down_o these_o four_o proposition_n 1._o first_o prayer_n in_o general_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n a_o burden_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v very_o much_o command_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o frequent_o repeat_v matt._n 26._o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 17._o pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v and_o in_o matt._n 18._o 1._o our_o saviour_n speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o saint_n you_o shall_v be_v continual_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n have_v your_o grace_n and_o affection_n ready_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o work_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a worship_n the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v now_o since_o the_o fall_v exceed_o dim_a and_o like_o a_o candle_n burn_v down_o into_o the_o socket_n have_v direct_v the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o they_o when_o in_o a_o menace_a storm_n and_o jonah_n fast_a a-sleep_o in_o the_o ship_n can_v go_v and_o awaken_v he_o and_o bid_v he_o to_o call_v upon_o his_o god_n prayer_n be_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n not_o only_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o likewise_o as_o we_o be_v creature_n not_o only_o as_o saint_n but_o also_o as_o man_n and_o woman_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o homage_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o as_o we_o have_v our_o be_v from_o his_o power_n and_o as_o we_o have_v that_o be_v continue_v and_o sweeten_v to_o we_o by_o his_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o practical_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o necessary_a and_o constant_a dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o the_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o do_v not_o pray_v be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o atheist_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n he_o do_v first_o cast_v off_o god_n who_o cast_v off_o prayer_n psal._n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n first_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o than_o you_o find_v in_o vers_n 3_o 4._o that_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n nor_o call_v upon_o he_o let_v man_n and_o woman_n make_v never_o so_o great_a and_o fair_a a_o profession_n attribute_n to_o themselves_o what_o they_o will_v and_o lay_v their_o claim_n to_o as_o many_o glorious_a name_n and_o title_n as_o they_o please_v their_o profession_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o lie_n those_o name_n and_o title_n do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o the_o religion_n unto_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o lifeless_a image_n which_o god_n when_o he_o awake_v will_v most_o certain_o despise_v in_o case_n they_o live_v without_o this_o excellent_a duty_n you_o may_v call_v and_o count_v they_o atheist_n without_o do_v they_o any_o injury_n those_o that_o live_v without_o prayer_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o this_o world_n you_o may_v easy_o know_v with_o who_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o any_o atheist_n to_o be_v find_v in_o london_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o knowledge_n such_o plenty_n of_o mean_n such_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a light_n shine_v but_o i_o fear_v if_o there_o be_v a_o enquiry_n make_v it_o will_v plain_o appear_v there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o than_o we_o do_v imagine_v yea_o i_o be_o not_o in_o the_o least_o afraid_a to_o affirm_v that_o in_o this_o famous_a city_n there_o be_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a atheist_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n himself_o say_v isa._n 42_o 14._o who_o be_v blind_a but_o my_o servant_n or_o deaf_a as_o my_o messenger_n that_o i_o send_v who_o be_v blind_a as_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a or_o blind_a as_o the_o lord_n servant_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o the_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n which_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_a who_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o there_o be_v such_o blindness_n among_o my_o servant_n both_o prophet_n and_o people_n who_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n a_o valley_n of_o vision_n there_o be_v none_o so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o be_v blind_v by_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v their_o eye_n put_v out_o by_o that_o very_a light_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v see_v none_o so_o blind_a as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o see_v none_o so_o ignorant_a as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o know_v first_o man_n do_v wicked_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o god_n do_v in_o just_a judgement_n put_v they_o out_o isa._n 6._o 9_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n remember_v and_o consider_v it_o prayer_n be_v absolute_o your_o duty_n charge_v it_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o make_v conscience_n of_o mind_v and_o do_v it_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o both_o as_o you_o be_v christian_n and_o creature_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o your_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v never_o discharge_v and_o deliver_v you_o from_o your_o engagement_n to_o it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o pay_v it_o the_o debt_n go_v on_o