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this_o seriousness_n so_o successfulness_n or_o unsuccessfulness_n have_v occur_v at_o this_o very_a time_n of_o god_n train_v i_o into_o a_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o a_o powerful_a bear_n home_o of_o scripture_n upon_o my_o soul_n of_o promise_n for_o instruction_n conduct_n and_o comfort_n have_v be_v a_o remarkable_a mean_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o marvellous_o bless_v with_o that_o great_a end_n of_o remove_v diffidence_n and_o settle_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o the_o first_o whereof_o by_o way_n of_o promise_n be_v that_o of_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o matthew_n vers_n 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o of_o this_o promise_n till_o now_o i_o can_v never_o feel_v the_o powerful_a efficacy_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o myself_o for_o comfort_n at_o my_o first_o entrance_n upon_o business_n in_o the_o world_n this_o scripture_n sudden_o seize_v my_o thought_n without_o any_o 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his_o soul_n when_o christ_n spirit_n breathe_v upon_o his_o petition_n to_o god_n concern_v the_o lord_n gracious_a design_n and_o testimony_n thereof_o to_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v have_v wonderful_a establishment_n no_o more_o amaze_a and_o assure_v to_o he_o in_o his_o actual_a strength_n to_o petition_v it_o than_o to_o i_o in_o its_o enjoyment_n by_o way_n of_o his_o prayer_n return_v it_o be_v conceivable_a by_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v strict_a observer_n of_o god_n way_n how_o free_o word_n fly_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o soul_n under_o a_o heavenly_a ravish_v in_o prayer_n how_o familiar_o they_o be_v express_v and_o with_o what_o quiet_a of_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o return_n that_o if_o the_o soul_n out_o of_o this_o frame_n will_v desire_v and_o do_v all_o that_o
disappoint_v my_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n common_o lead_v to_o such_o end_n but_o discover_v god_n design_n yea_o infinite_a love_n in_o my_o own_o disappointment_n and_o my_o meditation_n thereupon_o be_v thus_o do_v the_o lord_n strengthen_v i_o eminent_o after_o my_o fit_a of_o sickness_n and_o continual_o in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o my_o address_n to_o heaven_n since_o that_o time_n to_o ask_v for_o advance_v of_o this_o reliance_n and_o have_v the_o lord_n return_v this_o petition_n by_o sensible_a reliance_n upon_o himself_o never_o former_o acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o in_o a_o mysterious_a conduct_n of_o outward_a providence_n shall_v i_o therefore_o bring_v forth_o this_o ill_a improvement_n of_o not_o work_v with_o god_n or_o of_o trust_v god_n only_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o smile_a favour_n when_o difficulty_n sensible_o have_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_a my_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o trust_v god_n only_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o 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very_a experience_n be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o ignorant_a cavil_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o the_o doubt_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o with_o the_o psalmist_n be_v perplex_v how_o to_o understand_v right_o the_o inequality_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o profane_a and_o the_o gracious_a christian_a the_o first_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n while_o the_o other_o appear_v under_o cross_v afflict_v providence_n the_o private_a christian_n inward_a observe_v experience_n of_o god_n method_n with_o himself_o afford_v knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o strength_n to_o resist_v corrupt_a and_o satanical_a suggestion_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n even_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a disappointment_n when_o their_o friend_n be_v in_o concern_v on_o their_o very_a account_n or_o other_o in_o their_o circumstance_n ready_a to_o stagger_v as_o to_o god_n favour_n to_o they_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o 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that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o general_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n way_n with_o himself_o from_o his_o first_o conversion_n to_o a_o full_a establishment_n in_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o christian_n that_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o god_n outward_a and_o inward_a conduct_n not_o only_o witness_n a_o speciality_n of_o providence_n regard_v god_n own_a child_n but_o he_o will_v patient_o bear_v afflict_v dispensation_n that_o be_v design_v to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o neglect_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o and_o of_o his_o neglect_n or_o careless_a performance_n of_o particular_a duty_n and_o may_v change_v his_o nature_n from_o secure_a cold_a and_o lazy_a to_o spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o zealous_a and_o to_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o resist_a temptation_n and_o mortify_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o grace_n that_o may_v preserve_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tempter_n a_o christian_a under_o the_o same_o special_a conduct_n of_o god_n care_n but_o without_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v neither_o the_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o strength_n that_o the_o observe_a christian_n have_v convey_v to_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n of_o so_o desirable_a a_o duty_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o droop_v in_o his_o spirit_n when_o afflict_v not_o know_v god_n design_n in_o particular_a though_o rely_v on_o that_o bless_a word_n that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n yet_o miss_v god_n particular_a design_n in_o the_o present_a want_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o present_a mercy_n thereby_o to_o be_v bestow_v he_o become_v in_o danger_n of_o satan_n tempt_v he_o to_o despondency_n of_o a_o melancholy_a carriage_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o pass_v his_o pilgrimage_n state_n under_o cloud_n second_o that_o since_o god_n own_o child_n be_v under_o the_o 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of_o a_o bless_a issue_n if_o christian_n be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o their_o sin_n before_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o how_o defective_a they_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v be_v assure_v not_o only_o from_o divine_a revelation_n but_o from_o their_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o all_o that_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v outweigh_v all_o their_o suffering_n and_o sorrow_n a_o five_o method_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o himself_o be_v by_o immediate_a specialty_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o passage_n of_o providence_n in_o lay_v matter_n of_o great_a success_n in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a instance_n first_o by_o bring_v they_o about_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o second_o cause_n common_o make_v use_n of_o have_v in_o many_o instance_n experience_v such_o thing_n lay_v in_o my_o way_n wherein_o i_o have_v hardly_o be_v
