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
now_o recommend_v as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n whereof_o you_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a when_o you_o pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardent_a desire_n with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o it_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o offer_v when_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o affection_n and_o chafe_v your_o desire_n and_o move_v your_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n the_o great_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o listen_v to_o cold_a lukewarm_a devotion_n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n which_o want_n zeal_n and_o love_n the_o only_a wing_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o thither_o be_v careful_a then_o when_o you_o approach_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o because_o that_o of_o yourself_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o beseech_v the_o divine_a omnipotence_n to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v beware_v of_o quench_v it_o with_o wilful_a sin_n or_o let_v it_o go_v out_o again_o for_o want_v of_o fuel_n or_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v it_o and_o there_o want_v no_o motive_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o this_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n when_o you_o consider_v god_n wonderful_a kindness_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n thereof_o through_o your_o whole_a devotion_n for_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o your_o repentance_n to_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n and_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o your_o sin_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v good_a inward_a motive_n to_o raise_v your_o heart_n into_o zeal_n when_o you_o lift_v up_o your_o voice_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o his_o house_n or_o your_o own_o and_o first_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n you_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o show_v your_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o special_a blessing_n to_o the_o joint_a request_n which_o the_o faithful_a make_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o set_v mark_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o your_o absence_n from_o the_o public_a prayer_n can_v be_v excuse_v without_o a_o important_a occasion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a and_o deliberate_a you_o cut_v yourself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o prayer_n wherein_o all_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o yourself_o even_o a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v never_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n be_v also_o requisite_a in_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o your_o family_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o common-prayer_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o household_n join_v therein_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n careful_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o office_n and_o to_o see_v nothing_o be_v want_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v under_o his_o government_n for_o the_o family_n be_v heathenish_a where_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v and_o where_o the_o master_n do_v not_o resolve_v with_o joshua_n that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24.15_o and_o as_o to_o the_o prayer_n you_o make_v apart_o when_o you_o be_v solus_fw-la cum_fw-la solo_fw-la and_o have_v no_o witness_n of_o what_o you_o do_v but_o only_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n yet_o because_o that_o even_o here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v in_o company_n you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n to_o correct_v it_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a according_a to_o your_o personal_a necessity_n and_o you_o may_v use_v therein_o a_o great_a freedom_n both_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n than_o you_o can_v in_o public_a but_o still_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v therein_o require_v as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o regard_v and_o as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o perform_v all_o these_o sort_n of_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o your_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o attentive_a at_o they_o all_o prayer_n in_o your_o family_n and_o closet_n will_v not_o excuse_v your_o prayer_n at_o church_n all_o be_v require_v all_o be_v necessary_a and_o one_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whosoever_o be_v diligent_a in_o public_a prayer_n and_o yet_o negligent_a in_o private_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o rather_o seek_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o man_n than_o to_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o from_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o men._n you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o have_v also_o be_v tell_v with_o what_o circumspection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o observe_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o body_n have_v its_o share_n and_o part_v therein_o for_o both_o be_v god_n workmanship_n and_o purchase_n both_o aught_o to_o give_v he_o homage_n and_o observance_n now_o the_o observance_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n consist_v in_o such_o lowly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a gesture_n as_o may_v testify_v the_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o soul_n bowing_n prostration_n and_o the_o like_a external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o particular_a right_a belong_v to_o god_n before_o who_o you_o