he_o come_v arm_v with_o authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o bind_v all_o that_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n well_o ananias_n do_v what_o thou_o be_v bid_v for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o vile_a wretch_n a_o cruel_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n fear_v he_o not_o the_o wolf_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o lamb_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o former_o he_o be_v he_o be_v now_o quite_o another_o thing_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o far_o better_a spirit_n he_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o thou_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o praying-man_n he_o that_o before_o speak_v nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o outrage_n against_o christ_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v now_o that_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o sanctify_a speak_v supplication_n it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v they_o will_v go_v out_o to_o hear_v and_o they_o be_v for_o variety_n this_o man_n and_o that_o and_o twenty_o more_o possible_o three_o sermon_n upon_o a_o day_n peradventure_o four_o and_o i_o do_v not_o blame_v any_o for_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o see_v christian_n hungry_a and_o of_o good_a appetite_n so_o that_o they_o do_v but_o allow_v themselves_o necessary_a time_n for_o concoction_n and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o personal_a and_o family_n duty_n but_o conscience_n do_v thou_o speak_v and_o that_o loud_a enough_o to_o make_v guilty_a person_n hear_v and_o feel_v too_o be_v there_o not_o some_o of_o these_o who_o at_o home_n be_v never_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v look_v into_o their_o house_n and_o into_o their_o chamber_n he_o will_v find_v that_o prayer_n be_v quite_o shut_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o that_o let_v these_o person_n hold_v their_o head_n never_o so_o high_a and_o have_v obtain_v never_o so_o great_a a_o name_n i_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o company_n of_o walk_a ghost_n such_o as_o do_v real_o want_v a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n and_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o by_o some_o external_a consideration_n prayer_n be_v a_o breathe_n in_o heaven_n air_n it_o be_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v in_o spirit_n and_o life_n from_o he_o and_o then_o again_o it_o pour_v out_o and_o empty_v itself_o into_o he_o and_o it_o be_v full_a out_o as_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v a_o natural_a life_n without_o natural_a breathe_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o spiritual_a breathe_n i_o mean_v without_o prayer_n you_o know_v when_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n zechar._n 12._o 10._o he_o do_v it_o in_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n there_o he_o do_v certain_o act_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o 15._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o import_v a_o filial_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n i_o remember_v what_o you_o may_v meet_v in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o remove_v mountain_n though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o as_o a_o mere_a sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n what_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o do_v indeed_o make_v action_n lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o put_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o they_o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v affirm_v concern_v prayer_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o well_o accomplish_v never_o so_o raise_v in_o his_o attainment_n never_o so_o fluent_a and_o warm_a in_o his_o discourse_n never_o so_o eminent_a for_o his_o profession_n never_o so_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a in_o his_o hear_n never_o so_o abundant_a in_o act_n of_o charity_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o prayerless_a person_n he_o be_v nothing_o nothing_o in_o religion_n nothing_o to_o purpose_n all_o his_o part_n and_o performance_n though_o many_o and_o specious_a will_v amount_v to_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n arithmetic_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o more_o significancy_n than_o so_o many_o cipher_n without_o a_o figure_n to_o put_v a_o value_n into_o they_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v amount_v to_o thus_o much_o to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o gracious_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o all_o that_o such_o a_o one_o do_v will_v never_o turn_v he_o to_o a_o good_a account_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o faith_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n without_o prayer_n for_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v they_o that_o believe_v will_v speak_v when_o god_n have_v kindle_v a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v work_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n that_o spark_n will_v fly_v upward_o and_o carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o it_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o in_o psal._n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n what_o do_v he_o speak_v prayer_n lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v either_o take_v up_o prayer_n and_o follow_v it_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n or_o else_o lay_v down_o your_o profession_n boast_v not_o of_o a_o filial_a relation_n to_o god_n while_o thou_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o a_o filial_a spirit_n and_o disposition_n never_o talk_v of_o your_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o in_o all_o your_o life_n you_o never_o speak_v one_o serious_a hearty_a word_n to_o he_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o to_o put_v off_o the_o honourable_a name_n christian_n which_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n belong_v to_o you_o and_o call_v yourselves_o heathen_n beast_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o though_o not_o too_o bad_a for_o you_o downright_o practical_a atheist_n second_o your_o condition_n at_o the_o present_a be_v very_o miserable_a though_o you_o know_v it_o not_o so_o long_o as_o you_o live_v without_o prayer_n you_o live_v without_o a_o blessing_n whatsoever_o may_v light_v upon_o you_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pray_a people_n if_o you_o will_v look_v into_o the_o book_n of_o god_n which_o i_o believe_v you_o seldom_o do_v for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o beg_v his_o mercy_n will_v not_o labour_v to_o know_v his_o will_n you_o may_v see_v how_o much_o it_o cost_v esau_n to_o get_v a_o blessing_n from_o his_o father_n isaac_n he_o shed_v many_o tear_n and_o lift_v up_o loud_a cry_n gen._n 27._o 33_o 34._o isaac_n tell_v he_o that_o one_o have_v bring_v he_o venison_n which_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o and_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v say_v when_o esau_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o his_o father_n he_o cry_v with_o a_o great_a and_o exceed_o bitter_a cry_n and_o say_v unto_o his_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o when_o isaac_n answer_v vers_fw-la 37._o behold_v i_o have_v make_v he_o thy_o lord_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n have_v i_o give_v to_o he_o for_o servant_n and_o with_o corn_n and_o wine_n have_v i_o sustain_v he_o and_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o unto_o thou_o my_o son_n vers._n 38._o esau_n say_v unto_o his_o father_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o blessing_n my_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o esau_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n and_o weep_v what_o be_v thou_o so_o poor_a o_o my_o father_n as_o that_o in_o give_v one_o blessing_n thou_o have_v give_v away_o all_o have_v thou_o not_o reserve_v one_o and_o all_o this_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o do_v before_o he_o can_v obtain_v yea_o and_o it_o
thing_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi three_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o in_o prayer_n make_v it_o thy_o great_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o appearance_n before_o he_o make_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o the_o psalmist_n can_v say_v psal._n 139._o 18._o when_o i_o awake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o this_o some_o understand_v of_o the_o constancy_n of_o god_n kindness_n though_o the_o most_o vigilant_a of_o the_o saint_n sometime_o fall_v into_o sleepiness_n and_o drowsiness_n of_o spirit_n that_o they_o perceive_v not_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o nor_o care_n over_o they_o nor_o love_n to_o they_o yet_o when_o the_o lord_n awaken_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o renew_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o when_o they_o least_o perceive_v his_o presence_n but_o other_o do_v by_o this_o understand_v the_o gracious_a frame_n and_o work_n of_o david_n spirit_n he_o be_v every_o morning_n with_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o god_n god_n be_v the_o excellent_a and_o endear_a object_n that_o he_o will_v first_o converse_v with_o and_o bestow_v his_o morning_n visit_v upon_o i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o by_o meditation_n oh_o that_o thou_o can_v say_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n as_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n lord_n when_o i_o be_o at_o prayer_n i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o often_o upon_o my_o knee_n and_o i_o be_o as_o often_o with_o my_o god_n i_o john_n 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n do_v you_o press_v after_o that_o a_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v you_o inquire_v for_o that_o as_o elisha_n when_o he_o have_v get_v the_o mantle_n which_o his_o master_n have_v drop_v he_o cry_v out_o where_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o elijah_n so_o do_v you_o here_o be_v the_o prayer_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fellowship_n true_o that_o person_n be_v both_o wicked_o and_o miserable_o alone_a in_o his_o duty_n who_o be_v not_o with_o god_n in_o duty_n he_o sin_v great_o in_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o that_o be_v a_o accurse_a privacy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o great_a and_o everblessed_n god_n be_v exclude_v he_o be_v indeed_o with_o thou_o in_o all_o place_n in_o thy_o great_a retirement_n psal._n 139._o 8._o if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n thou_o be_v there_o so_o if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o chamber_n god_n be_v there_o if_o in_o the_o field_n god_n be_v there_o he_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o person_n and_o of_o all_o their_o