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
as_o to_o the_o original_a of_o our_o be_v with_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o pray_v unless_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n as_o not_o only_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o to_o make_v some_o sort_n of_o approach_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o he_o who_o dwell_v there_o and_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o its_o love_n there_o must_v be_v a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o bear_v as_o much_o of_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n with_o respect_n to_o holiness_n and_o purity_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v if_o we_o do_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v a_o oblation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o declare_v our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o infinite_a power_n we_o so_o place_v ourselves_o to_o advantage_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n as_o to_o have_v the_o dimness_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o our_o mind_n cold_a and_o dead_a as_o they_o be_v make_v warm_a and_o enliven_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o everlasting_a sun_n our_o action_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v so_o influence_v as_o for_o the_o future_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o excellent_a model_n and_o pattern_n set_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o to_o become_v fit_a object_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o to_o the_o tread_v in_o his_o footstep_n we_o be_v so_o close_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o that_o it_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o not_o endure_v the_o thought_n of_o ever_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o this_o be_v what_o either_o prayer_n shall_v produce_v in_o every_o pious_a soul_n or_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o wish_v it_o may_v and_o which_o it_o will_v when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o due_a perfection_n and_o when_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_o exercise_v in_o its_o practice_n it_o be_v true_a such_o flight_n and_o rapture_n such_o fervour_n and_o transport_n as_o some_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o their_o devotion_n such_o a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o prayer_n in_o its_o perfection_n imply_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a sign_n of_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v or_o pray_v to_o any_o purpose_n the_o want_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o weight_n of_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n be_v clog_v and_o press_v down_o and_o keep_v from_o be_v elevate_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o adorable_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o then_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v what_o we_o can_v help_v and_o see_v wander_a of_o thought_n coolness_n of_o affection_n want_v of_o attention_n and_o sometime_o no_o small_a defect_n in_o outward_a behaviour_n argue_v too_o much_o inward_a sloth_n and_o negligence_n may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v owe_v to_o infirmity_n or_o inadvertency_n god_n will_v no_o doubt_n accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o desire_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v keep_v upon_o the_o wing_n and_o do_v its_o part_n in_o all_o respect_n whilst_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o our_o mouth_n utter_v our_o petition_n in_o the_o most_o decent_a expression_n we_o can_v think_v of_o and_o with_o profound_a humility_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o grant_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a show_v all_o the_o dependence_n upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o favour_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v if_o there_o be_v thus_o much_o observe_v by_o we_o towards_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o be_v hear_v for_o want_n of_o more_o that_o be_v for_o want_v of_o pray_v like_o a_o saint_n or_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o holy_a ardour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o man_n but_o still_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o heavenly_a exercise_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o ourselves_o any_o great_a benefit_n from_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n whereof_o more_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n by_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v at_o all_o time_n expect_v and_o which_o have_v according_o be_v pay_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consequence_n have_v show_v god_n approbation_n thereof_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n thing_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v either_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n due_a to_o he_o or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v some_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o his_o creature_n now_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o respect_n and_o first_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n which_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n now_o worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n we_o read_v that_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 4.26_o which_o word_n though_o they_o will_v bear_v another_o interpretation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o most_o natural_a construction_n of_o they_o demonstrate_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v pay_v unto_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o do_v this_o there_o be_v not_o then_o as_o there_o be_v now_o any_o command_n enjoin_v or_o require_v man_n to_o pray_v nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o for_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o this_o performance_n and_o as_o we_o find_v