the_o sin_n increase_v and_o how_o great_a a_o sum_n will_v it_o at_o last_o amount_v to_o every_o day_n that_o you_o pass_v without_o your_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n you_o do_v felonious_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o wicked_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o your_o creation_n 2._o second_o as_o prayer_n itself_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o a_o liberty_n to_o pray_v be_v your_o choice_a privilege_n it_o be_v god_n mercy_n and_o your_o happiâ—ess_n that_o he_o give_v you_o leave_v to_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n and_o lie_v beg_v there_o sit_v down_o â—ere_z and_o pause_v a_o little_a and_o serious_o think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o great_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a worm_n to_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o infinite_a and_o glorious_a god_n open_a to_o its_o cry_n for_o you_o who_o be_v no_o better_o as_o abraham_n free_o acknowledge_v than_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o have_v the_o door_n of_o grace_n open_v to_o you_o and_o leave_v to_o approach_v and_o make_v your_o application_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o state_n your_o case_n to_o he_o 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and_o will_v have_v hide_v have_v he_o know_v how_o and_o where_o sin_n present_o erect_v a_o middle-wall_n of_o partition_n between_o they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v fatal_a to_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o his_o life_n be_v worth_a to_o have_v adventure_v in_o his_o lapse_v state_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v high_o provoke_v have_v there_o not_o be_v help_v lay_v upon_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a and_o the_o gracious_a interposition_n of_o a_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a mediator_n god_n be_v in_o himself_o a_o devour_a fire_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n how_o then_o be_v it_o safe_a for_o man_n to_o approach_v to_o he_o or_o to_o dwell_v with_o he_o
thing_n 1._o safety_n 2._o comfort_n 1._o first_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o choice_n and_o excellent_a mean_n of_o security_n will_v a_o man_n be_v safe_a when_o he_o be_v alone_o then_o let_v he_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v alone_a on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o place_n to_o be_v sound_n in_o which_o a_o person_n may_v rational_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o quit_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o danger_n i_o hear_v one_o once_o witty_o say_v he_o do_v not_o upon_o the_o road_n fear_v highwayman_n so_o long_o as_o be_v be_v alone_o but_o there_o be_v other_o enemy_n from_o who_o we_o may_v apprehend_v mischief_n when_o we_o be_v most_o alone_o the_o subtle_a serpent_n wriggle_v himself_o into_o paradise_n itself_o and_o there_o he_o do_v mortal_o sting_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o undo_v they_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n in_o they_o holy_a paul_n be_v perfect_o safe_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o malicious_a tempter_n can_v not_o come_v at_o he_o there_o since_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o that_o bless_a place_n he_o never_o yet_o can_v and_o for_o the_o future_a he_o never_o shall_v make_v a_o reentry_n nor_o be_v his_o arm_n strong_a enough_o to_o shoot_v a_o arrow_n or_o throw_v a_o fiery_a dart_n so_o high_a but_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o eminent_a apostle_n come_v down_o again_o but_o he_o be_v desperate_o set_v upon_o worse_o than_o the_o philistine_n be_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v a_o thorn_n stick_v in_o his_o flesh_n which_o can_v not_o but_o put_v he_o to_o pain_n and_o a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n be_v send_v to_o buffet_v he_o who_o without_o peradventure_o give_v he_o no_o small_a blow_n one_o will_v conclude_v a_o person_n safe_a enough_o when_o nobody_o be_v with_o he_o as_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v so_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hurt_v yet_o even_o then_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o man_n with_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n with_o he_o yea_o more_o than_o one_o possible_o more_o than_o a_o legion_n it_o may_v have_v be_v rational_o conclude_v that_o david_n walk_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o house_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o lifeguard_n about_o he_o who_o be_v that_o shall_v or_o can_v do_v the_o king_n a_o mischief_n there_o yet_o even_o there_o a_o naked_a woman_n conquer_v that_o man_n of_o war_n and_o a_o malicious_a devil_n let_v fly_v one_o of_o his_o envenom_a arrow_n and_o wound_v he_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n by_o the_o eye_n it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o that_o good_a man_n if_o instead_o of_o gaze_v about_o and_o view_v every_o object_n that_o present_v he_o have_v be_v look_v up_o to_o his_o god_n and_o pray_v in_o secret_a know_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o poor_a soul_n the_o devil_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o thou_o not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n he_o bear_v thou_o for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o devil_n they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v devil_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o kindness_n for_o man_n but_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o