action_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o no_o gracious_a soul_n that_o do_v indeed_o love_v he_o will_v sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o that_o while_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o by_o his_o omnipresence_n observe_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o way_n what_o duty_n thou_o do_v and_o how_o thou_o do_v they_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o great_a care_n to_o be_v with_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o affection_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n dwell_v with_o god_n the_o desire_n run_v out_o to_o god_n and_o the_o delight_n feast_v upon_o god_n have_v a_o care_n that_o when_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v alone_o in_o your_o duty_n you_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o reins_o upon_o your_o neck_n and_o allow_v your_o mind_n in_o their_o loose_a and_o vain_a exâ—ursions_n christian_n go_v to_o thy_o duty_n and_o go_v to_o thy_o god_n too_o so_o that_o good_a man_n wise_o resolve_v psal._n 43._o 3_o 4._o o_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o truth_n let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o hill_n and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n he_o will_v not_o stop_v at_o the_o altar_n but_o get_v up_o to_o the_o god_n who_o be_v worship_v there_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v with_o he_o keep_v with_o he_o as_o close_o as_o thou_o can_v let_v no_o temptation_n draw_v thou_o away_o four_o whensoever_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a before_o god_n reveal_v all_o thy_o secret_n to_o he_o deal_v plain_o and_o open_o with_o he_o anatomize_v thy_o soul_n in_o his_o presence_n tell_v he_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o that_o thou_o remember_v have_v be_v in_o thy_o life_n and_o do_v not_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o whatsoever_o thy_o own_o conscience_n preach_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o repeat_v it_o all_o to_o god_n confess_v to_o he_o those_o evil_a action_n thou_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o darkness_n though_o no_o mortal_a eye_n see_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o body_n charge_v thou_o with_o they_o the_o keep_v back_o of_o part_n of_o thy_o sin_n may_v be_v thy_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o land_n and_o cover_v the_o fraud_n with_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o death_n of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n acknowledge_v to_o he_o those_o heart-corruption_n which_o do_v never_o come_v into_o act_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n that_o war_v against_o the_o law_n in_o your_o mind_n the_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o that_o curse_a root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o lie_v under_o ground_n the_o vicious_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o boil_v and_o bubble_v up_o in_o filthy_a thought_n and_o vile_a affection_n though_o it_o never_o send_v forth_o such_o muddy_a and_o abominable_a stream_n as_o run_v in_o a_o impetuous_a and_o rapid_a manner_n in_o the_o life_n of_o other_o overflow_a all_o the_o bank_n that_o religion_n and_o reason_n do_v set_v they_o in_o a_o word_n do_v thou_o thyself_o acquaint_v god_n with_o the_o plague_n of_o thy_o heart_n which_o threaten_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o soul_n though_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n to_o be_v see_v by_o other_o upon_o thou_o though_o it_o do_v not_o show_v itself_o in_o botch_n and_o boil_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o though_o you_o need_v not_o let_v man_n know_v not_o your_o dear_a intimate_a and_o most_o faithful_a friend_n know_v all_o that_o you_o be_v chargeable_a with_o yet_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o a_o give_n of_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v in_o a_o believe_a way_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n too_o as_o be_v a_o god_n ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o multiply_v pardon_n beside_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o because_o he_o see_v all_o searcheth_z the_o heart_n possess_v the_o reins_o and_o have_v our_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v not_o in_o that_o action_n when_o man_n go_v to_o eover_o god_n will_v come_v to_o discover_v adam_n have_v sin_v go_v like_o a_o guilty_a malefactor_n to_o hide_v himself_o but_o god_n know_v where_o he_o be_v and_o fetch_v he_o out_o with_o a_o word_n achan_n have_v steal_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o two_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o a_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n go_v and_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o tent_n but_o god_n make_v he_o fetch_v they_o out_o again_o when_o all_o be_v do_v plain-dealing_a be_v best_a special_o when_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n and_o let_v i_o here_o add_v that_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humble_a confession_n unto_o god_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o speak_v a_o person_n act_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n that_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o sin_n no_o admirer_n of_o himself_o but_o willing_a to_o load_v himself_o that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o more_o loath_a himself_o and_o work_v his_o heart_n into_o the_o great_a admiring_n of_o that_o patience_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o affront_n have_v so_o long_o bear_v with_o he_o and_o that_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o great_a provocation_n do_v yet_o open_a to_o he_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n and_o take_v one_o thing_n with_o you_o further_o this_o freedom_n and_o openness_n of_o heart_n in_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n be_v a_o singular_a
a_o discourse_n of_o closet_n or_o secret_a prayer_n from_o matt._n vi_o 6._o first_o preach_v and_o now_o publish_v at_o the_o request_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o by_o samuel_n slater_n mininister_v of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n and_o tho._n cockerill_n at_o the_o golden-lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n over_o against_o the_o stock-market_n mdcxci_o to_o that_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v i_o a_o overseer_n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n if_o sin_n and_o trouble_n make_v time_n bad_a those_o have_v be_v so_o in_o which_o our_o line_n have_v be_v cast_v as_o great_a and_o glorious_a light_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o horizon_n as_o in_o any_o since_o the_o apostle_n age_n yet_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n have_v abound_v among_o we_o superstition_n persecution_n and_o profaneness_n great_a number_n among_o we_o hate_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o 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apartment_n god_n do_v so_o much_o loath_a hypocrite_n that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v his_o child_n to_o resemble_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v hypocrite_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o be_v as_o hypocrite_n when_o thou_o giâ—est_v alm_n do_v not_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v instead_o of_o let_v the_o world_n do_v not_o let_v thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o â—ight_a hand_n do_v when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n they_o do_v not_o love_v to_o do_v good_a without_o have_v many_o witness_n of_o the_o good_a they_o do_v as_o if_o that_o duty_n be_v lose_v from_o which_o they_o do_v not_o reap_v the_o praise_n of_o men._n when_o thou_o fast_o be_v not_o as_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o a_o sad_a countenance_n they_o love_v to_o put_v on_o a_o sour_a face_n but_o never_o look_v after_o nor_o care_n for_o a_o break_a and_o 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shall_v make_v to_o thyself_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a remember_v that_o thou_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n so_o here_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v christ_n will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v his_o name_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o counsel_n as_o give_v and_o this_o charge_n as_o lay_v upon_o he_o thou_o thomas_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o thou_o john_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o so_o thou_o matthew_n and_o thou_o andrew_n and_o so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o and_o to_o all_o do_v thou_o enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n thou_o alone_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o thou_o not_o upon_o 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more_o sad_a thou_o if_o thou_o engage_a in_o this_o work_n in_o thy_o uprightness_n may_v believe_o and_o comfortable_o expect_v the_o same_o in_o god_n time_n however_o set_v this_o down_o with_o thyself_o and_o act_v according_o that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v thy_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 4._o last_o there_o be_v a_o very_a gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n as_o worthy_a your_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o make_v promise_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v and_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o he_o and_o which_o according_o be_v not_o duty_n in_o man_n promise_n do_v follow_v precept_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o strengthen_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n the_o encourage_v we_o to_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o sweeten_v those_o obediential_a act_n to_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n hence_o such_o enquiry_n as_o this_o isa._n 1._o 12._o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n viz._n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o hence_o also_o that_o complaint_n and_o charge_n that_o they_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o they_o which_o as_o he_o say_v jer._n 7._o 31._o he_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o enter_v it_o into_o his_o heart_n david_n design_n be_v good_a and_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o set_v for_o his_o honour_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v to_o he_o that_o god_n send_v he_o this_o message_n by_o nathan_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o in_o all_o the_o place_n wherein_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o poople_n israel_n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n from_o whence_o say_v peter_n martyr_n we_o learn_v that_o david_n fail_v in_o attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n for_o it_o from_o god_n from_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o peculiar_a