come_v to_o offer_v be_v their_o incense_n unsavoury_a or_o be_v their_o censer_n unhallowed_a be_v their_o altar_n profane_a or_o do_v they_o offer_v with_o strange_a fire_n no_o but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o heart_n be_v proud_a and_o stubborn_a leven_v with_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o this_o be_v what_o kindle_v god_n wrath_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o a_o unheard_a of_o method_n of_o destruction_n for_o they_o do_v not_o die_v the_o common_a death_n or_o as_o every_o one_o die_v but_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o the_o pit_n numb_a 16.29_o 30._o malice_n make_v the_o offering_n of_o these_o wretch_n unwelcome_a and_o it_o still_o corrupt_v not_o only_a prayer_n but_o make_v all_o other_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n to_o lose_v their_o acceptance_n with_o the_o almighty_a for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o can_v any_o evil_a dwell_v with_o he_o such_o as_o be_v foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o he_o hate_v all_o they_o that_o work_n vanity_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o such_o as_o run_v eager_o upon_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v mad_a to_o commit_v it_o shall_v perish_v through_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v cast_v they_o out_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o transgression_n their_o own_o malicious_a uncharitable_a design_n of_o mischief_n shall_v betray_v they_o to_o ruin_n and_o their_o very_a prayer_n shall_v become_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v no_o more_o acceptable_a than_o be_v of_o old_a the_o present_v unto_o god_n what_o they_o have_v no_o value_n for_o themselves_o such_o as_o unclean_a thing_n or_o the_o refuse_n of_o their_o flock_n god_n be_v oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o prosper_v and_o crown_v your_o fidelity_n in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o defend_v and_o with_o his_o favour_n to_o compass_v you_o as_o with_o a_o shield_n he_o will_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o your_o petition_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o your_o prayer_n which_o you_o make_v in_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o have_v this_o always_o in_o mind_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a benefit_n in_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n to_o discharge_v it_o aright_o and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v this_o without_o due_a preparedness_n which_o be_v mature_o consider_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o never_o begin_v their_o public_a prayer_n till_o the_o priest_n have_v raise_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o preparatory_a introduction_n to_o which_o pious_a custom_n our_o own_o church_n have_v a_o eye_n when_o she_o order_v he_o that_o minister_n to_o prepare_v the_o congregation_n for_o prayer_n with_o the_o read_n some_o select_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o that_o be_v do_v with_o a_o short_a affectionate_a exhortation_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o people_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o excite_v to_o a_o devout_a and_o reverend_a deportment_n and_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n with_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o li_n and_o from_o what_o have_v now_o be_v say_v you_o will_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n your_o prayer_n shall_v prevail_v while_o you_o remain_v impenitent_a and_o though_o one_o main_a branch_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o your_o fault_n yet_o you_o can_v expect_v this_o till_o you_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v they_o to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v with_o your_o tongue_n the_o sin_n you_o approve_v and_o cherish_v in_o your_o heart_n will_v make_v all_o your_o prayer_n but_o a_o heap_n of_o indignity_n against_o god_n and_o of_o imprecation_n upon_o yourself_o when_o therefore_o you_o come_v to_o adore_v worship_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n your_o inward_a thought_n and_o external_n action_n be_v to_o be_v purify_v from_o sin_n by_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o impenitent_a nor_o those_o who_o regard_n iniquity_n in_o their_o heart_n john_n 9.31_o psal_n 66.18_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v require_v of_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o prayer_n namely_o to_o examine_v yourself_o whether_o you_o repent_v you_o true_o of_o your_o former_a sin_n steadfast_o purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o when_o you_o be_v thus_o right_o prepare_v to_o offer_v prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o right_o qualify_v he_o will_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o bless_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n twenty_o first_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n grant_v unto_o we_o we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_a lord_n and_o to_o all_o thy_o faithful_a people_n pardon_v and_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o serve_v thou_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o twenty_o four_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o offence_n that_o through_o thy_o bountiful_a goodness_n we_o may_v all_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o band_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o by_o our_o frailty_n we_o have_v commit_v grant_v this_o o_o heavenly_a father_n for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n chap._n x._o circumspection_n at_o prayer_n have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o that_o preparation_n which_o be_v require_v when_o you_o come_v to_o prayer_n and_o show_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o be_o now_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o circumspection_n you_o be_v to_o use_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n by_o circumspection_n i_o understand_v your_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o deep_a your_o soul_n devout_a and_o your_o body_n reverent_a during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o circumspection_n which_o regard_v the_o keep_n of_o your_o soul_n devout_a it_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n consist_v in_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a whatever_o may_v occasion_v the_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v chief_o such_o as_o now_o follow_v i._o inconstancy_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o mind_n by_o reason_n whereof_o your_o thought_n be_v distract_v and_o divide_v contrary_a way_n a_o emblem_n of_o this_o unhappy_a state_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o wander_a of_o his_o thought_n have_v be_v ingenious_o