pray_v and_o go_v not_o thither_o full_a of_o thy_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o and_o be_v not_o as_o fool_n who_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o turn_v not_o from_o they_o only_a penitent_n than_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v suppliant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n every_o one_o be_v to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n to_o abandon_v his_o sin_n when_o he_o come_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o approach_v he_o with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n under_o the_o law_n no_o man_n have_v liberty_n to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n who_o have_v touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n till_o he_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o water_n by_o the_o priest_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o god_n without_o have_v your_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o your_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o the_o master_n forbid_v any_o to_o enter_v the_o temple_n with_o dust_n on_o their_o foot_n mean_v thereby_o that_o all_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a affection_n thought_n and_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v shake_v off_o and_o discharge_v by_o they_o who_o come_v to_o offer_v spiritual_a holy_a service_n unto_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v also_o enjoin_v not_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n any_o of_o those_o tool_n and_o instrument_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o civil_a trade_n and_o employment_n by_o which_o they_o be_v also_o mind_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o whatsoever_o may_v in_o the_o least_o suggest_v any_o earthly_a concern_v worldly_a notion_n or_o encumbrance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o god_n house_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v or_o divert_v in_o devotion_n nor_o be_v the_o jew_n singular_a in_o this_o particular_a or_o the_o only_a people_n that_o be_v careful_a thus_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o prayer_n for_o the_o mahumedan_n who_o take_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n from_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o precise_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o mosch_n or_o giamma_n the_o place_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n for_o they_o never_o repair_v to_o these_o till_o they_o have_v first_o wash_v at_o home_n nor_o do_v they_o enter_v those_o solemn_a place_n with_o their_o shoe_n on_o and_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o come_v unprepared_a to_o prayer_n or_o behave_v themselves_o indecent_o at_o they_o that_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o come_n cleanliness_n according_a to_o mahume_v be_v the_o key_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o regard_v without_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cleanliness_n all_o the_o preparative_n to_o prayer_n be_v understand_v and_o by_o prayer_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o this_o cleanliness_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o body_n but_o also_o regard_v the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o it_o imply_v the_o put_v away_o of_o all_o unlawful_a action_n the_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o vicious_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o they_o hold_v that_o filthiness_n in_o these_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o offensive_a to_o god_n who_o according_a to_o their_o alcoran_n as_o well_o as_o our_o bible_n be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v the_o least_o defilement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o come_v behind_o jew_n and_o mahumedan_n in_o this_o particular_a nor_o bold_o and_o inconsiderate_o rush_v upon_o those_o holy_a duty_n which_o these_o infidel_n approach_v with_o so_o great_a preparedness_n the_o apostle_n advise_v all_o of_o his_o religion_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a and_o pure_a hand_n in_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n he_o appoint_v that_o not_o only_o at_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o every_o where_o else_o christian_n shall_v pray_v with_o that_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n join_v with_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o good_a work_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o no_o doubt_n or_o irresolution_n of_o mind_n shall_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n or_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n you_o do_v but_o burn_v incense_n to_o vanity_n and_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n to_o heaven_n to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o your_o action_n be_v unjust_a god_n will_v cast_v back_o your_o prayer_n like_o dung_n upon_o your_o face_n and_o reject_v both_o they_o and_o your_o person_n when_o you_o tread_v his_o court_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v his_o worshipper_n he_o he_o hear_v s._n john_n 9.31_o his_o eye_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o his_o face_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a psal_n 34.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.12_o god_n look_v kind_o on_o his_o obedient_a servant_n but_o he_o set_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n against_o the_o obstinate_o wicked_a he_o be_v nigh_o to_o good_a man_n and_o hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o who_o turn_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n prov._n 28.9.15.29_o the_o humble_a dutiful_a soul_n implore_v god_n assistance_n be_v sure_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o kind_n or_o in_o equivalence_n but_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n declare_v the_o prayer_n of_o sinner_n to_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o none_o but_o impenitent_a sinner_n who_o stubborn_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o either_o wilful_o continue_v in_o their_o impiety_n or_o retain_v a_o kindness_n for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o then_o your_o have_v commit_v sin_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o some_o gild_n be_v upon_o you_o that_o aught_o to_o hinder_v your_o pray_v for_o you_o must_v pray_v the_o rather_o that_o god_n may_v remit_v and_o pardon_v the_o sin_n you_o have_v commit_v for_o if_o you_o be_v humble_o mind_v and_o sincere_o change_v from_o bad_a to_o good_a if_o you_o loath_a and_o forsake_v your_o evil_a way_n and_o with_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n grieve_v for_o your_o offence_n you_o then_o be_v one_o who_o cry_n god_n will_v hear_v and_o who_o tear_n he_o will_v put_v into_o his_o bottle_n and_o not_o suffer_v a_o drop_n fall_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o penitent_a to_o be_v as_o water_v spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n he_o will_v hear_v your_o cry_n and_o deliver_v your_o soul_n from_o death_n he_o will_v recover_v your_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 116.8_o 9.13_o he_o will_v give_v you_o space_n and_o opportunity_n to_o live_v and_o acceptable_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v unto_o he_o without_o the_o love_n of_o your_o sin_n about_o you_o or_o purpose_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o when_o noah_n come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n in_o which_o say_v one_o he_o have_v long_o be_v bury_v not_o dead_a his_o first_o care_n be_v to_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o take_v of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n to_o offer_v in_o burnt-offering_n and_o the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o noah_n heart_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o action_n and_o show_v himself_o please_v with_o his_o holy_a intention_n but_o that_o which_o herein_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o observable_a and_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v noah_n great_a industry_n and_o care_n for_o the_o right_a offering_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v see_v in_o his_o building_n a_o altar_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o beast_n and_o bird_n as_o be_v fit_a thereon_o to_o be_v offer_v now_o prayer_n be_v your_o best_a sacrifice_n which_o in_o imitation_n of_o noah_n you_o be_v to_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o great_a preparedness_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o will_v betray_v in_o you_o a_o profane_a temper_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o lack_n of_o a_o just_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o siracide_n before_o thou_o pray_v prepare_v thyself_o and_o be_v not_o as_o one_o that_o tempt_v the_o lord_n ecclus_n 18.23_o let_v the_o clean_a beast_n and_o bird_n offer_v by_o noah_n mind_n you_o of_o keep_v your_o soul_n clean_a and_o pure_a from_o all_o wicked_a resolution_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a of_o all_o sinful_a habit_n and_o intention_n and_o let_v no_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n or_o any_o uncharitableness_n lodge_v in_o your_o heart_n for_o no_o lust_n of_o carnal_a uncleanness_n no_o filthiness_n of_o spirit_n no_o
