high_a station_n and_o weighty_a employment_n have_v be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o devotion_n and_o of_o this_o truth_n you_o have_v two_o know_v famous_a example_n of_o david_n and_o daniel_n the_o one_o a_o king_n the_o other_o a_o prime_a minister_n of_o state_n yet_o the_o one_o pray_v seven_o and_o the_o other_o three_o time_n a_o day_n consider_v three_o how_o disingenuous_a and_o unthankful_a it_o will_v be_v in_o you_o to_o repine_v at_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o small_a parcel_n of_o your_o time_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o you_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o require_v so_o many_o hour_n service_n every_o day_n from_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o yourself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o parcel_n of_o time_n you_o be_v to_o allow_v to_o private_a devotion_n they_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o your_o station_n and_o necessary_a 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you_o from_o lift_v up_o your_o heart_n even_o lift_v it_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n what_o business_n can_v restrain_v your_o soul_n from_o send_v up_o its_o affectionate_a ejaculation_n holy_a wish_n and_o devout_a vow_n unto_o god_n if_o you_o have_v a_o implicit_a desire_n upon_o all_o opportunity_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o you_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v and_o recreate_v yourself_o moderate_o to_o this_o end_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o serve_v god_n the_o better_a and_o so_o incorporate_a and_o interweave_v such_o religious_a thought_n and_o ejaculation_n among_o your_o natural_a moral_a and_o civil_a employment_n so_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o not_o sordid_a and_o servile_a you_o make_v your_o common_a action_n to_o become_v work_n of_o piety_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n what_o office_n of_o your_o call_v can_v keep_v you_o from_o consider_v every_o morning_n the_o temptation_n to_o which_o that_o day_n you_o may_v be_v liable_a and_o how_o you_o may_v best_o strengthen_v and_o fore-arm_n yourself_o against_o they_o what_o business_n can_v be_v so_o urgent_a and_o hasty_a as_o not_o to_o give_v you_o time_n every_o morning_n to_o recommend_v yourself_o to_o god_n in_o some_o short_a devout_a and_o zealous_a prayer_n and_o what_o great_a pain_n or_o time_n will_v it_o cost_v you_o to_o take_v every_o evening_n a_o account_n of_o your_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n and_o with_o humble_a importunity_n to_o beg_v god_n to_o pardon_v such_o as_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o to_o render_v he_o thanks_o that_o he_o have_v enable_v you_o to_o do_v any_o that_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o he_o have_v deliver_v you_o from_o any_o evil_n of_o sin_n or_o danger_n and_o have_v thus_o begin_v and_o conclude_v the_o day_n you_o may_v comfortable_o commit_v yourself_o to_o god_n mercy_n and_o protection_n who_o only_a guard_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o keep_v you_o secure_v and_o then_o close_a your_o meditation_n with_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v lay_v i_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o sleep_v for_o thou_o lord_n only_o make_v i_o dwell_v in_o safety_n and_o this_o plain_a constant_a course_n of_o private_a devotion_n be_v that_o which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o bless_a lord_n matth._n 6._o when_o he_o bid_v you_o go_v to_o your_o closet_n and_o there_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n after_o you_o and_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a convenience_n if_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v thus_o first_o because_o you_o may_v have_v many_o sin_n to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o and_o many_o particular_a mercy_n to_o implore_v and_o many_o want_v to_o be_v supply_v and_o many_o grace_n to_o be_v obtain_v which_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a for_o you_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o public_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o who_o be_v in_o secret_n and_o to_o who_o you_o may_v unbosom_v yourself_o without_o fear_n of_o discovery_n or_o reproach_n second_o this_o constant_a daily_a course_n of_o private_a devotion_n will_v beget_v in_o your_o mind_n both_o a_o awe_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o also_o make_v you_o in_o love_n with_o this_o duty_n because_o it_o bring_v you_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o he_o beside_o this_o custom_n in_o private_a devotion_n will_v wear_v off_o all_o the_o surmise_a difficulty_n thereof_o and_o make_v it_o become_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o when_o it_o be_v due_o manage_v you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o far_o from_o interfere_v either_o with_o your_o lawful_a employment_n or_o your_o necessary_a recreation_n that_o it_o will_v pleasant_o mingle_v and_o associate_v with_o both_o you_o read_v how_o the_o unjust_a judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o justice_n but_o for_o his_o own_o ease_n lest_o by_o her_o continual_a come_n she_o shall_v weary_v he_o luke_o 18.5_o the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v first_o to_o instruct_v frequency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o that_o therein_o you_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v negligent_a nor_o tire_v next_o it_o show_v the_o efficacy_n and_o force_n of_o constant_a devotion_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n and_o how_o mighty_o therewith_o god_n be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o another_o illustration_n hereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o man_n that_o go_v to_o borrow_v bread_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o his_o neighbour_n have_v lock_v his_o door_n and_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o family_n be_v go_v to_o bed_n and_o when_o the_o respect_n of_o friendship_n will_v not_o work_v upon_o he_o yet_o the_o borrower_n show_v