never_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n from_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v neither_o the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o holy_a altar_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n though_o of_o the_o priestly_a race_n levit._n 21.18_o if_o under_o the_o law_n the_o want_n of_o these_o member_n exclude_v man_n from_o god_n service_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o under_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o noble_a member_n be_v want_v the_o heart_n and_o its_o affection_n a_o gospel_n worship_n must_v be_v a_o hearty_a worship_n that_o only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v acceptance_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n whilst_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o formality_n who_o frequent_o attend_v at_o prayer_n without_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o our_o care_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n with_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o want_n necessity_n future_a advantage_n experience_n duty_n god_n presence_n and_o whatever_o may_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o five_o and_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v we_o must_v kindle_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n which_o must_v burn_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n as_o with_o a_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o glorify_v our_o maker_n however_o both_o may_v very_o well_o contribute_v to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n now_o this_o zeal_n needful_a in_o all_o our_o address_n be_v that_o holy_a violence_n that_o strain_v our_o affection_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v that_o perfection_n to_o the_o action_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v want_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o dissidence_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o profane_a sloathfulness_n which_o may_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n which_o awaken_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o present_a duty_n and_o as_o our_o great_a saviour_n when_o he_o expel_v the_o merchant_n and_o money-changer_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n so_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zealous_a affection_n for_o his_o god_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n all_o worldly_a business_n and_o consideration_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n the_o soul_n without_o the_o interruption_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o secular_a interest_n where_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n common_o insinuate_v themselves_o too_o much_o john_n 2.16_o six_o as_o there_o be_v a_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o our_o person_n and_o manner_n of_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o god_n glorious_a perfection_n and_o our_o own_o vile_a and_o mean_a estate_n we_o must_v likewise_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v or_o secret_a will_n god_n will_n must_v regulate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n for_o christ_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a example_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o well_o as_o desirous_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n will_n on_o earth_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a agent_n the_o great_a maker_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankined_a that_o all_o our_o inclination_n and_o will_n ought_v to_o yield_v homage_n to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o which_o submission_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n arise_v to_o ourselves_o thereby_o we_o compass_v and_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n a_o infallible_a happiness_n for_o the_o best_a self-interest_n be_v a_o submission_n to_o that_o wise_a agent_n who_o be_v engage_v to_o promote_v our_o felicity_n and_o his_o glory_n together_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n rom._n 8.28_o if_o in_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n god_n will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o weighty_a and_o religious_a action_n of_o prayer_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n together_o be_v to_o summon_v all_o their_o faculty_n and_o member_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o chief_a intent_n of_o this_o performance_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o of_o our_o desire_n to_o oppose_v his_o will_n or_o contradict_v his_o wisdom_n or_o question_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o goodness_n the_o want_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v cause_v thou_o o_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o thou_o expect_v a_o favourable_a return_n from_o his_o bounty_n thou_o must_v learn_v to_o court_v it_o by_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o governance_n both_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o seasonable_a to_o grant_v thou_o thy_o request_n all_o impatiency_n in_o prayer_n be_v guilty_a of_o indiscretion_n of_o profane_a folly_n of_o disrespect_n and_o disesteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n man_n must_v learn_v to_o prefer_v his_o glory_n who_o goodness_n they_o want_v to_o the_o satiate_v of_o their_o own_o crave_v and_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o furious_a desire_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o we_o find_v they_o proceed_v beyond_o the_o bound_n limit_v by_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o our_o real_a happiness_n which_o common_o be_v unseparable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o desire_v from_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n for_o faith_n grace_n regeneration_n strength_n against_o sin_n truth_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o other_o blessing_n relate_v to_o god_n immediate_a glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n a_o petitioner_n can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a zealous_a and_o impatient_a such_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v wrest_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o our_o good_a god_n by_o our_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n violence_n condemn_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o such_o as_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n and_o a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n never_o return_v without_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o request_n when_o we_o ask_v the_o divine_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n unless_o we_o have_v like_o esau_n forfeit_v before_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o for_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o as_o we_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o their_o excellency_n be_v such_o that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v