continual_o to_o god_n and_o that_o without_o which_o you_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o prosperous_a for_o pray_v give_v you_o a_o title_n to_o god_n safeguard_n and_o preservation_n and_o it_o must_v be_v as_o lasting_a as_o your_o own_o want_n and_o obligation_n to_o worship_v god_n and_o therefore_o till_o you_o find_v you_o have_v no_o need_n of_o god_n mercy_n nor_o any_o tie_n upon_o you_o to_o adore_v he_o you_o must_v pray_v without_o cease_v which_o word_n imply_v second_o that_o your_o prayer_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v bear_v proportion_n with_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v constant_o offer_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o you_o can_v sink_v your_o prayer_n to_o a_o lesser_a proportion_n or_o pray_v seldome_a than_o morning_n and_o evening_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a that_o you_o shall_v begin_v all_o your_o work_n with_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o blessing_n and_o end_v they_o with_o praise_n and_o thanks_o for_o his_o protection_n and_o assistance_n some_o have_v interpret_v the_o apostle_n word_n pray_v without_o cease_v of_o spend_v every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n which_o can_v be_v no_o error_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o pious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v always_o in_o readiness_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n this_o religious_a temper_n and_o habitual_a devoutness_n of_o soul_n be_v like_o the_o holy_a fire_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o never_o go_v out_o for_o it_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o flame_n in_o pious_a ejaculation_n and_o affectionate_a breathe_n after_o god_n and_o when_o for_o want_v of_o meet_a circumstance_n your_o prayer_n can_v be_v vocal_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v mental_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n you_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v which_o according_a to_o diodati_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v rather_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n than_o of_o the_o tongue_n and_o word_n and_o though_o you_o have_v not_o always_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v upon_o your_o knee_n yet_o you_o never_o want_n either_o to_o bow_v your_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o by_o a_o pious_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n to_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v the_o frequency_n of_o prayer_n undetermined_a yet_o you_o may_v take_v your_o measure_n as_o to_o public_a prayer_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n from_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a men._n and_o first_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o state_v time_n of_o public_a prayer_n from_o which_o you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absent_a when_o you_o can_v possible_o be_v at_o they_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o considerable_a moment_n that_o can_v justify_v your_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n house_n at_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n now_o according_a to_o some_o expositor_n you_o may_v be_v say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v when_o you_o observe_v the_o hour_n or_o time_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o observe_v such_o state_v time_n of_o prayer_n yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o piety_n will_v oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v they_o for_o both_o these_o teach_v you_o to_o omit_v no_o occasion_n to_o express_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o worship_v he_o give_v he_o thanks_o call_v upon_o he_o honour_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o his_o word_n and_o serve_v he_o true_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o as_o to_o frequency_n in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o have_v the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n for_o your_o guide_n and_o first_o of_o david_n who_o evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n do_v cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v his_o voice_n psal_n 55.17_o with_o his_o constant_a importunity_n he_o reinforce_v a_o impression_n of_o his_o prayer_n upon_o god_n the_o better_a to_o move_v he_o to_o grant_v they_o my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o psal_n 5.3_o this_o religious_a prince_n make_v the_o first_o fruit_n and_o prime_a of_o the_o day_n to_o present_v his_o supplication_n before_o god_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o earnest_a petitioner_n he_o fix_v his_o eye_n on_o heaven_n resolve_v to_o wait_v and_o never_o to_o move_v till_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o prayer_n nay_o from_o thrice_o david_n increase_v his_o pray_n to_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n psal_n 119.164_o right_o conclude_v that_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o praise_n yet_o he_o think_v himself_o bind_v continual_o to_o extol_v they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o phrase_n seven_o time_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o not_o mere_o to_o signify_v that_o number_n but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mode_n of_o speech_n denote_v a_o great_a frequency_n in_o prayer_n and_o show_v that_o david_n be_v daily_o very_o often_o employ_v therein_o which_o custom_n to_o pray_v often_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o david_n only_o but_o be_v also_o use_v by_o god_n people_n many_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o see_v corruption_n as_o be_v see_v in_o daniel_n who_o when_o he_o know_v the_o dead-warrant_a be_v sign_v for_o his_o execution_n go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v aforetime_o dan._n 6.10_o the_o last_o word_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o emergent_a zeal_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a fit_n of_o devotion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o constant_a and_o usual_a practice_n to_o pray_v thrice_o a_o day_n which_o be_v the_o common_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o make_v morning_n noon_n and_o evening_n the_o three_o time_n of_o prayer_n act_v 3.1_o and_o 10.4_o and_o 9.31_o which_o custom_n be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o devout_a christian_n go_v far_o and_o pray_v six_o time_n a_o day_n take_v in_o the_o compline_n or_o the_o prayer_n make_v by_o good_a man_n at_o nine_o at_o night_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v imagine_v these_o example_n to_o be_v imitable_a and_o that_o it_o will_v exhaust_v too_o much_o of_o your_o time_n to_o be_v so_o often_o on_o your_o knee_n then_o revolve_v with_o yourself_o 1._o that_o you_o be_v never_o so_o far_o to_o immerse_n and_o bury_v yourself_o in_o worldly_a business_n as_o not_o to_o allow_v space_n to_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o day_n with_o prayer_n and_o you_o can_v just_o complain_v you_o want_v time_n to_o be_v thus_o often_o in_o devotion_n when_o you_o consider_v how_o much_o time_n you_o can_v find_v to_o cast_v away_o if_o not_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v vicious_a yet_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a to_o your_o station_n if_o you_o will_v prudent_o retrench_v your_o recreation_n and_o employ_v in_o piety_n the_o hour_n you_o spend_v in_o vanity_n you_o will_v never_o be_v straighten_a for_o time_n to_o bestow_v in_o devotion_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o your_o have_v so_o little_a time_n to_o give_v to_o this_o be_v because_o you_o lavish_a so_o much_o away_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n if_o not_o worse_o that_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v you_o can_v but_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o it_o but_o see_v you_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o spend_n of_o your_o time_n it_o behoove_v you_o to_o be_v wary_a how_o you_o spend_v it_o and_o the_o more_o time_n you_o have_v wasteful_o misspend_v already_o the_o more_o signal_o careful_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o which_o yet_o remain_v and_o to_o redeem_v the_o hour_n you_o have_v throw_v away_o upon_o impiety_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a employment_n of_o those_o god_n shall_v yet_o please_v to_o vouchsafe_v you_o consider_v second_o how_o reasonable_a and_o just_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o you_o allow_v a_o liberal_a portion_n of_o your_o time_n to_o his_o service_n who_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o allow_v so_o much_o to_o your_o own_o god_n do_v not_o grudge_v you_o space_n enough_o for_o your_o lawful_a business_n and_o necessary_a diversion_n but_o then_o he_o expect_v you_o will_v not_o encroach_v upon_o those_o minute_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o religious_a exercise_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o man_n of_o