enough_o draw_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o picture_n wherein_o christ_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o votary_n upon_o their_o knee_n look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o breathe_v out_o the_o different_a aspire_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o one_o flow_v a_o label_n direct_v itself_o in_o a_o strait_a line_n to_o to_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o bleed_a saviour_n pray_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o blood_n that_o he_o shed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o other_o be_v see_v to_o proceed_v several_a label_n wave_v to_o and_o fro_o some_o point_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o some_o to_o the_o field_n and_o rural_a sport_n and_o diversion_n other_o to_o the_o sea_n to_o trade_n and_o business_n some_o be_v make_v up_o of_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o appetite_n other_o be_v fill_v with_o unlawful_a desire_n or_o the_o recital_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n pass_v and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o first_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o interrupt_v or_o divert_v he_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o offer_v but_o like_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n they_o swift_o and_o direct_o make_v their_o way_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o other_o do_v not_o mind_n what_o he_o be_v about_o but_o give_v his_o thought_n the_o reins_o and_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o ramble_v where_o they_o listen_v and_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o look_v the_o same_o way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v yet_o his_o mind_n be_v rove_a all_o the_o while_n verify_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 15.8_o such_o a_o one_o may_v seem_v to_o draw_v nigh_o with_o his_o mouth_n and_o honour_n god_n with_o his_o lip_n but_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o ii_o cark_n immoderate_a worldly_a thought_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n which_o discompose_v your_o mind_n and_o beget_v in_o you_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n in_o god_n
pray_v and_o go_v not_o thither_o full_a of_o thy_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o and_o be_v not_o as_o fool_n who_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o turn_v not_o from_o they_o only_a penitent_n than_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v suppliant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n every_o one_o be_v to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n to_o abandon_v his_o sin_n when_o he_o come_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o approach_v he_o with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n under_o the_o law_n no_o man_n have_v liberty_n to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n who_o have_v touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n till_o he_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o water_n by_o the_o priest_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o god_n without_o have_v your_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o your_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o the_o master_n forbid_v any_o to_o enter_v the_o temple_n with_o dust_n on_o their_o foot_n mean_v thereby_o that_o all_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a affection_n thought_n and_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v shake_v off_o and_o discharge_v by_o they_o who_o come_v to_o offer_v spiritual_a holy_a service_n unto_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v also_o enjoin_v not_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n any_o of_o those_o tool_n and_o instrument_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o civil_a trade_n and_o employment_n by_o which_o they_o be_v also_o mind_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o whatsoever_o may_v in_o the_o least_o suggest_v any_o earthly_a concern_v worldly_a notion_n or_o encumbrance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o god_n house_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v or_o divert_v in_o devotion_n nor_o be_v the_o jew_n singular_a in_o this_o particular_a or_o the_o only_a people_n that_o be_v careful_a thus_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o prayer_n for_o the_o mahumedan_n who_o take_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n from_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o precise_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o mosch_n or_o giamma_n the_o place_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n for_o they_o never_o repair_v to_o these_o till_o they_o have_v first_o wash_v at_o home_n nor_o do_v they_o enter_v those_o solemn_a place_n with_o their_o shoe_n on_o and_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o come_v unprepared_a to_o prayer_n or_o behave_v themselves_o indecent_o at_o they_o that_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o come_n cleanliness_n according_a to_o mahume_v be_v the_o key_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o regard_v without_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cleanliness_n all_o the_o preparative_n to_o prayer_n be_v understand_v and_o by_o prayer_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o this_o cleanliness_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o body_n but_o also_o regard_v the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o it_o imply_v the_o put_v away_o of_o all_o unlawful_a action_n the_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o vicious_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o they_o hold_v that_o filthiness_n in_o these_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o offensive_a to_o god_n who_o according_a to_o their_o alcoran_n as_o well_o as_o our_o bible_n be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v the_o least_o defilement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o come_v behind_o jew_n and_o mahumedan_n in_o this_o particular_a nor_o bold_o and_o inconsiderate_o rush_v upon_o those_o holy_a duty_n which_o these_o infidel_n approach_v with_o so_o great_a preparedness_n the_o apostle_n advise_v all_o of_o his_o religion_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a and_o pure_a hand_n in_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n he_o appoint_v that_o not_o only_o at_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o every_o where_o else_o christian_n shall_v pray_v with_o that_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n join_v with_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o good_a work_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o no_o doubt_n or_o irresolution_n of_o mind_n shall_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n or_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n you_o do_v but_o burn_v incense_n to_o vanity_n and_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n to_o heaven_n to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o your_o action_n be_v unjust_a god_n will_v cast_v back_o your_o prayer_n like_o dung_n upon_o your_o face_n and_o reject_v both_o they_o and_o your_o person_n when_o you_o tread_v his_o court_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v his_o worshipper_n he_o he_o hear_v s._n john_n 9.31_o his_o eye_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o his_o face_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a psal_n 34.