since_o he_o be_v of_o a_o plasant_a plant_n become_v no_o better_o than_o a_o briar_n a_o thorn_n dry_a stubble_n fit_a for_o the_o burn_a how_o well_o may_v guilty_a sinner_n call_v with_o they_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o revelution_n v_o 16._o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o belove_a and_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o and_o pursuance_n of_o his_o father_n will_n have_v restore_v unto_o man_n freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o know_v full_a well_o how_o great_a the_o attempt_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o do_v put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v our_o peace_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o approach_v too_o and_o of_o draw_v nigh_o go_v as_o near_o as_o we_o will_v even_o to_o his_o very_a throne_n heb._n 10._o 19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n christ_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o he_o enter_v in_o triumph_n as_o one_o that_o have_v conquer_v all_o his_o enemy_n he_o enter_v with_o joy_n as_o one_o that_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o take_v there_o his_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o hebrew_n v_o 12._o he_o enter_v not_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n but_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o carry_v that_o along_o with_o he_o and_o now_o by_o that_o blood_n we_o may_v enter_v too_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n for_o a_o gracious_a person_n a_o believe_a soul_n though_o the_o 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thing_n of_o no_o more_o excellency_n than_o that_o of_o a_o beast_n a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a man_n or_o of_o a_o guilty_a and_o death-deserving_a criminal_a 3._o three_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o holy_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o eph._n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o saint_n your_o prayer_n must_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o your_o spirit_n prayer_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o lip-labour_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o fervour_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o also_o it_o must_v be_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o help_v his_o people_n infirmity_n and_o to_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o with_o the_o heat_n and_o earnestness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o than_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o jude_n say_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o happy_a they_o who_o have_v not_o fallible_a man_n to_o make_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o pray_v always_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v day_n and_o night_n at_o it_o as_o if_o pray_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o your_o duty_n for_o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o other_o work_n to_o do_v which_o must_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o therefore_o the_o original_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o opportunity_n in_o every_o fit_a and_o proper_a season_n for_o prayer_n in_o every_o condition_n into_o which_o providence_n cast_v you_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o other_o expression_n most_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i._n e._n with_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o with_o extraordinary_a too_o that_o which_o have_v fast_v join_v with_o it_o private_a prayer_n and_o public_a too_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n â—allies_v out_o on_o a_o sudden_a unto_o god_n give_v he_o a_o visit_n and_o away_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n put_v in_o a_o short_a petition_n and_o be_v go_v like_o one_o that_o be_v engage_v about_o some_o other_o business_n and_o can_v stay_v and_o also_o compose_v prayer_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n fix_v and_o abide_v some_o considerable_a time_n with_o god_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n prayer_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o alone_o by_o ourselves_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o occasion_n do_v require_v but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 4._o four_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_n now_o that_o we_o call_v secret_a prayer_n when_o a_o person_n get_v alone_o by_o himself_o and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v to_o god_n when_o be_v sequester_v from_o all_o company_n whatsoever_o and_o withdraw_v from_o his_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n his_o most_o familiar_a and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o by_o himself_o in_o a_o most_o close_a and_o private_a retirement_n he_o send_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o holy_a and_o servant_n desire_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o fetch_v down_o his_o god_n to_o he_o by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o obtain_v of_o he_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o which_o he_o find_v a_o sensible_a want_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o and_o give_v his_o heavenly_a father_n a_o visit_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v know_v of_o it_o noâ—_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o be_v free_a to_o own_o god_n for_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n christ_n for_o his_o dear_o belove_a prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o work_n before_o all_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v reproach_v scorn_v and_o malign_v for_o it_o but_o because_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o pharisaical_a vain_a glorious_a spirit_n and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v get_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o impediment_n and_o diversion_n he_o enter_v into_o his_o chamber_n and_o there_o shut_v his_o door_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v shut_v out_o all_o that_o will_v interrupt_v and_o disturb_v that_o fellowship_n with_o his_o god_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o find_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o as_o that_o he_o count_v it_o his_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n at_o other_o time_n he_o will_v make_v one_o of_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holiday_n psal._n 42._o 4._o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n psal._n 27._o 4_o and_o also_o he_o know_v how_o to_o go_v out_o as_o isaac_n do_v into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n to_o be_v abroad_o and_o consider_v with_o david_n the_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v create_v and_o so_o take_v