be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v for_o he_o be_v your_o maker_n your_o shepherd_n your_o protector_n the_o royal_a author_n of_o the_o 95._o psalm_n do_v affectionate_o call_v upon_o every_o one_o joint_o to_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o partner_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o join_v inward_a and_o outward_a reverence_n together_o that_o the_o submissive_a and_o lowly_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v the_o sincere_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o humble_a external_a bodily_a gesture_n be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o you_o pray_v without_o they_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n you_o be_v about_o nor_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n dignity_n or_o of_o your_o own_o vileness_n but_o in_o these_o bodily_a gesture_n you_o be_v careful_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o superstitious_a and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o prudence_n and_o your_o gesture_n be_v thus_o conduct_v they_o will_v help_v to_o heighten_v inward_a devotion_n in_o yourself_o and_o be_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o but_o i_o leave_v the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o frequency_n you_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n chap._n xii_o of_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n though_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v never_o to_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o text_n in_o scripture_n that_o determine_v how_o often_o you_o be_v to_o use_v it_o the_o inspire_a word_n positive_o command_v you_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o it_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n how_o frequent_o you_o be_v to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o peremptory_a in_o this_o particular_a be_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o s._n paul_n exhort_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o which_o text_n you_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o not_o to_o grow_v restive_a in_o prayer_n but_o therein_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v it_o be_v a_o homage_n you_o be_v to_o pay_v
continual_o to_o god_n and_o that_o without_o which_o you_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o prosperous_a for_o pray_v give_v you_o a_o title_n to_o god_n safeguard_n and_o preservation_n and_o it_o must_v be_v as_o lasting_a as_o your_o own_o want_n and_o obligation_n to_o worship_v god_n and_o therefore_o till_o you_o find_v you_o have_v no_o need_n of_o god_n mercy_n nor_o any_o tie_n upon_o you_o to_o adore_v he_o you_o must_v pray_v without_o cease_v which_o word_n imply_v second_o that_o your_o prayer_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v bear_v proportion_n with_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v constant_o offer_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o you_o can_v sink_v your_o prayer_n to_o a_o lesser_a proportion_n or_o pray_v seldome_a than_o morning_n and_o evening_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o you_o shall_v begin_v all_o your_o work_n with_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o blessing_n and_o end_v they_o 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affection_n than_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o word_n and_o though_o you_o have_v not_o always_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v upon_o your_o knee_n yet_o you_o never_o want_n either_o to_o bow_v your_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o by_o a_o pious_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n to_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n undetermined_a yet_o you_o may_v take_v your_o measure_n as_o to_o public_a prayer_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n from_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a men._n and_o first_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o state_v time_n of_o public_a prayer_n from_o which_o you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o you_o can_v possible_o be_v at_o they_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o considerable_a moment_n that_o can_v justify_v your_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n house_n at_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n now_o according_a to_o some_o expositor_n you_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v when_o you_o observe_v the_o hour_n or_o time_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o observe_v such_o state_v time_n of_o prayer_n yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n will_v oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v they_o for_o both_o these_o teach_v you_o to_o omit_v no_o occasion_n to_o express_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o worship_v he_o give_v he_o thanks_o call_v upon_o he_o honour_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o his_o word_n and_o serve_v he_o true_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o to_o frequency_n in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o have_v the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n for_o your_o guide_n and_o first_o of_o david_n who_o evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n do_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v his_o voice_n psal_n 55.17_o with_o his_o constant_a importunity_n he_o reinforce_v a_o impression_n of_o his_o prayer_n upon_o god_n the_o better_a to_o move_v he_o to_o grant_v they_o my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o psal_n 5.3_o this_o religious_a prince_n make_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o prime_a of_o the_o day_n to_o present_v his_o supplication_n before_o god_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o earnest_a petitioner_n he_o fix_v his_o eye_n on_o heaven_n resolve_v to_o wait_v and_o never_o to_o