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.12_o god_n look_v kind_o on_o his_o obedient_a servant_n but_o he_o set_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n against_o the_o obstinate_o wicked_a he_o be_v nigh_o to_o good_a man_n and_o hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o who_o turn_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n prov._n 28.9.15.29_o the_o humble_a dutiful_a soul_n implore_v god_n assistance_n be_v sure_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o kind_n or_o in_o equivalence_n but_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n declare_v the_o prayer_n of_o sinner_n to_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o none_o but_o impenitent_a sinner_n who_o stubborn_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o either_o wilful_o continue_v in_o their_o impiety_n or_o retain_v a_o kindness_n for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o then_o your_o have_v commit_v sin_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o some_o gild_n be_v upon_o you_o that_o aught_o to_o hinder_v your_o pray_v for_o you_o must_v pray_v the_o rather_o that_o god_n may_v remit_v and_o pardon_v the_o sin_n you_o have_v commit_v for_o if_o you_o be_v humble_o mind_v and_o sincere_o change_v from_o bad_a to_o good_a if_o you_o loath_a and_o forsake_v your_o evil_a way_n and_o with_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n grieve_v for_o your_o offence_n you_o then_o be_v one_o who_o cry_n god_n will_v hear_v and_o who_o tear_n he_o will_v put_v into_o his_o bottle_n and_o not_o suffer_v a_o drop_n fall_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o penitent_a to_o be_v as_o water_v spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n he_o will_v hear_v your_o cry_n and_o deliver_v your_o soul_n from_o death_n he_o will_v recover_v your_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 116.8_o 9.13_o he_o will_v give_v you_o space_n and_o opportunity_n to_o live_v and_o acceptable_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v unto_o he_o without_o the_o love_n of_o your_o sin_n about_o you_o or_o purpose_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o when_o noah_n come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n in_o which_o say_v one_o he_o have_v long_o be_v bury_v not_o dead_a his_o first_o care_n be_v to_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o take_v of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n to_o offer_v in_o burnt-offering_n and_o the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o noah_n heart_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o action_n and_o show_v himself_o please_v with_o his_o holy_a intention_n but_o that_o which_o herein_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o observable_a and_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v noah_n great_a industry_n and_o care_n for_o the_o right_a offering_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v see_v in_o his_o building_n a_o altar_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o beast_n and_o bird_n as_o be_v fit_a thereon_o to_o be_v offer_v now_o prayer_n be_v your_o best_a sacrifice_n which_o in_o imitation_n of_o noah_n you_o be_v to_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o great_a preparedness_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o will_v betray_v in_o you_o a_o profane_a temper_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o lack_n of_o a_o just_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o siracide_n before_o thou_o pray_v prepare_v thyself_o and_o be_v not_o as_o one_o that_o tempt_v the_o lord_n ecclus_n 18.23_o let_v the_o clean_a beast_n and_o bird_n offer_v by_o noah_n mind_n you_o of_o keep_v your_o soul_n clean_a and_o pure_a from_o all_o wicked_a resolution_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a of_o all_o sinful_a habit_n and_o intention_n and_o let_v no_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n or_o any_o uncharitableness_n lodge_v in_o your_o heart_n for_o no_o lust_n of_o carnal_a uncleanness_n no_o filthiness_n of_o spirit_n no_o
and_o erroneous_a choice_n of_o their_o god_n they_o be_v still_o true_o orthodox_n in_o conclude_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_v whatever_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v in_o that_o to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v divinity_n all_o the_o attribute_n that_o render_v it_o fit_a for_o their_o adoration_n namely_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n for_o they_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o seek_v to_o that_o for_o help_v which_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o and_o this_o they_o know_v must_v be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o power_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n yet_o whilst_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v god_n they_o believe_v also_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_v they_o of_o which_o worship_n prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v ever_o think_v so_o eminent_a a_o branch_n that_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a system_fw-la of_o divine_a adoration_n but_o if_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n shall_v not_o clear_o enough_o discover_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o chief_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n which_o be_v indispensible_o due_a to_o the_o alwise_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o scripture_n make_v it_o undoubtable_o evident_a and_o the_o many_o text_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n plain_o imply_v a_o command_n to_o make_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v answer_v thou_o jer._n 33.3_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v deliver_v joel_n 3.32_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a s._n john_n 16.23_o 24._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v s._n matth._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o in_o all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n there_o be_v imply_v both_o a_o command_n to_o pray_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v hear_v psal_n 65.2_o thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v meaning_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o betake_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n and_o that_o none_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o piety_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v negligent_a and_o remiss_a in_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n if_o you_o serious_o consider_v god_n deal_n with_o man_n you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o abundant_a mercy_n compassion_n and_o bounty_n all_o which_o you_o devout_o acknowledge_v and_o praise_v when_o you_o right_o address_v he_o with_o your_o prayer_n and_o by_o if_o a_o steady_a obedience_n you_o keep_v fast_o to_o his_o law_n patient_o wait_v his_o good_a time_n and_o pleasure_n persevere_v in_o sincere_a application_n to_o he_o rely_v sole_o upon_o he_o without_o resort_v to_o any_o other_o or_o use_v any_o indirect_a mean_n for_o your_o support_n he_o then_o will_v seasonable_o grant_v your_o petition_n succour_v you_o in_o your_o great_a necessity_n and_o deliver_v you_o in_o the_o most_o imminent_a danger_n psal_n 145.17_o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o he_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n holiness_n and_o veracity_n be_v his_o two_o great_a inseparable_a attribute_n his_o holiness_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o man_n sin_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o it_o he_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o sanctify_v their_o heart_n intend_v by_o this_o mean_n either_o to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n or_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a to_o restore_v it_o after_o they_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o one_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o this_o method_n than_o he_o let_v such_o know_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o next_o as_o to_o god_n veracity_n this_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o his_o word_n for_o he_o never_o affirm_v what_o be_v not_o most_o true_a nor_o promise_n what_o he_o do_v not_o full_o intend_v to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o see_v he_o have_v say_v call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_z ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v since_o he_o be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o grant_v their_o request_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o word_n and_o though_o you_o find_v yourself_o waver_v light_a and_o unconstant_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v turn_v with_o every_o blast_n divert_v by_o every_o allurement_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o your_o best_a and_o chief_a vow_n as_o samson_n with_o his_o new_a cord_n which_o he_o break_v at_o the_o name_n of_o a_o philistin_n yet_o with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o unfaithfulness_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o whatsoever_o than_o he_o have_v say_v shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o make_v good_a his_o title_n of_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n when_o rebecka_n be_v childless_a isaac_n entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o she_o and_o she_o conceive_v moses_n beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v the_o plague_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o egypt_n and_o his_o prayer_n be_v grant_v hannah_n labour_v under_o the_o reproach_n of_o barrenness_n pour_v out_o her_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o he_o give_v she_o a_o son_n ezra_n and_o his_o countryman_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v safe_o guard_v they_o home_o out_o of_o their_o babylonian_a bondage_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v by_o they_o and_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o good_a when_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o first_o battle_n with_o the_o philistine_n be_v defeat_v their_o judge_n slay_v and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n take_v prisoner_n yet_o samuel_n cry_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o better_o success_n the_o lord_n hear_v he_o and_o fight_v from_o heaven_n in_o their_o behalf_n discomfit_v the_o enemy_n with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o affliction_n they_o no_o soon_o make_v their_o unfeigned_a supplication_n unto_o god_n but_o he_o send_v they_o relief_n he_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o by_o his_o alwise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n direct_v they_o to_o some_o auspicious_a successful_a mean_n of_o redress_v their_o grievance_n and_o either_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a condition_n or_o give_v they_o one_o that_o be_v better_a i_o mention_v these_o example_n of_o god_n grant_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o no_o other_o intent_n but_o to_o confirm_v your_o assurance_n of_o his_o never_o fail_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o hear_v those_o who_o due_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o seem_v so_o ready_a to_o do_v this_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o work_v miracle_n than_o faithful_a prayer_n shall_v return_v empty_a as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o joshua_n at_o who_o request_n god_n make_v the_o sun_n stand_v still_o upon_o gibeon_n and_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n josh_n 10.12_o and_o when_o many_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o misery_n and_o want_n even_o than_o have_v god_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o hear_v the_o groan_n of_o the_o prisoner_n and_o to_o loose_v those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o die_v psal_n 86._o signal_o display_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o low_a world_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o misery_n be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o call_v daily_o upon_o he_o rejoice_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o save_v all_o such_o as_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o david_n perhaps_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o conclude_v his_o psalter_n with_o this_o affectionate_a exhortation_n let_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v breath_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o