command_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o time_n and_o place_n those_o that_o run_v on_o such_o errand_n as_o god_n never_o send_v they_o on_o and_o presume_v to_o do_v such_o work_n as_o god_n never_o set_v they_o about_o or_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v his_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n expect_v a_o reward_n from_o his_o hand_n let_v they_o get_v one_o where_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v god_n pay_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o work_n or_o for_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o offer_v incense_n but_o they_o do_v it_o after_o 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wonderful_a counsellor_n now_o take_v with_o you_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o this_o counsel_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o single_a petitioner_n empty_a from_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o go_v beg_v yet_o thou_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n yearn_v over_o his_o wicked_a neighbour_n he_o pray_v in_o secret_a for_o filthy_a sodom_n there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o back_v he_o in_o that_o suit_n nor_o to_o plead_v together_o with_o he_o that_o city_n be_v indeed_o so_o bad_a that_o he_o be_v both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o appear_v as_o a_o advocate_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n oh_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a yet_o observe_v how_o mighty_a he_o be_v with_o god_n he_o lift_v up_o prayer_n after_o prayer_n and_o god_n condescend_v to_o he_o again_o and_o again_o single_n and_o solitary_a abraham_n have_v such_o a_o great_a interest_n and_o success_n that_o the_o glorious_a and_o provoke_v god_n do_v not_o give_v over_o grant_v until_o abraham_n have_v give_v over_o pray_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v namely_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o secret-prayer_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o will_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o it_o will_v afford_v he_o these_o two_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 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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
of_o the_o child_n in_o psalm_n 18._o we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o his_o distress_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v unto_o his_o god_n and_o god_n hear_v he_o divine_a love_n be_v quick_a of_o hear_v he_o hear_v my_o voice_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o my_o cry_n come_v before_o he_o even_o into_o his_o ear_n and_o now_o observe_v what_o haste_n god_n make_v to_o his_o servant_n vers._n 9_o 10._o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v dew_v he_o ride_v upon_o a_o cherub_n and_o do_v fly_v yea_o he_o do_v fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n when_o holy_a david_n want_v his_o god_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o present_o i_o dare_v assure_v thou_o o_o saint_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o get_v thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o servant_n believe_v prayer_n knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n thou_o shall_v to_o thy_o comfort_n find_v that_o thy_o belove_a will_v not_o be_v long_o from_o thou_o no_o no_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a gracious_o to_o return_v thy_o visit_n he_o will_v come_v and_o drop_v some_o sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_v of_o thy_o lock_n secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o secret_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n so_o it_o make_v way_n for_o god_n open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o when_o that_o be_v open_v what_o bless_a discovery_n be_v make_v what_o treasure_n appear_v and_o riches_n of_o grace_n what_o counsel_v of_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n of_o good_a and_o great_a design_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o which_o be_v ravish_v and_o may_v well_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o transport_n when_o guilty_a but_o convince_v ephraim_n get_v alone_o and_o make_v his_o reflection_n and_o thereupon_o bemoan_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a folly_n stubbornness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o beg_v hard_o for_o convert_v turn_v grace_n god_n present_o turn_v towards_o he_o and_o with_o yearn_v bowel_n speak_v his_o love_n this_o resolution_n be_v immediate_o take_v up_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v sometime_o in_o displeasure_n withdraw_v from_o his_o sin_v child_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o to_o return_v to_o they_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o hos._n 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n i_o will_v stay_v away_o i_o will_v not_o come_v near_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o till_o they_o do_v this_o but_o let_v they_o do_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v and_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o acceptance_n i_o will_v rise_v out_o of_o my_o place_n and_o visit_v they_o with_o salvation_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v at_o prayer_n call_v if_o some_o cry_a sin_n or_o other_o do_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o it_o and_o his_o presence_n and_o beam_n will_v effectual_o scatter_v the_o thick_a and_o black_a cloud_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n when_o once_o lift_v up_o will_v make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o gladness_n to_o the_o most_o benight_a soul_n whenever_o he_o come_v he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o blessing_n along_o with_o he_o and_o so_o appear_v unto_o its_o joy_n these_o particular_n to_o which_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o application_n which_o will_v be_v twofold_a 1._o for_o reprehension_n 2._o for_o exhortation_n the_o use_n of_o reprehension_n or_o reproof_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o fall_v under_o it_o and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v come_v with_o such_o power_n as_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o issue_n in_o their_o amendment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v amiss_o first_o they_o be_v sharp_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o they_o be_v deep_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o make_v conscience_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o and_o live_v in_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o all_o prayer_n they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n before_o he_o they_o go_v to_o their_o bed_n at_o night_n like_a swine_n to_o their_o sty_n not_o beg_v divine_a protection_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o they_o in_o a_o morning_n and_o go_v about_o their_o business_n without_o pay_v any_o acknowledgement_n to_o their_o great_a benefactor_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o careful_a providence_n they_o be_v secure_v yea_o sit_v down_o to_o their_o table_n without_o ask_v god_n blessing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a rise_v up_o to_o work_n or_o play_v without_o give_v god_n thanks_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o he_o and_o thus_o they_o live_v prayerless_a life_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v pass_v many_o day_n and_o escape_v many_o danger_n and_o receive_v many_o mercy_n and_o commit_v many_o sin_n but_o never_o set_v themselves_o at_o least_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o put_v up_o one_o prayer_n oh_o how_o do_v they_o tumble_v out_o by_o wholesale_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o execrable_a oath_n and_o tremendous_a curse_n which_o speak_v their_o tongue_n the_o devil_n instrument_n set_v on_o fire_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o no_o body_n ever_o see_v they_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n nor_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o prayer_n drop_v from_o their_o li_n they_o have_v have_v many_o danger_n prevent_v but_o never_o seek_v refuge_n nor_o take_v shelter_n in_o god_n they_o have_v every_o day_n receive_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n but_o do_v never_o solemn_o beg_v one_o god_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n order_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n shall_v never_o go_v out_o and_o appoint_v the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n but_o poor_a creature_n these_o have_v no_o fire_n their_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a as_o ice_n they_o know_v not_o what_o true_a love_n to_o god_n mean_v and_o have_v no_o fire_n in_o themselves_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o sacrifice_n from_o they_o his_o altar_n shall_v be_v empty_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v on_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o never_o make_v a_o attempt_n this_o way_n never_o try_v to_o pray_v never_o go_v about_o the_o work_n they_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n ps._n 10._o 4._o in_o all_o of_o they_o he_o be_v but_o in_o few_o of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o when_o he_o forcible_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o make_v his_o own_o way_n for_o they_o never_o invite_v he_o nor_o study_v to_o think_v of_o he_o he_o be_v not_o welcome_a nor_o grateful_a to_o they_o i_o fear_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o ask_v some_o of_o you_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o friend_n neighbour_n what_o intercourse_n be_v there_o between_o god_n and_o you_o what_o converse_v and_o fellowship_n have_v you_o with_o god_n do_v you_o pray_v a-days_o do_v you_o pray_v by_o yourselves_o in_o your_o chamber_n or_o with_o your_o family_n be_v you_o some_o of_o that_o bless_a wrestle_a generation_n who_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n if_o you_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o cover_v your_o sin_n and_o shame_n with_o a_o lie_n you_o must_v answer_v no_o not_o i_o god_n know_v i_o can_v pray_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v i_o never_o go_v about_o it_o i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o these_o what_o agur_n say_v of_o himself_o prov._n 30._o 2._o sure_o they_o be_v more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n they_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n they_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a let_v they_o be_v reckon_v for_o beast_n in_o human_a shape_n some_o have_v write_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o reason_n but_o religion_n as_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o specifical_a difference_n
