o you_o desire_v or_o deserve_v yet_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v without_o ask_v and_o it_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v and_o to_o open_v to_o they_o that_o knock_v and_o though_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o property_n to_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v his_o creature_n yet_o still_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v address_v your_o request_n to_o he_o if_o not_o to_o move_v his_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n yet_o to_o show_v you_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o that_o you_o believe_v he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v supply_n beside_o in_o every_o prayer_n
now_o recommend_v as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n whereof_o you_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a when_o you_o pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardent_a desire_n with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o it_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o offer_v when_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o affection_n and_o chafe_v your_o desire_n and_o move_v your_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n the_o great_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o listen_v to_o cold_a lukewarm_a devotion_n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n which_o want_n zeal_n and_o love_n the_o only_a wing_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o thither_o be_v careful_a then_o when_o you_o approach_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o because_o that_o of_o yourself_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o beseech_v the_o divine_a omnipotence_n to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v beware_v of_o quench_v it_o with_o wilful_a sin_n or_o let_v it_o go_v out_o again_o for_o want_v of_o fuel_n or_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v it_o and_o there_o want_v no_o motive_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o this_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n when_o you_o consider_v god_n wonderful_a kindness_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n thereof_o through_o your_o whole_a devotion_n for_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o your_o repentance_n to_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n and_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o your_o sin_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v good_a inward_a motive_n to_o raise_v your_o heart_n into_o zeal_n when_o you_o lift_v up_o your_o voice_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o his_o house_n or_o your_o own_o and_o first_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n you_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o show_v your_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o special_a blessing_n to_o the_o joint_a request_n which_o the_o faithful_a make_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o set_v mark_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o your_o absence_n from_o the_o public_a prayer_n can_v be_v excuse_v without_o a_o important_a occasion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a and_o deliberate_a you_o cut_v yourself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o prayer_n wherein_o all_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o yourself_o even_o a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v never_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n be_v also_o requisite_a in_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o your_o family_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o common-prayer_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o household_n join_v therein_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n careful_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o office_n and_o to_o see_v nothing_o be_v want_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v under_o his_o government_n for_o the_o family_n be_v heathenish_a where_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v and_o where_o the_o master_n do_v not_o resolve_v with_o joshua_n that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24.15_o and_o as_o to_o the_o prayer_n you_o make_v apart_o when_o you_o be_v solus_fw-la cum_fw-la solo_fw-la and_o have_v no_o witness_n of_o what_o you_o do_v but_o only_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n yet_o because_o that_o even_o here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v in_o company_n you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n to_o correct_v it_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a according_a to_o your_o personal_a necessity_n and_o you_o may_v use_v therein_o a_o great_a freedom_n both_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n than_o you_o can_v in_o public_a but_o still_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v therein_o require_v as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o regard_v and_o as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o perform_v all_o these_o sort_n of_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o your_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o attentive_a at_o they_o all_o prayer_n in_o your_o family_n and_o closet_n will_v not_o excuse_v your_o prayer_n at_o church_n all_o be_v require_v all_o be_v necessary_a and_o one_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whosoever_o be_v diligent_a in_o public_a prayer_n and_o yet_o negligent_a in_o private_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o rather_o seek_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o man_n than_o to_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o from_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o men._n you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o have_v also_o be_v tell_v with_o what_o circumspection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o observe_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o body_n have_v its_o share_n and_o part_v therein_o for_o both_o be_v god_n workmanship_n and_o purchase_n both_o aught_o to_o give_v he_o homage_n and_o observance_n now_o the_o observance_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n consist_v in_o such_o lowly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a gesture_n as_o may_v testify_v the_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o soul_n bowing_n prostration_n and_o the_o like_a external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o particular_a right_a belong_v to_o god_n before_o who_o you_o be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v for_o he_o be_v your_o maker_n your_o shepherd_n your_o protector_n the_o royal_a author_n of_o the_o 95._o psalm_n do_v affectionate_o call_v upon_o every_o one_o joint_o to_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o partner_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o join_v inward_a and_o outward_a reverence_n together_o that_o the_o submissive_a and_o lowly_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v the_o sincere_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o humble_a external_a bodily_a gesture_n be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o you_o pray_v without_o they_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n you_o be_v about_o nor_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n dignity_n or_o of_o your_o own_o vileness_n but_o in_o these_o bodily_a gesture_n you_o be_v careful_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o superstitious_a and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o prudence_n and_o your_o gesture_n be_v thus_o conduct_v they_o will_v help_v to_o heighten_v inward_a devotion_n in_o yourself_o and_o be_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o but_o i_o leave_v the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o frequency_n you_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n chap._n xii_o of_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n though_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v never_o to_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o text_n in_o scripture_n that_o determine_v how_o often_o you_o be_v to_o use_v it_o the_o inspire_a word_n positive_o command_v you_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o it_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n how_o frequent_o you_o be_v to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o peremptory_a in_o this_o particular_a be_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o s._n paul_n exhort_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o which_o text_n you_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o not_o to_o grow_v restive_a in_o prayer_n but_o therein_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v it_o be_v a_o homage_n you_o be_v to_o pay_v