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 exod._n 32.12.14_o and_o moses_n intercession_n for_o israel_n be_v so_o prevail_v that_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o his_o people_n not_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o god_n a_o proper_a repentance_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o sorrow_n for_o a_o fault_n commit_v and_o a_o alteration_n of_o his_o mind_n towards_o the_o same_o subject_n but_o by_o this_o word_n repent_v take_v from_o man_n be_v signify_v a_o alienation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o like_n towards_o a_o thing_n which_o of_o good_a be_v become_v evil._n but_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o here_o to_o be_v remark_v be_v the_o force_n prayer_n have_v with_o the_o alwise_a creator_n in_o that_o by_o it_o moses_n move_v god_n to_o avert_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n he_o have_v just_o conceive_v against_o his_o people_n it_o be_v prayer_n that_o hinder_v israel_n ruin_n and_o it_o be_v still_o the_o best_a instrument_n to_o fetch_v down_o the_o great_a blessing_n 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
concern_v matter_n of_o high_a importance_n in_o a_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n will_v he_o not_o rather_o if_o he_o may_v choose_v to_o come_v prepare_v and_o compose_v and_o weigh_v every_o word_n and_o period_n before_o he_o venture_v to_o speak_v lest_o he_o expose_v himself_o by_o any_o rude_a and_o indigested_a expression_n this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o become_a piece_n of_o respect_n at_o least_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o small_a presumption_n now_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v only_o so_o much_o strong_a than_o it_o can_v be_v put_v in_o any_o worldly_a concern_v as_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o of_o awe_n due_a to_o the_o person_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o the_o business_n we_o come_v upon_o be_v of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o temporal_a can_v pretend_v to_o you_o that_o fray_v be_v but_o a_o worm_n dust_n a_o shadow_n a_o bubble_n nothing_o nay_o worse_o sinful_a pollute_a and_o abominable_a he_o to_o who_o you_o pray_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v able_a eternal_o to_o destroy_v your_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n the_o thing_n you_o may_v pray_v for_o be_v not_o of_o a_o inferior_a but_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o and_o when_o you_o have_v mature_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o make_v your_o own_o conclusion_n as_o to_o the_o preparation_n now_o speak_v of_o and_o whether_o reason_n do_v not_o convince_v you_o of_o its_o necessity_n but_o if_o your_o great_a oracle_n reason_n be_v dumb_a in_o this_o case_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v to_o the_o purpose_n they_o teach_v you_o not_o to_o come_v before_o god_n without_o have_v first_o fit_v yourself_o for_o so_o dreadful_a a_o presence_n and_o this_o you_o may_v collect_v from_o god_n command_n to_o aaron_n which_o be_v that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o son_n shall_v enter_v upon_o divine_a service_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v their_o hand_n and_o foot_n in_o the_o laver_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n exod._n 4._o a_o ceremony_n that_o among_o other_o thing_n do_v certain_o imply_v that_o all_o aught_o pious_o to_o compose_v and_o order_v themselves_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o religious_a doubt_n and_o to_o put_v away_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n ere_o they_o do_v enter_v upon_o so_o momentous_a a_o solemnity_n you_o read_v in_o esay_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v not_o look_v upon_o israel_n when_o they_o spread_v out_o their_o hand_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a manner_n of_o pray_v nor_o harken_v when_o they_o make_v many_o prayer_n because_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o their_o action_n full_a of_o injustice_n but_o if_o they_o will_v wash_v and_o make_v themselves_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n and_o retract_v their_o fault_n than_o he_o will_v incline_v his_o ear_n to_o their_o supplication_n and_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v unto_o he_o but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n prayer_n and_o oblation_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o israel_n love_v to_o wander_v and_o will_v not_o refrain_v their_o foot_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o vice_n and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o their_o wicked_a course_n god_n do_v not_o only_o reject_v their_o own_o prayer_n but_o also_o the_o prayer_n that_o other_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n for_o he_o positive_o forbid_v the_o prophet_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o jer._n 7.16_o and_o 14.12_o 11._o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n when_o they_o fast_v nor_o accept_v they_o when_o they_o offer_v burn_v offering_n and_o oblation_n and_o those_o cruel_a prince_n that_o pluck_v the_o skin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o flesh_n from_o their_o bone_n who_o chop_v they_o in_o piece_n for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n for_o the_o cauldron_n when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o do_n mich._n 3.2_o 3_o 4._o though_o they_o cry_v in_o my_o ear_n say_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o ezek._n 8.18_o my_o eye_n shall_v not_o spare_v neither_o will_v i_o have_v pity_n you_o have_v then_o no_o hope_n that_o god_n shall_v accept_v your_o service_n whilst_o you_o continue_v impenitent_a your_o heart_n must_v be_v furnish_v with_o sincere_a piety_n if_o you_o expect_v your_o prayer_n shall_v be_v regard_v in_o god_n sight_n or_o that_o any_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v seasonable_a and_o welcome_a to_o he_o without_o repentance_n all_o the_o religious_a act_n you_o can_v possible_o execute_v be_v but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n inward_a wickedness_n hide_v under_o the_o cloak_n and_o wizard_n of_o outward_a sanctity_n till_o therefore_o you_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o free_a confession_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o by_o a_o lively_a conversion_n fly_v to_o his_o mercy_n you_o can_v neither_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o pardon_n nor_o the_o acceptation_n of_o your_o prayer_n whilst_o your_o silver_n be_v dross_n and_o your_o wine_n mix_v with_o water_n whilst_o your_o life_n and_o action_n that_o shall_v be_v pure_a continue_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a all_o you_o do_v in_o religion_n in_o stead_n of_o appease_v will_v incense_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n chap._n vii_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n practise_v by_o the_o jew_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v now_o speak_v concern_v this_o preparation_n be_v no_o novel_a or_o upstart_a doctrine_n but_o a_o ancient_a orthodox_n truth_n teach_v and_o practise_v by_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o reject_v by_o none_o but_o the_o lewd_a and_o