be_v not_o only_o thus_o with_o a_o profane_a esau_n who_o may_v well_o be_v think_v to_o have_v forfeit_v the_o blessing_n by_o his_o sell_v his_o birthright_n but_o even_o good_a jacob_n himself_o when_o he_o will_v have_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n he_o be_v constrain_v to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n for_o it_o and_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o his_o strength_n in_o the_o conflict_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o hold_n though_o the_o angel_n seâ—med_v willing_a to_o shake_v he_o off_o yea_o and_o to_o tell_v he_o at_o last_o that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v until_o he_o have_v get_v it_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v former_o blessing_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o o_o man_n do_v thou_o think_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v fall_v so_o much_o in_o their_o price_n and_o grow_v so_o cheap_a at_o this_o day_n as_o that_o they_o go_v a_o beg_n or_o that_o man_n may_v have_v they_o without_o ask_v for_o god_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o stand_v more_o upon_o his_o honour_n than_o so_o and_o therefore_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n that_o prayer_n shall_v come_v in_o between_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o performance_n he_o will_v have_v his_o people_n sue_v out_o the_o promise_n before_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o good_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o well-known_a scripture_n ezek._n 36._o we_o find_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n great_o enlarge_v to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_v flow_v in_o abundance_n from_o he_o and_o he_o give_v they_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o fix_a resolution_n in_o the_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o do_v not_o you_o doubt_v call_v not_o my_o truth_n in_o question_n i_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o my_o word_n yet_o observe_v what_o follow_v in_o the_o 37th_o verse_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v yet_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o all_o those_o great_a and_o good_a thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n from_o eternity_n and_o now_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v for_o their_o comfort_n to_o put_v they_o into_o his_o promise_n but_o if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v they_o they_o must_v send_v prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o they_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o psal._n 3._o 8._o god_n blessing_n be_v upon_o his_o people_n and_o certain_o every_o one_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v upon_o they_o exclusive_a to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o upon_o they_o and_o upon_o none_o but_o upon_o they_o they_o only_o have_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n redeem_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o only_o can_v lay_v a_o rightful_a claim_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n may_v yea_o and_o he_o every_o day_n do_v give_v bread_n to_o his_o enemy_n but_o sure_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v his_o enemy_n he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o his_o blessing_n and_o indeed_o why_o shall_v they_o expect_v it_o but_o now_o o_o prayerless_a soul_n how_o will_v thou_o prove_v thyself_o one_o of_o his_o people_n thou_o have_v upon_o thou_o those_o spot_n which_o be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n thou_o do_v want_v those_o mark_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o people_n thou_o who_o spend_v thy_o day_n without_o prayer_n do_v pay_v no_o homage_n unto_o god_n thou_o own_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o thou_o give_v he_o no_o reverence_n thou_o do_v he_o no_o service_n thou_o bring_v he_o no_o honour_n and_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o why_o shall_v his_o blessing_n be_v upon_o thou_o god_n may_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o possible_o he_o do_v do_v so_o already_o and_o give_v thou_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n it_o be_v his_o manner_n many_o srcap_n and_o good_a bit_n fall_v under_o his_o table_n he_o let_v they_o fall_v on_o purpose_n for_o his_o dog_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o sun_n shine_v and_o his_o rain_n fall_v upon_o barren_a wilderness_n and_o noisome_a dunghill_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o fruitful_a field_n and_o pleasant_a garden_n outward_a mercy_n be_v therefore_o call_v common_a mercy_n because_o all_o have_v their_o share_n in_o they_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a too_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o that_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n can_v know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v proud_a of_o his_o temporal_a enjoyment_n nor_o of_o a_o elate_v spirit_n because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o raise_a condition_n and_o stand_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v upper_a ground_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o use_v but_o those_o thou_o fetche_v from_o the_o world_n topic_n thou_o will_v never_o prove_v thyself_o heavenborn_a nor_o make_v out_o thy_o title_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o god_n indeed_o may_v fill_v thy_o pocket_n and_o spread_v thy_o table_n furnish_v it_o with_o variety_n of_o dainty_n he_o may_v cram_v thy_o bag_n and_o make_v thy_o cup_n run_v over_o he_o may_v throw_v into_o thy_o possession_n house_n and_o land_n as_o he_o give_v quales_fw-la to_o the_o israelite_n in_o his_o wrath_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o turn_v over_o all_o thou_o have_v and_o make_v as_o diligent_a search_n as_o thou_o can_v thou_o will_v not_o find_v one_o blessing_n in_o it_o many_o a_o creature_n and_o in_o every_o one_o a_o curse_n thy_o clothes_n have_v a_o plague_n in_o they_o witness_v thy_o pride_n thy_o table_n be_v thy_o snare_n witness_v thy_o excess_n and_o riches_n be_v lay_v up_o by_o thou_o to_o thy_o hurt_n whilst_o thou_o make_v they_o thy_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o thy_o servant_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o at_o present_a and_o thy_o present_a condition_n be_v thy_o best_a condition_n unless_o thou_o grow_v better_a that_o will_v not_o all_o that_o thou_o can_v do_v be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o sense_n thou_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n but_o however_o if_o it_o will_v do_v thou_o any_o good_a and_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v we_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v hereafter_o therefore_o last_o let_v we_o look_v on_o to_o the_o consequence_n and_o consider_v what_o will_v follow_v this_o sinful_a brutish_a negect_n of_o your_o unquestionable_a duty_n you_o know_v your_o own_o conscience_n tell_v you_o that_o you_o do_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o any_o need_n that_o you_o have_v of_o it_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o you_o think_v you_o can_v be_v without_o such_o be_v your_o jovial_a companion_n and_o your_o vain_a antic_a dress_n but_o you_o can_v be_v and_o do_v very_o well_o without_o prayer_n you_o taste_v no_o sweetness_n in_o it_o rant_a and_o roar_a be_v music_n health_n and_o huzza_n ball_n and_o masque_n be_v ravish_o delicious_a but_o to_o you_o prayer_n be_v a_o very_a dull_a and_o insipid_a business_n but_o i_o pray_v what_o will_v be_v at_o the_o last_o i_o will_v stain_v have_v my_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o will_v you_o too_o if_o you_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o have_v not_o your_o best_a at_o your_o latter_a end_n you_o will_v be_v find_v fool_n at_o your_o latter_a end_n i_o find_v a_o excellent_a wish_n concern_v israel_n of_o old_a whether_o it_o be_v god_n wish_n or_o mose_n or_o both_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o love_n deut._n 32._o 24._o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n by_o latter_a end_n there_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o expolitor_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v their_o death_n as_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o that_o course_n which_o they_o be_v then_o steer_v o_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o think_v with_o themselves_o and_o wise_o foresee_v whither_o that_o way_n will_v bring_v they_o in_o which_o they_o be_v then_o walk_v it_o be_v a_o very_a smooth_a and_o pleasant_a way_n it_o be_v pave_v with_o delight_n but_o the_o great_a business_n be_v whither_o do_v it_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v my_o hearty_a wish_n for_o you_o whoever_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v once_o in_o a_o day_n retire_v yourselves_o and_o get_v alone_o and_o serious_o think_v what_o your_o total_a neglect_n of_o prayer_n will_v produce_v when_o you_o be_v on_o a_o deathbed_n and_o after_o death_n in_o eternity_n first_o what_o fruit_n you_o will_v have_v from_o
sin_n in_o he_o and_o with_o a_o load_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o he_o do_v indeed_o justify_v and_o applaud_v himself_o but_o god_n soul_n abhor_v and_o loathe_v he_o whereas_o the_o poor_a humble_v brokenhearted_a publican_n stand_v a_o great_a way_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o inward_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o he_o be_v send_v home_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v god_n give_v he_o a_o pardon_n and_o a_o smile_n i_o shall_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n or_o pain_n about_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n because_o i_o conclude_v their_o prejudice_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o will_v give_v very_o little_a heed_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v say_v though_o deliver_v with_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o real_o design_v for_o their_o good_a yet_o not_o know_v what_o it_o may_v please_v that_o god_n to_o do_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v make_v what_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o change_n in_o they_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v they_o by_o altogether_o in_o silence_n but_o offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n these_o two_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n carry_v something_o of_o weight_n in_o they_o first_o place_n do_v not_o add_v any_o value_n to_o action_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v that_o which_o after_o the_o discourse_n of_o cornelius_n peter_n say_v unto_o he_o act_v 10._o 34._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o place_n with_o god_n he_o have_v no_o more_o esteem_n for_o the_o chancel_n than_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v within_o the_o rail_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o that_o which_o be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v as_o near_o compendious_a and_o direct_v a_o way_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n from_o thy_o house_n o_o believer_n