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 other_o with_o thou_o but_o upon_o thou_o and_o so_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n get_v alone_o say_v christ_n and_o pray_v alone_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o none_o to_o see_v thou_o none_o to_o overhear_v thou_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a soul_n be_v very_o good_a company_n when_o it_o go_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o he_o meet_v it_o with_o smile_n when_o it_o draw_v up_o its_o confession_n and_o he_o seal_v its_o pardon_n it_o breathe_v out_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o he_o afford_v it_o gracious_a answer_n and_o in_o they_o satisfaction_n it_o state_n its_o case_n tell_v its_o disease_n open_v its_o sore_n and_o he_o apply_v ease_v and_o heal_a remedy_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o soul_n fire_v its_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o in_o the_o holy_a flame_n thereof_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v wonderful_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o good_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v one_o with_o another_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o family_n duty_n or_o in_o public_a ordinance_n or_o in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o own_o pressure_n and_o his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v o_o holy_a soul_n what_o special_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v thou_o what_o token_n of_o love_n he_o may_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o when_o disconsolate_a hannah_n have_v be_v water_v her_o plant_n weep_v great_o alone_a pour_v out_o her_o soul_n in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n she_o have_v such_o a_o impress_n upon_o her_o spirit_n such_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n whisper_v to_o she_o as_o make_v her_o glad_a at_o heart_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a dry_v up_o all_o her_o tear_n so_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o 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 their_o own_o fashion_n in_o make_v use_n of_o strange_a fire_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n they_o find_v god_n not_o a_o bountiful_a rewarder_n but_o a_o dreadful_a revenger_n when_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v plain_o speak_v that_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n now_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n a_o great_a and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o secret_a prayer_n do_v this_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o study_v all_o possible_a privacy_n and_o retirement_n let_v no_o body_n know_v of_o that_o which_o thou_o go_v about_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o secret_a there_o be_v christ_n counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a because_o give_v by_o he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o name_n be_v 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down_o these_o four_o proposition_n 1._o first_o prayer_n in_o general_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n a_o burden_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v very_o much_o command_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o frequent_o repeat_v matt._n 26._o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 17._o pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v and_o in_o matt._n 18._o 1._o our_o saviour_n speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o saint_n you_o shall_v be_v continual_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n have_v your_o grace_n and_o affection_n ready_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o work_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a worship_n the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v now_o 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that_o live_v without_o prayer_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o this_o world_n you_o may_v easy_o know_v with_o who_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o any_o atheist_n to_o be_v find_v in_o london_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o knowledge_n such_o plenty_n of_o mean_n such_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a light_n shine_v but_o i_o fear_v if_o there_o be_v a_o enquiry_n make_v it_o will_v plain_o appear_v there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o than_o we_o do_v imagine_v yea_o i_o be_o not_o in_o the_o least_o afraid_a to_o affirm_v that_o in_o this_o famous_a city_n there_o be_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a atheist_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n himself_o say_v isa._n 42_o 14._o who_o be_v blind_a but_o my_o servant_n or_o deaf_a as_o my_o messenger_n that_o i_o send_v who_o 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and_o evening_n sacrifice_n you_o do_v felonious_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n and_o wicked_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o your_o creation_n 2._o second_o as_o prayer_n itself_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o a_o liberty_n to_o pray_v be_v your_o choice_a privilege_n it_o be_v god_n mercy_n and_o your_o happiâ—ess_n that_o he_o give_v you_o leave_v to_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n and_o lie_v beg_v there_o sit_v down_o â—ere_z and_o pause_v a_o little_a and_o serious_o think_v with_o yourselves_o how_o great_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a contemptible_a worm_n to_o have_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o infinite_a and_o glorious_a god_n open_a to_o its_o cry_n for_o you_o who_o be_v no_o better_o as_o abraham_n free_o acknowledge_v than_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o have_v the_o door_n of_o grace_n open_v to_o you_o and_o leave_v to_o approach_v and_o make_v your_o application_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o state_n your_o case_n to_o he_o 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some_o turn_n in_o a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o as_o enoch_n do_v walk_v with_o god_n before_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o hence_o and_o take_v up_o to_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o glory_n the_o chamber_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o these_o walk_v he_o find_v his_o heart_n warm_v and_o a_o holy_a fire_n kindle_v and_o then_o return_v with_o that_o burn_a within_o he_o then_o he_o speak_v with_o his_o tongue_n and_o send_v up_o a_o pure_a flame_n of_o earnest_a supplication_n confident_a i_o be_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o course_n will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o question_v by_o any_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o own_o that_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a dependence_n which_o both_o as_o creature_n and_o christian_n we_o have_v upon_o he_o and_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o soul_n yea_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o duty_n by_o many_o very_o many_o of_o those_o who_o yet_o do_v not_o 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chapter_n a_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n for_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o by_o nor_o do_v he_o only_o pray_v with_o they_o as_o master_n of_o the_o family_n but_o he_o likewise_o do_v many_o and_o many_o a_o time_n pray_v by_o himself_o alone_o a_o great_a deal_n often_o than_o we_o do_v or_o any_o in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v know_v of_o but_o something_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o guide_v the_o holy_a penman_n put_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n thus_o in_o matt._n 14._o 23._o after_o he_o have_v wrought_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a miracle_n of_o feed_v five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o