able_a to_o discover_v any_o thing_n else_o beside_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n bring_v they_o forth_o second_o by_o order_v my_o real_a enemy_n as_o instrument_n of_o benefit_n to_o i_o in_o their_o act_n though_o undesigned_o by_o they_o three_o by_o order_v such_o numerous_a successful_a design_n with_o freedom_n from_o outward_a toil_n that_o i_o enjoy_v a_o great_a opportunity_n to_o observe_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o lord_n way_n thus_o with_o i_o and_o to_o set_v it_o upon_o strict_a record_n for_o after-reflection_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o precede_a and_o follow_v method_n and_o the_o improvement_n thereby_o bring_v forth_o in_o my_o own_o soul_n four_o by_o divine_a excitement_n of_o some_o to_o be_v assistant_n in_o such_o providential_a matter_n lay_v in_o my_o way_n five_o by_o order_v success_n to_o all_o such_o undertake_n accompany_v with_o such_o immediateness_n of_o providence_n a_o six_o method_n to_o advance_v dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o keep_v mean_n too_o much_o rely_v on_o in_o the_o due_a place_n be_v by_o suffer_v by_o one_o step_n of_o providence_n or_o other_o friend_n to_o my_o outward_a concern_v of_o who_o friendship_n and_o service_n i_o have_v eminent_a experience_n to_o be_v turn_v and_o fix_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o other_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v at_o first_o appearance_n dark_a and_o cloudy_a and_o continue_v thus_o to_o be_v till_o by_o perusual_a of_o my_o record_n i_o come_v to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o be_v then_o under_o the_o work_n of_o god_n he_o be_v sensible_o advance_v the_o particular_a design_n of_o god_n at_o the_o time_n from_o compare_v his_o way_n and_o the_o improvement_n bring_v forth_o thereby_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o such_o a_o method_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o even_o a_o entire_a reliance_n upon_o himself_o for_o all_o event_n in_o which_o experience_n i_o have_v this_o sweet_a passage_n to_o observe_v that_o as_o god_n in_o his_o return_n to_o prayer_n suit_v their_o speediness_n or_o great_a delay_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n so_o herein_o do_v the_o lord_n compassionate_o suit_v his_o way_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o reliance_n in_o he_o for_o least_o such_o a_o experience_n shall_v overwhelm_v my_o weak_a faith_n the_o lord_n immediate_o give_v success_n to_o my_o endeavour_n with_o the_o same_o ease_n of_o mind_n and_o freedom_n from_o toil_n of_o body_n as_o when_o under_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o friend_n and_o visible_a mean_n with_o that_o special_a providence_n that_o i_o have_v often_o stand_v in_o amazement_n and_o have_v be_v ravish_v with_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o strange_a passage_n of_o providence_n have_v every_o day_n fall_v out_o to_o continue_v such_o successful_a endeavour_n yea_o i_o may_v say_v great_a than_o when_o under_o the_o opportunity_n of_o such_o instrument_n a_o seven_o experience_n be_v by_o permit_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o undertake_n that_o be_v probable_a to_o be_v great_o advantageous_a without_o the_o least_o deficiency_n on_o my_o part_n as_o instrumental_a therein_o this_o at_o first_o seem_v afflict_v till_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o other_o concern_v with_o great_a disparagement_n of_o character_n appear_v which_o then_o make_v i_o rejoice_v in_o god_n divine_a conduct_n and_o see_v great_a love_n in_o the_o disappointment_n with_o the_o feel_n of_o inward_a peace_n that_o i_o have_v no_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o the_o affair_n move_v i_o to_o lay_v all_o my_o concern_v at_o god_n footstool_n leave_v event_n please_v or_o ungrateful_a to_o divine_a disposal_n i_o keep_v serious_a with_o god_n for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n the_o eight_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n to_o suppress_v reliance_n on_o any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n way_n of_o vindicate_v i_o from_o undeserved_a reproach_n either_o by_o immediate_a clear_n up_o of_o innocency_n and_o the_o falsehood_n of_o reproach_n and_o so_o cut_v it_o off_o at_o first_o or_o by_o hinder_v it_o though_o continue_v from_o injure_v my_o name_n by_o make_v impression_n upon_o other_o or_o by_o give_v i_o opportunity_n by_o some_o failure_n of_o they_o to_o asperse_v they_o true_o to_o their_o great_a loss_n and_o discouragement_n and_o so_o stop_v of_o their_o rage_n through_o fear_n one_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o experience_n i_o will_v give_v you_o concern_v one_o who_o from_o no_o other_o foundation_n that_o i_o ever_o can_v judge_v of_o but_o that_o of_o malice_n great_o disparage_v my_o name_n yea_o continue_v therein_o notwithstanding_o of_o my_o dutiful_a impart_v the_o thing_n to_o themselves_o with_o a_o true_a vindication_n of_o myself_o till_o by_o a_o marvellous_a passage_n of_o divine_a providence_n a_o eminent_a opportunity_n of_o reproach_v they_o be_v lay_v in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o her_o failure_n in_o a_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v capable_a of_o ruine_v they_o and_o free_v myself_o from_o their_o further_a rage_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o struggle_n between_o revenge_n and_o forbearance_n to_o asperse_v they_o yet_o bless_v be_v the_o lord_n his_o grace_n be_v victorious_a over_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o instead_o of_o reproach_v i_o only_o endeavour_v the_o make_n of_o themselves_o sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n trust_v god_n who_o have_v lay_v such_o a_o occasion_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o have_v preserve_v i_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o pursue_a revenge_n that_o their_o reproach_v at_o least_o with_o impression_n upon_o other_o shall_v cease_v which_o be_v clear_o verify_v by_o after_o experience_n wherein_o i_o have_v full_o see_v their_o incapacity_n of_o injure_v i_o that_o way_n and_o therefore_o one_o instance_n i_o hope_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o myself_o and_o of_o this_o experience_n be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o all_o such_o case_n another_o special_a instance_n of_o this_o experience_n be_v concern_v a_o reproach_n against_o i_o with_o some_o great_a probability_n of_o gild_n when_o rehearse_v by_o the_o reproacher_n i_o must_v own_o my_o not_o merit_v the_o reproach_n be_v from_o the_o restrain_v grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o reproach_n under_o no_o other_o power_n sensible_a to_o myself_o than_o that_o of_o education_n but_o if_o at_o the_o time_n of_o be_v reproach_v i_o be_o help_v in_o a_o heavenly_a posture_n of_o soul_n to_o lay_v it_o before_o god_n and_o find_v carefulness_n and_o anxiety_n lay_v aside_o in_o correspondency_n to_o this_o frame_n appear_v a_o divine_a providence_n restrain_v the_o enemy_n from_o reproach_v or_o if_o continue_v its_o insufficiency_n of_o injure_v i_o though_o it_o be_v great_o their_o design_n and_o that_o with_o a_o unwearied_a diligence_n in_o this_o instance_n i_o have_v two_o circumstance_n to_o lay_v before_o you_o great_o remarkable_a and_o marvellous_a discover_v the_o sutableness_n of_o heavenliness_n in_o prayer_n to_o its_o return_n and_o of_o the_o providential_a method_n of_o god_n to_o train_v i_o high_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reliance_n upon_o himself_o one_o of_o which_o circumstance_n be_v that_o at_o the_o time_n when_o god_n be_v build_v this_o faith_n than_o a_o violent_a assault_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o mean_a of_o strengthen_v and_o enlarge_n the_o degree_n of_o reliance_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n with_o prayer_n for_o all_o my_o concern_v and_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a method_n the_o assault_n of_o reproach_v continue_v as_o furious_a as_o false_a in_o all_o its_o report_a circumstance_n do_v seem_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o disparagement_n of_o name_n but_o to_o danger_n of_o law-suit_n the_o hindrance_n whereof_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v procure_v than_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o no_o likelihood_n of_o return_v without_o great_a entreaty_n pain_n and_o charge_n but_o at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o reproacher_n be_v at_o the_o height_n of_o their_o pursuit_n by_o reproach_n and_o design_n of_o law_n against_o i_o the_o inward_a posture_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v spiritual_a in_o prayer_n concern_v it_o and_o in_o meditation_n upon_o it_o and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n i_o have_v a_o account_n by_o letter_n that_o the_o person_n who_o presence_n be_v requisite_a for_o my_o vindication_n be_v surprise_o call_v to_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o providential_a occasion_n he_o know_v nothing_o thereof_o till_o some_o hour_n before_o and_o altogether_o ignorant_a of_o my_o circumstance_n or_o of_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o have_v he_o here_o by_o this_o only_a circumstance_n i_o have_v