move_v till_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o prayer_n nay_o from_o thrice_o david_n increase_v his_o pray_n to_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n psal_n 119.164_o right_o conclude_v that_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o praise_n yet_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v continual_o to_o extol_v they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o phrase_n seven_o time_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o not_o mere_o to_o signify_v that_o number_n but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mode_n of_o speech_n denote_v a_o great_a frequency_n in_o prayer_n and_o show_v that_o david_n be_v daily_o very_o often_o employ_v therein_o which_o custom_n to_o pray_v often_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o david_n only_o but_o be_v also_o use_v by_o god_n people_n many_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o see_v corruption_n as_o be_v see_v in_o daniel_n who_o when_o he_o know_v the_o dead-warrant_a be_v sign_v for_o his_o execution_n go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6.10_o the_o last_o word_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o emergent_a zeal_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a fit_n of_o devotion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a and_o usual_a practice_n to_o pray_v thrice_o a_o day_n which_o be_v the_o common_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v morning_n noon_n and_o evening_n the_o three_o time_n of_o prayer_n act_v 3.1_o and_o 10.4_o and_o 9.31_o which_o custom_n be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o devout_a christian_n go_v far_o and_o pray_v six_o time_n a_o day_n take_v in_o the_o compline_n or_o the_o prayer_n make_v by_o good_a man_n at_o nine_o at_o night_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v imagine_v these_o example_n to_o be_v imitable_a and_o that_o it_o will_v exhaust_v too_o much_o of_o your_o time_n to_o be_v so_o often_o on_o your_o knee_n then_o revolve_v with_o yourself_o 1._o that_o you_o be_v never_o so_o far_o to_o immerse_n and_o bury_v yourself_o in_o worldly_a business_n as_o not_o to_o allow_v space_n to_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n and_o you_o can_v just_o complain_v you_o want_v time_n to_o be_v thus_o often_o in_o devotion_n when_o you_o consider_v how_o much_o time_n you_o can_v find_v to_o cast_v away_o if_o not_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v vicious_a yet_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a to_o your_o station_n if_o you_o will_v prudent_o retrench_v your_o recreation_n and_o employ_v in_o piety_n the_o hour_n you_o spend_v in_o vanity_n you_o will_v never_o be_v straighten_a for_o time_n to_o bestow_v in_o devotion_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o your_o have_v so_o little_a time_n to_o give_v to_o this_o be_v because_o you_o lavish_a so_o much_o away_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n if_o not_o worse_o that_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v you_o can_v but_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o it_o but_o see_v you_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o your_o time_n it_o behoove_v you_o to_o be_v wary_a how_o you_o spend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o time_n you_o have_v wasteful_o misspend_v already_o the_o more_o signal_o careful_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o which_o yet_o remain_v and_o to_o redeem_v the_o hour_n you_o have_v throw_v away_o upon_o impiety_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a employment_n of_o those_o god_n shall_v yet_o please_v to_o vouchsafe_v you_o consider_v second_o how_o reasonable_a and_o just_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o you_o allow_v a_o liberal_a portion_n of_o your_o time_n to_o his_o service_n who_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o allow_v so_o much_o to_o your_o own_o god_n do_v not_o grudge_v you_o space_n enough_o for_o your_o lawful_a business_n and_o necessary_a diversion_n but_o then_o he_o expect_v you_o will_v not_o encroach_v upon_o those_o minute_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o religious_a exercise_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o man_n of_o
condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o repetition_n now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o mend_v your_o incogitancy_n and_o thoughtlesness_n of_o the_o business_n you_o be_v about_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o tumble_v out_o of_o so_o many_o word_n or_o of_o the_o same_o word_n over_o and_o over_o again_o or_o the_o length_n and_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o express_v the_o fervency_n of_o your_o spirit_n the_o importunity_n of_o your_o zeal_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o want_n but_o if_o you_o affect_v length_n and_o repetition_n in_o prayer_n either_o out_o of_o hypocrisy_n or_o vainglory_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o please_a god_n and_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o it_o will_v have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n and_o this_o you_o may_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n carriage_n in_o this_o particular_a who_o dislike_a the_o heathen_n length_n and_o vociferation_n in_o prayer_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o short_a comprehensive_a form_n which_o they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o imitate_v in_o their_o call_n upon_o god_n four_o when_o you_o find_v out_o the_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n and_o that_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o mind_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o you_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o such_o cure_n for_o this_o as_o attention_n for_o by_o it_o you_o instant_o recall_v yourself_o to_o your_o business_n