provision_n than_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n he_o send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o absence_n alone_o he_o will_v have_v his_o very_a disciple_n go_v by_o ship_n to_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v say_v he_o constrain_v they_o to_o go_v poor_a heart_n they_o love_v he_o dear_o and_o nowhere_o enjoy_v themselves_o so_o well_o as_o they_o do_v when_o they_o be_v in_o his_o company_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v he_o but_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o order_v and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v go_v but_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n what_o do_v our_o lord_n do_v when_o they_o be_v all_o go_v that_o text_n tell_v you_o he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n apart_o to_o pray_v and_o when_o the_o evening_n be_v come_v he_o be_v there_o alone_o he_o have_v his_o father_n with_o he_o and_o doubtless_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o heavenly_a host_n the_o glorious_a angel_n attend_v and_o wait_v but_o nobody_o else_o none_o of_o the_o multitude_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a disciple_n now_o let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o think_v serious_o of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v with_o the_o best_a of_o we_o he_o have_v another_o manner_n of_o command_n over_o 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place_n and_o there_o pray_v hypocrite_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v choose_v the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n place_n of_o concourse_n go_v into_o the_o abbey_n and_o cathedral_n and_o there_o you_o will_v see_v they_o by_o a_o pillar_n at_o their_o devotion_n but_o christ_n choose_v solitariness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o desert_n lonely_a place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o body_n there_o he_o love_v to_o meet_v his_o father_n take_v but_o one_o text_n more_o which_o you_o have_v in_o luke_n 22._o 39_o 40._o he_o come_v out_o and_o go_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n and_o his_o disciple_n follow_v he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n he_o
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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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
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
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o lâ—t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a 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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
i_o put_v the_o question_n to_o â—hee_v again_o be_v thou_o a_o christian_n have_v thou_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v thou_o â—ut_v on_o christ_n have_v he_o get_v the_o possession_n â—f_fw-mi thy_o heart_n and_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o command_v in_o it_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v uniform_a let_v thy_o whole_a life_n be_v of_o a_o piece_n linsey-woolsey_n christian_n bear_v with_o the_o expression_n be_v abominable_a both_o to_o god_n â—nd_v men._n what_o thou_o be_v that_o be_v in_o all_o place_n have_v put_v christ_n on_o keep_v he_o on_o â—nd_v walk_v up_o and_o down_o everywhere_o as_o a_o â—an_v in_o christ_n expressive_a of_o christ_n make_v â—im_a visible_a in_o thy_o life_n and_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o it_o do_v not_o thou_o carry_v like_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o like_o a_o heathen_a in_o the_o closet_n since_o god_n be_v so_o very_o gracious_a as_o to_o admit_v thou_o into_o his_o house_n to_o tread_v in_o his_o court_n 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stranger_n but_o will_v be_v do_v something_o but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n it_o be_v only_o as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d business_n by_o the_o bye_n their_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o study_n be_v carry_v another_o way_n their_o main_a work_n do_v lie_v somewhere_o else_o namely_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v devote_v to_o and_o set_v their_o heart_n upon_o and_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o how_o they_o shall_v get_v it_o how_o they_o shall_v increase_v it_o how_o they_o shall_v secure_v it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v inebriate_v themselves_o with_o the_o comfort_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o gracious_a soul_n that_o be_v sound_a at_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o in_o truth_n which_o he_o will_v go_v for_o in_o the_o account_n and_o esteem_v of_o man_n make_v his_o religion_n his_o great_a and_o principal_a work_n david_n say_v psal._n 109._o 4._o i_o give_v myself_o unto_o prayer_n other_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o sin_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o one_o to_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o another_o to_o his_o uncleaâ—ness_n now_o david_n give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o what_o he_o say_v of_o prayer_n in_o particular_a be_v true_a as_o to_o godliness_n in_o general_a a_o godly_a man_n give_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o he_o be_v addict_v and_o devote_v to_o it_o he_o be_v all_o for_o that_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v none_o but_o such_o a_o one_o will_v do_v good_a upon_o it_o believe_v it_o o_o professor_n for_o your_o own_o experience_n will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v my_o word_n good_a none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v indeed_o make_v religion_n their_o trade_n will_v thrive_v upon_o it_o and_o grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n now_o then_o if_o thou_o do_v indeed_o make_v religion_n thy_o business_n thou_o will_v hearty_o study_v and_o do_v all_o thou_o can_v to_o promote_v it_o as_o you_o know_v the_o promote_a of_o trade_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o common_a discourse_n among_o man_n and_o they_o be_v great_o set_v for_o it_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v contribute_v thereunto_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v forward_o a_o christian_a more_o in_o this_o his_o great_a business_n and_o that_o do_v more_o promote_v the_o trade_n of_o godliness_n and_o religion_n than_o secret_a prayer_n do_v i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o compare_v one_o duty_n with_o another_o or_o one_o ordinance_n with_o another_o â—â—ir_n they_o be_v all_o of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o stamp_v with_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v all_o greaâ—_n advantage_n to_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o god_n be_v more_o wise_a and_o gracious_a than_o to_o set_v his_o servant_n about_o any_o unnecessary_a 〈…〉_z you_o know_v that_o many_o person_n who_o be_v wâ—llâ—_n moneyed_a man_n have_v a_o stock_n go_v with_o other_o as_o in_o the_o african_a and_o east-india_n company_n but_o not_o satisfy_v with_o that_o they_o will_v have_v their_o secret_a stock_n also_o and_o will_v trade_v by_o themselves_o so_o here_o the_o saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v trade_v and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n go_v in_o the_o common_a stock_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o