opportunity_n of_o allay_v the_o reproach_n and_o of_o perfect_o prevent_v any_o lawsuit_n against_o i_o though_o i_o can_v full_o stop_v the_o fury_n of_o a_o malicious_a tongue_n yet_o i_o can_v express_v myself_o concern_v its_o continuance_n without_o praise_v the_o infinite_a love_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o great_a improvement_n by_o it_o find_v that_o often_o a_o cold_a lazy_a frame_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o this_o reproach_n meet_v together_o and_o that_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v most_o a_o change_n from_o this_o lazy_a frame_n to_o a_o spiritual_a heavenly_a posture_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sweet_a fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n concern_v it_o great_o help_v i_o from_o anxiety_n and_o disquiet_n under_o it_o with_o a_o design_n and_o endeavour_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o god_n in_o it_o another_o circumstance_n great_o remarkable_a in_o this_o instance_n have_v be_v that_o without_o any_o other_o mean_v of_o endeavour_n to_o defend_v myself_o by_o reproach_v again_o or_o the_o like_a but_o pure_o by_o the_o lay_v it_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o repeat_v reproach_n have_v either_o be_v still_o or_o frustrate_v which_o at_o first_o occasion_v some_o doubt_n in_o my_o thought_n whether_o i_o shall_v not_o by_o go_v to_o this_o or_o the_o other_o clear_v myself_o and_o not_o presumptuous_o expect_v deliverance_n without_o mean_n but_o find_v my_o vindication_n to_o themselves_o of_o no_o effect_n and_o my_o vindication_n of_o myself_o to_o other_o will_v occasion_v aspersion_n upon_o they_o i_o be_v still_o and_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v careful_a of_o not_o give_v they_o further_a occasion_n to_o reproach_n and_o find_v great_a success_n and_o dare_v recommend_v it_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o not_o only_o from_o my_o own_o experience_n but_o from_o the_o psalmist_n who_o in_o psal_n 38._o v._n 13._o express_v himself_o thus_o i_o as_o a_o deaf_a man_n hear_v not_o and_o as_o a_o dumb_a man_n open_v not_o my_o mouth_n no_o doubt_n but_o he_o can_v have_v use_v reasonable_a argument_n to_o prove_v his_o innocency_n but_o in_o v_o 15._o he_o hope_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o i_o have_v be_v enable_v by_o prayer_n with_o great_a exercise_n of_o faith_n therein_o to_o lay_v the_o case_n at_o god_n foot_n and_o trusting_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o i_o have_v find_v all_o power_n of_o the_o reproach_n go_v off_o i_o desire_v therefore_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a experience_n have_v be_v a_o bless_a mean_a to_o bring_v forth_o this_o desire_n in_o my_o soul_n psal_n 56._o v._n 9_o when_o i_o cry_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o believe_a heavenly_a posture_n than_o my_o enemy_n shall_v draw_v back_o when_o god_n strengthen_v a_o soul_n by_o his_o divine_a spirit_n under_o reproach_n to_o cry_v unto_o he_o either_o the_o reproacher_n will_v cease_v or_o their_o reproach_n will_v be_v without_o effect_n or_o recoil_v upon_o themselves_o to_o this_o experience_n i_o subjoin_v the_o follow_a observation_n that_o upon_o hear_v a_o reproach_n and_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o myself_o i_o have_v often_o find_v it_o as_o a_o just_a punishment_n and_o a_o immediate_a return_n to_o sin_n of_o my_o own_o either_o of_o reproach_v the_o same_o person_n with_o the_o same_o or_o another_o sort_n of_o reproach_n or_o some_o body_n else_o by_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o reproach_n and_o so_o a_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o fault_n with_o a_o discovery_n of_o love_n from_o god_n therein_o and_o a_o watch_n over_o myself_o unto_o prayer_n and_o against_o reproach_v by_o this_o very_a reflection_n have_v be_v bring_v forth_o accept_v the_o reproach_n as_o shimei_n be_v take_v god_n bid_v he_o a_o nine_o experience_n of_o advance_v faith_n be_v by_o the_o great_a sudden_a and_o unexpected_a supply_n that_o have_v come_v in_o suitable_a to_o want_v and_o to_o my_o firm_a dependence_n upon_o god_n through_o former_a experience_n of_o his_o way_n i_o have_v find_v that_o though_o supply_v have_v be_v defer_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o very_a last_o moment_n yet_o they_o have_v come_v in_o so_o seasonable_o to_o my_o need_n that_o god_n in_o his_o method_n of_o bestow_v they_o have_v take_v trial_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o have_v afford_v i_o a_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o give_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o immediateness_n of_o his_o hand_n in_o bring_v they_o about_o as_o well_o as_o produce_v thereby_o a_o trust_n on_o himself_o sometime_o i_o have_v find_v supply_v defer_v for_o a_o long_a time_n that_o if_o former_a experience_n of_o god_n way_n of_o try_v my_o faith_n and_o further_o establish_v it_o thereby_o have_v not_o preserve_v in_o i_o a_o divine_a strength_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o droop_v but_o even_o then_o such_o a_o true_a reliance_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o long_a delay_n i_o have_v follow_v always_o with_o such_o numerous_a successful_a passage_n as_o afford_v more_o than_o if_o providence_n have_v walk_v in_o its_o usual_a course_n when_o therefore_o by_o such_o step_n and_o supply_v follow_v a_o true_a reliance_n under_o those_o delay_n have_v occur_v afterward_o how_o ungrateful_a have_v it_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v god_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o not_o observe_v his_o way_n with_o the_o improvement_n of_o a_o reliance_n upon_o he_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o observation_n of_o god_n way_n and_o settlement_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o thereby_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o then_o the_o lord_n method_n have_v vary_v with_o i_o both_o as_o to_o time_n and_o thing_n appear_v in_o a_o time_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n and_o way_n unexpected_a and_o all_o on_o purpose_n to_o advance_v my_o dependence_n upon_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o concern_v a_o ten_o experience_n of_o advance_v reliance_n upon_o god_n be_v by_o his_o make_n outward_a diligent_a lawful_a and_o commendable_a endeavour_n altogether_o unsuccessful_a till_o he_o have_v found_v it_o and_o gradual_o advance_v this_o dependence_n upon_o himself_o the_o obtain_v undertake_n and_o success_n therein_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o a_o constant_a stream_n of_o special_a providence_n so_o that_o when_o any_o undertake_n through_o my_o own_o interest_n have_v be_v near_o it_o either_o have_v not_o occur_v or_o most_o common_o prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o undertake_n have_v be_v never_o more_o frequent_o successful_a than_o when_o most_o remote_a from_o common_a method_n of_o obtain_v they_o and_o i_o have_v be_v most_o near_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n concern_v they_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v i_o never_o find_v myself_o without_o this_o encouragement_n of_o successful_a undertake_n but_o my_o frame_n of_o soul_n have_v be_v dead_a cold_a and_o lifeless_a and_o my_o intermission_n from_o heavenliness_n of_o frame_n visible_a and_o i_o have_v never_o find_v myself_o in_o continue_a fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o numerous_a undertake_n have_v fall_v in_o my_o way_n and_o that_o with_o marvellous_a success_n unless_o unsuccessfulness_n be_v necessary_a for_o one_o good_a end_n or_o other_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o god_n providential_a conduct_n therein_o sometime_o for_o the_o discovery_n or_o punishment_n of_o one_o failure_n or_o other_o in_o myself_o all_o which_o have_v abundant_o lay_v open_a to_o my_o view_n the_o immediateness_n of_o god_n hand_n in_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o interest_n in_o his_o special_a conduct_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n spirit_n raise_v a_o ardent_a desire_n of_o trust_v god_n in_o all_o my_o design_n even_o when_o most_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n a_o eleven_o experience_n of_o god_n design_n and_o method_n to_o advance_v faith_n of_o reliance_n be_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o these_o very_a experience_n establish_v my_o eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o god_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o strength_n to_o act_v duty_n as_o please_v to_o himself_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o special_a providence_n bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o my_o hand_n that_o nothing_o have_v make_v the_o mercy_n relish_v more_o with_o i_o than_o that_o circumstance_n of_o specialness_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o bring_v it_o about_o yea_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o most_o comfortable_a favour_n on_o this_o earth_n have_v nothing_o of_o solid_a sweetness_n in_o it_o without_o a_o discovery_n of_o favour_n from_o heaven_n therein_o and_o that_o the_o most_o afflict_a disappointment_n and_o disturb_v evil_a wherein_o the_o design_n of_o god_n love_n have_v appear_v in_o his_o providential_a order_n of_o