the_o christian_n daily_a sacrifice_n due_o offer_v or_o a_o practical_a discourse_n teach_v the_o right_a performance_n of_o prayer_n by_o lancelot_n addison_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o lichfield_n s._n james_n iu._n 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o peacock_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o s._n paul_n 1698._o to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n benjamin_n bathurst_n sir_n in_o set_v so_o eminent_a a_o name_n before_o so_o mean_v a_o work_n show_v that_o i_o have_v as_o little_a skill_n in_o dedication_n as_o they_o have_v in_o architecture_n who_o erect_v a_o stately_a entrance_n to_o a_o house_n of_o no_o competent_a reception_n to_o which_o indecorum_n i_o be_v carry_v by_o a_o zeal_n i_o have_v ever_o have_v to_o own_o to_o the_o world_n the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n that_o for_o many_o many_o year_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o steady_a friendship_n which_o be_v begin_v in_o a_o foreign_a nation_n 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ensue_a discourse_n that_o you_o and_o your_o lady_n and_o child_n may_v long_o long_o enjoy_v health_n and_o prosperity_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o blessing_n may_v bless_v you_o with_o all_o divine_a grace_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n crown_v you_o with_o glory_n lichfield_n july_n 8._o 1698._o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n l._n addison_n introduction_n two_o very_o different_a opinion_n and_o both_o sufficient_o erroneous_a concern_v the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n get_v very_o early_o foot_v among_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o who_o st._n james_n the_o pious_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n write_v his_o circular_a epistle_n some_o there_o be_v among_o they_o in_o who_o esteem_n prayer_n be_v sink_v so_o low_a that_o they_o think_v it_o either_o whole_o unnecessary_a or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o thing_n of_o choice_n and_o not_o duty_n and_o of_o that_o indifference_n that_o they_o may_v use_v or_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o they_o please_v without_o any_o offence_n to_o god_n or_o hindrance_n to_o themselves_o and_o of_o this_o opinion_n be_v those_o who_o covet_v and_o have_v not_o who_o kill_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o can_v not_o obtain_v who_o fight_v and_o war_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v not_o s._n james_n 4.2_o all_o their_o covet_v envy_v contend_v and_o fight_v bring_v they_o in_o no_o advantage_n because_o they_o neglect_v prayer_n the_o only_a mean_n of_o render_v their_o honest_a endeavour_n prosperous_a and_o successful_a and_o as_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o neglect_v and_o set_v too_o small_a a_o esteem_n upon_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o prayer_n as_o much_o bend_n to_o the_o other_o extreme_a for_o they_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o and_o think_v it_o so_o efficacious_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o thing_n must_v of_o course_n be_v grant_v they_o if_o they_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o prayer_n the_o former_a make_v prayer_n in_o a_o 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the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o importance_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o the_o grammatical_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o prayer_n in_o all_o language_n be_v signify_v i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o what_o prayer_n be_v and_o what_o it_o do_v imply_v now_o prayer_n according_a to_o s._n austin_n in_o psal_n 85._o be_v a_o speak_n to_o god_n when_o you_o read_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o father_n god_n speak_v to_o you_o but_o when_o you_o pray_v you_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o which_o word_n drexelius_n take_v occasion_n to_o define_v prayer_n the_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o job_n 15.4_o for_o as_o drusius_n observe_v the_o hebrew_a word_n there_o use_v for_o prayer_n signify_v to_o have_v a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o greek_a father_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n when_o they_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o familiar_a talk_n with_o or_o unto_o god_n for_o in_o it_o you_o unbosom_v yourself_o and_o open_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o man_n will_v do_v unto_o his_o friend_n in_o who_o he_o most_o confide_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n speak_v rhetorical_o of_o prayer_n call_v it_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n hang_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o draw_v man_n up_o thither_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o a_o intimate_a access_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o we_o as_o if_o it_o place_v we_o on_o mount_n tabor_n to_o enjoy_v a_o kind_n of_o transfiguration_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n as_o true_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n feed_v itself_o with_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o field_n do_v refresh_v and_o recreate_v itself_o with_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n from_o who_o it_o receive_v whatever_o it_o can_v desire_v and_o through_o who_o it_o avoid_v whatever_o it_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v in_o prayer_n say_v albertus_n magnus_n the_o soul_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o help_n and_o comfort_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n it_o bring_v a_o man_n say_v he_o to_o know_v god_n and_o know_v to_o love_v he_o and_o love_v to_o seek_v he_o and_o in_o seek_v to_o take_v pain_n and_o in_o take_v pain_n to_o find_v he_o but_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v prayer_n serve_v rather_o to_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o than_o to_o declare_v its_o nature_n any_o far_a than_o that_o from_o such_o like_a expression_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o prayer_n imply_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o tell_v over_o a_o few_o bead_n as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o some_o or_o the_o bare_a recite_v so_o many_o word_n or_o sentence_n form_v and_o compose_v into_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o a_o man_n may_v say_v a_o thousand_o of_o these_o and_o that_o too_o with_o great_a outward_a seriousness_n and_o composure_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v pray_v for_o nothing_o deserve_o bear_v that_o name_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n
vouchsafement_n whereof_o a_o mortal_a can_v be_v capable_a when_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o incense_v against_o israel_n that_o he_o resolve_v to_o consume_v they_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o whilst_o moses_n pray_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o give_v over_o his_o pray_v and_o to_o let_v he_o alone_o that_o he_o may_v execute_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v against_o that_o stiffnecked_a people_n which_o by_o moses_n intercession_n be_v restrain_v and_o though_o moses_n grant_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o god_n to_o destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o show_v also_o that_o there_o be_v great_a for_o god_n to_o spare_v they_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o deserve_v destruction_n but_o yet_o god_n glory_n be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n lest_o otherwise_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 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for_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n say_v ben-sirach_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o till_o the_o high_a regard_n it_o ecclus._n 35.17_o you_o will_v think_v yourself_o a_o happy_a man_n if_o you_o can_v get_v one_o certain_a mean_n of_o help_v you_o to_o whatever_o you_o want_v though_o it_o cost_v you_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o get_v it_o prayer_n be_v this_o certain_a mean_n which_o never_o fail_v of_o bring_v you_o if_o not_o all_o that_o you_o think_v you_o want_v yet_o all_o that_o you_o real_o want_v or_o all_o that_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o you_o and_o consider_v in_o what_o continual_a want_v you_o be_v of_o receive_v something_o for_o other_o from_o that_o bountiful_a hand_n which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v all_o want_n it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a carriage_n to_o neglect_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v procure_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o may_v dishearten_v you_o from_o its_o performance_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o uneasiness_n therein_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o the_o untowardness_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v refine_v and_o purge_v that_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a thought_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o heavenly_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o accustom_v it_o to_o prayer_n all_o uneasiness_n therein_o will_v wear_v off_o and_o for_o pain_n you_o will_v find_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o not_o only_o your_o best_a faculty_n be_v employ_v about_o the_o noble_a of_o their_o proper_a object_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v say_v but_o it_o also_o bring_v you_o near_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o felicity_n which_o must_v needs_o yield_v a_o great_a delight_n to_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o distemper_v and_o like_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v relish_v the_o most_o pleasant_a food_n