saint_n psal._n 42._o 4._o holy_a david_n do_v reckon_v it_o a_o brave_a time_n when_o he_o go_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holy_a day_n psal._n 122._o 1._o he_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o promise_v as_o a_o choce_fw-mi and_o singular_a blessing_n isa._n 2._o 3._o that_o many_o people_n shall_v go_v and_o say_v come_v you_o and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o of_o his_o way_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o path_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v thrive_v amain_o and_o grow_v very_o rich_a towards_o god_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o secret_a stock_n go_v too_o and_o will_v be_v trade_v by_o themselves_o in_o private_a and_o keep_v up_o that_o communion_n correspondency_n and_o intercourse_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o other_o do_v not_o know_v of_o david_n be_v very_o much_o for_o sanctuary_n sight_n and_o enjoyment_n when_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o he_o do_v seek_v and_o thirst_n and_o long_o for_o they_o psal_n 63._o 1_o 2._o but_o still_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 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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 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not_o seek_v his_o face_n where_o you_o sin_n to_o his_o face_n oh_o look_v careful_o to_o it_o that_o as_o there_o be_v secret_a fault_n so_o there_o be_v secret_a prayer_n and_o tear_n as_o secret_a sin_n so_o secret_a service_n four_o there_o be_v special_a and_o momentous_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o secret_a prayer_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n nor_o woman_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v something_o or_o other_o which_o he_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v a_o mantle_n of_o privacy_n throw_v over_o something_a or_o other_o which_o he_o may_v be_v free_a and_o willing_a to_o whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o prudent_a intimate_a friend_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o divulge_v and_o come_v abroad_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o body_n now_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o his_o ear_n something_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n acquaint_v with_o something_o it_o may_v be_v that_o do_v great_o oppress_v thou_o and_o whilst_o thou_o do_v smother_v it_o altogether_o in_o silence_n thy_o heart_n be_v almost_o break_a within_o thou_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o give_v vent_n and_o thereby_o some_o ease_n to_o thy_o overburdened_a mind_n and_o where_o can_v thou_o do_v it_o with_o more_o freedom_n and_o great_a hope_n of_o relief_n than_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o before_o a_o gracious_a god_n who_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o his_o compassion_n do_v not_o fail_v will_v that_o which_o they_o call_v common-prayer_n râ—ach_v thy_o whole_a case_n do_v it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o find_v every_o one_o of_o thy_o want_n mention_v there_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o groan_n form_v there_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o desire_n draw_v up_o there_o be_v there_o nothing_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a in_o thy_o case_n be_v it_o exact_o state_v by_o other_o in_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_o joy_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n that_o no_o body_n else_o have_v a_o key_n to_o let_v he_o into_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o a_o poor_a disease_a patient_n to_o tell_v his_o physician_n how_o he_o feel_v himself_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v so_o disturb_v in_o his_o reason_n or_o so_o much_o enfeeble_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o some_o other_o to_o do_v it_o that_o have_v be_v about_o he_o and_o curious_a in_o his_o observation_n but_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o wise_a physician_n will_v like_v that_o account_n best_o which_o come_v from_o his_o patient_n be_v own_o mouth_n suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o give_v one_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o do_v so_o to_o thy_o great_a and_o everblessed_n physician_n the_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o that_o end_n study_v both_o his_o word_n and_o thy_o heart_n that_o by_o study_v his_o word_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o know_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o by_o study_v thy_o own_o heart_n thou_o may_v know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o again_o will_v publick-prayer_n at_o all_o time_n become_v thou_o and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concernment_n have_v thou_o so_o much_o of_o a_o unspotted_a innocency_n or_o such_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o blush_v to_o tell_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o housetop_n have_v thou_o be_v so_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o need_v not_o care_v who_o know_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v indeed_o when_o a_o proud_a and_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o display_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o trumpet_n out_o his_o own_o commendation_n to_o tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o phoenix_n a_o kind_n of_o none-such_a in_o the_o world_n one_o that_o be_v so_o free_a from_o common_a defilement_n so_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o act_n of_o goodness_n that_o his_o fellow_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v he_o ambitious_a of_o have_v auditor_n enough_o and_o to_o see_v he_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o with_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o side_n strut_a it_o to_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o do_v expect_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n who_o may_v go_v and_o inform_v other_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o have_v hear_v concern_v he_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o raise_v to_o he_o thousand_o of_o admiring_n among_o such_o as_o will_v be_v credulous_a and_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n but_o methinks_v when_o a_o poor_a publican_n that_o groan_v under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o know_v himself_o unable_a to_o answer_v for_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o who_o have_v have_v often_o and_o often_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o pronounce_v by_o his_o own_o awaken_v and_o wound_v conscience_n when_o i_o say_v he_o be_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o indictment_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o righteous_a judge_n and_o then_o have_v so_o do_v to_o beg_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o plead_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o may_v stand_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o get_v alone_o by_o himself_o as_o a_o person_n ashamed_a and_o even_o confound_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o acquaint_v god_n with_o thy_o disease_n foul_a loathsome_a disease_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o artery_n sore_n and_o those_o