other_o which_o whether_o external_n or_o internal_a if_o observe_v and_o remember_v will_v seal_v to_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o its_o opposer_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o different_a mean_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v for_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v with_o reverence_n and_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o by_o obedience_n the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v our_o holiness_n as_o preparatory_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o first_o duty_n or_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v you_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o be_v that_o of_o observation_n of_o outward_a providence_n this_o have_v be_v so_o effectual_a in_o i_o i_o earnest_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o all_o concern_v for_o their_o salvation_n but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v in_o what_o method_n right_o to_o observe_v i_o will_v give_v its_o character_n in_o the_o part_n i_o have_v find_v so_o advantageous_a to_o myself_o first_o you_o must_v observe_v all_o sort_n of_o outward_a providence_n great_a and_o more_o remarkable_a lesser_a and_o not_o so_o palpable_a second_o you_o must_v observe_v all_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v such_o providence_n and_o set_v they_o upon_o record_n on_o purpose_n to_o reflect_v and_o compare_v one_o with_o the_o other_o many_o confirm_a providence_n have_v lose_v their_o favour_n and_o establish_v effect_n as_o much_o by_o miss_v some_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o by_o forget_v of_o the_o whole_a by_o this_o neglect_n some_o have_v have_v misapprehension_n of_o god_n and_o false_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n wherein_o that_o nobleman_n son_n be_v recover_v john_n 4.52_o exact_o answer_v the_o hour_n when_o christ_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o son_n live_v be_v the_o convincing-proof_n that_o the_o cure_n be_v perform_v by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o be_v send_v from_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o observation_n of_o the_o return_n of_o my_o prayer_n with_o success_n answerable_a to_o the_o fervency_n of_o my_o desire_n and_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o prayer_n when_o i_o have_v be_v cold_a and_o not_o due_o affect_v in_o that_o duty_n have_v confirm_v my_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o excitation_n of_o christ_n spirit_n that_o enable_v i_o to_o pray_v and_o from_o his_o excellent_a goodness_n the_o return_n of_o my_o prayer_n three_o you_o must_v observe_v outward_a providence_n with_o improvement_n the_o lord_n design_n in_o lay_v passage_n of_o providence_n before_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o view_v they_o but_o to_o see_v he_o in_o they_o and_o thereby_o to_o understand_v his_o be_v with_o the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o lovingkindness_n to_o man_n and_o that_o with_o the_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o eye_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n seek_v to_o he_o for_o guidance_n in_o mean_n and_o happy_a event_n of_o all_o thing_n observation_n unimproved_a serve_v not_o god_n honour_n on_o earth_n and_o will_v serve_v yourselves_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o heap_v up_o aggravation_n to_o your_o accusation_n before_o the_o great_a judge_n tribunal_n for_o neglect_v to_o improve_v his_o precious_a talent_n by_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o glorify_v his_o love_n to_o excite_v your_o observation_n under_o these_o three_o character_n i_o will_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o follow_a motive_n first_o god_n own_o encouragement_n to_o it_o psal_n 109.43_o whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n they_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o in_o god_n account_n observation_n be_v wisdom_n and_o accompany_v with_o the_o bless_a discovery_n of_o his_o lovingkindness_n can_v you_o blame_v my_o friendship_n in_o press_v you_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o to_o obtain_v a_o wisdom_n to_o discover_v and_o baffle_v the_o falsehood_n and_o 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the_o earth_n to_o that_o care_n of_o god_n public_a officer_n under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n our_o civil_a record_n abound_v from_o one_o year_n to_o another_o with_o all_o testimony_n that_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o where_o be_v the_o record_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o providence_n respect_v church_n nation_n and_o particular_a christian_n for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o he_o that_o his_o authority_n may_v be_v bear_v up_o on_o earth_n and_o those_o discountenance_v who_o refuse_v the_o lord_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o what_o more_o cloud_n the_o discovery_n of_o god_n than_o the_o unmindfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o room_n whereof_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n the_o agency_n of_o natural_a wit_n and_o policy_n have_v take_v place_n in_o our_o observation_n admiration_n and_o dependence_n and_o god_n have_v 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that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n either_o by_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o secret_a of_o thy_o presence_n from_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n or_o keep_v they_o secret_o from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n and_o what_o establishment_n hereto_o the_o personal_a experience_n of_o a_o observe_a christian_n will_v give_v be_v more_o fit_a for_o fill_v up_o of_o sheet_n than_o a_o few_o line_n mark_v the_o 10_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 29._o none_o have_v leave_v house_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o sake_n but_o he_o shall_v even_o in_o this_o life_n receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v it_o not_o the_o personal_a experience_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v disappoint_v of_o the_o design_v and_o desire_a issue_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o introduce_v the_o success_n of_o another_o and_o better_o the_o constant_a observation_n whereof_o must_v needs_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o patience_n under_o a_o 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at_o that_o time_n be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o man_n such_o a_o frame_n by_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o godhead_n can_v be_v retain_v without_o a_o divine_a influence_n when_o though_o that_o this_o divine_a work_n be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o with_o their_o reason_n and_o light_n of_o god_n word_n without_o divine_a spiritual_a influence_n obtain_v by_o god_n common_a mean_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v leave_v unknown_a to_o some_o of_o they_o and_o mock_v at_o by_o other_o of_o they_o yea_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o error_n on_o earth_n the_o prevention_n of_o all_o which_o come_v in_o by_o the_o right_n and_o continue_a use_n of_o these_o mean_v god_n common_o afford_v the_o sensible_a experience_n of_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a record_n some_o christian_n excel_v one_o another_o in_o faith_n of_o reliance_n hereby_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n go_v along_o yet_o their_o hope_n be_v without_o shock_n and_o that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o reflection_n upon_o former_a experience_n which_o in_o the_o 5_o chap._n of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o 5_o and_o 6_o ver_fw-la be_v say_v to_o bring_v forth_o hope_n that_o make_v not_o ashamed_a and_o certain_o find_v to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o christian_n if_o their_o seal_n be_v give_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n let_v we_o imagine_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o mere_a professor_n under_o never_o so_o rational_a a_o conviction_n of_o any_o one_o scripture-truth_n yet_o without_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n bear_v it_o home_o as_o truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n you_o will_v hardly_o see_v as_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o this_o save_v faith_n therein_o either_o commence_v or_o so_o six_o but_o that_o it_o may_v give_v way_n to_o a_o succeed_a error_n if_o it_o have_v a_o fair_a appearance_n to_o his_o