but_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v taste_v by_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v carnal_a therefore_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v set_v either_o on_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o dross_n of_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o devotion_n be_v insipid_a and_o that_o like_a israel_n you_o prefer_v fleshpot_n before_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o leave_v the_o quail_n and_o manna_n for_o onion_n and_o garlic_n you_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v account_v these_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o your_o thought_n nor_o wilful_o make_v yourself_o comfortless_a by_o suffer_v either_o employment_n or_o pleasure_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mind_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o season_v your_o delight_n and_o sweeten_v your_o trouble_n and_o interpose_v themselves_o betwixt_o you_o and_o the_o world_n that_o so_o your_o life_n may_v be_v happy_a and_o your_o death_n welcome_a i_o know_v you_o have_v better_a monitor_n and_o carry_v the_o best_a about_o you_o in_o your_o 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reproach_n luke_n 14.28_o 29_o 30_o 31_o &c_n &c_n few_o thing_n succeed_v well_o which_o be_v not_o first_o well_v consider_v every_o thing_n you_o undertake_v require_v a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o undertake_n and_o in_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n you_o may_v fetch_v argument_n enough_o from_o within_o yourself_o for_o a_o humble_a preparation_n to_o discharge_v it_o for_o when_o you_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o your_o own_o vileness_n the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o you_o be_v to_o pray_o and_o the_o fearful_a effect_n of_o not_o pray_v aright_o you_o must_v be_v far_o go_v in_o stupidity_n and_o senselesness_n if_o you_o apprehend_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v yourself_o for_o this_o duty_n no_o man_n will_v solicit_v a_o favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o of_o like_a passion_n with_o himself_o without_o use_v the_o due_a form_n of_o application_n will_v you_o not_o esteem_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o egregious_a rudeness_n to_o address_v a_o earthly_a potentate_n in_o a_o style_n and_o mode_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o not_o do_v with_o that_o grace_n as_o be_v usual_a on_o such_o occasion_n common_a sense_n direct_v you_o to_o approach_v those_o who_o be_v your_o superior_n either_o in_o condition_n or_o power_n or_o both_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o become_v their_o station_n and_o you_o reason_n be_v a_o law_n against_o indecency_n as_o well_o as_o against_o grosser_n immorality_n so_o that_o you_o need_v no_o clear_a light_n than_o that_o within_o to_o show_v you_o with_o what_o careful_a preparedness_n you_o be_v to_o speak_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o hold_v a_o holy_a converse_n with_o he_o in_o that_o best_a of_o religious_a duty_n will_v any_o man_n of_o either_o modesty_n or_o discretion_n venture_v to_o utter_v himself_o extempore_o
like_a consideration_n you_o may_v vigorate_v and_o enliven_v your_o devotion_n with_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o draw_v near_a and_o fall_v low_a at_o his_o footstool_n in_o full_a assurance_n that_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a and_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o to_o give_v you_o the_o thing_n you_o long_o for_o or_o some_o thing_n else_o which_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o know_v to_o be_v better_o for_o you_o you_o be_v not_o always_o to_o believe_v you_o shall_v certain_o receive_v every_o particular_a thing_n you_o pray_v for_o you_o can_v with_o any_o just_a confidence_n expect_v what_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v and_o though_o he_o have_v absolute_o promise_v you_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o godliness_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o present_a life_n he_o have_v limit_v his_o promise_n of_o they_o so_o that_o he_o will_v give_v or_o withhold_v they_o as_o he_o see_v they_o necessary_a profitable_a or_o convenient_a for_o you_o see_v then_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o see_v your_o faith_n can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o promise_n you_o can_v firm_o believe_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v every_o particular_a thing_n grant_v you_o because_o you_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v be_v beneficial_a or_o proper_a for_o you_o for_o whatever_o you_o may_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o know_v that_o infallible_o and_o therefore_o you_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o on_o you_o chap._n ix_o charity_n require_v in_o prayer_n and_o as_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n so_o likewise_o in_o charity_n this_o be_v a_o diffusive_a grace_n ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o it_o take_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n into_o your_o litany_n and_o oblige_v you_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n form_n which_o teach_v you_o to_o beg_v all_o the_o same_o blessing_n for_o other_o that_o you_o beg_v for_o you_o self_n all_o your_o business_n in_o this_o life_n next_o to_o serve_v god_n be_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v to_o yourself_o and_o other_o and_o see_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o narrow_a and_o weak_a condition_n of_o your_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a you_o must_v therefore_o apply_v yourself_o to_o he_o from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n pray_v that_o he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n will_v supply_v the_o want_v of_o all_o men._n and_o see_v every_o one_o be_v in_o some_o want_n or_o other_o every_o one_o must_v have_v a_o share_n in_o your_o prayer_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o your_o trespass_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n you_o have_v absolute_a need_n to_o desire_v of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o all_o other_o blessing_n will_v be_v insignificant_a but_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v god_n shall_v forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n unless_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n in_o the_o petition_n you_o make_v for_o pardon_n of_o your_o own_o sin_n you_o solicit_v your_o own_o ruin_n if_o you_o pardon_v not_o other_o their_o sin_n for_o in_o say_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o you_o pray_v god_n will_v never_o pardon_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o pardon_v other_o how_o can_v you_o rational_o desire_v forgiveness_n from_o god_n when_o you_o deny_v it_o to_o your_o neighbour_n the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o forgive_v his_o servant_n a_o considerable_a sum_n when_o he_o desire_v it_o charge_v the_o same_o anew_o upon_o he_o when_o he_o refuse_v to_o forgive_v his_o fellow-servant_n a_o small_a debt_n matth._n 18.23_o his_o do_v this_o so_o far_o provoke_v his_o lord_n indignation_n against_o he_o that_o he_o give_v he_o up_o to_o the_o tormentor_n and_o thus_o will_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o if_o you_o deal_v thus_o with_o your_o fellow-christians_a who_o can_v never_o so_o far_o trespass_v against_o you_o as_o you_o do_v against_o god_n who_o will_v assure_o handle_v you_o as_o you_o do_v they_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v not_o forgive_v you_o you_o matth._n 6.15_o and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v in_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o illustrious_a than_o in_o ready_o forgive_a those_o who_o beg_v his_o pardon_n so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o his_o justice_n can_v be_v more_o equal_a than_o in_o deal_v severe_o with_o those_o who_o deal_v severe_o with_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n take_v hold_v of_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o badge_n whereby_o his_o follower_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o man_n of_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v continual_o remember_v it_o he_o insert_v it_o into_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o use_v daily_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v you_o look_v up_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n with_o this_o petition_n in_o your_o mouth_n if_o you_o want_v compassion_n and_o charity_n how_o can_v you_o hope_v to_o prevail_v with_o your_o cry_n and_o importunity_n on_o god_n as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v no_o bowel_n yourself_o towards_o your_o neighbour_n remember_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n proceed_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n jam._n 2.13_o and_o though_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o best_a gift_n you_o can_v bring_v to_o god_n altar_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v at_o your_o hand_n if_o your_o heart_n be_v malicious_a when_o you_o come_v to_o offer_v it_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o under_o the_o law_n will_v render_v the_o best_a of_o sacrifice_n rather_o offensive_a to_o almighty_a god_n than_o be_v of_o any_o avail_v to_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o more_o