and_o desire_v they_o too_o much_o as_o david_n therefore_o who_o soul_n be_v insatiable_a on_o earth_n for_o grace_n and_o divine_a mercy_n let_v we_o not_o give_v ourselves_o any_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v these_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o as_o earthly_a prosperity_n and_o blessing_n relate_v to_o our_o better_a conveniency_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o value_n and_o importance_n our_o request_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v qualify_v according_o and_o because_o in_o some_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o always_o with_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o most_o conduce_v to_o our_o real_a good_a to_o desire_v they_o too_o passionate_o or_o without_o any_o such_o condescension_n be_v to_o idolise_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o those_o earthly_a and_o mean_a thing_n that_o affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o divine_a mercy_n nature_n i_o confess_v will_v be_v always_o crave_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o a_o relief_n and_o remedy_n but_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o natural_a motion_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o humanity_n be_v loath_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a cup_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o
the_o devil_n have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o engine_n to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o silly_a soul_n by_o insinuate_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o the_o late_a unnatural_a rebellion_n man_n take_v occasion_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o vent_v not_o only_o the_o most_o pernicious_a mistake_n but_o also_o disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o from_o the_o pulpit_n have_v poison_v many_o to_o our_o sorrow_n with_o most_o horrid_a and_o antichristian_a principle_n which_o to_o this_o day_n no_o reason_n nor_o remedy_n can_v cure_v but_o if_o no_o such_o danger_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o extemporary_a pray_v if_o all_o man_n so_o employ_v have_v the_o integrity_n to_o intend_v it_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o public_a quiet_n yet_o such_o prayer_n can_v have_v that_o mature_a consideration_n nor_o those_o judicious_a expression_n as_o a_o well_o meditate_a prayer_n judicious_o compose_v and_o examine_v and_o do_v it_o become_v the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o so_o wise_a a_o god_n to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o present_v unto_o he_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v first_o upon_o the_o lip_n the_o hasty_a production_n of_o our_o unadvised_a fancy_n or_o the_o irregular_a expression_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o consider_v before_o whether_o the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o ask_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o agreeable_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v and_o be_v so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n do_v it_o not_o become_v our_o christian_a discretion_n to_o weigh_v and_o serious_o to_o examine_v what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v to_o so_o wise_a and_o divine_a a_o majesty_n that_o our_o weakness_n may_v not_o hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n especial_o in_o a_o public_a congregation_n where_o our_o mistake_n may_v have_v many_o ill_a consequence_n where_o not_o only_a god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v concern_v but_o also_o many_o of_o divers_a temper_n capacity_n and_o estate_n who_o indigency_n we_o represent_v to_o a_o merciful_a god_n now_o if_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v therefore_o use_v let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_v impartial_o which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n the_o fond_a production_n of_o our_o private_a imagination_n or_o the_o judicious_a prayer_n compose_v by_o the_o grave_a ruler_n of_o our_o christian_a congregation_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o several_a have_v have_v and_o yet_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n in_o pray_v to_o move_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o hearer_n this_o gift_n therefore_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v it_o to_o perform_v that_o good_a which_o be_v thereby_o intend_a this_o may_v be_v do_v on_o certain_a occasion_n and_o time_n and_o immediate_o before_o the_o sermon_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o moderate_a christian_n will_v then_o prohibit_v such_o gift_a person_n to_o employ_v that_o ability_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o discreet_o judicious_o and_o sober_o without_o affectation_n or_o vain_a glory_n or_o ostentation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o allowance_n therefore_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o other_o to_o prefer_v the_o fond_a composure_n of_o their_o indiscreet_a fancy_n to_o the_o pious_a and_o regular_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v in_o such_o case_n that_o voluntary_a and_o new_a prayer_n express_v with_o vehemency_n may_v cause_v ignorant_a and_o foolish_a man_n who_o be_v quick_o weary_a with_o the_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o disesteem_v slight_a and_o neglect_v they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o crave_v those_o extemporary_a ejaculation_n of_o gift_a man_n and_o that_o from_o person_n insufficient_a who_o may_v be_v thereby_o tempt_v to_o gratify_v the_o other_o humour_n to_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a hurt_n however_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v be_v not_o hinder_v by_o our_o public_a form_n from_o perform_v the_o benefit_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_a but_o foolish_a man_n be_v thereby_o restrain_v from_o those_o mischief_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o so_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o they_o have_v have_v during_o our_o anarchy_n moreover_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o humane_a constitution_n in_o every_o society_n to_o aim_v direct_o at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o and_o special_o in_o the_o church_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o dull_a capacity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o quick_a apprehension_n such_o public_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o suit_n with_o the_o mean_a ability_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o these_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n they_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a to_o please_v the_o corrupt_a humour_n of_o the_o hearer_n with_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o invention_n with_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o expression_n with_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o affect_a tone_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v