command_n of_o pray_v without_o cease_v even_o amid_o diligent_a endeavour_n in_o business_n and_o outward_a lawful_a pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o morning_n noon_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n my_o challenge_n therefore_o take_v place_n when_o exactness_n in_o that_o circumstance_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o that_o of_o education_n or_o guide_v by_o no_o other_o rule_n than_o that_o of_o other_o example_n and_o tend_v towards_o no_o other_o end_n than_o applause_n or_o please_v themselves_o by_o their_o customariness_n therein_o the_o former_a experience_n of_o myself_o under_o the_o alone_a power_n of_o education_n and_o now_o under_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n give_v i_o occasion_n to_o reprehend_v this_o error_n have_v then_o find_v myself_o more_o uneasy_a at_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o set-time_n of_o prayer_n than_o i_o be_o at_o this_o day_n when_o a_o lawful_a occurrence_n fall_v in_o my_o way_n to_o hinder_v my_o 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of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o dissenter_n but_o pure_o to_o personal_a experience_n found_v i_o hope_v upon_o scripture-revelation_n i_o must_v say_v that_o when_o in_o closet_n or_o family-prayer_n my_o frame_n of_o mind_n have_v be_v raise_v to_o great_a spirituality_n and_o heavenliness_n my_o word_n then_o have_v run_v from_o i_o with_o a_o amaze_a freedom_n and_o current_n and_o in_o a_o most_o affect_a way_n to_o myself_o and_o other_o from_o whence_o i_o must_v imagine_v that_o the_o soul_n confine_v himself_o to_o word_n in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n give_v a_o occasional_a hindrance_n of_o this_o spiritual_a frame_n by_o confinement_n to_o what_o be_v design_v to_o be_v utter_v and_o so_o keep_v off_o such_o divine_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o bound_v either_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o the_o christian_n outward_a expression_n again_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o a_o christian_n seriousness_n when_o 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the_o thought_n from_o diversion_n or_o discover_v self_n and_o christ_n spiritual_a influence_n and_o carry_v the_o soul_n more_o out_o of_o self_n to_o cry_v and_o depend_v on_o christ_n supply_n than_o such_o extemporary_a prayer_n with_o observation_n but_o if_o this_o experience_n can_v be_v oppose_v by_o other_o who_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v may_v find_v less_o distraction_n and_o great_a heavenliness_n of_o frame_n in_o a_o form_a prayer_n whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o shall_v never_o offer_v my_o censure_n against_o the_o circumstance_n of_o form_v or_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v only_o to_o be_v accuse_v when_o either_o it_o be_v perform_v stick_v to_o and_o plead_v for_o because_o of_o education_n and_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o being_n a_o better_a mean_n towards_o perform_v of_o prayer_n in_o a_o more_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n if_o our_o concern_v run_v more_o upon_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o soul_n frame_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n than_o upon_o the_o various_a method_n of_o their_o outward_a performance_n the_o common_a distinction_n of_o opinion_n and_o quarrelling_n about_o needless_a circumstance_n will_v soon_o be_v abandon_v i_o dissent_v from_o all_o though_o of_o my_o own_o opinion_n who_o lie_v weight_n upon_o any_o circumstance_n but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o contribute_v to_o great_a spirituality_n in_o prayer_n and_o shall_v never_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o opinion_n who_o stick_v fast_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o thereby_o differ_v from_o i_o pure_o because_o such_o circumstance_n be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o their_o soul_n in_o raise_v their_o frame_n to_o great_a spirituality_n than_o when_o otherwise_o perform_v but_o to_o be_v strict_a in_o their_o use_n and_o to_o plead_v for_o they_o in_o conversation_n pure_o because_o of_o be_v educate_v with_o they_o without_o try_v the_o contrary_a way_n plead_v for_o and_o experience_v by_o other_o 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in_o and_o reach_v further_a in_o expression_n than_o what_o his_o soul_n design_v by_o his_o usual_a form_n four_o a_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o weight_n upon_o the_o circumstance_n of_o length_n in_o prayer_n be_v another_o error_n of_o education_n especial_o among_o the_o youth_n of_o dissenter_n who_o be_v as_o much_o please_v herewith_o as_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v with_o form_n in_o prayer_n length_n in_o prayer_n i_o accuse_v not_o absolute_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o admit_v to_o near_a approach_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n its_o delight_n therein_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v unwilling_a to_o yea_o can_v hardly_o give_v over_o but_o when_o length_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o education_n or_o custom_n it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n no_o way_n promote_a the_o soul_n heavenliness_n in_o it_o or_o god_n acceptance_n of_o it_o there_o be_v many_o who_o from_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n can_v with_o strength_n of_o memory_n judgement_n and_o readiness_n of_o expression_n lengthen_v out_o prayer_n to_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o with_o applause_n from_o other_o and_o yet_o never_o know_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o meaning_n of_o access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o have_v often_o move_v i_o to_o concern_v for_o some_o under_o good_a education_n and_o religious_a character_n but_o altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o inward_a religion_n the_o meaning_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o on_o earth_n among_o ourselves_o and_o the_o service_n that_o be_v proportion_v to_o god_n be_v spiritual_a in_o the_o soul_n expression_n be_v no_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o unless_o upon_o that_o account_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n it_o be_v that_o which_o assimilate_v a_o man_n most_o to_o god_n and_o bring_v a_o man_n soon_o to_o the_o knowledge_n
his_o return_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v great_o defer_v and_o as_o a_o condescend_v help_n to_o prevent_v despond_v anxiety_n quiet_a of_o mind_n concern_v the_o return_n to_o be_v defer_v always_o accompany_v my_o supplication_n and_o the_o lord_n leave_v i_o not_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o of_o satan_n suggestion_n or_o if_o either_o have_v assault_v i_o the_o divine_a strength_n raise_v i_o to_o a_o actual_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n at_o the_o time_n fortify_v i_o against_o they_o again_o a_o observe_v christian_n see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o god_n way_n concern_v they_o that_o it_o must_v be_v strange_a if_o he_o presume_v to_o confine_v god_n to_o one_o method_n when_o the_o variousness_n yea_o the_o contrariness_n of_o method_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o same_o end_n be_v one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o wisdom_n a_o observe_a believer_n know_v that_o god_n try_v the_o strength_n of_o 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to_o pray_v to_o this_o i_o say_v spirituality_n in_o prayer_n be_v the_o alone_a gift_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o it_o come_v when_o he_o please_v but_o by_o sincere_a prayer_n we_o obtain_v this_o bless_a gift_n it_o be_v not_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v it_o in_o more_o