wound_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o as_o poor_a david_n find_v and_o own_a stink_n and_o be_v corrupt_a it_o speak_v a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o do_v high_o become_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o now_o christian_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o deal_v particular_o with_o thou_o and_o to_o come_v as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o propound_v some_o few_o question_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o desire_v thou_o to_o propound_v they_o to_o thyself_o when_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o have_v thou_o not_o some_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n have_v thou_o be_v all_o thy_o day_n so_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o circumspect_a and_o exact_a that_o no_o action_n of_o thou_o trouble_v thou_o or_o will_v reflect_v dishhonour_n upon_o thou_o or_o in_o the_o least_o put_v thou_o out_o of_o countenance_n be_v there_o no_o blot_n in_o thy_o escutchion_n no_o dead_a fly_n in_o thy_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n do_v by_o thou_o which_o nobody_o do_v know_v of_o and_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o for_o more_o than_o i_o will_v say_v have_v any_o body_n know_v of_o let_v this_o bring_v thou_o to_o secret_a prayer_n for_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n thou_o do_v not_o need_v to_o do_v it_o unto_o man_n there_o be_v no_o necessâ—â—y_n for_o thou_o to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v thy_o own_o shame_n auriculaâ—â—onfeâ—â—â—on_n which_o the_o popish_a priest_n do_v require_v be_v a_o abomination_n but_o a_o confession_n there_o must_v be_v else_o the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v the_o oppress_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v relieve_v the_o sâ—ain_n will_v not_o be_v take_v out_o the_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v pardon_v the_o promise_n be_v he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n as_o much_o as_o he_o need_v or_o can_v desire_v and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o this_o assurance_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o that_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v we_o â—u_n sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o those_o word_n from_o all_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o justify_v grace_n will_v make_v through_o work_n wherever_o it_o come_v it_o take_v away_o iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n all_o sort_n and_o size_n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o where_o do_v this_o take_v place_n only_o in_o they_o that_o confess_v where_o there_o be_v no_o confession_n you_o can_v with_o reason_n hope_v for_o a_o remission_n add_v this_o you_o may_v very_o well_o spread_v before_o god_n those_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o secret_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o hide_v they_o from_o he_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o
the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o or_o have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o twenty_o more_o which_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o be_v very_o much_o the_o matter_n of_o thy_o desire_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o god_n who_o perform_v all_o thing_n for_o david_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v other_o acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v loath_a that_o thy_o family_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o let_v they_o bring_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o thy_o secret_a retirement_n there_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a and_o as_o free_a as_o thou_o please_v there_o thou_o may_v full_o open_v thy_o case_n and_o unbosom_v thyself_o and_o tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o can_v say_v in_o psal._n 38._o 9_o all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o five_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n be_v enough_o to_o attract_v and_o draw_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o secret_a prayer_n bring_v the_o christian_a into_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a communion_n be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n as_o that_o person_n taste_v and_o experience_n who_o love_v god_n indeed_o two_o lover_n have_v abundant_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o company_n when_o they_o be_v get_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o body_n to_o interrupt_v or_o observe_v they_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o people_n or_o in_o a_o room_n where_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o they_o can_v be_v so_o familiar_a and_o free_a as_o their_o mutual_a affection_n do_v require_v we_o have_v free_a leave_n give_v we_o yea_o we_o be_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o holdness_n heb._n 4._o 16._o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n to_o fetch_v up_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o tell_v our_o whole_a mind_n to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o saint_n go_v in_o company_n many_o time_n he_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o god_n find_v himself_o confine_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o overpower_v modesty_n and_o his_o christian_a childlike_a boldness_n be_v abate_v nay_o whole_o to_o seek_v and_o he_o be_v at_o such_o a_o great_a loss_n and_o so_o exceed_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n asaph_n psal._n 73._o his_o freedom_n be_v turn_v into_o oppression_n and_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o matter_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o break_v within_o he_o because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v himself_o vent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o do_v issue_n in_o a_o painful_a restraint_n oh_o christian_n if_o you_o can_v hear_v some_o gracious_a soul_n in_o their_o private_a address_n to_o god_n it_o will_v put_v you_o into_o a_o amazement_n you_o can_v not_o forbear_v stand_v and_o wonder_v how_o bold_a they_o be_v with_o god_n though_o not_o saucy_a how_o familiar_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o god_n yet_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o distance_n how_o plain_a they_o will_v be_v how_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a how_o they_o will_v plead_v with_o he_o and_o produce_v their_o argument_n and_o strong_a reason_n and_o with_o vehemency_n urge_v they_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o those_o that_o must_v have_v their_o petition_n grant_v and_o will_v too_o before_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v herein_o that_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o above_o and_o use_v those_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v who_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o herein_o forget_v themselves_o or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o more_o bold_a than_o welcome_a when_o they_o have_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o wound_v up_o their_o importunity_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v their_o kind_n and_o gracious_a father_n allowance_n for_o and_o then_o be_v their_o prayer_n his_o music_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o