his_o real_a want_n by_o come_v at_o that_o time_n of_o night_n his_o confidence_n in_o the_o man_n to_o who_o he_o come_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o rise_v and_o to_o lend_v he_o as_o many_o loaf_n as_o he_o need_v luke_n 11._o but_o you_o have_v not_o only_a parable_n but_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n that_o persevere_v importunate_a prayer_n have_v with_o the_o almighty_a for_o moses_n by_o it_o so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o put_v a_o sort_n of_o force_n upon_o god_n a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o spare_v israel_n when_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o to_o destroy_v they_o exod._n 32._o and_o by_o it_o also_o jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n so_o long_o till_o he_o get_v the_o better_a and_o come_v off_o with_o a_o new_a name_n which_o declare_v he_o victor_n for_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v no_o more_o jacob_n but_o israel_n for_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v thou_o power_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v prevail_v gen._n 32.28_o and_o both_o these_o parable_n and_o example_n recommend_v to_o your_o practice_n earnestness_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n wherein_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v too_o instant_a and_o press_a especial_o in_o those_o supplication_n which_o you_o make_v
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 where_o you_o add_v no_o small_a credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o your_o own_o i_o therefore_o address_v you_o sir_n as_o a_o friend_n the_o noble_a title_n upon_o earth_n and_o come_v not_o mere_o to_o crave_v your_o patronage_n but_o to_o pay_v you_o a_o debt_n a_o debt_n of_o gratitude_n which_o as_o it_o will_v always_o be_v due_a so_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v pay_v but_o i_o know_v time_n and_o business_n be_v precious_a to_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o far_o trespass_n upon_o either_o than_o to_o beg_v your_o pious_a acceptance_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n and_o that_o you_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o pledge_n of_o my_o grateful_a sense_n of_o your_o favour_n and_o of_o the_o great_a zeal_n i_o have_v for_o your_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o now_o sir_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o letter_n dedicatory_a pardon_v i_o that_o instead_o of_o enlarge_n upon_o your_o merit_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o prayer_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o 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 manner_n useless_a as_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o latter_a thought_n it_o able_a to_o obtain_v all_o thing_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o mere_a exercise_n thereof_o have_v such_o a_o power_n with_o god_n as_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o even_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o design_v to_o consume_v upon_o their_o lust_n and_o to_o support_v their_o envy_n malice_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n how_o far_o the_o present_a age_n guilty_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o vile_a opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v go_v in_o this_o distemper_n i_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o observation_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o return_v at_o least_o a_o honest_a if_o not_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o request_v make_v to_o i_o namely_o to_o give_v a_o familiar_a account_n of_o the_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o without_o further_a preface_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o as_o that_o which_o will_v more_o easy_o lead_v to_o 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
as_o to_o the_o original_a of_o our_o be_v with_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o pray_v unless_o the_o soul_n so_o far_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n as_o not_o only_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v but_o to_o make_v some_o sort_n of_o approach_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o he_o who_o dwell_v there_o and_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o its_o love_n there_o must_v be_v a_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o divine_a nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o bear_v as_o much_o of_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n with_o respect_n to_o holiness_n and_o purity_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v if_o we_o do_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o make_v a_o oblation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o eternal_a be_v and_o declare_v our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o infinite_a power_n we_o so_o place_v ourselves_o to_o advantage_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n as_o to_o have_v the_o dimness_n of_o our_o understanding_n enlighten_v by_o the_o brightness_n of_o heavenly_a light_n and_o our_o mind_n cold_a and_o dead_a as_o they_o be_v make_v warm_a and_o enliven_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o everlasting_a sun_n our_o action_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v so_o influence_v as_o for_o the_o future_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o excellent_a model_n and_o pattern_n set_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o to_o become_v fit_a object_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o to_o the_o tread_v in_o his_o footstep_n we_o be_v so_o close_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o as_o that_o it_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o be_v one_o with_o he_o not_o endure_v the_o thought_n of_o ever_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o this_o be_v what_o either_o prayer_n shall_v produce_v in_o every_o pious_a soul_n or_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o wish_v it_o may_v and_o which_o it_o will_v when_o it_o be_v in_o its_o due_a perfection_n and_o