and_o to_o a_o serious_a mind_v of_o what_o you_o be_v about_o and_o you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v your_o obligation_n to_o do_v this_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o without_o do_v it_o you_o slight_a one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n by_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o your_o lip_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o beside_o if_o you_o exact_o weigh_v your_o lack_n of_o attention_n you_o will_v find_v it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o atheism_n for_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o you_o say_v when_o you_o speak_v unto_o god_n betray_v in_o you_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o that_o you_o have_v mean_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o vile_a atheism_n call_v home_o then_o your_o rove_a thought_n and_o employ_v they_o in_o what_o you_o be_v about_o get_v as_o near_a heaven_n as_o you_o can_v and_o have_v your_o mind_n there_o and_o there_o only_o for_o unless_o this_o be_v your_o care_n and_o practice_n when_o you_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n you_o will_v be_v but_o like_o the_o cheat_n in_o plutarch_n who_o bring_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o his_o idol_n the_o skeleton_n of_o a_o ox_n cover_v with_o a_o fair_a hide_n pretend_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o goodly_a sacrifice_n of_o flesh_n and_o entrail_n when_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o skin_n full_a of_o bone_n you_o will_v count_v he_o a_o vain_a thoughtless_a person_n worthy_a of_o ridicule_n and_o contempt_n who_o come_v to_o beg_v his_o life_n of_o his_o prince_n shall_v give_v over_o his_o suit_n to_o run_v after_o a_o butterfly_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v your_o figure_n when_o in_o prayer_n you_o suffer_v your_o mind_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o to_o impertinent_a object_n and_o fasten_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o avoid_v think_v on_o can_v you_o hope_v as_o be_v but_o now_o intimate_v god_n shall_v incline_v his_o ear_n to_o the_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o will_v not_o incline_v your_o own_o that_o he_o shall_v regard_v your_o petition_n when_o you_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o yourself_o you_o may_v easy_o observe_v your_o aptness_n to_o heedlessness_n at_o devotion_n and_o how_o many_o thing_n all_o foreign_a to_o what_o you_o be_v about_o do_v interpose_v when_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n you_o may_v find_v to_o your_o sorrow_n the_o common_a enemy_n tamper_n with_o your_o heart_n at_o the_o same_o time_n your_o tongue_n be_v speak_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o recollect_v yourself_o to_o fix_v your_o mind_n when_o you_o come_v before_o the_o almighty_a and_o to_o affect_v your_o soul_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o you_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o another_o opportunity_n to_o solicit_v he_o with_o your_o prayer_n but_o if_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n you_o can_v always_o exercise_v that_o attention_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o restrain_v your_o wander_a in_o prayer_n then_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o assist_v your_o frailty_n and_o to_o establish_v your_o attention_n against_o all_o avocation_n and_o though_o they_o may_v steal_v upon_o you_o at_o devotion_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o after_o all_o you_o can_v be_v rid_v thereof_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o no_o encouragement_n but_o to_o deny_v they_o your_o approbation_n and_o consent_n for_o when_o you_o do_v sincere_o strive_v against_o they_o god_n will_v either_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n with_o conquest_n over_o they_o or_o pardon_v they_o if_o they_o prove_v invincible_a but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n you_o can_v hope_v neither_o for_o god_n assistance_n nor_o his_o pardon_n whilst_o this_o negligence_n be_v continue_v chap._n xi_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n zeal_n be_v another_o help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n now_o zeal_n be_v a_o sacred_a warmth_n and_o fervour_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o affectionate_a earnestness_n to_o have_v your_o prayer_n hear_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o keep_v your_o thought_n to_o what_o be_v utter_v by_o he_o that_o minister_v in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o to_o ponder_v and_o mind_v every_o word_n he_o speak_v but_o you_o must_v do_v it_o with_o intention_n and_o fervency_n for_o both_o all_o wander_a and_o all_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v drive_v away_o true_a zeal_n will_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o cry_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o spirit_n and_o it_o will_v move_v you_o to_o be_v whole_o bend_v to_o obtain_v what_o you_o crave_v a_o cold_a indifferent_a suitor_n seldom_o prevail_v with_o men._n for_o if_o a_o beggar_n shall_v ask_v relief_n at_o your_o hand_n and_o do_v it_o in_o so_o loose_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v indifferent_a whether_o he_o have_v it_o or_o no_o you_o will_v think_v he_o have_v either_o little_a want_n or_o great_a pride_n and_o so_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o relieve_v he_o now_o the_o thing_n you_o beg_v of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o rate_n of_o any_o ordinary_a alm_n that_o you_o can_v never_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o if_o you_o be_v slight_a and_o heavy_a in_o ask_v they_o when_o you_o apprehend_v and_o full_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o add_v to_o it_o a_o devout_a earnestness_n of_o desire_n then_o may_v your_o devotion_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v