who_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o same_o course_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v or_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n which_o thereby_o come_v into_o they_o when_o their_o soul_n have_v have_v so_o large_a a_o vent_n what_o â—ase_n do_v they_o find_v in_o themselves_o what_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o pass_v understanding_n how_o do_v their_o face_n shine_v even_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n what_o delight_n have_v they_o have_v what_o joy_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v they_o find_v within_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o holy_a david_n do_v with_o high_a confidence_n promise_v unto_o himself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o promise_v so_o much_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n he_o look_v not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a taste_n a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o some_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n so_o much_o only_o as_o will_v set_v he_o a_o longing_n or_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o a_o full_a meal_n he_o promise_v himself_o the_o best_a not_o brown-bread_n and_o water_n ordinary_a course_n fare_n but_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n yea_o and_o enough_o too_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o complain_v but_o admire_v and_o triumph_v my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n when_o he_o have_v his_o sweet_a refresh_n his_o fill_n than_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o benefactor_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v promise_v himself_o these_o rich_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n in_o his_o secret_n converse_v with_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n upon_o which_o word_n mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o observation_n very_o apposite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o way_n to_o find_v refreshment_n spiritual_a be_v beside_o public_a ordinance_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o secret_a at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a necessity_n may_v best_o spare_v and_o then_o and_o there_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o feel_v of_o god_n word_n or_o work_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o thought_n upon_o this_o holy_a subject_n by_o prayer_n soliloquy_n and_o meditation_n this_o this_o bring_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n indeed_o this_o warm_v the_o heart_n this_o feast_n it_o this_o delight_v it_o this_o raise_v it_o this_o furnish_v it_o with_o new_a song_n six_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v vain_a our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n thou_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o psal._n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n i._n e._n say_v ainsworth_n the_o public_a assembly_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n but_o he_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o afford_v his_o presence_n and_o give_v a_o meeting_n to_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v christ_n own_o word_n for_o your_o assurance_n in_o the_o case_n matth._n 18._o 20._o as_o to_o assist_v so_o to_o accept_v and_o bless_v and_o do_v for_o they_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v yea_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o his_o love_n so_o great_a that_o his_o condescension_n shall_v be_v low_a yet_o for_o he_o will_v come_v into_o a_o corner_n when_o he_o have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o alone_a pray_v and_o cry_v cantic_a 2._o 14._o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n
and_o compendious_a way_n mingle_v with_o it_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o your_o own_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o you_o do_v humble_o and_o free_o load_v yourselves_o with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o you_o may_v find_v they_o lie_v more_o light_n upon_o you_o conscience_n when_o you_o bind_v they_o upon_o yourselves_o you_o may_v find_v god_n lose_v they_o and_o take_v they_o off_o by_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o full_a pardon_n till_o david_n come_v to_o this_o poor_a man_n he_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dismal_a condition_n psal._n 32._o 3._o while_o he_o keep_v silence_n his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n he_o keep_v silence_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o confess_v sin_n and_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o roar_v because_o of_o the_o torment_n and_o anguish_n which_o he_o feel_v and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v not_o carry_v towards_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o ingenuity_n god_n carry_v towards_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o severity_n vers._n 24._o day_n and_o night_n thy_o hand_n be_v heavy_a upon_o i_o my_o moisture_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n he_o be_v sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o hand_n and_o break_v almost_o to_o shiver_n and_o dry_v up_o like_o a_o potsherd_n but_o now_o see_v what_o a_o comfortable_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o how_o god_n appear_v to_o his_o joy_n when_o he_o break_v off_o that_o sinful_a silence_n yea_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n of_o do_v it_o ver._n 5._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o remove_v judgement_n to_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n to_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n to_o recover_v the_o sense_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o to_o get_v for_o break_a bone_n the_o joy_n of_o god_n salvation_n five_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_v over_o both_o thy_o body_n and_o soul_n watch_v over_o thy_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o sleep_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v very_o unreasonable_o when_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o keep_v awake_a you_o know_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o body_n be_v weak_a where_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a shame_n for_o people_n yea_o such_o as_o profess_v godliness_n when_o they_o be_v about_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o assembly_n hear_v and_o pray_v to_o sleep_v away_o so_o much_o of_o that_o precious_a time_n as_o they_o do_v as_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n and_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v not_o to_o sit_v here_o as_o god_n people_n sit_v this_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o serious_a christâ—an_n come_v to_o hear_v for_o life_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o life_n and_o work_v out_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o yet_o they_o sleep_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o observer_n when_o they_o have_v some_o on_o all_o side_n to_o give_v they_o a_o awaken_n jog_v and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o of_o love_n it_o be_v a_o friendly_a jog_v and_o the_o party_n to_o who_o you_o give_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o thankful_o at_o your_o hand_n as_o a_o kindness_n he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o