no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n so_o none_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o who_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v for_o their_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v mighty_o suppress_v by_o wicked_a man_n till_o the_o time_n of_o enosh_n but_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o good_a and_o pious_a to_o restore_v religion_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o heathen_a world_n fall_v into_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n about_o the_o godhead_n ascribe_v it_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o excellency_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o betray_v therein_o a_o great_a infatuation_n and_o stupidity_n yet_o they_o still_o invoke_v whatsoever_o they_o call_v their_o deity_n and_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o senseless_a and_o absurd_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v a_o god_n which_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v at_o their_o pleasure_n though_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a degree_n of_o infatuation_n to_o pray_v to_o a_o snake_n or_o crocodile_n for_o protection_n which_o be_v ready_a every_o hour_n to_o devour_v they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sottish_a unmanly_a conceit_n to_o beg_v health_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o recovery_n at_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o plague_n which_o thing_n sound_v so_o odd_a that_o one_o will_v not_o imagine_v such_o deity_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v think_v of_o and_o though_o i_o say_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o unmanly_a than_o to_o worship_v such_o inferior_a being_n nor_o more_o contradictory_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o amid_o these_o absurdity_n apparent_a in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n
none_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n who_o do_v not_o cheerful_o exercise_v himself_o in_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_v the_o almighty_a which_o show_v the_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o of_o all_o for_o if_o any_o shall_v vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o pay_v this_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o they_o be_v too_o holy_a or_o too_o great_a either_o they_o be_v so_o good_a as_o not_o to_o need_v to_o pray_v or_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v below_o they_o but_o no_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o holiness_n can_v be_v free_a from_o this_o duty_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a for_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v be_v also_o most_o eminent_a for_o devotion_n and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a instance_n in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v 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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
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 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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
like_a consideration_n you_o may_v vigorate_v and_o enliven_v your_o devotion_n with_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o draw_v near_a and_o fall_v low_a at_o his_o footstool_n in_o full_a assurance_n that_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a and_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o to_o give_v you_o the_o thing_n you_o long_o for_o or_o some_o thing_n else_o which_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o know_v to_o be_v better_o for_o you_o you_o be_v not_o always_o to_o believe_v you_o shall_v certain_o receive_v every_o particular_a thing_n you_o pray_v for_o you_o can_v with_o any_o just_a confidence_n expect_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v and_o though_o he_o have_v absolute_o promise_v you_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o godliness_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o present_a life_n he_o have_v limit_v his_o promise_n of_o they_o so_o that_o he_o will_v give_v or_o withhold_v they_o as_o he_o see_v they_o necessary_a profitable_a or_o convenient_a for_o you_o see_v then_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o see_v your_o faith_n can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o promise_n you_o can_v firm_o believe_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v every_o particular_a thing_n grant_v you_o because_o you_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v be_v beneficial_a or_o proper_a for_o you_o for_o whatever_o you_o may_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o know_v that_o infallible_o and_o therefore_o you_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o on_o you_o chap._n ix_o charity_n require_v in_o prayer_n and_o as_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n so_o likewise_o in_o charity_n this_o be_v a_o diffusive_a grace_n ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o it_o take_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n into_o your_o litany_n and_o oblige_v you_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n form_n which_o teach_v you_o to_o beg_v all_o the_o same_o blessing_n for_o other_o that_o you_o beg_v for_o you_o self_n all_o your_o business_n in_o this_o life_n next_o to_o serve_v god_n be_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v to_o yourself_o and_o other_o and_o see_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o narrow_a and_o weak_a condition_n of_o your_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a you_o must_v therefore_o apply_v yourself_o to_o he_o from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n pray_v that_o he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n will_v supply_v the_o want_v of_o all_o men._n and_o see_v every_o one_o be_v in_o some_o want_n or_o other_o every_o one_o must_v have_v a_o share_n in_o your_o prayer_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o your_o