zealous_a and_o though_o this_o quality_n chief_o reside_v in_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o often_o appear_v in_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v see_v in_o moses_n who_o when_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o israel_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v neither_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n because_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o israel_n have_v sin_v in_o do_v wicked_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n deut._n 9.18_o and_o the_o zeal_n of_o this_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a when_o he_o desire_v god_n rather_o to_o blot_v he_o out_o of_o his_o book_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v execute_v his_o menace_n against_o israel_n elias_n cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o earth_n to_o express_v his_o earnestness_n in_o pray_v for_o rain_n and_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n luke_o 6.12_o heb._n 5.7_o and_o pray_v with_o such_o ardour_n and_o affectionateness_n that_o the_o sweat_n fall_v from_o he_o to_o the_o ground_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n luke_o 22.44_o and_o this_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v mean_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v believer_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n rom._n 12.12_o to_o strive_v in_o prayer_n rom._n 15.30_o to_o labour_v frequent_o in_o prayer_n col._n 4.12_o night_n and_o day_n to_o pray_v exceed_o to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n pray_v earnest_o 1_o thes_n 3.10_o eph._n 6.18_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o jam._n 6.7_o by_o all_o which_o sacred_a text_n that_o zeal_n and_o vehemency_n seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v which_o i_o
the_o christian_n daily_a sacrifice_n due_o offer_v or_o a_o practical_a discourse_n teach_v the_o right_a performance_n of_o prayer_n by_o lancelot_n addison_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o lichfield_n s._n james_n iu._n 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o peacock_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o s._n paul_n 1698._o to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n benjamin_n bathurst_n sir_n in_o set_v so_o eminent_a a_o name_n before_o so_o mean_v a_o work_n show_v that_o i_o have_v as_o little_a skill_n in_o dedication_n as_o they_o have_v in_o architecture_n who_o erect_v a_o stately_a entrance_n to_o a_o house_n of_o no_o competent_a reception_n to_o which_o indecorum_n i_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o zeal_n i_o have_v ever_o have_v to_o own_o to_o the_o world_n the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n that_o for_o many_o many_o year_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o steady_a friendship_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o a_o foreign_a nation_n where_o you_o add_v no_o small_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o your_o own_o i_o therefore_o address_v you_o sir_n as_o a_o friend_n the_o noble_a title_n upon_o earth_n and_o come_v not_o mere_o to_o crave_v your_o patronage_n but_o to_o pay_v you_o a_o debt_n a_o debt_n of_o gratitude_n which_o as_o it_o will_v always_o be_v due_a so_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v pay_v but_o i_o know_v time_n and_o business_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o far_o trespass_n upon_o either_o than_o to_o beg_v your_o pious_a acceptance_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n and_o that_o you_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o pledge_n of_o my_o grateful_a sense_n of_o your_o favour_n and_o of_o the_o great_a zeal_n i_o have_v for_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o now_o sir_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o letter_n dedicatory_a pardon_v i_o that_o instead_o of_o enlarge_n upon_o your_o merit_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o prayer_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o you_o and_o your_o lady_n and_o child_n may_v long_o long_o enjoy_v health_n and_o prosperity_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o blessing_n may_v bless_v you_o with_o all_o divine_a grace_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n crown_v you_o with_o glory_n lichfield_n july_n 8._o 1698._o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n l._n addison_n introduction_n two_o very_o different_a opinion_n and_o both_o sufficient_o erroneous_a concern_v the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n get_v very_o early_o foot_v among_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o who_o st._n james_n the_o pious_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n write_v his_o circular_a epistle_n some_o there_o be_v among_o they_o in_o who_o esteem_n prayer_n be_v sink_v so_o low_a that_o they_o think_v it_o either_o whole_o unnecessary_a or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o thing_n of_o choice_n and_o not_o duty_n and_o of_o that_o indifference_n that_o they_o may_v use_v or_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o they_o please_v without_o any_o offence_n to_o god_n or_o hindrance_n to_o themselves_o and_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v those_o who_o covet_v and_o have_v not_o who_o kill_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o can_v not_o obtain_v who_o fight_v and_o war_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v not_o s._n james_n 4.2_o all_o their_o covet_v envy_v contend_v and_o fight_v bring_v they_o in_o no_o advantage_n because_o they_o neglect_v prayer_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o render_v their_o honest_a endeavour_n prosperous_a and_o successful_a and_o as_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o neglect_v and_o set_v too_o small_a a_o esteem_n upon_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o