miscreant_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o ancient_a jew_n aristaeus_n report_v that_o it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o wash_v before_o they_o pray_v hist_o 72._o and_o the_o modern_a jew_n live_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n observe_v the_o same_o custom_n of_o wash_v as_o a_o preparative_a to_o prayer_n and_o read_v the_o shemaah_o and_o no_o doubt_n they_o do_v this_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o enter_v not_o upon_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o wash_v and_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o custom_n that_o david_n will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n till_o he_o have_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o be_v till_o he_o have_v prepare_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a protection_n or_o any_o gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o join_v purity_n to_o devotion_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n as_o clean_o as_o the_o hand_n he_o have_v wash_v and_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n be_v as_o purify_v as_o his_o body_n and_o though_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o jew_n in_o any_o solemn_a business_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n in_o protestation_n of_o their_o innocency_n yet_o this_o ceremony_n be_v especial_o use_v before_o they_o say_v their_o prayer_n which_o show_v the_o great_a esteem_n they_o have_v for_o that_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o think_v it_o of_o such_o holiness_n and_o purity_n as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v right_o perform_v without_o a_o preparation_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o this_o you_o may_v further_o collect_v from_o the_o several_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o rabbin_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o the_o master_n forbid_v any_o to_o enter_v the_o temple_n with_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n which_o prohibition_n they_o found_v on_o those_o word_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n exod._n 3.5_o put_v thy_o shoe_n off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n which_o command_n be_v also_o give_v to_o joshua_n 5.15_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n host_n god_n do_v not_o bid_v they_o to_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n as_o if_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v be_v holy_a by_o a_o internal_a or_o perpetual_a quality_n but_o because_o of_o god_n presence_n which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o place_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o exhibit_v and_o from_o this_o injunction_n give_v to_o these_o two_o worthy_n solomon_n likely_a give_v that_o general_n rule_n namely_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v take_v heed_n to_o his_o foot_n when_o he_o enter_v the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o text_n the_o targum_fw-la explain_v thus_o thou_o son_n of_o man_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o enterest_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o
unsatiable_a and_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n must_v possess_v your_o soul_n when_o you_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o god_n for_o you_o can_v never_o perform_v aright_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n unless_o your_o heart_n be_v penitent_a and_o your_o affection_n pure_a the_o holiness_n of_o your_o person_n make_v the_o prayer_n holy_a and_o the_o savour_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n sweet_a in_o god_n nostril_n but_o if_o any_o wilful_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n it_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o prayer_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v gracious_o hear_v put_v away_o then_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n and_o remove_v your_o inward_a impurity_n and_o be_v whole_o consecrate_a to_o god_n service_n and_o then_o shall_v your_o prayer_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o his_o sight_n as_o the_o incense_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o your_o hand_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n psal_n 141.1.2_o for_o though_o you_o shall_v outward_o appear_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o so_o carry_v yourself_o that_o no_o spot_n can_v be_v see_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o your_o action_n yet_o if_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v you_o psal_n 66.18_o so_o that_o in_o short_a your_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n consist_v in_o your_o repentance_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n whereof_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a scrutiny_n you_o find_v yourself_o to_o be_v guilty_a for_o every_o sin_n whereof_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v will_v hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o as_o it_o be_v with_o joshua_n who_o prayer_n for_o israel_n god_n utter_o refuse_v because_o they_o have_v take_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v devote_v unto_o he_o and_o which_o have_v bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o they_o josh_n 7.10.11_o chap._n viii_o grace_n necessary_a to_o prayer_n and_o when_o you_o have_v thus_o sweep_v the_o house_n and_o cast_v all_o the_o filth_n and_o rubbish_n out_o of_o door_n your_o next_o business_n be_v to_o see_v it_o decent_o furnish_v for_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n from_o noisome_a lust_n and_o passion_n but_o get_v it_o replenish_v with_o such_o grace_n and_o virtue_n quality_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v require_v to_o prayer_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o grace_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n worship_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v that_o great_a duty_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o by_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n you_o acknowledge_v his_o godhead_n and_o this_o worship_n you_o be_v to_o perform_v both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o both_o be_v he_o and_o in_o both_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v and_o worship_v now_o prayer_n be_v the_o soul_n part_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n he_o that_o come_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o text_n imply_v that_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o infernal_a fiend_n but_o also_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v give_v what_o you_o due_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o bountiful_o recompense_v your_o diligence_n in_o the_o search_n and_o performance_n of_o his_o will._n and_o believe_v this_o you_o can_v find_v nothing_o fit_a to_o tempt_v