public_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n as_o the_o know_v approve_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o our_o affection_n be_v we_o but_o inward_o move_v with_o a_o right_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n neither_o can_v we_o so_o ready_o say_v amen_n to_o such_o sudden_a prayer_n proceed_v from_o these_o gift_a man_n as_o to_o those_o with_o which_o we_o be_v perfect_o well_o acquaint_v and_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o god_n will_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o have_v need_n at_o every_o expression_n to_o make_v a_o judicious_a reflection_n whether_o what_o be_v say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a right_a or_o wrong_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o subscribe_v to_o such_o prayer_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o such_o need_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o understand_v before_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v join_v unanimous_o together_o and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a pray_n be_v not_o of_o such_o use_n and_o carry_v not_o with_o it_o that_o real_a benefit_n which_o some_o light_o imagine_v i_o be_o certain_a that_o person_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o slow_a apprehension_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v benefit_n from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o know_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o unusual_a expression_n of_o other_o new_a prayer_n may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o move_v their_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o able_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o such_o as_o bring_v a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o that_o look_v more_o upon_o the_o thing_n than_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v for_o other_o dainty_a ear_n and_o of_o a_o quick_a apprehension_n it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o new_a and_o eloquent_a prayer_n may_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o more_o beneficial_a than_o to_o the_o dull_a sort_n but_o it_o require_v from_o they_o a_o great_a labour_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a motion_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o if_o they_o be_v extempore_o without_o any_o premeditation_n and_o of_o a_o long_a continuance_n i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o composure_n and_o that_o the_o person_n that_o speak_v they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o disposition_n needful_a in_o prayer_n whilst_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o eye_n be_v lift_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n be_v employ_v in_o seek_v for_o fit_a word_n to_o declare_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o be_v not_o able_a as_o it_o shall_v to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o concern_v its_o inclination_n in_o the_o request_n that_o be_v present_v to_o he_o for_o sudden_a ejaculation_n and_o emission_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n to_o god_n the_o same_o reason_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o order_n contrivance_n and_o agility_n of_o the_o soul_n require_v for_o these_o and_o other_o cause_n set_a form_n either_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n or_o record_v in_o our_o memory_n which_o may_v as_o sudden_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n be_v the_o best_a method_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n chief_o in_o his_o public_a worship_n but_o if_o we_o
force_v his_o body_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o respect_n command_v in_o the_o rubric_n let_v he_o stand_v up_o when_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n let_v he_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n and_o outward_o observe_v a_o due_a reverence_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o former_a aversion_n will_v insensible_o wear_v away_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a and_o religious_a compliance_n with_o those_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o before_o he_o can_v never_o use_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n he_o shall_v find_v his_o unhappy_a humour_n of_o discontent_n evaporate_v itself_o and_o his_o body_n draw_v after_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n to_o a_o sincere_a worship_v of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o five_o to_o use_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v needful_a a_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o they_o be_v very_o requisite_a a_o meditation_n i_o mean_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o desire_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n in_o god_n divine_a worship_n upon_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o holy_a scripture_n its_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n upon_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o our_o nation_n under_o four_o or_o five_o king_n successive_o who_o unanimous_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o decency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o ceremony_n order_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o service_n upon_o the_o frivolousness_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o upon_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o invincible_a hatred_n of_o all_o objection_n a_o meditation_n also_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o several_a matter_n suitable_a to_o these_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n such_o meditation_n i_o mean_v as_o may_v elevate_v the_o soul_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v it_o for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n beside_o to_o persuade_v the_o judgement_n and_o remove_v all_o mistake_n i_o recommend_v to_o thou_o the_o perusal_n of_o a_o rationale_n upon_o the_o common-prayer_n that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n thou_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o devout_a conformity_n in_o public_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o this_o while_n methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o sort_n of_o zealot_n among_o we_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n particular_a 4._o particular_a and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_v for_o this_o good_a purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v what_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o extemporary_a fluency_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o person_n as_o use_v they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n three_o i_o shall_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o our_o eye_n or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n they_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n that_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o strengthen_v the_o irregular_a