you_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n have_v to_o his_o prey_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o bloody_a design_n he_o be_v restless_a though_o he_o can_v do_v himself_o no_o good_a he_o reckon_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o do_v thou_o a_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o only_o walk_v with_o thou_o up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o street_n and_o from_o this_o private_a or_o public_a house_n to_o that_o nor_o only_o follow_v thou_o to_o the_o public_a congregation_n there_o to_o divert_v thy_o thought_n or_o deaden_a thy_o affection_n or_o direct_v thy_o eye_n to_o some_o vain_a and_o wanton_a object_n or_o pick_v up_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v cast_v in_o at_o the_o ear_n yet_o it_o may_v never_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o heart_n to_o root_v there_o and_o bring_v forth_o precious_a fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o he_o will_v also_o dog_v you_o into_o your_o chamber_n and_o intrude_v into_o your_o closet_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v he_o will_v get_v in_o you_o can_v while_o here_o get_v clear_a of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o old_a serpent_n and_o wherever_o he_o be_v you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o come_v for_o no_o good_a he_o be_v whole_o set_v upon_o mischief_n that_o be_v his_o constant_a employ_v his_o belove_a work_n his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o he_o follow_v it_o close_o and_o with_o all_o his_o might_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v make_v prayer_n thy_o closet-business_n that_o when_o this_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o thou_o find_v thou_o alone_o he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o advantage_n against_o thou_o when_o in_o ephes._n 6._o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v tell_v you_o of_o the_o enemy_n you_o must_v contend_v with_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_a flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o also_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n he_o advise_v you_o to_o put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o over_o and_o above_o he_o direct_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a work_n of_o prayer_n as_o know_v that_o both_o your_o security_n and_o victory_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o that_o as_o any_o thing_n your_o armour_n will_v not_o do_v without_o your_o god_n and_o he_o you_o can_v expect_v without_o prayer_n if_o then_o you_o will_v not_o fall_v both_o into_o temptation_n and_o by_o it_o your_o care_n and_o work_n must_v be_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o prayer_n have_v lay_v many_o a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o devil_n and_o keep_v he_o off_o from_o meddle_v with_o a_o child_n of_o god_n when_o his_o finger_n have_v itch_v at_o he_o and_o blunt_v his_o tool_n often_o and_o often_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v the_o work_n he_o intend_v with_o they_o and_o break_v the_o neck_n of_o many_o a_o curse_a design_n which_o he_o be_v most_o industrious_o carry_v on_o 2._o second_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o special_a way_n for_o the_o make_n of_o your_o retirement_n comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a to_o you_o solitariness_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v melancholy_a for_o its_o usual_a companion_n and_o a_o life_n of_o loneliness_n and_o retirement_n be_v reckon_v a_o very_a disconsolate_a life_n the_o prophet_n make_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 102._o 7._o that_o he_o be_v as_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o house_n top_n and_o solomon_n say_v eccles._n 4._o 10._o woe_n be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o hence_o one_o say_v he_o that_o love_v to_o be_v alone_o be_v either_o a_o beast_n or_o a_o god_n but_o secret-prayer_n be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o sweeten_v solitariness_n and_o take_v off_o the_o uncomfortableness_n of_o it_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o in_o thy_o uprightness_n apply_v thyself_o hearty_o to_o this_o work_n when_o thou_o be_v without_o any_o company_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v but_o with_o hagar_n in_o the_o wilderness_n find_v a_o spring_n open_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o great_a say_n of_o one_o nunquam_fw-la minus_fw-la solus_fw-la quam_fw-la cum_fw-la maxim_n solus_fw-la i_o be_o never_o less_o alone_o than_o when_o i_o be_o most_o alone_o he_o do_v never_o find_v less_o want_n of_o company_n than_o when_o he_o have_v none_o then_o a_o man_n enjoy_v his_o god_n and_o himself_o and_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o that_o enjoyment_n need_v no_o body_n john_n 16._o 32._o our_o saviour_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o disciple_n the_o hour_n come_v yea_o be_v now_o come_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o and_o shall_v leave_v i_o alone_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o not_o alone_a when_o alone_o i_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o you_o but_o not_o without_o my_o father_n who_o do_v more_o infinite_o more_o than_o fill_v up_o those_o vacancy_n as_o at_o noonday_n we_o do_v not_o want_v the_o star_n though_o they_o be_v all_o obscure_v and_o disappear_v because_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a light_n and_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n who_o do_v abundant_o supply_v their_o absence_n david_n tell_v we_o in_o psalm_n 145._o 18._o which_o be_v a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n sincere_a prayer_n will_v fetch_v god_n down_o from_o heaven_n to_o stand_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v more_o ready_a than_o the_o most_o affectionate_a tender-hearted_a mother_n upon_o earth_n to_o arise_v and_o come_v in_o at_o the_o cry_n