you_o to_o neglect_v god_n service_n and_o although_o your_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n therein_o shall_v cost_v you_o dear_a yet_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o pain_n or_o expense_n you_o bestow_v in_o his_o service_n it_o will_v be_v abundant_o reward_v by_o your_o gracious_a master_n and_o your_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o entrance_n on_o god_n worship_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o and_o as_o you_o may_v best_o show_v your_o faith_n by_o your_o observance_n of_o prayer_n so_o you_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o faith_n if_o you_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o at_o your_o devotion_n but_o if_o once_o your_o come_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v the_o power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o almighty_a you_o can_v want_v no_o motive_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n annex_v to_o any_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v make_v in_o faith_n and_o for_o this_o you_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o great_a master_n who_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o they_o ask_v in_o prayer_n if_o they_o believe_v matth._n 21_o 22._o not_o that_o christ_n by_o those_o word_n give_v you_o toleration_n to_o ask_v whatsoever_o shall_v come_v in_o your_o fancy_n for_o prayer_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n must_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n but_o our_o lord_n forbid_v you_o to_o trust_v and_o confide_v in_o yourself_o and_o to_o rely_v on_o your_o own_o strength_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o get_n of_o what_o you_o want_v he_o will_v have_v you_o by_o prayer_n to_o apply_v yourself_o to_o god_n the_o father_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o son_n and_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o you_o beg_v in_o christ_n name_n will_v be_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o his_o word_n in_o s._n mark_n 11.24_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o believe_v in_o this_o place_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o promise_n christ_n make_v to_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o it_o signify_v your_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v the_o thing_n you_o beg_v of_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n through_o who_o alone_o your_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a and_o prevail_a if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v himask_n of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o if_o any_o man_n pray_v let_v he_o pray_v with_o confidence_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o stick_v fast_o to_o god_n and_o steadfast_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o christianity_n and_o do_v thus_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o protection_n the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o jam._n 5.15_o here_o be_v display_v two_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o those_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n first_o they_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o restore_a of_o the_o sick_a to_o his_o former_a health_n unless_o god_n have_v purpose_v to_o dispose_v of_o it_o otherwise_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o infirm_a and_o his_o own_o glory_n next_o they_o shall_v prevail_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o be_v chastise_v of_o god_n with_o sickness_n if_o upon_o his_o recovery_n he_o amend_v his_o life_n but_o still_o in_o grant_v your_o prayer_n god_n have_v respect_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o your_o benefit_n and_o when_o the_o grant_v what_o you_o pray_v for_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o either_o of_o these_o he_o merciful_o withhold_v his_o hand_n from_o give_v it_o and_o see_v this_o faith_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n humble_o beseech_v he_o to_o pour_v this_o most_o excellent_a gift_n into_o your_o heart_n and_o to_o work_v in_o you_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v as_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v all_o his_o favour_n be_v careful_a not_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o a_o dead_a ineffectual_a effectual_a faith_n but_o in_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o show_v its_o self_n in_o good_a work_n and_o which_o inable_v you_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n in_o who_o you_o believe_v to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v pray_v aright_o take_v care_n when_o you_o enter_v upon_o this_o service_n to_o entertain_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o without_o all_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n that_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o he_o be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o and_o that_o he_o will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o with_o these_o and_o the_o
on_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o phillippian_o that_o in_o their_o devotion_n they_o shall_v be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4.6_o the_o soul_n of_o itself_o be_v nimble_a and_o active_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n can_v mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n psal_n 25.1_o but_o earthly-mindedness_a keep_v it_o flutter_v below_o and_o fasten_v its_o affection_n to_o the_o dust_n which_o do_v so_o clog_v they_o that_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o the_o thing_n above_o you_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n which_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o your_o thought_n and_o which_o distract_v they_o in_o your_o supplication_n for_o whilst_o you_o cherish_v immoderate_a desire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v either_o hinder_v you_o from_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o from_o pray_v as_o you_o ought_v iii_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n may_v be_v another_o occasion_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n for_o perhaps_o you_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o suppress_v and_o correct_v the_o extravagance_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o neglect_n your_o soul_n become_v like_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n which_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone-wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o but_o to_o whatever_o occasion_n the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v impute_v it_o high_o concern_v you_o industrious_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o if_o you_o use_v that_o due_a attention_n and_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n which_o you_o must_v own_v to_o be_v whole_o