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be_v more_o difficult_a there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v finite_a but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a none_o at_o all_o when_o we_o can_v contain_v the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n in_o a_o empty-eggshel_a shoot_v the_o fix_a star_n down_o from_o heaven_n take_v a_o leap_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o moon_n make_v the_o least_o vessel_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o impossible_a then_o may_v we_o attempt_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o accomplish_v it_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o infinite_a be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o notional_a idol_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v a_o substantial_a one_o yet_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o our_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o frame_v similitude_n and_o representation_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o here_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o inform_v you_o what_o as_o i_o conceive_v ought_v to_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a god_n to_o who_o they_o pray_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v rational_o and_o also_o pious_o direct_v in_o this_o important_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o life_n to_o effect_v this_o it_o must_v be_v remark_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n contain_v within_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v include_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o own_o declaration_n have_v
be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.42_o 43._o and_o why_o shall_v any_o person_n fear_n have_v good_a design_n and_o hearty_a intention_n to_o amend_v his_o life_n in_o address_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o god_n who_o compassion_n be_v infinite_a when_o mary_n magdalene_n herself_o be_v admit_v to_o his_o favour_n out_o of_o who_o go_v seven_o devil_n and_o to_o who_o also_o much_o be_v forgive_v nay_o let_v god_n promise_v however_o become_v our_o encouragement_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o a_o continuance_n in_o our_o sin_n for_o grace_n will_v not_o abound_v then_o but_o to_o admonish_v we_o to_o repent_v and_o pray_v especial_o since_o he_o have_v declare_v not_o only_o that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o but_o more_o particular_o that_o when_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o wickedness_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v save_v his_o soul_n alive_a ezek._n 18.27_o can_v any_o man_n be_v more_o vile_a than_o saul_n who_o persecute_v christianity_n even_o to_o the_o death_n and_o be_v now_o strike_v blind_a with_o his_o commission_n about_o he_o which_o be_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o guilt_n and_o a_o evidence_n beyond_o oral_a witness_n to_o bring_v all_o the_o christian_n he_o can_v find_v to_o jerusalem_n have_v first_o bind_v they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v their_o sentence_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n ananias_n be_v send_v miraculous_o to_o recover_v he_o when_o once_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v inquire_v for_o saul_n say_v our_o lord_n in_o a_o vision_n for_o behold_v he_o pray_v acts._n 9.11_o certain_o therefore_o none_o be_v so_o vile_a but_o if_o he_o have_v so_o real_a a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n that_o want_v of_o time_n only_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n can_v hinder_v it_o from_o appear_v in_o sincere_a action_n he_o may_v address_v himself_o to_o almighty_a god_n and_o shall_v 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the_o mediator_n and_o all_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o way_n which_o be_v now_o recommend_v and_o practise_v in_o such_o church_n as_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o impose_v nothing_o in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ceremony_n that_o attend_v religion_n but_o what_o be_v decent_a in_o order_n and_o for_o edification_n and_o no_o where_o prohibit_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o the_o contrary_n enjoin_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o such_o can_v be_v sinful_a imposition_n unless_o man_n pretend_v to_o christianity_n can_v find_v a_o transgression_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o however_o because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o fashion_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o design_n to_o render_v easy_a thing_n by_o some_o man_n perplex_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n difficult_a and_o hard_a that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v willing_a to_o avoid_v trouble_n and_o because_o no_o other_o more_o necessary_a 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determine_v to_o their_o tongue_n and_o too_o well_o love_v their_o lodging_n there_o have_v leave_v few_o in_o their_o brain_n to_o direct_v and_o guide_v they_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o their_o volubility_n of_o language_n and_o the_o vent_v their_o passion_n without_o any_o dictate_v from_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o retire_a mind_n but_o make_v their_o affection_n clown_n to_o their_o understanding_n whilst_o they_o pass_v by_o without_o any_o ceremony_n or_o consideration_n yet_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o prove_v prayer_n to_o be_v necessary_a in_o spite_n of_o all_o atheist_n and_o fanatic_n if_o they_o will_v attend_v to_o reason_n or_o but_o consult_v their_o own_o system_n he_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n let_v he_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o common_a and_o periodical_a revolution_n of_o thing_n or_o how_o he_o himself_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o the_o original_n of_o those_o power_n by_o which_o he_o manage_n such_o a_o argument_n and_o if_o 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implant_v in_o our_o nature_n or_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o daily_a providence_n ceremonial_a be_v a_o due_a observance_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n that_o just_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o worship_n now_o though_o this_o latter_a be_v the_o controversy_n of_o our_o country_n and_o those_o time_n in_o which_o we_o live_v though_o debate_n and_o objection_n concern_v this_o be_v the_o spark_n that_o set_v whole_a house_n on_o fire_n lay_v city_n waste_v and_o make_v their_o inhabitant_n prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o like_o thorn_n crackle_v under_o the_o pot_n of_o some_o who_o will_v be_v account_v little_o less_o than_o prophet_n when_o have_v lay_v they_o foretell_v their_o own_o design_n and_o by_o lucky_a hit_n bring_v they_o to_o pass_v yet_o since_o the_o first_o be_v not_o without_o its_o difficulty_n suitable_a to_o the_o variation_n of_o the_o fancy_n judgement_n or_o interest_n 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pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o 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want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o one_o in_o who_o we_o may_v confide_v and_o trust_v since_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n there_o be_v safety_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o and_o the_o mark_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o our_o being_n live_v and_o our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o his_o wonderful_a redemption_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o all_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n make_v on_o earth_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o bloody_a sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o