devotion_n of_o the_o gift_a brethren_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o 6_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o 18_o ver_fw-la he_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o every_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o can_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n because_o such_o inspiration_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o have_v not_o such_o a_o quick_a fancy_n or_o voluble_a tongue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n so_o that_o every_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o fulfil_v this_o command_n which_o as_o all_o other_o command_v of_o god_n be_v proportion_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o man_n faculty_n and_o ability_n therefore_o see_v these_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o every_o christian_a they_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o gift_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o style_v the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v peform_v by_o use_v endeavour_n st_o paul_n meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o lip_n service_n but_o inward_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o employ_v all_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n for_o in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o act_n with_o the_o same_o ability_n now_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 5_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesiens_n and_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la advise_v they_o to_o make_v melody_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v that_o spiritual_a service_n require_v from_o we_o a_o serious_a real_a and_o hearty_a worship_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n tell_v she_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o corporal_a appearance_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o inward_a and_o soul_n worship_n without_o which_o all_o our_o most_o assidual_a attendance_n upon_o holy_a duty_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v st._n paul_n pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.14_o for_o he_o express_o say_v if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v he_o cale_v it_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v concern_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n either_o by_o compose_v they_o and_o offer_v they_o or_o else_o by_o present_v the_o prayer_n already_o compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o we_o as_o our_o own_o i_o confess_v st._n jude_n word_n ver_fw-la 20._o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a interpretation_n when_o he_o advise_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o word_n the_o admirer_n of_o new_a mode_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n understand_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o limit_v ourselves_o and_o this_o unlimited_a be_v to_o any_o certain_a form_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o those_o expression_n as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o divine_a suggestion_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o wise_a apostle_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o in_o that_o duty_n he_o govern_v their_o tongue_n and_o fancy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o proper_a expression_n word_n and_o matter_n which_o i_o confess_v may_v happen_v in_o extraordinary_a occasion_n yet_o in_o our_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o expect_v such_o extraordinary_a move_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o weakness_n and_o unpreparedness_n and_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o presumption_n and_o indiscretion_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o god_n usual_a method_n of_o act_v with_o his_o creature_n neither_o in_o nature_n nor_o in_o grace_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o power_n appear_v common_o in_o our_o religious_a endeavour_n and_o if_o he_o give_v
the_o form_n and_o beauty_n to_o any_o thing_n he_o take_v the_o matter_n from_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v already_o make_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o st._n judas_n advise_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v either_o in_o that_o method_n and_o manner_n or_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n for_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v according_a the_o meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v observe_v those_o particular_n outward_o and_o inward_o as_o may_v recommend_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v those_o grace_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n a_o true_a christian_a may_v want_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_a can_v want_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o those_o inward_a ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o prayer_n for_o this_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o heaven_n be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o spiritual_a motion_n though_o he_o be_v not_o always_o in_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o prayer_n because_o these_o ability_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o obstruct_v by_o some_o powerful_a impediment_n nevertheless_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v no_o soon_o begin_v in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o call_v god_n abba_n father_n therefore_o st._n paul_n teach_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 8._o v._n 26._o that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v 1._o observe_v roman_n 10._o v._o 1._o this_o and_o all_o other_o passage_n that_o mention_v pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n may_v encourage_v we_o to_o take_v with_o we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o employ_v the_o ability_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o that_o good_a purpose_n they_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a imperfection_n and_o weakness_n and_o advise_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o spiritual_a help_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o those_o form_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v establish_v in_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o passage_n nor_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o require_v thou_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n from_o above_o that_o disallow_n of_o a_o judicious_a and_o religious_a preparation_n or_o of_o prescribe_a prayer_n compose_v by_o man_n as_o much_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o any_o now_o alive_a why_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n be_v call_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n if_o i_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o god_n require_v why_o shall_v i_o prefer_v the_o new_a modes_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n and_o integrity_n i_o know_v not_o