effectual_o at_o once_o destroy_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a christian_a sacrifice_n than_o uncharitableness_n if_o therefore_o you_o have_v any_o pique_n or_o uncharitable_a variance_n with_o your_o neighbour_n do_v all_o that_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o before_o you_o present_v god_n with_o your_o supplication_n for_o christ_n teach_v you_o this_o when_o he_o bid_v he_o who_o bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o atonement_n for_o his_o sin_n that_o if_o he_o remember_v he_o have_v injure_v any_o man_n he_o shall_v leave_v his_o offering_n unpresented_a and_o repair_v to_o the_o person_n he_o have_v wrong_v and_o to_o use_v mean_n to_o make_v he_o friend_n with_o he_o and_o then_o to_o come_v and_o complete_a his_o intend_a atonement_n every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o cloud_n interpose_v betwixt_o you_o and_o heaven_n and_o hinder_v the_o ascension_n of_o your_o prayer_n but_o no_o cloud_n be_v so_o thick_a as_o uncharitableness_n this_o darken_v the_o whole_a heaven_n of_o religious_a exercise_n render_v they_o void_a of_o all_o efficacy_n and_o advantage_n for_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v without_o charity_n profit_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.3_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n and_o redeem_a by_o one_o ransom_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n so_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o harden_v your_o bowel_n against_o any_o that_o partake_v with_o you_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n and_o redemption_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o want_v tenderness_n of_o heart_n you_o be_v humble_o to_o importune_v the_o father_n of_o compassion_n to_o give_v it_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o employ_v your_o ability_n for_o their_o succour_n and_o relief_n beg_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o love_n to_o dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o thence_o malice_n hatred_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o you_o that_o pious_a generous_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o seek_v not_o only_o to_o please_v yourself_o but_o also_o your_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n and_o see_v that_o all_o your_o do_n without_o charity_n be_v nothing_o worth_a beseech_v god_n to_o pour_v into_o your_o heart_n that_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o charity_n without_o which_o whosoever_o live_v be_v count_v dead_a before_o he_o what_o be_v it_o that_o provoke_v god_n to_o animadvert_v so_o severe_o upon_o corah_n and_o his_o accomplice_n when_o they_o
come_v to_o offer_v be_v their_o incense_n unsavoury_a or_o be_v their_o censer_n unhallowed_a be_v their_o altar_n profane_a or_o do_v they_o offer_v with_o strange_a fire_n no_o but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o their_o heart_n be_v proud_a and_o stubborn_a leven_v with_o envy_n and_o malice_n and_o this_o be_v what_o kindle_v god_n wrath_n and_o provoke_v he_o to_o a_o unheard_a of_o method_n of_o destruction_n for_o they_o do_v not_o die_v the_o common_a death_n or_o as_o every_o one_o die_v but_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o the_o pit_n numb_a 16.29_o 30._o malice_n make_v the_o offering_n of_o these_o wretch_n unwelcome_a and_o it_o still_o corrupt_v not_o only_a prayer_n but_o make_v all_o other_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n to_o lose_v their_o acceptance_n with_o the_o almighty_a for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o can_v any_o evil_a dwell_v with_o he_o such_o as_o be_v foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o he_o hate_v all_o they_o that_o work_n vanity_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o such_o as_o run_v eager_o upon_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v mad_a to_o commit_v it_o shall_v perish_v through_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v cast_v they_o out_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o transgression_n their_o own_o malicious_a uncharitable_a design_n of_o mischief_n shall_v betray_v they_o to_o ruin_n and_o their_o very_a prayer_n shall_v become_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v no_o more_o acceptable_a than_o be_v of_o old_a the_o present_v unto_o god_n what_o they_o have_v no_o value_n for_o themselves_o such_o as_o unclean_a thing_n or_o the_o refuse_n of_o their_o flock_n god_n be_v oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o prosper_v and_o crown_v your_o fidelity_n in_o his_o service_n and_o to_o defend_v and_o with_o his_o favour_n to_o compass_v you_o as_o with_o a_o shield_n he_o will_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o your_o petition_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o your_o prayer_n which_o you_o make_v in_o faith_n and_o charity_n only_o have_v this_o always_o in_o mind_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a benefit_n in_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n to_o discharge_v it_o aright_o and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v this_o without_o due_a preparedness_n which_o be_v mature_o consider_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o never_o begin_v their_o public_a prayer_n till_o the_o priest_n have_v raise_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o preparatory_a introduction_n to_o which_o pious_a custom_n our_o own_o church_n have_v a_o eye_n when_o she_o order_v he_o that_o minister_n to_o prepare_v the_o congregation_n for_o prayer_n with_o the_o read_n some_o select_a sentence_n of_o scripture_n and_o after_o that_o be_v do_v with_o a_o short_a affectionate_a exhortation_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o people_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o excite_v to_o a_o devout_a and_o reverend_a deportment_n and_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n with_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o their_o li_n and_o from_o what_o have_v now_o be_v say_v you_o will_v be_v easy_o able_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n your_o prayer_n shall_v prevail_v while_o you_o remain_v impenitent_a and_o though_o one_o main_a branch_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o your_o fault_n yet_o you_o can_v expect_v this_o till_o you_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v they_o to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v with_o your_o tongue_n the_o sin_n you_o approve_v and_o cherish_v in_o your_o heart_n will_v make_v all_o your_o prayer_n but_o a_o heap_n of_o indignity_n against_o god_n and_o of_o imprecation_n upon_o yourself_o when_o therefore_o you_o come_v to_o adore_v worship_n and_o serve_v the_o lord_n your_o inward_a thought_n and_o external_n action_n be_v to_o be_v purify_v from_o sin_n by_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o impenitent_a nor_o those_o who_o regard_n iniquity_n in_o their_o heart_n john_n 9.31_o psal_n 66.18_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v of_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v require_v of_o you_o when_o you_o come_v to_o prayer_n namely_o to_o examine_v yourself_o whether_o you_o repent_v you_o true_o of_o your_o former_a sin_n steadfast_o purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o man_n and_o when_o you_o be_v thus_o right_o prepare_v to_o offer_v prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o right_o qualify_v he_o will_v hear_v in_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o bless_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n twenty_o first_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n grant_v unto_o we_o we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_a lord_n and_o to_o all_o thy_o faithful_a people_n pardon_v and_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o serve_v thou_o with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o twenty_o four_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o offence_n that_o through_o thy_o bountiful_a goodness_n we_o may_v all_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o band_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o by_o our_o frailty_n we_o have_v commit_v grant_v this_o o_o heavenly_a father_n for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n chap._n x._o circumspection_n at_o prayer_n have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o that_o preparation_n which_o be_v require_v when_o you_o come_v to_o prayer_n and_o show_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o be_o now_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o circumspection_n you_o be_v to_o use_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o religion_n by_o circumspection_n i_o understand_v your_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o deep_a your_o soul_n devout_a and_o your_o body_n reverent_a during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o circumspection_n which_o regard_v the_o keep_n of_o your_o soul_n devout_a it_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n consist_v in_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a whatever_o may_v occasion_v the_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v chief_o such_o as_o now_o follow_v i._o inconstancy_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o mind_n by_o reason_n whereof_o your_o thought_n be_v distract_v and_o divide_v contrary_a way_n a_o emblem_n of_o this_o unhappy_a state_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o