not_o seek_v his_o face_n where_o you_o sin_n to_o his_o face_n oh_o look_v careful_o to_o it_o that_o as_o there_o be_v secret_a fault_n so_o there_o be_v secret_a prayer_n and_o tear_n as_o secret_a sin_n so_o secret_a service_n four_o there_o be_v special_a and_o momentous_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o secret_a prayer_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n nor_o woman_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v something_o or_o other_o which_o he_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v a_o mantle_n of_o privacy_n throw_v over_o something_a or_o other_o which_o he_o may_v be_v free_a and_o willing_a to_o whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o prudent_a intimate_a friend_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o divulge_v and_o come_v abroad_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o body_n now_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o his_o ear_n something_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v any_o 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state_v by_o other_o in_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_o joy_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n that_o no_o body_n else_o have_v a_o key_n to_o let_v he_o into_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o a_o poor_a disease_a patient_n to_o tell_v his_o physician_n how_o he_o feel_v himself_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v so_o disturb_v in_o his_o reason_n or_o so_o much_o enfeeble_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o some_o other_o to_o do_v it_o that_o have_v be_v about_o he_o and_o curious_a in_o his_o observation_n but_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o wise_a physician_n will_v like_v that_o account_n best_o which_o come_v from_o his_o patient_n be_v own_o mouth_n suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o give_v one_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o do_v so_o to_o thy_o great_a and_o everblessed_n physician_n the_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o that_o end_n study_v both_o his_o word_n and_o thy_o heart_n that_o by_o study_v his_o word_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o know_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o by_o study_v thy_o own_o heart_n thou_o may_v know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o again_o will_v publick-prayer_n at_o all_o time_n become_v thou_o and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concernment_n have_v thou_o so_o much_o of_o a_o unspotted_a innocency_n or_o such_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o blush_v to_o tell_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o housetop_n have_v thou_o be_v so_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o need_v not_o care_v who_o know_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v indeed_o when_o a_o proud_a and_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o display_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o trumpet_n out_o his_o own_o commendation_n to_o tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o phoenix_n a_o kind_n of_o none-such_a in_o the_o world_n one_o that_o be_v so_o free_a from_o common_a defilement_n so_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o act_n of_o goodness_n that_o his_o fellow_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v he_o ambitious_a of_o have_v auditor_n enough_o and_o to_o see_v he_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o with_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o side_n strut_a it_o to_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o do_v expect_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n who_o may_v go_v and_o inform_v other_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o have_v hear_v concern_v he_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o raise_v to_o he_o thousand_o of_o admiring_n among_o such_o as_o will_v be_v credulous_a and_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n but_o methinks_v when_o a_o poor_a publican_n that_o groan_v under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o know_v himself_o unable_a to_o answer_v for_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o who_o have_v have_v often_o and_o often_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o pronounce_v by_o his_o own_o awaken_v and_o wound_v conscience_n when_o i_o say_v he_o be_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o indictment_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o righteous_a judge_n and_o then_o have_v so_o do_v to_o beg_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o plead_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o may_v stand_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o get_v alone_o by_o himself_o as_o a_o person_n ashamed_a and_o even_o confound_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o acquaint_v god_n with_o thy_o disease_n foul_a loathsome_a disease_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o artery_n sore_n and_o those_o wound_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o as_o poor_a david_n find_v and_o own_a stink_n and_o be_v corrupt_a it_o speak_v