perhaps_o to_o those_o that_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v agreeable_a with_o god_n will_n and_o word_n why_o shall_v i_o reject_v the_o old_a prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v so_o impatient_a to_o hear_v new_a which_o i_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v till_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v they_o if_o therefore_o i_o be_o a_o auditor_n what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o refuse_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n compose_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v of_o a_o constant_a use_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n to_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o new_a mode_n and_o new_a prayer_n of_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o how_o true_o i_o know_v not_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o favourer_n of_o the_o pride_n presumption_n and_o sanciness_n of_o those_o person_n that_o rush_v into_o god_n public_a worship_n without_o a_o due_a preparation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v prepare_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o they_o pronounce_v what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o prefer_v this_o prayer_n compose_v by_o this_o private_a person_n though_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o religious_a prayer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n allow_v of_o by_o so_o many_o wise_a learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n enlighten_v also_o doubtless_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v that_o the_o prayer_n by_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o likewise_o if_o i_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o offer_v it_o up_o with_o my_o soul_n and_o affection_n o_o how_o idle_a and_o frivolous_a how_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a be_v these_o prejudices_fw-la against_o our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n second_o but_o these_o person_n that_o be_v so_o much_o admire_v by_o ignorant_a people_n for_o their_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n of_o any_o long_a continuance_n be_v admire_v for_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v perform_v for_o if_o they_o pray_v extempore_o without_o prepararation_n some_o in_o the_o congregation_n may_v perhaps_o real_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o the_o person_n that_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n whilst_o their_o fancy_n be_v so_o busy_o employ_v in_o seek_v for_o matter_n and_o expression_n can_v never_o oblige_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o offer_v their_o prayer_n up_o to_o god_n in_o that_o devout_a manner_n as_o be_v require_v this_o prayer_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v but_o a_o speech_n and_o no_o prayer_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o eloquent_a and_o never_o so_o much_o able_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n our_o mind_n can_v be_v total_o employ_v in_o two_o action_n at_o once_o whilst_o our_o apprehension_n be_v distract_v to_o seek_v for_o word_n and_o fit_a expression_n they_o can_v be_v fix_v upon_o that_o divine_a be_v unto_o who_o we_o make_v our_o address_n nor_o cause_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o humility_n and_o those_o affection_n which_o at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v necessary_a they_o can_v mind_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o want_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a supply_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v petition_v for_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o express_v the_o homage_n due_a to_o god_n greatness_n and_o a_o earnest_a affection_n for_o those_o blessing_n that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o their_o care_n be_v to_o move_v the_o tongue_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n whilst_o the_o one_o be_v busy_o employ_v the_o other_o be_v unconcern_v in_o the_o service_n i_o can_v think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o quick_a apprehension_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v their_o organ_n with_o plenty_n of_o matter_n and_o expression_n and_o at_o the_o same_o moment_n to_o mind_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o sit_v disposition_n for_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o divide_v this_o single_a be_v into_o so_o many_o part_n such_o a_o activity_n seem_v to_o i_o almost_o as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o that_o of_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o christ_n humane_a body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o like_a absurdity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n use_v the_o unity_n of_o all_o its_o faculty_n requireâ—_n a_o single_a object_n at_o once_o it_o may_v be_v so_o quick_a as_o to_o sly_a to_o another_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o this_o change_n and_o this_o motion_n of_o the_o apprehension_n incapable_a of_o two_o or_o three_o object_n at_o one_o single_a instant_n plain_o discover_v the_o impossibility_n of_o pray_v well_o and_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o worthy_a disposition_n and_o the_o affection_n in_o a_o sit_v temper_n in_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n because_o the_o mind_n that_o shall_v take_v this_o charge_n and_o the_o care_n to_o summon_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v busy_o employ_v in_o other_o matter_n now_o without_o this_o conjunction_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o this_o concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n no_o devotion_n nor_o prayer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v spiritual_a or_o perform_v with_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n for_o though_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o
call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n a_o great_a humility_n in_o such_o a_o case_n aught_o to_o prepare_v our_o person_n and_o prayer_n for_o god_n acceptance_n the_o more_o unworthy_a sin_n have_v make_v we_o the_o more_o lowly_a aught_o our_o approache_n to_o be_v to_o he_o the_o alteration_n in_o our_o behaviour_n shall_v cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o our_o soul_n before_o we_o present_v ourselves_o fore_o god_n instead_o of_o alienate_v our_o mind_n from_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o weakness_n shall_v encourage_v we_o to_o fly_v to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o seek_v from_o his_o all-sufficiency_n strength_n against_o future_a temptation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o will_v have_v a_o repent_a christian_a understand_v that_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o estrange_v from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v from_o he_o the_o sin_n that_o disorder_v our_o soul_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o shun_v his_o presence_n may_v cause_v