wander_a of_o his_o thought_n have_v be_v ingenious_o enough_o draw_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o picture_n wherein_o christ_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o votary_n upon_o their_o knee_n look_v up_o to_o he_o and_o breathe_v out_o the_o different_a aspire_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o one_o flow_v a_o label_n direct_v itself_o in_o a_o strait_a line_n to_o to_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o bleed_a saviour_n pray_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o blood_n that_o he_o shed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o other_o be_v see_v to_o proceed_v several_a label_n wave_v to_o and_o fro_o some_o point_v one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o some_o to_o the_o field_n and_o rural_a sport_n and_o diversion_n other_o to_o the_o sea_n to_o trade_n and_o business_n some_o be_v make_v up_o of_o corrupt_a passion_n and_o appetite_n other_o be_v fill_v with_o unlawful_a desire_n or_o the_o recital_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n pass_v and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o first_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o interrupt_v or_o divert_v he_o in_o the_o prayer_n he_o offer_v but_o like_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n they_o swift_o and_o direct_o make_v their_o way_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o other_o do_v not_o mind_n what_o he_o be_v about_o but_o give_v his_o thought_n the_o reins_o and_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o ramble_v where_o they_o listen_v and_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o look_v the_o same_o way_n as_o the_o other_o do_v yet_o his_o mind_n be_v rove_a all_o the_o while_n verify_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 15.8_o such_o a_o one_o may_v seem_v to_o draw_v nigh_o with_o his_o mouth_n and_o honour_n god_n with_o his_o lip_n but_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o ii_o cark_n immoderate_a worldly_a thought_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n which_o discompose_v your_o mind_n and_o beget_v in_o you_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n in_o god_n
on_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o phillippian_o that_o in_o their_o devotion_n they_o shall_v be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4.6_o the_o soul_n of_o itself_o be_v nimble_a and_o active_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n can_v mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n psal_n 25.1_o but_o earthly-mindedness_a keep_v it_o flutter_v below_o and_o fasten_v its_o affection_n to_o the_o dust_n which_o do_v so_o clog_v they_o that_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o the_o thing_n above_o you_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n which_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o your_o thought_n and_o which_o distract_v they_o in_o your_o supplication_n for_o whilst_o you_o cherish_v immoderate_a desire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v either_o hinder_v you_o from_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o from_o pray_v as_o you_o ought_v iii_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n may_v be_v another_o occasion_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n for_o perhaps_o you_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o suppress_v and_o correct_v the_o extravagance_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o neglect_n your_o soul_n become_v like_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n which_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone-wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o but_o to_o whatever_o occasion_n the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v impute_v it_o high_o concern_v you_o industrious_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o if_o you_o use_v that_o due_a attention_n and_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n which_o you_o must_v own_v to_o be_v whole_o requisite_a and_o needful_a and_o first_o you_o must_v use_v all_o due_a attention_n for_o by_o it_o you_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o god_n and_o frame_v to_o yourself_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o possess_v your_o heart_n with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n ever_o have_v in_o mind_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v to_o he_o in_o who_o you_o live_v move_v and_o have_v your_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n enter_v the_o synagogue_n they_o for_o a_o while_o stand_v silent_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n before_o they_o begin_v it_o in_o which_o time_n they_o labour_v to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n 5._o buxtorf_n syn._n jud._n l._n 5._o who_o they_o be_v come_v to_o worship_n that_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o may_v help_v the_o better_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a and_o one_o of_o their_o master_n teach_v his_o scholar_n that_o before_o they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n they_o shall_v think_v a_o while_n on_o he_o to_o who_o they_o make_v they_o and_o it_o will_v doubtless_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o amendment_n of_o that_o wander_a in_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o wonderful_o prone_a to_o consider_v in_o who_o presence_n you_o be_v and_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o for_o you_o can_v no_o soon_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n to_o who_o you_o speak_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v quicken_v your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o apprehensive_a and_o make_v you_o in_o a_o dread_n and_o surprise_v if_o you_o find_v yourself_o heedless_a and_o unconcern_v in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n second_o attention_n be_v a_o proper_a cure_n for_o wander_v in_o prayer_n because_o it_o keep_v your_o mind_n and_o thought_n to_o every_o sentence_n and_o word_n thereof_o for_o that_o attention_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v prayer_n be_v a_o settle_a and_o compose_v temper_n of_o mind_n which_o gather_v all_o your_o thought_n together_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o solemn_a business_n you_o be_v about_o and_o though_o idle_a impertinent_a wander_v thought_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o you_o and_o intrude_v into_o your_o holy_a office_n so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v always_o total_o free_a from_o they_o yet_o by_o attention_n you_o may_v much_o hinder_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o make_v any_o stay_n or_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o you_o so_o far_o as_o to_o corrupt_v or_o captivate_v the_o will._n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o wander_v to_o which_o you_o be_v liable_a may_v be_v your_o unhappiness_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v your_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o your_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o though_o you_o can_v never_o entire_o conquer_v this_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n yet_o you_o may_v restrain_v and_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o abraham_n with_o the_o ravenous_a bird_n which_o he_o continual_o drive_v away_o when_o they_o come_v to_o devour_v his_o sacrifice_n gen._n 15.11_o causinus_n who_o be_v no_o contemptible_a director_n of_o devotion_n advise_v his_o suppliant_a to_o stay_v upon_o every_o sentence_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o space_n of_o a_o breathe_n and_o in_o that_o time_n to_o ponder_v the_o word_n he_o pronounce_v and_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n he_o will_v likewise_o have_v he_o so_o to_o apply_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o to_o espouse_v all_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o prayer_n have_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n move_v he_o to_o compose_v it_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o composition_n but_o your_o want_n of_o attention_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o advice_n and_o will_v also_o hinder_v god_n from_o regard_v your_o prayer_n for_o can_v you_o expect_v god_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v yourself_o can_v you_o hope_v that_o he_o with_o a_o paternal_a kindness_n and_o affection_n shall_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o serious_a before_o he_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o call_v to_o heaven_n your_o thought_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o earthly_a concern_v so_o that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v pray_v you_o scarce_o know_v what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o this_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n who_o be_v rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a in_o their_o heart_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o on_o the_o earth_n eccles_n 5.2_o you_o be_v not_o then_o to_o run_v over_o your_o prayer_n by_o rote_n but_o with_o recollect_v thought_n to_o weigh_v and_o be_v attentive_a to_o what_o you_o say_v unto_o he_o with_o who_o be_v terrible_a majesty_n and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n three_o it_o will_v not_o a_o little_o conduce_v to_o your_o exercise_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o