as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o church_n or_o the_o most_o magnificent_a cathedral_n and_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v make_v and_o present_v there_o with_o a_o holy_a heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v find_v as_o free_v a_o access_n to_o god_n as_o ready_a a_o audience_n with_o he_o and_o as_o gracious_a a_o acceptance_n it_o be_v indeed_o by_o we_o and_o all_o grant_v that_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o holy_a place_n yea_o there_o be_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o holy_a place_n but_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n god_n himself_o have_v sanctify_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o most_o solemn_a service_n there_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o name_n that_o be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o everblessed_n mediator_n and_o wherever_o the_o jew_n be_v into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v scatter_v or_o carry_v captive_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v towards_o it_o dan._n 6._o 10._o when_o daniel_n know_v that_o the_o writing_n be_v sign_v he_o 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 afore-time_o but_o that_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o that_o church-state_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o that_o dispensation_n cease_v i_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o holiness_n of_o place_n here_o below_o the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v not_o holy_a but_o only_o convenient_a place_n for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n come_v not_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o of_o those_o synagogue_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a stir_n and_o hot_a contention_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o before_o about_o the_o place_n of_o publick-worship_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n the_o jew_n be_v for_o the_o temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a for_o that_o be_v the_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o appoint_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o samaritan_n stand_v stiff_o for_o the_o temple_n which_o have_v be_v build_v by_o their_o ancestor_n upon_o mount_n gerizzim_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v a_o opportunity_n put_v into_o her_o hand_n do_v in_o john_n 4._o 20._o start_n the_o question_n and_o propound_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n seek_v as_o one_o say_v to_o be_v by_o he_o satisfy_v about_o it_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n now_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v his_o answer_n thereunto_o which_o you_o have_v in_o verse_n 21._o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o in_o this_o mountain_n worship_v the_o father_n prayer_n ordinance_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o this_o place_n nor_o to_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o please_a powerful_a and_o prevalent_a in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o place_n sake_n than_o it_o be_v in_o another_o add_v hereunto_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n say_v in_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v mark_v his_o manner_n of_o expression_n i_o will_v he_o speak_v with_o authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o receive_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v i_o will_v have_v he_o not_o be_v sure_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v pawles_n will_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v but_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o pray_v let_v they_o pray_v any_o where_o every_o where_o in_o what_o place_n they_o themselves_o judge_v fit_a and_o convenient_a so_o that_o their_o hand_n be_v wash_v in_o innocency_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v but_o cleanse_v from_o their_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n holy_a and_o pure_a prayer_n shall_v be_v welcome_a to_o god_n and_o have_v a_o most_o gracious_a reception_n from_o what_o quarter_n or_o corner_n soever_o it_o come_v we_o find_v that_o good_a jonah_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n which_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o dismal_a a_o place_n that_o he_o count_v and_o call_v it_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n yet_o his_o prayer_n make_v there_o do_v not_o lose_v its_o way_n nor_o fail_v of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v jonah_n 2._o 2._o i_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o my_o affliction_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n cry_v i_o and_o thou_o hear_v my_o voice_n second_o i_o do_v advise_v and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o to_o be_v better_o study_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n than_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o you_o be_v for_o i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o though_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o will_v manage_v religion_n to_o everlasting_a advantage_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n necessary_a for_o they_o that_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n to_o watch_v their_o heart_n narrow_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o very_a strict_a eye_n upon_o they_o lest_o by_o those_o superstitious_a observance_n they_o be_v find_v want_v to_o and_o of_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o hug_v and_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o rot_a and_o stink_a carcase_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n be_v want_v and_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o pharisee_n matt._n 23._o 23._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n they_o neglect_v the_o magnalia_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n while_o they_o be_v great_o solicitous_a about_o the_o minutula_n
the_o little_a thing_n which_o do_v speak_v the_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o who_o spend_v all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n and_o heat_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o come_v not_o under_o any_o express_a command_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n they_o that_o be_v most_o curious_a about_o their_o body_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v most_o careless_a about_o their_o soul_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n at_o their_o glass_n that_o they_o have_v none_o for_o the_o bible_n they_o be_v so_o careful_a that_o a_o pin_n be_v not_o stick_v amiss_o in_o their_o clothes_n that_o they_o leave_v every_o thing_n amiss_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o garb_n and_o unreasonable_a dress_n in_o which_o some_o silly_o proud_a person_n come_v into_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o spectator_n to_o determine_v how_o they_o spend_v and_o profane_v the_o morning_n of_o the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n and_o we_o may_v apprehend_v and_o fear_v the_o same_o in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o much_o set_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o be_v at_o least_o very_o apt_a and_o prone_a to_o bestow_v none_o of_o their_o care_n about_o that_o which_o deserve_v most_o they_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o place_n that_o they_o forget_v and_o neglect_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v so_o thoughtful_a where_o they_o pray_v that_o they_o do_v not_o mind_n how_o they_o pray_v they_o be_v so_o set_v for_o a_o form_n they_o do_v not_o mind_n nay_o possible_o they_o hate_v the_o power_n but_o by_o the_o way_n letâ—me_v whisper_v this_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o these_o person_n that_o the_o altar_n will_v not_o sanctify_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n if_o you_o bring_v dead_a formal_a lifeless_a prayer_n though_o you_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o your_o consecrate_a church_n nay_o at_o your_o adore_a altar_n they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o with_o a_o sweet_a smell_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n before_o god_n i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o body_n think_v that_o i_o do_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o formality_n of_o heart_n be_v inseparable_a companion_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o mere_a formal_a professor_n be_v most_o for_o form_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o form_n be_v mere_a formal_a professor_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o some_o look_v upon_o form_n as_o lawful_a and_o out_o of_o modesty_n and_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o lowness_n of_o their_o own_o part_n do_v make_v use_n of_o form_n when_o they_o pray_v with_o other_o and_o be_v conscientious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o petition_n confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o sincere_a affection_n and_o do_v meet_v with_o a_o gracious_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o do_v enjoy_v a_o communion_n with_o his_o holy_a majesty_n but_o this_o i_o will_v also_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v and_o if_o any_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o upon_o they_o be_v it_o that_o constant_a state_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o formality_n be_v borderer_n upon_o one_o another_o they_o live_v at_o no_o such_o great_a distance_n but_o that_o they_o frequent_o yea_o common_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o service_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o real_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o stand_v they_o in_o hand_n who_o make_v use_v of_o form_n to_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o look_v wary_o to_o themselves_o lest_o they_o do_v even_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a fall_v into_o formality_n that_o indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n of_o spirit_n which_o god_n can_v endure_v when_o in_o the_o forequoted_a scripture_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n fall_v into_o discourse_n with_o christ_n about_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o that_o mountain_n viz._n gerizim_n our_o saviour_n do_v wise_o and_o gracious_o take_v she_o off_o from_o that_o as_o a_o matter_n not_o so_o momentous_a as_o to_o deserve_v either_o her_o enquiry_n or_o his_o resolution_n and_o fall_v to_o acquaint_v she_o with_o direct_v she_o to_o and_o put_v herâ—_n upon_o the_o spirituality_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o that_o which_o she_o and_o every_o one_o ought_v principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v most_o for_o and_o upon_o which_o his_o pure_a eye_n be_v chief_o set_v 4_o john_n 23_o 24._o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n spiritual_a worship_n be_v most_o congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n