prayer_n as_o much_o bend_n to_o the_o other_o extreme_a for_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o and_o think_v it_o so_o efficacious_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o thing_n must_v of_o course_n be_v grant_v they_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o prayer_n the_o former_a make_v prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n useless_a as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o latter_a thought_n it_o able_a to_o obtain_v all_o thing_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o mere_a exercise_n thereof_o have_v such_o a_o power_n with_o god_n as_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o even_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o design_v to_o consume_v upon_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o support_v their_o envy_n malice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n how_o far_o the_o present_a age_n guilty_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o vile_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v go_v in_o this_o distemper_n i_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o observation_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o return_v at_o least_o a_o honest_a if_o not_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o request_v make_v to_o i_o namely_o to_o give_v a_o familiar_a account_n of_o the_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o without_o further_a preface_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o will_v more_o easy_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o importance_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o the_o grammatical_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o prayer_n in_o all_o language_n be_v signify_v i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o what_o prayer_n be_v and_o what_o it_o do_v imply_v now_o prayer_n according_a to_o s._n austin_n in_o psal_n 85._o be_v a_o speak_n to_o god_n when_o you_o read_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o father_n god_n speak_v to_o you_o but_o when_o you_o pray_v you_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o which_o word_n drexelius_n take_v occasion_n to_o define_v prayer_n the_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o job_n 15.4_o for_o as_o drusius_n observe_v the_o hebrew_a word_n there_o use_v for_o prayer_n signify_v to_o have_v a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o greek_a father_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n when_o they_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o familiar_a talk_n with_o or_o unto_o god_n for_o in_o it_o you_o unbosom_v yourself_o and_o open_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o man_n will_v do_v unto_o his_o friend_n in_o who_o he_o most_o confide_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n speak_v rhetorical_o of_o prayer_n call_v it_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n hang_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o draw_v man_n up_o thither_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o intimate_a access_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o we_o as_o if_o it_o place_v we_o on_o mount_n tabor_n to_o enjoy_v a_o kind_n of_o transfiguration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n as_o true_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n feed_v itself_o with_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o field_n do_v refresh_v and_o recreate_v itself_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v whatever_o it_o can_v desire_v and_o through_o who_o it_o avoid_v whatever_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v in_o prayer_n say_v albertus_n magnus_n the_o soul_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o help_n and_o comfort_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n it_o bring_v a_o man_n say_v he_o to_o know_v god_n and_o know_v to_o love_v he_o and_o love_v to_o seek_v he_o and_o in_o seek_v to_o take_v pain_n and_o in_o take_v pain_n to_o find_v he_o but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v prayer_n serve_v rather_o to_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o than_o to_o declare_v its_o nature_n any_o far_a than_o that_o from_o such_o like_a expression_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o prayer_n imply_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o tell_v over_o a_o few_o bead_n as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o or_o the_o bare_a recite_v so_o many_o word_n or_o sentence_n form_v and_o compose_v into_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o a_o man_n may_v say_v a_o thousand_o of_o these_o and_o that_o too_o with_o great_a outward_a seriousness_n and_o composure_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v pray_v for_o nothing_o deserve_o bear_v that_o name_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n
none_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n who_o do_v not_o cheerful_o exercise_v himself_o in_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_v the_o almighty_a which_o show_v the_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o of_o all_o for_o if_o any_o shall_v vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o pay_v this_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o they_o be_v too_o holy_a or_o too_o great_a either_o they_o be_v so_o good_a as_o not_o to_o need_v to_o pray_v or_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v below_o they_o but_o no_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o holiness_n can_v be_v free_a from_o this_o duty_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a for_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v be_v also_o most_o eminent_a for_o devotion_n and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a instance_n in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v superlative_o eminent_a for_o all_o heavenly_a