your_o attention_n and_o that_o the_o more_o attentive_a you_o be_v in_o prayer_n the_o great_a benefit_n you_o receive_v by_o it_o and_o here_o one_o way_n to_o mend_v your_o attention_n be_v to_o repeat_v the_o prayer_n again_o wherein_o you_o have_v find_v it_o defective_a and_o to_o continue_v this_o course_n till_o you_o find_v your_o heedlessness_n wear_v off_o and_o remove_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v defeat_v the_o devil_n who_o occasion_n your_o unattentiveness_n by_o inject_v wicked_a thought_n into_o your_o mind_n and_o present_v you_o with_o amuse_v object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v satan_n interest_n to_o give_v over_o tempt_v you_o thus_o to_o wander_v in_o prayer_n if_o once_o he_o find_v your_o sense_n of_o it_o arm_v you_o against_o such_o wander_v and_o quicken_a your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o more_o circumspect_a now_o this_o repetition_n come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o our_o lord_n censure_v for_o vain_a and_o idle_a matth._n 6.7_o for_o in_o this_o case_n you_o do_v not_o repeat_v your_o prayer_n over_o and_o over_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n that_o god_n will_v the_o soon_o be_v move_v to_o hear_v you_o or_o that_o by_o your_o repetition_n he_o better_a understand_v your_o meaning_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o repetition_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v
condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o repetition_n now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o mend_v your_o incogitancy_n and_o thoughtlesness_n of_o the_o business_n you_o be_v about_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o tumble_v out_o of_o so_o many_o word_n or_o of_o the_o same_o word_n over_o and_o over_o again_o or_o the_o length_n and_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o express_v the_o fervency_n of_o your_o spirit_n the_o importunity_n of_o your_o zeal_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o want_n but_o if_o you_o affect_v length_n and_o repetition_n in_o prayer_n either_o out_o of_o hypocrisy_n or_o vainglory_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o please_a god_n and_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o it_o will_v have_v a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n and_o this_o you_o may_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n carriage_n in_o this_o particular_a who_o dislike_a the_o heathen_n length_n and_o vociferation_n in_o prayer_n give_v his_o disciple_n a_o short_a comprehensive_a form_n which_o they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o imitate_v in_o their_o call_n upon_o god_n four_o when_o you_o find_v out_o the_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n and_o that_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o mind_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o you_o shall_v there_o be_v no_o such_o cure_n for_o this_o as_o attention_n for_o by_o it_o you_o instant_o recall_v yourself_o to_o your_o business_n and_o to_o a_o serious_a mind_v of_o what_o you_o be_v about_o and_o you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v your_o obligation_n to_o do_v this_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o without_o do_v it_o you_o slight_a one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n by_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o your_o lip_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o beside_o if_o you_o exact_o weigh_v your_o lack_n of_o attention_n you_o will_v find_v it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o atheism_n for_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o you_o say_v when_o you_o speak_v unto_o god_n betray_v in_o you_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o that_o you_o have_v mean_a unworthy_a thought_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o vile_a atheism_n call_v home_o then_o your_o rove_a thought_n and_o employ_v they_o in_o what_o you_o be_v about_o get_v as_o near_a heaven_n as_o you_o can_v and_o have_v your_o mind_n there_o and_o there_o only_o for_o unless_o this_o be_v your_o care_n and_o practice_n when_o you_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n you_o will_v be_v but_o like_o the_o cheat_n in_o plutarch_n who_o bring_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o his_o idol_n the_o skeleton_n of_o a_o ox_n cover_v with_o a_o fair_a hide_n pretend_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o goodly_a sacrifice_n of_o flesh_n and_o entrail_n when_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o skin_n full_a of_o bone_n you_o will_v count_v he_o a_o vain_a thoughtless_a person_n worthy_a of_o ridicule_n and_o contempt_n who_o come_v to_o beg_v his_o life_n of_o his_o prince_n shall_v give_v over_o his_o suit_n to_o run_v after_o a_o butterfly_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v your_o figure_n when_o in_o prayer_n you_o suffer_v your_o mind_n to_o be_v carry_v away_o to_o impertinent_a object_n and_o fasten_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o avoid_v think_v on_o can_v you_o hope_v as_o be_v but_o now_o intimate_v god_n shall_v incline_v his_o ear_n to_o the_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o will_v not_o incline_v your_o own_o that_o he_o shall_v regard_v your_o petition_n when_o you_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o yourself_o you_o may_v easy_o observe_v your_o aptness_n to_o heedlessness_n at_o devotion_n and_o how_o many_o thing_n all_o foreign_a to_o what_o you_o be_v about_o do_v interpose_v when_o you_o fall_v down_o upon_o your_o knee_n you_o may_v find_v to_o your_o sorrow_n the_o common_a enemy_n tamper_n with_o your_o heart_n at_o the_o same_o time_n your_o tongue_n be_v speak_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o recollect_v yourself_o to_o fix_v your_o mind_n when_o you_o come_v before_o the_o almighty_a and_o to_o affect_v your_o soul_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o you_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o another_o opportunity_n to_o solicit_v he_o with_o your_o prayer_n but_o if_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n you_o can_v always_o exercise_v that_o attention_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o restrain_v your_o wander_a in_o prayer_n then_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o assist_v your_o frailty_n and_o to_o establish_v your_o attention_n against_o all_o avocation_n and_o though_o they_o may_v steal_v upon_o you_o at_o devotion_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o after_o all_o you_o can_v be_v rid_v thereof_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o no_o encouragement_n but_o to_o deny_v they_o your_o approbation_n and_o consent_n for_o when_o you_o do_v sincere_o strive_v against_o they_o god_n will_v either_o crown_v your_o endeavour_n with_o conquest_n over_o they_o or_o pardon_v they_o if_o they_o prove_v invincible_a but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n you_o can_v hope_v neither_o for_o god_n assistance_n nor_o his_o pardon_n whilst_o this_o negligence_n be_v continue_v chap._n xi_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n zeal_n be_v another_o help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n now_o zeal_n be_v a_o sacred_a warmth_n and_o fervour_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o affectionate_a earnestness_n to_o have_v your_o prayer_n hear_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o keep_v your_o thought_n to_o what_o be_v utter_v by_o he_o that_o minister_v in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o to_o ponder_v and_o mind_v every_o word_n he_o speak_v but_o you_o must_v do_v it_o with_o intention_n and_o fervency_n for_o both_o all_o wander_a and_o all_o deadness_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v drive_v away_o true_a zeal_n will_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o cry_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o spirit_n and_o it_o will_v move_v you_o to_o be_v whole_o bend_v to_o obtain_v what_o you_o crave_v a_o cold_a indifferent_a suitor_n seldom_o prevail_v with_o men._n for_o if_o a_o beggar_n shall_v ask_v relief_n at_o your_o hand_n and_o do_v it_o in_o so_o loose_a a_o manner_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v indifferent_a whether_o he_o have_v it_o or_o no_o you_o will_v think_v he_o have_v either_o little_a want_n or_o great_a pride_n and_o so_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o relieve_v he_o now_o the_o thing_n you_o beg_v of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o rate_n of_o any_o ordinary_a alm_n that_o you_o can_v never_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o if_o you_o be_v slight_a and_o heavy_a in_o ask_v they_o when_o you_o apprehend_v and_o full_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o add_v to_o it_o a_o devout_a earnestness_n of_o desire_n then_o may_v your_o devotion_n be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v zealous_a and_o though_o this_o quality_n chief_o reside_v in_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o often_o appear_v in_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v see_v in_o moses_n who_o when_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o israel_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v neither_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n because_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o israel_n have_v sin_v in_o do_v wicked_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n deut._n 9.18_o and_o the_o zeal_n of_o this_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a when_o he_o desire_v god_n rather_o to_o blot_v he_o out_o of_o his_o book_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v execute_v his_o menace_n against_o israel_n elias_n cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o earth_n to_o express_v his_o earnestness_n in_o pray_v for_o rain_n and_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n luke_o 6.12_o heb._n 5.7_o and_o pray_v with_o such_o ardour_n and_o affectionateness_n that_o the_o sweat_n fall_v from_o he_o to_o the_o ground_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n luke_o 22.44_o and_o this_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v mean_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v believer_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o prayer_n rom._n 12.12_o to_o strive_v in_o prayer_n rom._n 15.30_o to_o labour_v frequent_o in_o prayer_n col._n 4.12_o night_n and_o day_n to_o pray_v exceed_o to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n pray_v earnest_o 1_o thes_n 3.10_o eph._n 6.18_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o jam._n 6.7_o by_o all_o which_o sacred_a text_n that_o zeal_n and_o vehemency_n seem_v to_o be_v enjoin_v which_o i_o