childish_a toy_n please_v child_n who_o have_v no_o more_o wit_n outward_a pomp_n and_o ceremony_n please_v vain_a man_n who_o have_v not_o so_o good_a heart_n as_o they_o shall_v but_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o spirit_n such_o worshipper_n he_o seek_v other_o he_o reject_v when_o he_o find_v they_o therefore_o you_o must_v be_v such_o if_o you_o will_v find_v favour_n or_o receive_v a_o blessing_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o if_o man_n be_v once_o set_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o eager_a as_o they_o be_v for_o nor_o so_o tetchy_a froward_a and_o contentious_a about_o place_n modes_n and_o form_n which_o can_v fetch_v their_o pedigree_n and_o original_n no_o high_o than_o mere_a human_a invention_n and_o appointment_n enough_o of_o that_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o some_o person_n do_v not_o think_v this_o a_o little_a too_o much_o use_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o 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suspect_v to_o be_v papist_n which_o party_n now_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v under_o great_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n though_o not_o great_a than_o they_o do_v deserve_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o that_o curse_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o do_v profess_v yea_o and_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o those_o ordinance_n which_o they_o think_v be_v most_o pure_o administer_v and_o also_o join_v themselves_o in_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o be_v of_o the_o most_o scriptural_a constitution_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a form_n and_o chief_a rank_n yea_o and_o peradventure_o they_o will_v set_v up_o family-duty_n they_o will_v call_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n together_o and_o all_o under_o their_o â—oof_n and_o charge_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n lest_o upon_o a_o discontent_n or_o remove_n somebody_o within_o door_n shall_v tell_v tale_n by_o mean_n whereof_o their_o reputation_n shall_v be_v blast_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v desirous_a yea_o ambitious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o but_o wretch_n as_o they_o be_v as_o for_o prayer_n by_o themselves_o either_o in_o chamber_n or_o in_o closet_n or_o any_o where_o else_o they_o do_v lay_v it_o aside_o altogether_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o that_o he_o and_o they_o never_o so_o meet_v together_o they_o find_v much_o other_o work_n and_o can_v do_v many_o other_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o can_v spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n at_o the_o glass_n view_v and_o dress_v themselves_o they_o can_v tell_v their_o money_n and_o read_v over_o their_o bill_n and_o bond_n but_o as_o for_o soul-searching_a
concurrence_n and_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n i_o may_v prevail_v with_o you_o i_o can_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o with_o thankfulness_n that_o these_o discourse_n when_o preach_v be_v not_o without_o some_o fruit_n oh_o that_o now_o i_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o publish_v of_o they_o they_o may_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o more_o fruit_n do_v not_o stand_v argue_v the_o case_n it_o be_v a_o thousand_o pity_n that_o any_o part_n of_o that_o shall_v be_v make_v matter_n of_o dispute_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o practice_n do_v not_o procrastinate_v and_o put_v it_o off_o why_o shall_v thou_o say_v to_o morrow_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o shall_v not_o have_v a_o morrow_n to_o do_v it_o in_o fall_v immediate_o upon_o the_o performance_n when_o the_o spouse_n will_v not_o open_v at_o the_o first_o knock_n and_o importunate_a call_n but_o lay_v still_o ask_v question_n and_o make_v excuse_n when_o she_o reflect_v upon_o her_o unkindness_n find_v her_o bowel_n trouble_v within_o she_o and_o rise_v up_o and_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a he_o to_o her_o grief_n and_o cost_n have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v david_n example_n do_v command_v and_o deserve_v our_o imitation_n who_o can_v say_v psalm_n 119._o 60._o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n i_o beseech_v you_o out_o of_o hand_n answer_v the_o call_n make_v your_o house_n church_n and_o your_o chamber_n oratory_n send_v up_o such_o prayer_n as_o may_v come_v before_o god_n like_o incense_n and_o be_v in_o his_o nostril_n a_o sweet-smelling_a favour_n though_o man_n be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o his_o nature_n carry_v he_o out_o to_o desire_v of_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o he_o to_o be_v always_o alone_o yet_o it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o be_v sometime_o alone_o it_o will_v certain_o conduce_v much_o to_o your_o advantage_n to_o converse_v frequent_o with_o yourselves_o to_o search_v curious_o into_o your_o own_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v the_o better_a their_o frame_n and_o constitution_n to_o be_v ask_v yourselves_o such_o important_a question_n as_o no_o body_n elâ—e_o can_v answer_v and_o diligent_o inquire_v how_o matter_n stand_v with_o you_o whether_o you_o thrive_v or_o go_v backward_o a_o merchant_n see_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o countinghouse_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o exchange_n whatever_o you_o do_v o_o christian_n be_v not_o stranger_n at_o home_n be_v self-studied_n and_o self-acquainted_n and_o at_o other_o time_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o same_o retirement_n before_o you_o return_v to_o your_o secular_a affair_n it_o will_v be_v for_o your_o interest_n to_o be_v converse_v with_o your_o god_n you_o never_o go_v to_o he_o in_o a_o become_a manner_n but_o he_o give_v you_o something_o that_o be_v worth_a your_o while_n a_o gracious_a soul_n get_v something_o even_o when_o as_o to_o its_o present_a sense_n and_o feeling_n it_o get_v nothing_o in_o a_o winter_n season_n though_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o tree_n look_v as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a the_o root_n be_v often_o water_v tell_v i_o o_o christian_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o time_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v find_v god_n speak_v to_o thou_o elihu_n indeed_o say_v job_n 33._o 14._o god_n speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o yet_o man_n perceive_v it_o not_o many_o a_o man_n be_v so_o careless_a that_o he_o do_v neither_o understand_v god_n nor_o mind_n he_o do_v not_o perceive_v what_o god_n say_v what_o his_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v all_o a_o strange_a language_n to_o he_o and_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o god_n speak_v he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n say_v any_o to_o he_o isa._n 26._o 11._o lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v no_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a and_o as_o they_o will_v not_o see_v when_o god_n hand_n be_v lift_v up_o so_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v when_o god_n voice_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o saint_n if_o well_o and_o in_o health_n have_v all_o their_o sense_n exercise_v but_o wicked_a man_n have_v none_o of_o their_o sense_n exercise_v about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o have_v thou_o not_o perceive_v god_n speak_v to_o thou_o once_o yea_o twice_o in_o divers_a manner_n by_o his_o providence_n frown_v and_o smile_v prosperous_a and_o adverse_a by_o his_o word_n and_o minister_n by_o he_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o by_o thy_o own_o conscience_n which_o he_o have_v awaken_v when_o it_o be_v drowsy_a and_o sleep_a and_o open_v its_o mouth_n and_o put_v word_n into_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v say_v to_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o speak_v to_o thou_o at_o divers_a season_n in_o a_o dream_n when_o thy_o eye_n be_v shut_v and_o when_o awake_a abroad_o and_o at_o home_n when_o in_o company_n and_o when_o alone_o when_o up_o and_o when_o lay_v in_o a_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n as_o elihu_n say_v when_o deep_a sleep_n fall_v upon_o man_n in_o slumbering_n upon_o the_o bed_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o thou_o to_o divers_a purpose_n sometime_o precept_n to_o direct_v thou_o sometime_o promise_v to_o revive_v thou_o now_o a_o rebuke_n than_o a_o cordial_n at_o one_o time_n trouble_v and_o at_o another_o time_n peace_n thus_o according_a to_o thy_o case_n and_o exigency_n he_o have_v vary_v his_o application_n now_o have_v god_n speak_v so_o often_o to_o you_o and_o do_v you_o find_v nothing_o to_o say_v to_o god_n will_v you_o be_v always_o in_o the_o possession_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o dumb_a devil_n be_v you_o so_o full_a of_o goodness_n and_o comfort_n so_o rich_a in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n so_o increase_v in_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o you_o have_v no_o more_o to_o ask_v do_v you_o find_v that_o to_o be_v a_o canaan_n a_o heaven_n which_o other_o call_v a_o wilderness_n because_o of_o pinch_a want_n and_o prick_a thorn_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n be_v your_o mouth_n so_o fill_v as_o that_o you_o need_v no_o more_o to_o open_v it_o wide_a nay_o not_o at_o all_o remember_v how_o laodicea_n be_v mistake_v about_o her_o own_o case_n please_v herself_o in_o such_o high_a but_o vain_a conceit_n when_o indeed_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o poor_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a rev._n 3._o 17._o be_v thing_n so_o well_o with_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o sigh_n nor_o room_n for_o a_o groan_n be_v it_o so_o thorough_o and_o perfect_o well_o with_o thy_o soul_n with_o thy_o body_n with_o thy_o estate_n with_o thy_o family_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o church_n of_o god_n that_o thou_o have_v no_o complaint_n to_o make_v to_o he_o not_o one_o boon_n to_o beg_v of_o he_o be_v thy_o day_n so_o serene_a and_o fair_a that_o there_o be_v no_o cloud_n appear_v be_v there_o no_o sin_n within_o that_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o do_v it_o never_o war_n against_o the_o law_n in_o thy_o mind_n or_o do_v thou_o immediate_o knock_v it_o down_o and_o get_v a_o complete_a victory_n at_o thy_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o field_n have_v thou_o quite_o shake_v off_o that_o body_n of_o death_n which_o poor_a paul_n can_v not_o for_o his_o heart_n get_v rid_v of_o but_o carry_v up_o and_o down_o with_o he_o or_o have_v it_o grow_v less_o trouble_n some_o and_o cease_v to_o stink_v in_o thy_o nostill_v be_v there_o no_o burden_n upon_o thy_o back_n that_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o thou_o be_v there_o no_o wound_n in_o thy_o conscience_n that_o put_v thou_o to_o pain_n be_v there_o no_o plague_n in_o thy_o heart_n that_o need_v a_o cure_n if_o thou_o be_v indeed_o a_o believer_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o christ_n i_o grant_v the_o cure_n be_v begin_v and_o dare_v assure_v thou_o that_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o physician_n it_o shall_v be_v carry_v on_o but_o what_o be_v it_o perfect_v already_o in_o a_o word_n be_v there_o nothing_o at_o all_o that_o trouble_v thou_o or_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o god_n in_o private_a what_o nothing_o but_o what_o thou_o will_v have_v every_o body_n hear_v and_o know_v but_o i_o pass_v by_o that_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o have_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n of_o speak_v more_o concern_v it_o come_v come_v christian_n be_v thy_o own_o friend_n better_a than_o ever_o thou_o have_v be_v yet_o and_o without_o more_o ado_n be_v persuade_v to_o get_v alone_o and_o shut_v thy_o door_n and_o fall_v down_o upon_o thy_o knee_n and_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n into_o the_o bosom_n