a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o do_v high_o become_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o now_o christian_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o deal_v particular_o with_o thou_o and_o to_o come_v as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o propound_v some_o few_o question_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o desire_v thou_o to_o propound_v they_o to_o thyself_o when_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o have_v thou_o not_o some_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n have_v thou_o be_v all_o thy_o day_n so_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o circumspect_a and_o exact_a that_o no_o action_n of_o thou_o trouble_v thou_o or_o will_v reflect_v dishhonour_n upon_o thou_o or_o in_o the_o least_o put_v thou_o out_o of_o countenance_n be_v there_o no_o blot_n in_o thy_o escutchion_n no_o dead_a fly_n in_o thy_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n do_v by_o thou_o which_o nobody_o do_v know_v of_o and_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o for_o more_o than_o i_o will_v say_v have_v any_o body_n know_v of_o let_v this_o bring_v thou_o to_o secret_a prayer_n for_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n thou_o do_v not_o need_v to_o do_v it_o unto_o man_n there_o be_v no_o necessâ—â—y_n for_o thou_o to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v thy_o own_o shame_n auriculaâ—â—onfeâ—â—â—on_n which_o the_o popish_a priest_n do_v require_v be_v a_o abomination_n but_o a_o confession_n there_o must_v be_v else_o the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v the_o oppress_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v relieve_v the_o sâ—ain_n will_v not_o be_v take_v out_o the_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v pardon_v the_o promise_n be_v he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n as_o much_o as_o he_o need_v or_o can_v desire_v and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o this_o assurance_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o that_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v we_o â—u_n sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o those_o word_n from_o all_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o justify_v grace_n will_v make_v through_o work_n wherever_o it_o come_v it_o take_v away_o iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n all_o sort_n and_o size_n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o where_o do_v this_o take_v place_n only_o in_o they_o that_o confess_v where_o there_o be_v no_o confession_n you_o can_v with_o reason_n hope_v for_o a_o remission_n add_v this_o you_o may_v very_o well_o spread_v before_o god_n those_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o secret_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o hide_v they_o from_o he_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o
and_o dread_a upon_o thy_o spirit_n with_o as_o great_a humility_n and_o reverence_n in_o thy_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o thou_o though_o thou_o may_v in_o thy_o retirement_n be_v more_o free_a and_o open_a in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thyself_o and_o thy_o condition_n thy_o burden_n want_n and_o desire_n because_o no_o body_n see_v thou_o yet_o thou_o must_v not_o be_v rude_a unmannerly_a and_o saucy_a because_o god_n see_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n god_n be_v in_o heaven_n upon_o a_o throne_n of_o glory_n attend_v by_o innumerable_a angle_n who_o in_o his_o presence_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o know_v their_o distance_n their_o inability_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o behold_v he_o remember_v thou_o have_v to_o do_v with_o majesty_n yea_o with_o a_o infinite_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o shall_v not_o his_o excellency_n make_v you_o afraid_a and_o his_o dread_a fall_n upon_o you_o job_n 13._o 11._o and_o indeed_o then_o be_v we_o most_o excellent_a when_o we_o do_v most_o fear_n god_n excellency_n david_n begin_v psalm_n 8._o with_o the_o admiration_n of_o god_n excellency_n o_o lord_n our_o lord_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n he_o fall_v to_o humble_v and_o vilify_a thought_n and_o expression_n of_o man._n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n yet_o how_o low_o be_v he_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o how_o much_o fill_v with_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n when_o he_o alone_o stand_v before_o he_o plead_v for_o wicked_a sodom_n observe_v how_o he_o carry_v and_o what_o he_o say_v genesis_n 18._o 27._o behold_v now_o i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o vers_fw-la 30._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o yet_o again_o verse_n 32._o o_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v yet_o but_o this_o once_o by_o all_o this_o you_o see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_a god_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n expect_v from_o his_o creature_n yea_o from_o his_o dear_a child_n he_o stand_v upon_o his_o honour_n and_o look_v to_o be_v treat_v like_o himself_o levit._fw-la 10._o 3._o moses_n say_v unto_o aaron_n this_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o i_o see_v then_o that_o you_o have_v grace_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n as_o know_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 28_o 29._o nadab_n and_o abihu_n find_v he_o so_o when_o destroy_v by_o fire_n that_o come_v from_o his_o presence_n upon_o their_o not_o observe_v his_o order_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o