he_o to_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o good_a but_o it_o will_v never_o oblige_v he_o to_o cast_v we_o away_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o guiltiness_n in_o we_o accompany_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v long_o a_o impediment_n to_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o cause_n to_o interrupt_v our_o daily_a correspondency_n with_o god_n morning_n and_o evening_n for_o we_o see_v it_o often_o happen_v by_o woeful_a experience_n that_o by_o such_o a_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n many_o be_v insensible_o bring_v into_o dangerous_a snare_n and_o god_n withdraw_v his_o protection_n from_o such_o as_o be_v not_o mindful_a to_o take_v it_o along_o with_o they_o to_o avoid_v such_o miscarriage_n and_o danger_n prayer_n be_v as_o needful_a to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n as_o armour_n and_o weapon_n to_o a_o soldier_n and_o shoe_n and_o clothing_n to_o a_o traveller_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o way_n and_o weather_n it_o embolden_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o accident_n it_o give_v life_n and_o heart_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v he_o walk_v every_o where_o and_o lie_v down_o with_o david_n confidence_n though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o ill_a for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o psal_n 23._o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n shall_v follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n psal_n 4.6_o likewise_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o danger_n at_o the_o tiding_n of_o loss_n or_o success_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o any_o business_n of_o weight_n or_o moment_n and_o at_o several_a other_o time_n and_o occasion_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n the_o chief_a and_o only_a author_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a happiness_n for_o as_o this_o devotion_n will_v disappoint_v the_o mischievous_a intent_n of_o evil_n and_o cross_n it_o will_v infallible_o draw_v a_o blessing_n upon_o all_o our_o undertake_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v in_o this_o book_n to_o furnish_v you_o my_o christian_a brethren_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o be_v suitable_a for_o many_o occasion_n and_o casualty_n and_o accident_n needful_a in_o these_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a time_n in_o which_o we_o now_o live_v if_o you_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o the_o manner_n as_o you_o ought_v you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o success_n the_o prayer_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n have_v a_o invincible_a power_n the_o whole_a creation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v or_o render_v ineffectual_a the_o religious_a prayer_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n joshua_n prayer_n arrest_v the_o sun_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o its_o course_n moses_n prayer_n dry_v up_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o israelite_n prayer_n undermine_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n hezekiahs_n prayer_n obtain_v fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n already_o condemn_v by_o the_o furiousness_n of_o a_o disease_n natural_o irrecoverable_a and_o cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n david_n by_o his_o prayer_n march_v safe_a through_o many_o danger_n and_o be_v secure_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o rise_n and_o tumult_n of_o his_o enemy_n ahab_n humility_n and_o prayer_n suspend_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o god_n judgement_n that_o be_v go_v to_o fall_v upon_o his_o idolatrous_a house_n manasses_n prayer_n free_v he_o from_o the_o chain_n of_o babylon_n and_o restore_v he_o against_o all_o probability_n to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o throne_n daniel_n prayer_n shut_v up_o the_o lion_n mouth_n and_o disarm_v those_o furious_a beast_n esther_n prayer_n change_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n establish_v against_o against_o the_o jew_n and_o cause_v the_o mischief_n to_o fall_v upon_o their_o enemy_n head_n the_o church_n prayer_n unfettered_a st._n peter_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o guard_n opâ—ned_v for_o he_o the_o iron_n gâ—te_n and_o set_v he_o at_o liberty_n elijah_n prayer_n shut_v and_o open_v thâ—_n window_n of_o heaven_n the_o thunder_a roman_a legion_n by_o prayer_n relieve_v their_o fellow_n soldier_n with_o fresh_a shower_n of_o rain_n and_o discomfit_v their_o enemy_n with_o strange_a lightning_n and_o thunder_n so_o many_o and_o such_o strange_a event_n above_o all_o expectation_n and_o humane_a power_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o zealous_a prayer_n that_o we_o have_v good_a cause_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n whilst_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o pray_v the_o heaven_n the_o sea_n the_o earth_n the_o element_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n animate_v and_o inanimate_a seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n for_o the_o great_a author_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o create_a being_n cause_v they_o to_o yield_v help_n to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o contrite_a petitioner_n as_o they_o be_v always_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o at_o his_o disposal_n he_o employ_v they_o in_o their_o relief_n and_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o desire_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o own_o glory_n what_o be_v not_o prayer_n able_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v when_o it_o intâ—râ—sseth_v a_o almighty_a power_n and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o our_o affair_n and_o fetch_v to_o its_o assistance_n that_o same_o omnipotency_n that_o create_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o nihil_fw-la fortius_fw-la say_v a_o father_n homine_fw-la legitime_fw-la orante_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o powerful_a than_o a_o man_n pray_v as_o he_o ought_v for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o petitioner_n but_o upon_o god_n promise_n that_o be_v unchangeable_a christ_n merit_n that_o be_v true_o meritorious_a and_o his_o intercession_n that_o be_v unresistable_a at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n where_o he_o sit_v above_o this_o unconstant_a world_n he_o be_v employ_v in_o offer_v up_o the_o request_n of_o his_o member_n and_o servant_n on_o earth_n and_o there_o before_o the_o mercy_n seat_n to_o perfume_v they_o with_o the_o frankineense_n of_o his_o passion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n whilst_o we_o have_v such_o a_o prevail_a mediator_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prayer_n proccee_v from_o a_o humble_a soul_n sit_v for_o the_o acceptance_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o feel_v thyself_o indispose_v or_o not_o