god_n will_v be_v both_o ungrateful_a and_o inhuman_a to_o be_v the_o most_o surly_a and_o vile_a pensioner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o provoke_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o we_o must_v unman_v ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o ungod_o the_o deity_n last_o that_o i_o may_v urge_v a_o most_o conclude_a argument_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o have_v prohibit_v the_o offering_n our_o religious_a devotion_n to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v engraven_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a establishment_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idol_n to_o worship_n nor_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o thing_n religious_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o exod._n 20._o and_o he_o back_v the_o prohibition_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o jealousy_n he_o have_v of_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v severe_o punish_v the_o guilty_a we_o find_v therefore_o that_o when_o aaron_n to_o appease_v the_o multitude_n make_v a_o melt_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o deliverer_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n rear_v a_o altar_n upon_o which_o they_o make_v their_o burn_a and_o peace_n offering_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n in_o god_n transfer_v their_o oblation_n through_o this_o representation_n to_o he_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o offering_n and_o the_o idol_n make_v god_n the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o devotion_n by_o proclaim_v this_o to_o be_v a_o feast_n unto_o jehovah_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o fire_n kindle_v for_o this_o sacrifice_n make_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o burn_v nor_o can_v moses_n intercession_n expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o he_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n there_o be_v immediate_o slay_v three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o god_n continue_v to_o plague_v the_o people_n scatter_v their_o carcase_n about_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o their_o progress_n visit_v this_o sin_n upon_o they_o exod._n 33._o nay_o man_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o caution_v by_o many_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o approach_v not_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v god_n glory_n to_o another_o or_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_v or_o melt_a image_n too_o numerous_a for_o i_o to_o reckon_v up_o here_o and_o grant_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o those_o scripture_n but_o god_n have_v sufficient_o forbid_v it_o under_o the_o new_a where_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o worship_n more_o proportionate_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o service_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n neither_o with_o the_o corporal_a representation_n of_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o in_o their_o schism_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o bloody_a sacrifice_n or_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n prefigure_v any_o messiah_n to_o come_v nor_o yet_o as_o the_o gentile_n by_o any_o of_o their_o inferior_a daemon_n when_o satan_n tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o same_o bait_n which_o other_o make_v a_o tender_a of_o to_o those_o who_o they_o endeavour_v to_o proselyte_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o present_o repel_v he_o with_o disdain_n and_o scorn_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o if_o god_n will_v have_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o but_o the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v mankind_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o there_o will_v have_v appear_v light_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n that_o seem_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v in_o his_o solemn_a worship_n from_o they_o but_o no_o direction_n to_o this_o appear_v nor_o can_v the_o scripture_n at_o all_o patronize_v it_o unless_o corrupt_v by_o false_a gloss_n and_o force_v interpretation_n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o all_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a may_v behold_v it_o angel_n themselves_o those_o glorious_a creature_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o civil_a respect_n to_o they_o refuse_v to_o share_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o prohibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o angel_n which_o appear_v to_o converse_v with_o saint_n john_n when_o this_o belove_a disciple_n prostrate_v himself_o to_o worship_v he_o sudden_o reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o and_o urge_v two_o argument_n to_o enforce_v his_o prohibition_n enough_o to_o deter_v all_o mankind_n from_o pay_v act_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o creature_n 1._o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n the_o offspring_n of_o the_o universal_a parent_n therefore_o such_o honour_n be_v not_o due_a to_o i_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o adoration_n such_o homage_n be_v just_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o angel_n worship_n god_n rev._n 19.10_o nay_o worship_a god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n beguile_v christian_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o col._n 2.18_o and_o much_o more_o must_v they_o miss_v their_o recompense_n if_o they_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o beg_v of_o they_o what_o be_v part_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o grant_v now_o as_o the_o invocation_n of_o these_o detract_v so_o much_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n if_o we_o make_v religious_a petition_n unto_o saint_n for_o these_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a classis_fw-la their_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o those_o embellishment_n that_o adorn_v angel_n therefore_o when_o cornelius_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v saint_n peter_n he_o snatch_v he_o up_o and_o bid_v he_o stand_v upon_o his_o foot_n and_o forbear_v such_o signal_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o which_o be_v usual_o pay_v in_o act_n of_o devotion_n for_o say_v he_o i_o myself_o also_o be_o a_o man_n act_v 10.26_o thus_o also_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n refuse_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o lycaonian_o rend_v their_o clothes_n at_o their_o public_a blasphemy_n and_o intend_a idolatry_n and_o stop_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o methinks_v shall_v startle_v other_o we_o also_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o you_o act_n 14.15_o this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n therefore_o why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o sacred_a writ_n and_o forbid_v to_o offer_v our_o devotion_n to_o another_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o my_o three_o enquiry_n by_o show_v we_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n chap._n v._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mode_n of_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o for_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n we_o adore_v and_o worship_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o religious_a devotion_n in_o which_o solemn_a prayer_n bear_v a_o great_a share_n in_o this_o some_o of_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o raise_v by_o person_n who_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o will_v be_v something_o though_o not_o as_o much_o as_o i_o intend_v regard_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o with_o
can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a