now_o recommend_v as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n whereof_o you_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a when_o you_o pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardent_a desire_n with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o it_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o offer_v when_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o affection_n and_o chafe_v your_o desire_n and_o move_v your_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n the_o great_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o listen_v to_o cold_a lukewarm_a devotion_n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n which_o want_n zeal_n and_o love_n the_o only_a wing_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o thither_o be_v careful_a then_o when_o you_o approach_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o because_o that_o of_o yourself_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o beseech_v the_o divine_a omnipotence_n to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v beware_v of_o quench_v it_o with_o wilful_a sin_n or_o let_v it_o go_v out_o again_o for_o want_v of_o fuel_n or_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v it_o and_o there_o want_v no_o motive_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o this_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n when_o you_o consider_v god_n wonderful_a kindness_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n thereof_o through_o your_o whole_a devotion_n for_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o your_o repentance_n to_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n and_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o your_o sin_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v good_a inward_a motive_n to_o raise_v your_o heart_n into_o zeal_n when_o you_o lift_v up_o your_o voice_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o his_o house_n or_o your_o own_o and_o first_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n you_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o show_v your_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o special_a blessing_n to_o the_o joint_a request_n which_o the_o faithful_a make_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o set_v mark_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o your_o absence_n from_o the_o public_a prayer_n can_v be_v excuse_v without_o a_o important_a occasion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a and_o deliberate_a you_o cut_v yourself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o prayer_n wherein_o all_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o yourself_o even_o a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v never_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n be_v also_o requisite_a in_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o your_o family_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o common-prayer_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o household_n join_v therein_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n careful_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o office_n and_o to_o see_v nothing_o be_v want_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v under_o his_o government_n for_o the_o family_n be_v heathenish_a where_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v and_o where_o the_o master_n do_v not_o resolve_v with_o joshua_n that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24.15_o and_o as_o to_o the_o prayer_n you_o make_v apart_o when_o you_o be_v solus_fw-la cum_fw-la solo_fw-la and_o have_v no_o witness_n of_o what_o you_o do_v but_o only_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n yet_o because_o that_o even_o here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v in_o company_n you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n to_o correct_v it_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a according_a to_o your_o personal_a necessity_n and_o you_o may_v use_v therein_o a_o great_a freedom_n both_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n than_o you_o can_v in_o public_a but_o still_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v therein_o require_v as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o regard_v and_o as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o perform_v all_o these_o sort_n of_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o your_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o attentive_a at_o they_o all_o prayer_n in_o your_o family_n and_o closet_n will_v not_o excuse_v your_o prayer_n at_o church_n all_o be_v require_v all_o be_v necessary_a and_o one_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whosoever_o be_v diligent_a in_o public_a prayer_n and_o yet_o negligent_a in_o private_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o rather_o seek_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o man_n than_o to_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o from_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o men._n you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o have_v also_o be_v tell_v with_o what_o circumspection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o observe_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o body_n have_v its_o share_n and_o part_v therein_o for_o both_o be_v god_n workmanship_n and_o purchase_n both_o aught_o to_o give_v he_o homage_n and_o observance_n now_o the_o observance_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n consist_v in_o such_o lowly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a gesture_n as_o may_v testify_v the_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o soul_n bowing_n prostration_n and_o the_o like_a external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o particular_a right_a belong_v to_o god_n before_o who_o you_o be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v for_o he_o be_v your_o maker_n your_o shepherd_n your_o protector_n the_o royal_a author_n of_o the_o 95._o psalm_n do_v affectionate_o call_v upon_o every_o one_o joint_o to_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o partner_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o join_v inward_a and_o outward_a reverence_n together_o that_o the_o submissive_a and_o lowly_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v the_o sincere_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o humble_a external_a bodily_a gesture_n be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o you_o pray_v without_o they_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n you_o be_v about_o nor_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n dignity_n or_o of_o your_o own_o vileness_n but_o in_o these_o bodily_a gesture_n you_o be_v careful_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o superstitious_a and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o prudence_n and_o your_o gesture_n be_v thus_o conduct_v they_o will_v help_v to_o heighten_v inward_a devotion_n in_o yourself_o and_o be_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o but_o i_o leave_v the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o frequency_n you_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n chap._n xii_o of_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n though_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v never_o to_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o text_n in_o scripture_n that_o determine_v how_o often_o you_o be_v to_o use_v it_o the_o inspire_a word_n positive_o command_v you_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o it_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n how_o frequent_o you_o be_v to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o peremptory_a in_o this_o particular_a be_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o s._n paul_n exhort_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o which_o text_n you_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o not_o to_o grow_v restive_a in_o prayer_n but_o therein_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v it_o be_v a_o homage_n you_o be_v to_o pay_v