strange_a fire_n and_o meet_v with_o devour_a fire_n therefore_o do_v you_o fear_v before_o he_o when_o you_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o though_o nobody_o be_v by_o remember_v and_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v by_o as_o to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n so_o curious_o to_o observe_v both_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o deportment_n before_o he_o as_o he_o be_v of_o pitiful_a eye_n so_o of_o pure_a and_o pierce_a eye_n which_o can_v endure_v to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v all_o be_v naked_a and_o open_a before_o he_o with_o who_o you_o have_v to_o do_v second_o when_o thou_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o secret-prayer_n study_n and_o endeavour_v secrecy_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o be_v as_o secret_a as_o ever_o thou_o can_v do_v not_o tell_v other_o the_o business_n thou_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n what_o though_o none_o know_v of_o it_o let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o thou_o that_o thy_o father_n do_v for_o that_o be_v enough_o he_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v thy_o witness_n and_o to_o do_v for_o thou_o all_o that_o thou_o desire_v never_o go_v to_o it_o with_o a_o design_n nor_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o other_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o commendation_n a_o christian_a indeed_o may_v do_v alm_n and_o pray_v so_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o let_v his_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o allure_a of_o other_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o like_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v other_o by_o any_o mean_n a_o item_n of_o our_o private_a duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o applause_n that_o we_o may_v have_v praise_n with_o man_n and_o be_v by_o they_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o serious_a strict_a and_o eminent_a christian_n be_v too_o low_a a_o pitch_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o fly_v it_o be_v pharisaical_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a and_o sure_o i_o be_o you_o yourselves_o will_v find_v it_o true_a at_o the_o last_o that_o a_o name_n thus_o obtain_v will_v not_o pay_v the_o charge_n but_o cost_v you_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o it_o be_v worth_a it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o name_n if_o we_o can_v please_v god_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v there_o though_o nobody_o know_v all_o the_o step_n we_o take_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o warm_a at_o it_o when_o the_o fire_n burn_v speak_v with_o thy_o tongue_n it_o be_v thy_o friend_n in_o prayer_n and_o thy_o glory_n in_o praise_n but_o command_v it_o to_o keep_v a_o due_a decorum_n be_v not_o so_o loud_a that_o other_o may_v hear_v do_v not_o like_o some_o make_v the_o street_n ring_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o voice_n be_v sometime_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o oppress_a spirit_n who_o speak_v will_v not_o serve_v there_o must_v be_v cry_v and_o that_o aloud_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o soul_n fire_v and_o inflame_v with_o holy_a long_n and_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o affection_n only_o when_o thou_o do_v make_v use_n of_o it_o get_v as_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v out_o of_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o conveniency_n for_o that_o neither_o within_o door_n nor_o without_o then_o go_v to_o god_n as_o he_o come_v to_o elijah_n in_o a_o soft_a and_o still_a voice_n thy_o father_n can_v hear_v thy_o whisper_n for_o thou_o always_o speak_v in_o his_o ear_n yea_o more_o roman_n 8._o 27._o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o have_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o speak_v of_o groan_n that_o can_v not_o be_v utter_v desire_n that_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v but_o though_o thou_o can_v utter_v neither_o sigh_n nor_o groan_n nor_o word_n god_n know_v your_o mind_n what_o your_o spirit_n be_v work_v out_o after_o when_o you_o say_v nothing_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o you_o will_v have_v all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o thy_o sigh_n yea_o thy_o very_a tear_n be_v to_o he_o articulate_v when_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o thy_o mouth_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o woman_n say_v any_o thing_n who_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n but_o in_o those_o tear_n and_o action_n christ_n see_v love_n and_o thankfulness_n much_o be_v forgive_v she_o therefore_o she_o love_v much_o yea_o he_o do_v know_v what_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o by_o your_o very_a look_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o flood_n compass_v jonah_n about_o and_o all_o the_o billow_n and_o wave_n pass_v over_o he_o and_o he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o be_v in_o a_o perish_a condition_n he_o resolve_v upon_o give_v god_n a_o look_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v jonah_n 2._o 4._o then_o i_o say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n and_o that_o look_v save_v he_o verse_n 6._o thou_o have_v bring_v up_o my_o life_n from_o corruption_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n he_o look_v pitiful_o up_o to_o god_n and_o god_n look_v gracious_o down_o upon_o he_o do_v thou_o so_o act_v the_o saint_n as_o careful_o to_o avoid_v every_o