excellent_a degree_n without_o our_o sincere_a ask_n it_o in_o the_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o it_o the_o quaker_n acknowledge_v as_o from_o converse_n with_o some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o have_v a_o innate_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v and_o according_a to_o its_o inward_a strive_v so_o they_o move_v in_o duty_n i_o know_v in_o we_o all_o there_o be_v that_o innate_a principle_n of_o corruption_n which_o reign_v make_v our_o faculty_n of_o soul_n and_o member_n of_o body_n move_v as_o it_o list_v to_o evil_a but_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n that_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a life_n in_o our_o duty_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v obtain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ordinance_n this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o obscure_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n freegrace_n for_o his_o spirit_n excite_v we_o to_o duty_n and_o supply_v we_o with_o strength_n to_o perform_v they_o but_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o way_n appoint_v that_o we_o may_v find_v he_o that_o therefore_o christian_n may_v right_o judge_v of_o this_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n prepare_v they_o to_o ask_v from_o god_n what_o he_o be_v to_o return_v error_n herein_o proceed_v either_o from_o mistake_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n spirit_n help_v they_o to_o ask_v or_o from_o apply_v the_o return_n to_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o i_o shall_v give_v the_o follow_a mark_n accompany_v such_o a_o prayer_n and_o that_o observe_v from_o my_o own_o personal_a experience_n first_o a_o height_n of_o spiritual_a thought_n and_o affection_n throughout_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o one_o particular_a petition_n thereof_o far_o beyond_o common_a seriousness_n which_o though_o by_o word_n it_o be_v almost_o inexplicable_a so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o unexperience_a christian_a comprehend_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_o perceive_v by_o the_o experience_a christian_a in_o this_o raise_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o in_o solemn_a or_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n there_o be_v such_o heavenliness_n of_o thought_n as_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v already_o in_o heaven_n enjoyment_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o young_a observer_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o my_o spirituality_n of_o frame_n in_o prayer_n the_o real_a preparation_n of_o christ_n spirit_n to_o ask_v and_o certain_o evidential_a of_o god_n return_n be_v at_o first_o observe_v to_o be_v much_o less_o in_o degree_n though_o the_o same_o in_o nature_n than_o now_o it_o be_v one_o degree_n of_o experimental_a knowledge_n prepare_v for_o far_a degree_n this_o bring_v to_o my_o thought_n the_o gradual_a rise_n of_o christian_n meetness_n for_o heaven_n by_o christ_n spirit_n in_o his_o common_a way_n of_o work_v by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n of_o which_o observe_v christian_n be_v sweet_o sensible_a second_o another_o mark_n of_o christ_n spirit_n be_v intercession_n in_o prayer_n as_o token_n of_o god_n acceptance_n thereof_o and_o his_o return_n thereto_o be_v when_o with_o a_o address_n so_o spiritual_o perform_v go_v along_o a_o comfortable_a quiet_n of_o mind_n concern_v the_o event_n though_o the_o praying-believer_n be_v encompass_v with_o affliction_n a_o calm_a composure_n of_o mind_n in_o our_o trust_n upon_o the_o gracious_a will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n concern_v we_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v style_v the_o comforter_n we_o must_v observe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o he_o command_v we_o to_o do_v he_o promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v he_o command_v we_o that_o sin_n shall_v not_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n god_n command_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o by_o supplication_n to_o lay_v our_o request_n before_o god_n and_o certain_o freedom_n from_o anxiety_n and_o disquiet_n and_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o patience_n concern_v any_o thing_n in_o commend_v our_o affair_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o not_o from_o the_o natural_a temper_n and_o stayedness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o where_o the_o christian_a actual_o experience_n it_o in_o prayer_n he_o may_v safe_o conclude_v himself_o influence_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n not_o only_o in_o raise_v his_o frame_n to_o ask_v but_o leave_v it_o at_o god_n footstool_n as_o to_o the_o event_n and_o that_o as_o presage_v of_o god_n return_v favour_n and_o introductive_a of_o his_o blessing_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o trust_n psal_n 37.5_o commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v the_o habit_n of_o resignation_n may_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o exercise_n by_o the_o renew_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n three_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o your_o soul_n in_o address_v god_n by_o prayer_n by_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n that_o bring_v about_o the_o return_n of_o this_o prayer_n in_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o speciality_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n in_o the_o providence_n bring_v the_o return_n about_o be_v as_o discoverable_a as_o immediateness_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n influence_v the_o soul_n to_o ask_v with_o calm_a and_o resign_v submission_n as_o to_o the_o event_n the_o observe_a christian_n do_v often_o see_v these_o two_o join_v together_o and_o each_o illustrate_v one_o another_o where_o other_o do_v not_o or_o hardly_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o observe_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o first_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 116th_o psal_n in_o the_o five_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 118th_o psalm_n and_o in_o the_o 121st_o psalm_n find_v that_o prayer_n return_v observe_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n discover_v or_o bring_v it_o about_o be_v powerful_a in_o bring_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o love_n to_o reliance_n upon_o admiration_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o supplication_n i_o call_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o therefore_o shall_v i_o see_v my_o desire_n and_o he_o be_v now_o my_o strength_n and_o my_o song_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o thou_o have_v hear_v i_o and_o be_v become_v my_o salvation_n the_o unobserve_a christian_a therefore_o of_o prayer_n return_v and_o of_o
begin_v your_o morning_n duty_n with_o read_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o chapter_n by_o pool_n annotation_n observe_v the_o word_n and_o sentence_n thereof_o that_o impress_v your_o mind_n most_o with_o serious_a advertency_n to_o they_o observe_v the_o thought_n that_o thence_o arise_v at_o the_o time_n if_o tend_v to_o explain_v what_o former_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o tend_v to_o establish_v you_o in_o what_o former_o you_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o tend_v to_o make_v you_o resolve_v you_o will_v conform_v to_o it_o or_o if_o tend_v to_o comfort_v you_o as_o have_v walk_v conform_v to_o it_o and_o thereby_o discover_v yourself_o in_o the_o read_n such_o a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n three_o enter_v upon_o private_a prayer_n with_o a_o serious_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n favour_n in_o conduct_v you_o through_o the_o night_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a supplication_n to_o he_o for_o his_o conduct_n through_o the_o day_n by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o spirit_n that_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o both_o through_o the_o day_n you_o may_v discover_v his_o special_a favour_n to_o your_o soul_n as_o a_o comfortable_a evening_n cordial_a and_o that_o by_o his_o supply_n of_o grace_n throughout_o the_o day_n you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bless_a improvement_n of_o both_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o trust_n in_o and_o love_n to_o the_o godhead_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n