able_a to_o offer_v up_o thy_o prayer_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v requisite_a be_v not_o therefore_o discourage_v despair_v not_o of_o the_o success_n know_v for_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o thy_o weakness_n as_o thy_o negligence_n not_o so_o much_o thy_o inability_n as_o thy_o sloth_n and_o indisposition_n that_o clog_v thy_o prayer_n and_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o ascent_n to_o heaven_n know_v for_o certain_a that_o god_n regard_v more_o humility_n truth_n and_o sincerity_n than_o the_o flourish_n of_o wit_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o language_n or_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o all_o thy_o request_n that_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o a_o break_a heart_n or_o of_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v more_o powerful_a with_o god_n than_o the_o strong_a argument_n or_o the_o long_a prayer_n god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o proportion_v his_o mercy_n only_o to_o our_o deserve_n or_o reason_n but_o rather_o out_o of_o his_o inexhaustible_a treasury_n to_o take_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o man_n beyond_o all_o merit_n and_o expectation_n therefore_o slack_v not_o thy_o endeavour_n to_o pray_v well_o god_n greatness_n and_o thy_o estate_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o call_v for_o the_o great_a respect_n the_o profound_a
excellent_a prayer_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o they_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v if_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o soul_n bewitch_v with_o the_o deceitful_a allurement_n of_o sin_n the_o devil_n slave_n can_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o appear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o liberty_n till_o the_o bolt_n and_o chain_n of_o hell_n be_v shake_v off_o he_o shall_v never_o meet_v with_o acceptance_n with_o a_o jealous_a god_n who_o be_v already_o betroth_v and_o inseparable_a from_o sin_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o his_o glory_n how_o unseasonable_a and_o odious_a be_v the_o devotion_n of_o zimri_n when_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n in_o god_n presence_n he_o have_v a_o midianitish_a woman_n at_o his_o side_n how_o unwelcome_a be_v the_o address_n of_o a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o prayer_n be_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o pride_n and_o vanity_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o wickedness_n among_o his_o offering_n therefore_o such_o prayer_n as_o proceed_v from_o impenitency_n and_o vice_n be_v odious_a to_o god_n likewise_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o petitioner_n be_v not_o in_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o receive_v god_n mercy_n for_o sin_n discompose_v we_o and_o while_o we_o retain_v it_o in_o our_o assection_n both_o the_o action_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n conspire_v together_o to_o intercept_v and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o gracious_a return_n of_o our_o prayer_n from_o god_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n fear_n apprehension_n suspicion_n and_o instead_o of_o love_n it_o beget_v a_o hatred_n of_o and_o a_o aversion_n to_o god_n which_o will_v never_o suffer_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o unlimited_a liberality_n require_v so_o that_o unless_o true_a repentance_n intervene_v between_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o prayer_n to_o our_o maker_n they_o will_v rather_o provoke_v his_o justice_n than_o prevail_v with_o his_o mercy_n three_o if_o you_o will_v have_v your_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n you_o must_v offer_v they_o with_o that_o attention_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o weighty_a a_o action_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n majesty_n require_v for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o attend_v and_o be_v present_a in_o a_o pray_a congregation_n if_o we_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n than_o the_o timber_n and_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o fabric_n if_o our_o body_n â—e_v present_a without_o our_o soul_n god_n demand_v from_o his_o people_n spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o service_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o the_o outward_a part_n alone_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v active_a and_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculculty_n ought_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o spiritual_a worship_v of_o our_o great_a god_n as_o god_n be_v a_o unity_n without_o division_n whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o must_v express_v this_o unity_n by_o a_o total_a consecration_n of_o itself_o chief_o in_o that_o christian_a service_n where_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n be_v to_o resign_v itself_o over_o to_o god_n dead_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n be_v abominable_a and_o bodily_a devotion_n alone_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v disrespectful_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o for_o they_o common_o proceed_v from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o worldly_a business_n that_o possess_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o unmindfulness_n of_o god_n and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n from_o a_o carelessness_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o from_o the_o disturbance_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o steal_v away_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o affection_n from_o god_n holy_a worship_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o prevent_v such_o ill_a consequence_n the_o christian_a in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o at_o the_o close_a of_o every_o petition_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o subscribe_v and_o declare_v his_o ascent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o request_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o universal_a amen_o but_o also_o to_o express_v inward_o in_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v outward_o pronounce_v and_o speak_v and_o to_o be_v serious_o attentive_a to_o every_o petition_n for_o as_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o express_v itself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o animal_n part_n do_v with_o the_o tongue_n and_o that_o by_o a_o internal_a word_n and_o faculty_n proper_a to_o it_o that_o must_v speak_v or_o else_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v for_o that_o intent_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hearken_v with_o a_o religious_a attention_n to_o the_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v from_o our_o own_o or_o other_o lip_n and_o endeavour_v to_o hear_v that_o part_n in_o the_o devotion_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o worldy_a