much_o he_o may_v lose_v by_o a_o little_a nap_n some_o precious_a truth_n may_v then_o be_v speak_v and_o pass_v in_o which_o he_o be_v great_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v great_o benefit_v but_o it_o be_v go_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o he_o he_o sleep_v it_o away_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v all_o alone_a thou_o have_v none_o by_o to_o do_v that_o friendly_a office_n to_o bestow_v a_o jog_v upon_o thou_o than_o thou_o must_v do_v all_o the_o work_n thyself_o and_o look_v to_o thyself_o therefore_o thou_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o thy_o own_o friend_n and_o take_v the_o more_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o also_o watch_v thy_o soul_n thy_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o thou_o be_v command_v with_o all_o diligence_n and_o as_o deborah_n say_v to_o herself_o when_o she_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o work_n judge_n 5._o 12._o awake_v awake_a debroah_n awake_v awake_a utter_v a_o song_n so_o do_v you_o call_v upon_o yourselves_o in_o your_o duty_n awake_v awake_a o_o my_o soul_n awake_v awake_a lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n thou_o have_v now_o wrestling-work_n in_o hand_n do_v not_o be_v dull_a heavy_a and_o lazy_a at_o it_o watch_v thy_o heart_n for_o it_o need_v it_o and_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o wander_n and_o cooling_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o wander_a heart_n will_v not_o keep_v its_o way_n nor_o dwell_v upon_o its_o proper_a object_n david_n can_v say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v but_o can_v he_o say_v so_o always_o or_o can_v thou_o no_o though_o it_o be_v fix_v in_o its_o choice_n of_o god_n in_o its_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o its_o resolution_n for_o he_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o that_o fixation_n of_o thought_n and_o meditation_n upon_o he_o nor_o that_o fixedness_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v thou_o think_v thou_o carry_v thy_o heart_n with_o thou_o to_o thy_o duty_n but_o do_v thou_o not_o often_o find_v it_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o slip_n and_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o have_v do_v therefore_o look_v to_o it_o keep_v thy_o eye_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v keep_v its_o place_n and_o to_o its_o business_n but_o then_o again_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n have_v its_o cooling_n as_o well_o as_o its_o wander_n as_o it_o shall_v keep_v its_o way_n so_o it_o shall_v careful_o keep_v its_o heat_n be_v much_o therefore_o and_o frequent_a in_o stir_v up_o thyself_o when_o thou_o go_v by_o thyself_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o god_n beware_v of_o all_o deadness_n and_o dulness_n when_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o serve_v a_o live_a god_n when_o firebrand_n be_v together_o they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o and_o burn_v to_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o will_v keep_v a_o single_a one_o alive_a have_v need_n to_o tend_v it_o careful_o and_o be_v often_o blow_v it_o yea_o and_o add_v some_o fuel_n too_o watchfulness_n be_v as_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o the_o christian_n have_v to_o do_v he_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v not_o go_v about_o it_o unreasonable_o that_o he_o may_v not_o lose_v a_o fit_a opportunity_n but_o set_v up_o his_o sail_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o that_o he_o also_o may_v make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n for_o the_o tune_n of_o his_o instrument_n and_o get_v his_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o he_o must_v watch_v likewise_o in_o prayer_n that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o work_n he_o may_v not_o idle_a in_o it_o and_o so_o lose_v his_o duty_n by_o lose_v himself_o for_o want_v of_o look_v to_o alas_o what_o be_v prayer_n without_o the_o heart_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n abominable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o carcase_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o forsake_v it_o a_o stink_a and_o offensive_a thing_n who_o will_v make_v a_o present_a of_o it_o to_o a_o great_a king_n six_o when_o thou_o be_v upon_o thy_o knee_n engage_v in_o secret_a prayer_n unto_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o double_v thy_o diligence_n and_o put_v thy_o strength_n forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a when_o a_o great_a many_o be_v lift_v at_o a_o hairy_a weight_n every_o one_o may_v spare_v himself_o and_o put_v forth_o the_o less_o strength_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n to_o assist_v but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a person_n tug_v at_o it_o he_o have_v need_v strain_n and_o labour_v hard_a else_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o where_o and_o as_o he_o find_v it_o when_o we_o be_v join_v together_o with_o other_o in_o prayer_n when_o with_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o assembly_n of_o saint_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o supplicant_n a_o great_a many_o besiege_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n wrestle_v with_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o the_o blessing_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o then_o we_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n 7._o 6_o 7._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o
thou_o ashamed_a to_o pray_v but_o have_v thou_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o thy_o not_o pray_v know_v for_o a_o certain_a that_o be_v a_o sinful_a modesty_n which_o do_v unfit_a and_o indispose_v thou_o for_o any_o part_n of_o thy_o duty_n do_v not_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o thou_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o gift_n for_o such_o a_o work_n but_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o who_o fault_n be_v that_o who_o will_v thou_o blame_v for_o that_o god_n for_o not_o give_v they_o or_o thyself_o for_o not_o get_v they_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v be_v both_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o thy_o shame_n and_o therefore_o thy_o shame_n because_o thy_o sin_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o to_o beg_v thy_o bread_n and_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v how_o to_o beg_v thy_o life_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o to_o ask_v a_o kindness_n of_o man_n and_o not_o how_o to_o ask_v mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v so_o thou_o will_v be_v count_v a_o wise_a man_n but_o in_o this_o thou_o do_v charge_v thyself_o with_o egregious_a folly_n but_o i_o desire_v thou_o to_o begin_v i_o fear_v thou_o have_v nottried_a be_v persuade_v to_o try_v now_o we_o have_v a_o proverb_n among_o we_o pertinent_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n use_v leg_n and_o have_v leg_n pray_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o get_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n practise_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o learning_n then_o shall_v we_o know_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n hosea_n 6._o 3._o and_o then_o shall_v we_o seek_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n