observe_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n throughout_o this_o prayer_n observe_v if_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o seriousness_n throughout_o the_o whole_a or_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o various_a petition_n put_v up_o observe_v and_o record_v the_o different_a frames_n and_o different_a petition_n four_o go_v forth_o thus_o prepare_v to_o your_o lawful_a business_n and_o conversation_n in_o your_o business_n through_o the_o day_n observe_v first_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n that_o seem_v to_o bring_v undertake_n to_o your_o hand_n second_o observe_v your_o own_o endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o three_o the_o event_n of_o each_o undertake_n in_o your_o conversation_n through_o the_o day_n observe_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o your_o entrance_n into_o it_o whether_o idleness_n lust_n within_o necessity_n or_o recreation_n 2._o the_o frame_n of_o your_o mind_n while_n in_o it_o whether_o on_o your_o watch_n against_o the_o evil_n thereof_o and_o 3._o the_o issue_n of_o it_o whether_o freedom_n from_o or_o commission_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o day_n reflection_n according_a to_o the_o observation_n and_o record_n of_o the_o day_n be_v the_o duty_n precede_v your_o last_o closet_n prayer_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o your_o practice_n perform_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n first_o reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o observe_v in_o the_o morning_n whether_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o read_v and_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o a_o seriousness_n if_o observe_v to_o be_v unserious_a or_o to_o a_o great_a seriousness_n than_o the_o degree_n of_o seriousness_n at_o first_o observe_v yea_o perhaps_o to_o great_a heavenliness_n the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o walk_v therein_o and_o perhaps_o daily_a continuance_n may_v bring_v in_o daily_a addition_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o christian_a in_o daily_a heavenliness_n of_o soul_n as_o bulwark_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n with_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o great_a inward_a peace_n second_o reflect_v upon_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n round_o you_o through_o the_o day_n and_o first_o of_o all_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n you_o read_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o to_o the_o thought_n that_o then_o most_o impress_v your_o mind_n to_o see_v whether_o or_o not_o these_o passage_n of_o divine_a providence_n afford_v you_o some_o discovery_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o observe_v establish_v your_o faith_n in_o it_o the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o resolution_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o morning_n before_o the_o enter_v upon_o the_o business_n of_o the_o day_n and_o perhaps_o there_o will_v arise_v to_o your_o sensible_a experience_n great_a knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n than_o ever_o yet_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o you_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a instruction_n yea_o such_o establishment_n to_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n as_o can_v not_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o strong_a arguing_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o into_o which_o the_o strong_a dart_n of_o erroneous_a sophistry_n can_v never_o pierce_v enable_v your_o soul_n not_o only_o to_o see_v the_o reality_n but_o even_o harmony_n of_o god_n word_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o spirit_n second_o compare_v the_o providence_n of_o the_o day_n to_o your_o morning-duty_n of_o closet-prayer_n to_o the_o petition_n therein_o put_v up_o and_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o soul_n you_o be_v then_o under_o that_o you_o may_v discover_v what_o passage_n of_o providence_n seem_v to_o be_v afford_v you_o in_o return_n to_o prayer_n and_o what_o frame_n your_o soul_n be_v in_o and_o what_o be_v your_o utterance_n in_o that_o prayer_n or_o part_v thereof_o that_o be_v return_v the_o improvement_n whereof_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v always_o in_o that_o frame_n wherein_o you_o be_v when_o you_o pray_v that_o prayer_n that_o be_v so_o visible_o return_v it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o see_v a_o difference_n between_o one_o kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o another_o between_o a_o prayer_n with_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n between_o a_o prayer_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n enable_v to_o ask_v sincere_o and_o a_o prayer_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o soul_n the_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o discover_v the_o reality_n of_o a_o divine_a strength_n above_o ourselves_o both_o bring_v the_o providence_n of_o the_o day_n to_o we_o and_o bring_v forth_o the_o improvement_n thereof_o in_o we_o by_o a_o gradual_a advancement_n of_o reliance_n upon_o and_o love_n to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o who_o satisfaction_n this_o once-sealed_a fountain_n be_v open_v and_o by_o who_o spirit_n its_o water_n of_o spiritual_a life_n continual_o flow_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o duty_n apply_v to_o we_o three_o reflect_v upon_o your_o own_o way_n of_o manage_v business_n and_o conversation_n with_o other_o that_o so_o you_o may_v not_o only_o discover_v a_o special_a providence_n round_o you_o but_o the_o act_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n within_o you_o and_o that_o by_o compare_v first_o your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n lay_v undertake_n in_o your_o way_n through_o the_o day_n reflect_v whether_o god_n be_v observe_v in_o bring_v they_o about_o as_o a_o discovery_n of_o divine_a strength_n in_o you_o carry_v your_o observation_n beyond_o the_o enjoyment_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o second_o by_o compare_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o your_o method_n of_o use_v mean_n and_o manage_v endeavour_n thus_o providential_o lay_v in_o your_o way_n not_o only_o whether_o god_n be_v regard_v therein_o lay_v providence_n in_o your_o way_n or_o help_v you_o to_o observe_v he_o but_o whether_o your_o concern_n run_v out_o chief_o upon_o do_v duty_n neither_o design_v ill_a end_n nor_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v about_o any_o purpose_n in_o the_o use_n of_o ill_a mean_n but_o regard_v duty_n to_o he_o in_o all_o three_o compare_v your_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o event_n of_o such_o undertake_n thus_o providential_o lay_v in_o your_o way_n and_o thus_o faithful_o manage_v by_o you_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o expectation_n or_o better_a than_o expectation_n reflect_v whether_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o such_o a_o discovery_n and_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o same_o lawful_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o a_o trust_n to_o divine_a supply_n for_o event_n as_o full_a evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o of_o your_o be_v under_o his_o spiritual_a conduct_n in_o conversation_n with_o other_o 1._o reflect_v upon_o your_o entrance_n to_o it_o whether_o its_o occasion_n be_v necessity_n and_o innocent_a recreation_n with_o a_o previous_a address_n for_o divine_a conduct_n in_o it_o 2._o reflect_v upon_o your_o carriage_n in_o it_o thus_o prepare_v the_o temptation_n