requisite_a and_o needful_a and_o first_o you_o must_v use_v all_o due_a attention_n for_o by_o it_o you_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o god_n and_o frame_v to_o yourself_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o possess_v your_o heart_n with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n ever_o have_v in_o mind_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v to_o he_o in_o who_o you_o live_v move_v and_o have_v your_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n enter_v the_o synagogue_n they_o for_o a_o while_o stand_v silent_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n before_o they_o begin_v it_o in_o which_o time_n they_o labour_v to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n 5._o buxtorf_n syn._n jud._n l._n 5._o who_o they_o be_v come_v to_o worship_n that_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o may_v help_v the_o better_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a and_o one_o of_o their_o master_n teach_v his_o scholar_n that_o before_o they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n they_o shall_v think_v a_o while_n on_o he_o to_o who_o they_o make_v they_o and_o it_o will_v doubtless_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o amendment_n of_o that_o wander_a in_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o wonderful_o prone_a to_o consider_v in_o who_o presence_n you_o be_v and_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o for_o you_o can_v no_o soon_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n to_o who_o you_o speak_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v quicken_v your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o apprehensive_a and_o make_v you_o in_o a_o dread_n and_o surprise_v if_o you_o find_v yourself_o heedless_a and_o unconcern_v in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n second_o attention_n be_v a_o proper_a cure_n for_o wander_v in_o prayer_n because_o it_o keep_v your_o mind_n and_o thought_n to_o every_o sentence_n and_o word_n thereof_o for_o that_o attention_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v prayer_n be_v a_o settle_a and_o compose_v temper_n of_o mind_n which_o gather_v all_o your_o thought_n together_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o solemn_a business_n you_o be_v about_o and_o though_o idle_a impertinent_a wander_v thought_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o you_o and_o intrude_v into_o your_o holy_a office_n so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v always_o total_o free_a from_o they_o yet_o by_o attention_n you_o may_v much_o hinder_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o make_v any_o stay_n or_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o you_o so_o far_o as_o to_o corrupt_v or_o captivate_v the_o will._n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o wander_v to_o which_o you_o be_v liable_a may_v be_v your_o unhappiness_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v your_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o your_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o though_o you_o can_v never_o entire_o conquer_v this_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n yet_o you_o may_v restrain_v and_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o abraham_n with_o the_o ravenous_a bird_n which_o he_o continual_o drive_v away_o when_o they_o come_v to_o devour_v his_o sacrifice_n gen._n 15.11_o causinus_n who_o be_v no_o contemptible_a director_n of_o devotion_n advise_v his_o suppliant_a to_o stay_v upon_o every_o sentence_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o space_n of_o a_o breathe_n and_o in_o that_o time_n to_o ponder_v the_o word_n he_o pronounce_v and_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n he_o will_v likewise_o have_v he_o so_o to_o apply_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o to_o espouse_v all_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o prayer_n have_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n move_v he_o to_o compose_v it_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o composition_n but_o your_o want_n of_o attention_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o advice_n and_o will_v also_o hinder_v god_n from_o regard_v your_o prayer_n for_o can_v you_o expect_v god_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v yourself_o can_v you_o hope_v that_o he_o with_o a_o paternal_a kindness_n and_o affection_n shall_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o serious_a before_o he_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o call_v to_o heaven_n your_o thought_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o earthly_a concern_v so_o that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v pray_v you_o scarce_o know_v what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o this_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n who_o be_v rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a in_o their_o heart_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o on_o the_o earth_n eccles_n 5.2_o you_o be_v not_o then_o to_o run_v over_o your_o prayer_n by_o rote_n but_o with_o recollect_v thought_n to_o weigh_v and_o be_v attentive_a to_o what_o you_o say_v unto_o he_o with_o who_o be_v terrible_a majesty_n and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n three_o it_o will_v not_o a_o little_o conduce_v to_o your_o exercise_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o your_o attention_n and_o that_o the_o more_o attentive_a you_o be_v in_o prayer_n the_o great_a benefit_n you_o receive_v by_o it_o and_o here_o one_o way_n to_o mend_v your_o attention_n be_v to_o repeat_v the_o prayer_n again_o wherein_o you_o have_v find_v it_o defective_a and_o to_o continue_v this_o course_n till_o you_o find_v your_o heedlessness_n wear_v off_o and_o remove_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v defeat_v the_o devil_n who_o occasion_n your_o unattentiveness_n by_o inject_v wicked_a thought_n into_o your_o mind_n and_o present_v you_o with_o amuse_v object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v satan_n interest_n to_o give_v over_o tempt_v you_o thus_o to_o wander_v in_o prayer_n if_o once_o he_o find_v your_o sense_n of_o it_o arm_v you_o against_o such_o wander_v and_o quicken_a your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o more_o circumspect_a now_o this_o repetition_n come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o our_o lord_n censure_v for_o vain_a and_o idle_a matth._n 6.7_o for_o in_o this_o case_n you_o do_v not_o repeat_v your_o prayer_n over_o and_o over_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n that_o god_n will_v the_o soon_o be_v move_v to_o hear_v you_o or_o that_o by_o your_o repetition_n he_o better_a understand_v your_o meaning_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o repetition_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v