perfection_n and_o immaculate_a both_o by_o nature_n and_o conversation_n for_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o live_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v record_v of_o this_o most_o heavenly_a divine_a person_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o humiliation_n and_o not_o arrive_v to_o the_o glorious_a and_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o celestial_a life_n heb._n 5.7_o he_o do_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o his_o piety_n here_o the_o eternal_a son_n become_v man_n make_v his_o submissive_a petition_n to_o his_o eternal_a father_n either_o to_o free_v he_o from_o that_o direful_a passage_n to_o death_n or_o to_o strengthen_v and_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o the_o horrible_a terror_n conflict_n and_o agony_n that_o therein_o he_o meet_v with_o and_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o will_v restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o to_o raise_v he_o thence_o and_o send_v back_o his_o spirit_n into_o his_o body_n and_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v his_o desire_n for_o the_o three_o day_n after_o his_o burial_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o god_n give_v he_o back_o that_o spirit_n which_o on_o the_o cross_n he_o so_o affectionate_o recommend_v into_o his_o hand_n luke_n 23.46_o and_o as_o by_o this_o plain_a example_n of_o christ_n pray_v you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o man_n sanctity_n can_v excuse_v he_o from_o do_v do_v the_o like_a so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o man_n be_v free_v from_o pray_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o grandeur_n or_o secular_a greatness_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o david_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o wear_v the_o royal_a diadem_n do_v not_o neglect_v the_o hallow_a censor_n but_o constant_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o incense_n of_o prayer_n and_o for_o his_o diligence_n and_o assiduity_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n he_o gain_v as_o some_o think_v the_o glorious_a character_n of_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o indeed_o all_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o prayer_n and_o even_o bad_a man_n too_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n for_o they_o likewise_o have_v own_a it_o to_o be_v their_o obligation_n thus_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o whenever_o they_o perform_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o saul_n pray_v for_o a_o decision_n by_o lot_n and_o god_n grant_v his_o request_n but_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_v he_o the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o his_o subject_n 1_o sam._n 14.41_o 42._o which_o show_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o justice_n and_o not_o in_o mercy_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o due_a place_n and_o now_o see_v prayer_n be_v a_o special_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n you_o must_v own_v it_o to_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o think_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n he_o command_v and_o you_o must_v discharge_v it_o your_o obedience_n herein_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o will_v be_v best_a reward_v by_o he_o chap._n iii_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v what_o we_o want_v and_o of_o convey_v a_o blessing_n on_o what_o we_o enjoy_v want_n be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o you_o want_v nothing_o you_o need_v use_v prayer_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o worship_n you_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o if_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n you_o can_v never_o solid_o hope_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o prayer_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o blessing_n and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o require_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o homage_n belong_v to_o god_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n propound_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o gain_v his_o favour_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o your_o want_n and_o blessing_n what_o you_o have_v but_o here_o i_o expect_v to_o find_v you_o object_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v undeniable_o a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o none_o ought_v to_o neglect_v yet_o you_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o the_o obtain_v a_o supply_n of_o your_o necessity_n because_o god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n nor_o to_o move_v he_o to_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v true_a god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n for_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 6.8_o he_o know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o which_o word_n show_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v god_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o but_o they_o respect_v those_o who_o at_o our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o earth_n be_v wont_a to_o lengthen_v out_o their_o prayer_n with_o vain_a repetition_n and_o idle_a tautology_n think_v they_o shall_v have_v their_o petition_n the_o soon_o grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n use_v therein_o whereas_o our_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o their_o long_a prayer_n and_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o that_o such_o be_v altogether_o useless_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o want_n as_o full_o know_v they_o without_o be_v tell_v christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o abolish_n that_o he_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o prayer_n