of_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o thou_o will_v begin_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n thou_o will_v not_o easy_o give_v it_o over_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v what_o interruption_n the_o devil_n may_v give_v thou_o who_o hate_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o man_n but_o if_o by_o temptation_n thou_o shall_v for_o a_o time_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v well_o nor_o able_a to_o enjoy_v thyself_o till_o thou_o do_v return_v to_o it_o again_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o a_o humble_a holy_a and_o believe_a performance_n thou_o will_v experience_n such_o incomparable_a sweetness_n and_o so_o much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v go_v on_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v and_o then_o expire_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o stephen_n do_v who_o last_o word_n be_v prayer_n act_v 7._o 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o lord_n lay_v not_o 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proper_a object_n of_o prayer_n see_v in_o secret_a as_o trust_v in_o he_o you_o do_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o condition_n trust_v in_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v so_o direct_v your_o prayer_n to_o he_o you_o do_v in_o no_o place_n pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v hear_v when_o hagar_n have_v in_o a_o fear_n flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o her_o incense_a mistress_n god_n find_v she_o out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o be_v abscond_v and_o appear_v and_o speak_v unto_o she_o there_o whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 16._o 13._o that_o she_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v unto_o she_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o for_o she_o say_v have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o we_o may_v as_o some_o do_v reckon_v these_o word_n to_o be_v word_n of_o reprehension_n as_o relate_v to_o herself_o and_o word_n of_o admiration_n as_o refer_v to_o god_n have_v i_o also_o look_v after_o he_o here_o i_o be_o but_o how_o stupid_a and_o foolish_a have_v i_o be_v i_o have_v be_v look_v back_o to_o the_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v when_o in_o the_o family_n and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o my_o master_n abraham_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o displeasure_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o mistress_n sarahâ—â—_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o desolate_a place_n and_o distress_a condition_n into_o which_o i_o be_o now_o bring_v but_o have_v i_o here_o mind_v god_n and_o look_v after_o god_n i_o have_v be_v so_o afflict_v with_o my_o loss_n and_o have_v pore_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o trouble_n that_o i_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o god_n do_v find_v neither_o heart_n nor_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o he_o or_o look_v after_o he_o a_o case_n it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n yet_o here_o he_o â—eeth_v i_o and_o mind_n i_o here_o he_o look_v upon_o my_o person_n and_o upon_o my_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n and_o may_v not_o thou_o my_o friend_n say_v the_o very_a same_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o thy_o closet-recesses_a thou_o god_n see_v i_o when_o no_o soul_n live_v be_v by_o when_o no_o mortal_a eye_n seâ—th_v i_o then_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v thou_o after_o that_o serious_a consideration_n to_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o serious_a question_n to_o thyself_o have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o god_n eye_n have_v be_v here_o upon_o i_o but_o have_v my_o eye_n be_v again_o upon_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n i_o have_v look_v after_o that_o god_n who_o see_v i_o there_o i_o have_v have_v many_o frequent_a repeat_v and_o raise_v thought_n at_o he_o there_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n yea_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n but_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o chamber_n can_v thou_o make_v thy_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thou_o know_v and_o be_v my_o witness_n that_o even_o here_o i_o have_v look_v after_o thou_o that_o see_v i_o here_o my_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n have_v be_v towards_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v i_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n that_o your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v psalm_n 139._o 7._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n the_o question_n speak_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v his_o eye_n be_v fasten_v upon_o thou_o and_o follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v look_v to_o thyself_o and_o ponder_v all_o thy_o action_n thou_o be_v under_o the_o pure_a and_o pierce_a and_o all-discerning_a eye_n of_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o kitchen_n yea_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n too_o and_o since_o he_o do_v see_v thou_o there_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n in_o thy_o mind_n and_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o do_v by_o thou_o but_o look_v into_o thy_o glass_n and_o into_o thy_o chest_n and_o bag_n or_o turn_v over_o thy_o finery_n and_o foolery_n and_o so_o feed_v thy_o wantonness_n and_o pride_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o perish_a carcase_n to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v it_o or_o gratify_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n but_o never_o see_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n seek_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n or_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o own_o precious_a and_o never-dying_a soul_n oh_o that_o his_o eye_n may_v affect_v your_o heart_n that_o divine_a eye_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o your_o way_n and_o look_v you_o through_o and_o thorough_a that_o eye_n which_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n yea_o inconceivable_o more_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v among_o other_o have_v these_o two_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o all_o man_n that_o know_v and_o own_v he_o first_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o seâ—ondly_o it_o shall_v quicken_v and_o animate_v we_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o be_v a_o effectual_a curb_n to_o those_o lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o will_v otherwise_o break_v loose_a and_o grow_v rampant_a when_o no_o body_n be_v by_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v by_o this_o preserve_v young_a joseph_n from_o fall_v before_o a_o great_a temptation_n when_o he_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o mistress_n and_o as_o some_o will_v have_v think_v have_v do_v himself_o a_o kindness_n this_o thought_n break_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o temptation_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n again_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v animate_v and_o put_v life_n into_o you_o it_o shall_v as_o a_o golden_a spur_n quicken_v you_o to_o the_o careful_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n when_o you_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o no_o body_n at_o hand_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o make_v report_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o you_o enough_o alone_o that_o god_n see_v your_o love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o his_o name_n and_o a_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o he_o need_v none_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o unmindfulness_n and_o neglect_n of_o he_o no_o no_o he_o
see_v it_o himself_o he_o see_v where_o your_o thought_n be_v he_o understand_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o he_o see_v where_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o charge_n he_o give_v out_o against_o israel_n of_o old_a this_o people_n draw_v near_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o and_o i_o will_v â—ain_o know_v of_o you_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v it_o very_o unkind_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o be_v high_o offend_v if_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v slight_v by_o you_o who_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o himself_o and_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o you_o and_o unto_o who_o you_o be_v so_o everlasting_o behold_v and_o oblige_v how_o can_v he_o otherwise_o choose_v but_o be_v angry_a with_o you_o if_o in_o your_o leisure-time_n and_o at_o your_o spare_a hour_n you_o will_v not_o give_v he_o a_o visit_n if_o you_o can_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o bestow_v some_o of_o that_o time_n upon_o he_o which_o you_o have_v to_o spare_v from_o your_o earthly_a friend_n and_o worldly_a business_n when_o he_o see_v this_o how_o can_v thou_o think_v but_o that_o his_o fury_n will_v come_v up_o into_o his_o face_n second_o pray_v in_o secret_a be_v a_o very_a good_a â—nd_n comfortable_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a sign_n and_o that_o every_o one_o that_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n have_v indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o may_v from_o thence_o arrive_v to_o a_o assurance_n of_o sonship_n and_o draw_v a_o undeniable_a conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o for_o i_o do_v very_o well_o know_v there_o be_v no_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v not_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o as_o reputation_n and_o credit_n among_o man_n may_v bring_v they_o out_o to_o public_a ordinance_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o