then_o shall_v we_o pray_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o pray_v thou_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v at_o first_o when_o thou_o be_v a_o infant_n can_v not_o set_v one_o foot_n before_o another_o but_o by_o thy_o frequent_a try_v thou_o can_v do_v it_o in_o time_n yea_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n comingâ—on_n thou_o can_v go_v and_o run_v and_o leap_v too_o by_o do_v thy_o duty_n thou_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o do_v it_o eight_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o thou_o will_v set_v about_o this_o secret_a prayer_n let_v it_o be_v do_v as_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n so_o in_o the_o proper_a season_n it_o be_v true_a whensoever_o the_o wind_n blow_v we_o shall_v set_v up_o our_o sail_n open_v when_o christ_n knock_v and_o answer_v when_o he_o call_v and_o go_v about_o that_o which_o he_o set_v thou_o to_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o spirit_n be_v motion_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o just_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o the_o wheel_n ezek._n 1._o 20._o whithersoever_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o go_v the_o live_a creature_n go_v thither_o be_v their_o spirit_n to_o go_v and_o the_o wheel_n be_v lift_v up_o over_o against_o they_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a creature_n or_o of_o life_n be_v in_o the_o wheel_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o all_o our_o wheel_n shall_v move_v as_o that_o spring_n draw_v therefore_o when_o he_o put_v thou_o upon_o prayer_n do_v not_o consult_v with_o this_o nor_o that_o but_o apply_v to_o it_o immediate_o but_o withal_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o know_v how_o to_o order_v motion_n regular_o and_o seasonable_o eccl._n 3._o 1._o to_o every_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o season_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o the_o heaven_n a_o time_n to_o plant_v and_o a_o time_n to_o pluck_v up_o a_o time_n to_o kill_v and_o a_o time_n to_o heal_v a_o time_n to_o weep_v and_o a_o time_n to_o laugh_v a_o time_n to_o mourn_v and_o a_o time_n to_o dance_v etc._n etc._n but_o man_n know_v not_o his_o time_n eccles._n 9_o 12._o often_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o he_o do_v often_o meet_v with_o trouble_n snare_n and_o loss_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n know_v these_o time_n exact_o and_o move_v according_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o unseasonable_a impulse_n and_o motion_n reject_v they_o as_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n nor_o his_o spirit_n always_o take_v a_o fit_a time_n make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o nick_v it_o god_n have_v in_o his_o mercy_n give_v thou_o time_n enough_o for_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o choice_a opportunity_n for_o every_o part_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v thy_o season_n for_o labour_n and_o for_o rest_n season_n for_o buy_v and_o for_o sell_v a_o season_n for_o pray_v and_o for_o hear_v now_o look_v thou_o careful_o to_o it_o that_o thou_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o season_n that_o be_v the_o excellent_a property_n of_o he_o who_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v a_o bless_a man_n he_o be_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n psal._n 1._o 3._o we_o can_v well_o do_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o that_o god_n who_o understand_v our_o frame_n have_v order_v out_o according_o concern_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n thy_o duty_n at_o one_o time_n now_o it_o be_v thy_o business_n to_o understand_v what_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v and_o so_o to_o do_v it_o in_o short_a let_v not_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n hinder_v thou_o from_o wait_v upon_o public_a ordinance_n and_o public_a worship_n on_o god_n holiday_n the_o church_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n thou_o ought_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o if_o able_a because_o thou_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o body_n thou_o sin_v if_o thou_o be_v pray_v at_o home_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v hear_v abroad_o so_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o time_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o thy_o general_a call_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o for_o the_o business_n of_o thy_o particular_a call_v too_o and_o he_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o mind_n both_o it_o be_v not_o his_o will_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v cruel_a to_o the_o body_n or_o unnatural_a to_o thy_o family_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v tender_a over_o thy_o soul_n he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 8._o he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n i._n e._n practical_o and_o in_o his_o deed_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n who_o do_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o thou_o who_o sit_v under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v the_o law_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o open_v to_o thou_o be_v far_o worse_o than_o the_o heathen_n because_o thou_o do_v neglect_v that_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v who_o have_v no_o other_o light_n to_o direct_v they_o than_o that_o of_o nature_n know_v o_o man_n thou_o sin_v if_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o closet_n when_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o thy_o shop_n or_o thou_o o_o woman_n when_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o thy_o family_n and_o thou_o o_o servant_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v do_v thy_o master_n or_o thy_o mistress_n business_n thy_o time_n to_o be_v sure_a be_v none_o of_o thou_o own_o thou_o must_v not_o injure_v they_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o hate_v robbery_n for_o burn_a offering_n come_v christian_n learn_v a_o piece_n of_o holy_a wisdom_n do_v righteousness_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n keep_v all_o the_o wheel_n go_v and_o all_o in_o their_o order_n the_o right_a time_v of_o what_o you_o do_v be_v put_v of_o a_o glory_n upon_o what_o you_o do_v if_o all_o man_n will_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o wise_o time_n their_o action_n we_o shall_v have_v better_a man_n and_o a_o better_a world_n than_o now_o we_o have_v eccles._n 3._o 11._o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o time_n how_o beautiful_a be_v frost_n in_o winter_n and_o heat_n in_o summer_n joy_n and_o comfort_n if_o need_v be_v yea_o and_o heaviness_n by_o reason_n of_o manisold_a temptation_n if_o need_v be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a exactness_n as_o to_o every_o circumstance_n in_o a_o proper_a time_n and_o in_o a_o lovely_a order_n so_o let_v you_o be_v do_v too_o to_o the_o best_a of_o your_o knowledge_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n i_o astly_a when_o thou_o be_v in_o secret_a at_o thy_o prayer_n unto_o god_n carry_v in_o thy_o head_n and_o heart_n the_o case_n of_o other_o and_o be_v a_o humble_a supplicant_n unto_o a_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n though_o thou_o shall_v pray_v alone_o yet_o not_o