when_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_o exercise_v in_o its_o practice_n it_o be_v true_a such_o flight_n and_o rapture_n such_o fervour_n and_o transport_n as_o some_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o their_o devotion_n such_o a_o near_a intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o prayer_n in_o its_o perfection_n imply_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a sign_n of_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v or_o pray_v to_o any_o purpose_n the_o want_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o weight_n of_o those_o corruption_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n be_v clog_v and_o press_v down_o and_o keep_v from_o be_v elevate_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o adorable_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o then_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o this_o so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v what_o we_o can_v help_v and_o see_v wander_a of_o thought_n coolness_n of_o affection_n want_v of_o attention_n and_o sometime_o no_o small_a defect_n in_o outward_a behaviour_n argue_v too_o much_o inward_a sloth_n and_o negligence_n may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v owe_v to_o infirmity_n or_o inadvertency_n god_n will_v no_o doubt_n accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o desire_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v keep_v upon_o the_o wing_n and_o do_v its_o part_n in_o all_o respect_n whilst_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o our_o mouth_n utter_v our_o petition_n in_o the_o most_o decent_a expression_n we_o can_v think_v of_o and_o with_o profound_a humility_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o grant_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a show_v all_o the_o dependence_n upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o favour_n that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v if_o there_o be_v thus_o much_o observe_v by_o we_o towards_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v we_o need_v not_o despair_v of_o be_v hear_v for_o want_n of_o more_o that_o be_v for_o want_v of_o pray_v like_o a_o saint_n or_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o holy_a ardour_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o man_n but_o still_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o heavenly_a exercise_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o ourselves_o any_o great_a benefit_n from_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n whereof_o more_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n by_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v at_o all_o time_n expect_v and_o which_o have_v according_o be_v pay_v he_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consequence_n have_v show_v god_n approbation_n thereof_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n thing_n become_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v either_o as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n due_a to_o he_o or_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o bring_v some_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o his_o creature_n now_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o respect_n and_o first_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n which_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n now_o worship_n be_v that_o by_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n we_o read_v that_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 4.26_o which_o word_n though_o they_o will_v bear_v another_o interpretation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o most_o natural_a construction_n of_o they_o demonstrate_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v pay_v unto_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v no_o positive_a law_n for_o do_v this_o there_o be_v not_o then_o as_o there_o be_v now_o any_o command_n enjoin_v or_o require_v man_n to_o pray_v nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o for_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o this_o performance_n and_o as_o we_o find_v no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n so_o none_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o who_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v for_o their_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v mighty_o suppress_v by_o wicked_a man_n till_o the_o time_n of_o enosh_n but_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o good_a and_o pious_a to_o restore_v religion_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o afterward_o when_o the_o heathen_a world_n fall_v into_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n about_o the_o godhead_n ascribe_v it_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o excellency_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o betray_v therein_o a_o great_a infatuation_n and_o stupidity_n yet_o they_o still_o invoke_v whatsoever_o they_o call_v their_o deity_n and_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o senseless_a and_o absurd_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v a_o god_n which_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v at_o their_o pleasure_n though_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a degree_n of_o infatuation_n to_o pray_v to_o a_o snake_n or_o crocodile_n for_o protection_n which_o be_v ready_a every_o hour_n to_o devour_v they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o sottish_a unmanly_a conceit_n to_o beg_v health_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o recovery_n at_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o plague_n which_o thing_n sound_v so_o odd_a that_o one_o will_v not_o imagine_v such_o deity_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v think_v of_o and_o though_o i_o say_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o unmanly_a than_o to_o worship_v such_o inferior_a being_n nor_o more_o contradictory_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o amid_o these_o absurdity_n apparent_a in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n
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