sit_v before_o their_o minister_n as_o the_o people_n sit_v and_o hear_v his_o word_n ezek_n 33._o 31._o so_o a_o enlighten_v awaken_v uneasy_a and_o importunate_a conscience_n may_v bring_v they_o upon_o their_o knee_n in_o private_a a_o hypocrite_n heart_n be_v real_o in_o no_o piece_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n while_o he_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o his_o lip_n that_o be_v far_o from_o he_o how_o indeed_o can_v he_o raise_v that_o up_o to_o god_n which_o he_o have_v set_v upon_o his_o iniquity_n yet_o he_o may_v have_v a_o finger_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o outside_n a_o jehu_n know_v how_o to_o be_v zealous_a against_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n when_o so_o to_o be_v pave_v his_o way_n to_o a_o throne_n though_o when_o he_o have_v once_o get_v it_o and_o be_v warm_a in_o it_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o any_o 2_o king_n 10._o 31._o jehu_n take_v no_o heed_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n for_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n a_o soul_n will_v sacrifice_v yea_o be_v too_o hasty_a at_o it_o and_o a_o pharisee_n will_v pray_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n and_o those_o heart_n run_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o go_v out_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o person_n of_o the_o like_a spirit_n and_o principle_n as_o rot_v at_o heart_n as_o any_o of_o they_o may_v set_v upon_o religious_a action_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o may_v when_o by_o themselves_o take_v up_o a_o bible_n or_o good_a book_n and_o read_v in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v when_o there_o be_v need_n fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o request_n unto_o god_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v at_o duty_n in_o his_o closet_n though_o his_o heart_n never_o be_v with_o god_n in_o duty_n neither_o in_o his_o closet_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o but_o now_o observe_v this_o be_v not_o so_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o take_v pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o he_o be_v under_o a_o force_n conscience_n offer_v violence_n and_o drag_v he_o into_o it_o as_o joab_n when_o he_o see_v justice_n will_v take_v hold_n on_o he_o at_o the_o last_o though_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o never_o have_v any_o great_a love_n for_o the_o altar_n yet_o than_o he_o will_v â—â—ee_v and_o catch_v hold_v of_o the_o horn_n of_o it_o and_o will_v even_o die_v there_o but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o delight_n they_o do_v if_o not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o choice_n as_o cut_v of_o constraint_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o take_v pleasure_n in_o and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o their_o pleasure_n therefore_o it_o be_v noâ—_n their_o practice_n they_o may_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o straight_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o pinch_n but_o they_o do_v not_o make_v it_o their_o trade_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o where_o we_o be_v most_o like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o find_v they_o at_o their_o devotion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n for_o hypocrite_n be_v villain_n they_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o as_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o knavery_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o which_o some_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o god_n be_v please_v now_o and_o then_o to_o pluck_v off_o their_o masque_n and_o oh_o what_o deformity_n do_v then_o visible_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n when_o their_o paint_n be_v once_o off_o there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o ugly_a but_o as_o i_o be_v say_v if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n then_o look_v for_o they_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o in_o hole_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o interest_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o design_n to_o be_v so_o impudent_a and_o brazenfaced_a as_o the_o profane_a crâ—w_n who_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n no_o no_o these_o be_v sneak_v wretch_n who_o will_v steal_v their_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n know_v of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v find_v they_o at_o their_o devotion_n do_v but_o listen_v and_o you_o may_v possible_o hear_v their_o trumpet_n find_v or_o if_o not_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o look_v for_o they_o in_o some_o note_a and_o frequent_v place_n the_o synagogue_n and_o corner_n of_o street_n public_a place_n be_v the_o hypocrite_n haunt_v for_o they_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o design_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n but_o see_v of_o man_n and_o this_o i_o say_v though_o secret_a prayer_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n of_o godliness_n in_o secret_a be_v not_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a argument_n of_o a_o heart_n renew_v by_o grace_n and_o upright_o with_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n though_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n as_o alone_o will_v put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n and_o will_v do_v much_o in_o a_o cumulative_a way_n and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o thing_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o do_v several_a thing_n that_o every_o good_a man_n can_v but_o do_v yet_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n a_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a way_n but_o he_o be_v not_o a_o good_a man_n who_o always_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o a_o good_a way_n and_o do_v never_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o here_o though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n who_o do_v pray_v in_o secret_a yet_o he_o can_v be_v a_o saint_n who_o never_o pray_v in_o secret_a he_o who_o do_v not_o desire_n and_o maintain_v secret_a communion_n with_o god_n have_v not_o whatever_o his_o pretence_n may_v be_v a_o heart_n indeed_o set_v for_o god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v curious_o search_v into_o now_o and_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v open_o discover_v at_o the_o last_o and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o manifestation_n shall_v câ—me_v he_o that_o now_o be_v not_o for_o be_v with_o god_n when_o he_o be_v alone_o will_v then_o be_v find_v and_o condemn_v as_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v for_o god_n at_o all_o and_o this_o i_o do_v positive_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o
love_n to_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a do_v speak_v a_o real_a love_n to_o god_n though_o a_o person_n may_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o yet_o be_v unsound_a and_o rot_a yet_o a_o person_n have_v a_o heart_n sound_v in_o god_n statute_n who_o so_o pray_v in_o secret_a as_o not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o work_n do_v unless_o he_o be_v with_o god_n in_o it_o i._n e._n sensible_o find_v god_n come_v to_o he_o with_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o sweet_a discovery_n of_o his_o covenant-love_n or_o at_o least_o his_o soul_n work_v out_o to_o god_n in_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n three_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o be_v conscious_a to_o thyself_o of_o a_o great_a many_o secret_a sin_n with_o which_o thou_o be_v chargeable_a before_o god_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n why_o thou_o shall_v perform_v secret_a duty_n where_o thou_o do_v commit_v secret_a sin_n and_o that_o those_o place_n shall_v be_v witness_n of_o thy_o 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and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o she_o be_v most_o retire_a and_o abscond_v christ_n love_v both_o to_o see_v she_o and_o hear_v she_o though_o she_o be_v sunburn_a with_o persecution_n and_o soot_v with_o infirmity_n yet_o her_o countenance_n be_v comely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n because_o there_o he_o see_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n image_n and_o though_o her_o prayer_n be_v break_v and_o as_o the_o chattering_n of_o a_o crane_n yet_o the_o voice_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o although_o our_o lord_n speak_v this_o to_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n who_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v take_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o when_o elijah_n be_v as_o you_o hear_v and_o we_o note_v before_o under_o the_o juniper-tree_n god_n be_v please_v to_o come_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o 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present_o add_v his_o fiat_fw-la his_o amen_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n shall_v not_o present_o be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o yet_o the_o grant_n shall_v be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n thy_o father_n will_v say_v be_v it_o unto_o this_o soul_n even_o as_o it_o will_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o only_o give_v the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o but_o more_o too_o and_o while_o thou_o ask_v like_o a_o child_n he_o will_v answer_v thou_o like_o a_o god_n a_o most_o gracious_a assurance_n hereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o he_o see_v the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o thy_o desire_n he_o see_v how_o thou_o labour_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o what_o pain_n thou_o have_v take_v and_o with_o what_o great_a wrestle_n thou_o haste_v wrestle_v and_o have_v see_v he_o will_v reward_v the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reward_n be_v to_o come_v so_o then_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v christ_n thou_o shall_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v pang_n and_o throw_n of_o soul_n and_o after_o all_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n never_o do_v any_o one_o holy_a prayer_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o drop_v by_o the_o way_n the_o great_a god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v his_o child_n about_o any_o unprofitable_a work_n paul_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v of_o that_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v in_o 1._o cor._n 15._o last_o be_v steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n as_o their_o grievous_a suffering_n turn_v they_o to_o a_o very_a good_a account_n so_o shall_v all_o their_o holy_a action_n there_o be_v never_o a_o appointment_n of_o duty_n for_o they_o but_o it_o carry_v in_o its_o bowel_n a_o 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