prayer_n and_o of_o the_o correspondency_n thereof_o to_o god_n return_n second_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o work_v sensible_o and_o fructify_a faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o himself_o three_o experience_n of_o the_o withhold_a divine_a influence_n in_o prayer_n four_o experience_n of_o god_n method_n of_o train_v the_o soul_n to_o right_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n experience_n of_o the_o first_o take_v in_o the_o follow_a order_n my_o first_o experience_n lead_v i_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v express_v above_o be_v that_o when_o providential_o call_v to_o the_o undertake_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v and_o difficulty_n that_o then_o according_a to_o the_o fervency_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o soul_n carry_v i_o forth_o to_o supplicate_v so_o encouragement_n have_v accompany_v the_o management_n of_o such_o a_o affair_n and_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o according_a to_o the_o continuance_n or_o intermission_n of_o this_o frame_n so_o encouragement_n or_o discouragement_n have_v appear_v some_o instance_n whereof_o i_o have_v experience_v in_o the_o follow_a method_n where_o the_o endeavour_n have_v be_v of_o three_o day_n duration_n the_o first_o day_n i_o have_v be_v heaven_o carry_v out_o in_o prayer_n the_o next_o two_o day_n this_o frame_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o matter_n either_o neglect_v in_o prayer_n or_o superficial_o give_v up_o to_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o success_n of_o mean_n throughout_o those_o three_o day_n i_o have_v sound_a eminent_a success_n the_o companion_n of_o the_o first_o day_n endeavour_v but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a day_n endeavour_v a_o perfect_a discouragement_n and_o that_o exact_o answer_v the_o two_o different_a posture_n of_o soul_n that_o prayer_n in_o these_o different_a day_n be_v put_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o a_o second_o experience_n be_v when_o in_o one_o prayer_n i_o have_v petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v two_o different_a matter_n and_o plead_v for_o the_o one_o my_o thought_n have_v be_v ravish_o carry_v forth_o but_o supplicate_v for_o the_o other_o a_o damp_n have_v be_v upon_o my_o mind_n and_o neither_o life_n or_o vigour_n in_o its_o frame_n nor_o freedom_n of_o word_n in_o utterance_n concern_v it_o pray_v then_o no_o otherwise_o than_o while_n under_o the_o power_n of_o education_n and_o ignorant_a of_o any_o inward_a change_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o enquiry_n have_v find_v that_o the_o design_n and_o desire_v spiritual_o give_v up_o to_o god_n divine_a conduct_n have_v be_v successful_o bring_v about_o but_o that_o the_o other_o be_v without_o imminent_a probability_n or_o real_a and_o certain_a success_n a_o three_o experience_n be_v when_o my_o frame_n of_o mind_n have_v be_v cold_a listless_a and_o lazy_a continue_v thus_o throughout_o a_o prayer_n except_v one_o petition_n that_o sudden_o have_v seize_v my_o thought_n and_o have_v be_v in_o sweet_a heavenliness_n of_o frame_n put_v up_o yea_o so_o serious_o and_o powerful_o put_v up_o to_o god_n unconceivable_a by_o any_o unacquainted_a with_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o petition_n before_o and_o after_o have_v be_v ask_v of_o god_n with_o great_a coldness_n of_o frame_n and_o constraint_n of_o word_n but_o this_o to_o which_o god_n be_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n and_o for_o which_o strength_n be_v convey_v to_o petition_v correspond_v a_o visible_a and_o eminent_a return_n of_o prayer_n without_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n thus_o cold_o give_v up_o to_o god_n many_o instance_n of_o these_o experience_n i_o can_v bring_v forth_o and_o that_o full_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o more_o plain_o but_o fear_v of_o be_v know_v confine_v i_o i_o shall_v only_o lay_v before_o you_o one_o which_o be_v marvellous_a in_o my_o eye_n at_o the_o time_n and_o have_v often_o be_v repeat_v in_o my_o experience_n since_o have_v be_v for_o some_o day_n engage_v in_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v a_o design_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o all_o visible_a mean_n that_o only_o except_v of_o give_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n i_o resolve_v one_o afternoon_n to_o go_v abroad_o on_o purpose_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o mean_n make_v use_v of_o but_o after_o walk_v down_o one_o pair_n of_o stair_n there_o sudden_o seize_v i_o a_o unexpressible_a force_n to_o return_v that_o i_o may_v first_o petition_v the_o lord_n concern_v it_o and_o bow_v my_o knee_n a_o sweet_a serious_a frame_n seize_v my_o mind_n and_o my_o thought_n be_v carry_v forth_o with_o great_a warmth_n and_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n concern_v the_o matter_n after_o this_o address_n to_o god_n and_o go_v forth_o i_o find_v that_o the_o least_o degree_n or_o shadow_n of_o success_n have_v never_o appear_v till_o that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o i_o be_v under_o so_o undesign_v and_o sudden_a a_o force_n to_o prayer_n and_o with_o so_o heavenly_a a_o frame_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o both_o so_o exact_o answer_v one_o another_o that_o i_o be_v under_o a_o meaning_n meditation_n of_o the_o thing_n clear_o evince_v of_o a_o power_n above_o one_o self_n the_o circumstance_n in_o this_o instance_n most_o remarkable_a be_v first_o sudden_a and_o prevalent_a force_n to_o prayer_n undesign_v by_o previous_a meditation_n and_o altogether_o different_a from_o that_o of_o a_o sudden_a remembrance_n of_o any_o thing_n forget_v but_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o exciting-method_n of_o christ_n spirit_n and_o quicken_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n raise_v it_o out_o of_o a_o dead_a frame_n or_o exciting_a it_o to_o duty_n omit_v or_o careless_o perform_v psal_n 65.4_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o cause_v to_o approach_v unto_o thou_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o cause_v i_o to_o approach_v he_o never_o any_o motion_n be_v visible_a by_o the_o sudden_a and_o strong_a excitement_n to_o that_o duty_n former_o omit_v and_o by_o impart_v divine_a strength_n to_o petition_v concern_v it_o in_o prayer_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o corrupt_a reluctancy_n to_o it_o a_o second_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o struggle_n in_o myself_o at_o the_o first_o excitement_n to_o prayer_n between_o a_o inclination_n and_o aversion_n to_o return_v with_o the_o victorious_a strength_n of_o divine_a influence_n bring_v i_o to_o a_o willing_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o circumstance_n prove_v among_o the_o first_o to_o confirm_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o the_o member_n war_a against_o that_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o the_o instance_n be_v the_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o the_o time_n of_o excitement_n and_o heavenliness_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o real_a though_o unexpected_a success_n a_o circumstance_n great_o discover_v self-insufficiency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n without_o divine_a conduct_n therein_o and_o trust_v to_o god_n for_o the_o event_n the_o four_o experience_n concern_v prayer_n be_v when_o any_o failure_n observe_v in_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n and_o accompany_v with_o concern_v of_o mind_n and_o great_a spirituality_n in_o prayer_n in_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o god_n that_o then_o i_o have_v find_v as_o its_o immediate_a concommitant_n the_o uneasiness_n and_o concern_v perfect_o go_v off_o with_o full_a quiet_a possess_v my_o thought_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o great_a watch_n its_o consequent_a confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o 6_o and_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o philippian_n never_o experience_v either_o ease_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o event_n give_v up_o to_o divine_a conduct_n as_o to_o concern_v for_o sinful_a failure_n but_o when_o carry_v forth_o heaven_o in_o prayer_n for_o either_o i_o must_v subjoin_v hereto_o a_o experience_a circumstance_n that_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o my_o fear_n as_o to_o any_o event_n lead_v i_o the_o more_o frequent_o to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o less_o to_o confidence_n in_o outward_a mean_n the_o more_o unexpected_o eminent_a the_o return_n have_v be_v discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o psalmist_n method_n what_o time_n we_o be_v afraid_a we_o will_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o use_n of_o that_o bless_a mean_n of_o serious_a prayer_n i_o have_v oft_o experience_v that_o trust_v to_o a_o outward_a instrument_n for_o the_o bring_n about_o any_o design_n with_o a_o rest_v therein_o without_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o same_o end_n have_v make_v the_o mean_a that_o be_v successful_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o or_o that_o be_v in_o its_o self_n tend_v natural_o to_o a_o successful_a event_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o i_o a_o five_o experience_n be_v