trespass_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n you_o have_v absolute_a need_n to_o desire_v of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o all_o other_o blessing_n will_v be_v insignificant_a but_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v god_n shall_v forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n unless_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n in_o the_o petition_n you_o make_v for_o pardon_n of_o your_o own_o sin_n you_o solicit_v your_o own_o ruin_n if_o you_o pardon_v not_o other_o their_o sin_n for_o in_o say_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o you_o pray_v god_n will_v never_o pardon_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o pardon_v other_o how_o can_v you_o rational_o desire_v forgiveness_n from_o god_n when_o you_o deny_v it_o to_o your_o neighbour_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o forgive_v his_o servant_n a_o considerable_a sum_n when_o he_o desire_v it_o charge_v the_o same_o anew_o upon_o he_o when_o he_o refuse_v to_o forgive_v his_o fellow-servant_n a_o small_a debt_n matth._n 18.23_o his_o do_v this_o so_o far_o provoke_v his_o lord_n indignation_n against_o he_o that_o he_o give_v he_o up_o to_o the_o tormentor_n and_o thus_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o if_o you_o deal_v thus_o with_o your_o fellow-christians_a who_o can_v never_o so_o far_o trespass_v against_o you_o as_o you_o do_v against_o god_n who_o will_v assure_o handle_v you_o as_o you_o do_v they_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v not_o forgive_v you_o you_o matth._n 6.15_o and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v in_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o illustrious_a than_o in_o ready_o forgive_a those_o who_o beg_v his_o pardon_n so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o his_o justice_n can_v be_v more_o equal_a than_o in_o deal_v severe_o with_o those_o who_o deal_v severe_o with_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n take_v hold_v of_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o badge_n whereby_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o man_n of_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v continual_o remember_v it_o he_o insert_v it_o into_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o use_v daily_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v you_o look_v up_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n with_o this_o petition_n in_o your_o mouth_n if_o you_o want_v compassion_n and_o charity_n how_o can_v you_o hope_v to_o prevail_v with_o your_o cry_n and_o importunity_n on_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v no_o bowel_n yourself_o towards_o your_o neighbour_n remember_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n proceed_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n jam._n 2.13_o and_o though_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o best_a gift_n you_o can_v bring_v to_o god_n altar_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v at_o your_o hand_n if_o your_o heart_n be_v malicious_a when_o you_o come_v to_o offer_v it_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o under_o the_o law_n will_v render_v the_o best_a of_o sacrifice_n rather_o offensive_a to_o almighty_a god_n than_o be_v of_o any_o avail_v to_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o more_o effectual_o at_o once_o destroy_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a christian_a sacrifice_n than_o uncharitableness_n if_o therefore_o you_o have_v any_o pique_n or_o uncharitable_a variance_n with_o your_o neighbour_n do_v all_o that_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o you_o present_v god_n with_o your_o supplication_n for_o christ_n teach_v you_o this_o when_o he_o bid_v he_o who_o bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o atonement_n for_o his_o sin_n that_o if_o he_o remember_v he_o have_v injure_v any_o man_n he_o shall_v leave_v his_o offering_n unpresented_a and_o repair_v to_o the_o person_n he_o have_v wrong_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n to_o make_v he_o friend_n with_o he_o and_o then_o to_o come_v and_o complete_a his_o intend_a atonement_n every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o cloud_n interpose_v betwixt_o you_o and_o heaven_n and_o hinder_v the_o ascension_n of_o your_o prayer_n but_o no_o cloud_n be_v so_o thick_a as_o uncharitableness_n this_o darken_v the_o whole_a heaven_n of_o religious_a exercise_n render_v they_o void_a of_o all_o efficacy_n and_o advantage_n for_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v without_o charity_n profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n and_o redeem_a by_o one_o ransom_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n so_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o harden_v your_o bowel_n against_o any_o that_o partake_v with_o you_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n and_o redemption_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o want_v tenderness_n of_o heart_n you_o be_v humble_o to_o importune_v the_o father_n of_o compassion_n to_o give_v it_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o employ_v your_o ability_n for_o their_o succour_n and_o relief_n beg_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o love_n to_o dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o thence_o malice_n hatred_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o you_o that_o pious_a generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o seek_v not_o only_o to_o please_v yourself_o but_o also_o your_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n and_o see_v that_o all_o your_o do_n without_o charity_n be_v nothing_o worth_a beseech_v god_n to_o pour_v into_o your_o heart_n that_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o charity_n without_o which_o whosoever_o live_v be_v count_v dead_a before_o he_o what_o be_v it_o that_o provoke_v god_n to_o animadvert_v so_o severe_o upon_o corah_n and_o his_o accomplice_n when_o they_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
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