when_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v pray_v aright_o to_o which_o end_n he_o give_v they_o a_o most_o absolute_a comprehensive_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o both_o to_o use_v and_o imitate_v which_o form_n bear_v his_o name_n and_o from_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lord's-prayer_n whereof_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mind_v you_o in_o another_o place_n as_o to_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o your_o objection_n which_o make_v prayer_n unnecessary_a to_o move_v god_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n because_o of_o his_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o but_o only_o to_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v more_o than_o either_o you_o desire_v or_o deserve_v yet_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v without_o ask_v and_o it_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v and_o to_o open_v to_o they_o that_o knock_v and_o though_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o property_n to_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v his_o creature_n yet_o still_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v address_v your_o request_n to_o he_o if_o not_o to_o move_v his_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n yet_o to_o show_v you_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o that_o you_o believe_v he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v supply_n beside_o in_o every_o prayer_n
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
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
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
for_o worldly_a riches_n do_v not_o desire_v they_o for_o such_o low_a regard_n as_o the_o maintain_n of_o pride_n pomp_n luxury_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o to_o be_v in_o your_o prosperity_n what_o job_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a that_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v may_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o by_o your_o mean_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o needy_a may_v sing_v for_o joy_n job_n 29._o 2._o let_v your_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o former_a without_o the_o latter_a be_v trifle_v and_o mockery_n and_o the_o latter_a without_o the_o former_a vanity_n and_o presumption_n you_o can_v never_o right_o desire_v what_o you_o do_v not_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n labour_n to_o obtain_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o you_o do_v not_o endeavour_v after_o be_v to_o be_v the_o moral_a of_o the_o clown_n in_o the_o apologue_n who_o call_v to_o hercules_n to_o help_v he_o out_o with_o his_o mire_v cart_n without_o set_v his_o own_o shoulder_n to_o the_o wheel_n the_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o helm_n be_v the_o old_a rule_n supplication_n and_o endeavour_n be_v never_o to_o be_v disjoin_v no_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o either_o of_o they_o when_o alone_o 3._o observe_v what_o answer_n god_n make_v and_o what_o return_v you_o receive_v to_o your_o prayer_n and_o in_o particular_a consider_v that_o his_o gracious_a providence_n may_v often_o deny_v you_o some_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o see_v they_o less_o fit_a for_o you_o to_o receive_v but_o then_o he_o give_v you_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n which_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n see_v be_v more_o for_o your_o advantage_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o these_o limitation_n viz._n that_o he_o see_v it_o good_a for_o you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o by_o some_o particular_a decree_n determine_v the_o contrary_n as_o for_o example_n if_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v a_o impenitent_a nation_n it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n on_o earth_n can_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o dreadful_a instance_n in_o ezekiel_n 14._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v a_o land_n with_o any_o kind_n of_o scourge_n he_o will_v not_o forbear_v to_o do_v it_o for_o any_o manner_n of_o intercession_n final_o whether_o god_n grant_v or_o deny_v your_o request_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o resign_v your_o will_n to_o he_o and_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n with_o a_o profound_a sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o that_o without_o difficulty_n of_o access_n he_o admit_v you_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o acceptance_n if_o you_o pray_v as_o you_o ought_v and_o to_o show_v how_o you_o be_v to_o do_v this_o have_v be_v my_o care_n in_o what_o i_o now_o present_v you_o god_n prosper_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v praise_n glory_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o ever_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_a l.a._n d._n d._n dean_n of_o lichfield_n west_n barbary_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o custom_n and_o revolution_n of_o that_o country_n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n the_o first_o state_n of_o mahomedism_n the_o primitive_a institution_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o catechise_n a_o modest_a plea_n for_o the_o clergy_n a_o introduction_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o catechumen_n a_o account_n of_o the_o millennium_n the_o genuine_a use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o christian_n obligation_n frequent_o to_o receive_v the_o latter_a the_o history_n of_o the_o heresy_n deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n the_o christian_n daily_a sacrifice_n due_o offer_v be_v a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o prayer_n a_o account_n of_o tangier_n during_o the_o earl_n of_o tiviot_n be_v government_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n