business_n to_o disengage_v ourselves_o and_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o encumbrance_n to_o six_o they_o to_o the_o duty_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o to_o tie_v and_o settle_v they_o with_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n presence_n so_o that_o our_o thought_n may_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o from_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o prayer_n we_o must_v set_v a_o watch_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n forbid_v entrance_n to_o all_o sudden_a accident_n and_o in_o a_o word_n summon_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o render_v their_o homage_n to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o straggle_v from_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o courageous_a youth_n of_o macedon_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o burn_v frankincense_n before_o king_n alexander_n when_o he_o sacrifice_v to_o his_o god_n though_o a_o burn_a coal_n be_v casual_o fall_v into_o his_o open_a sleeve_n 3._o val_n max._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o and_o do_v there_o consume_v both_o his_o vestment_n and_o his_o flesh_n lest_o he_o shall_v ominous_o and_o unhappy_o interrupt_v the_o public_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o prince_n he_o persist_v in_o his_o business_n to_o the_o end_n through_o all_o the_o torment_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o complain_v how_o religious_a be_v such_o and_o other_o heathen_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n nothing_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v they_o to_o interrupt_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o shall_v we_o christian_n mingle_v in_o our_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n vain_a idle_a wanton_a and_o lascivious_a thought_n and_o action_n shall_v every_o accident_n and_o casualty_n be_v able_a to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o the_o service_n we_o be_v about_o yet_o this_o we_o see_v most_o common_o happen_v both_o in_o our_o public_a and_o in_o our_o private_a address_n to_o god_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o dread_n of_o god_n presence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v at_o such_o time_n be_v real_o and_o most_o sensible_a four_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v move_v and_o concern_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o request_n and_o our_o petition_n ought_v to_o receive_v that_o qualification_n from_o they_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n cause_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o address_n our_o praise_v of_o god_n must_v be_v perform_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o reverend_a freedom_n and_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n our_o request_n must_v be_v send_v up_o to_o god_n with_o humility_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o 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to_o swallow_v therefore_o you_o may_v hear_v he_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v pass_v away_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v excuse_v to_o drink_v it_o but_o immediate_o after_o he_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o will_n we_o must_v prefer_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o most_o passionate_o desire_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a aim_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o most_o zealous_a request_n and_o most_o earnest_a petition_n to_o be_v place_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o our_o prayer_n which_o we_o offer_v up_o for_o these_o pleasant_a glorious_a and_o useful_a thing_n on_o earth_n that_o draw_v away_o too_o much_o of_o our_o affection_n likewise_o when_o we_o beg_v from_o god_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o other_o intention_n or_o affection_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o render_v our_o request_n most_o sinful_a and_o abominable_a in_o god_n presence_n the_o first_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o unjust_a principle_n of_o covetousness_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o insatiable_a spirit_n that_o crave_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a and_o force_v it_o to_o desire_v what_o be_v not_o real_o we_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o or_o from_o ambition_n vainglory_n and_o immoderate_a care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o petition_v too_o passionate_o for_o its_o vanity_n as_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o some_o lust_n that_o govern_v the_o soul_n all_o these_o and_o other_o principle_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o they_o be_v irregular_a the_o devotion_n that_o proceed_v from_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a for_o all_o our_o request_n in_o such_o like_a case_n tend_v to_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o purpose_v to_o abuse_v in_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o unruly_a and_o base_a affection_n such_o prayer_n be_v sacrifice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o god_n his_o blessing_n never_o so_o mean_a be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o our_o shameful_a lust_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o feed_v the_o devil_n brat_n with_o the_o milk_n and_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a conversion_n indeed_o to_o convert_v that_o to_o god_n dishonour_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o great_a indiscretion_n and_o want_v of_o piety_n to_o seek_v from_o god_n the_o mean_n to_o dishonour_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o to_o employ_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o profane_a and_o unworthy_a purpose_n the_o second_o affection_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n anger_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n which_o if_o we_o discover_v in_o that_o part_n of_o god_n service_n where_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v his_o bounty_n we_o can_v probable_o expect_v any_o great_a success_n or_o any_o favourable_a return_n we_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v favourable_a to_o inhumanity_n and_o revenge_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v such_o petition_n as_o proceed_v from_o that_o affection_n which_o be_v direct_v contrary_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o command_n god_n must_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v make_v the_o executioner_n of_o our_o vengeance_n nor_o receive_v the_o commission_n from_o we_o to_o punish_v our_o wrong_n vengeance_n belong_v to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o bold_a presumption_n to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o wisdom_n either_o the_o method_n time_n or_o measure_n of_o inflict_a iâ—_n upon_o the_o great_a offender_n therefore_o let_v we_o always_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o justice_n with_o a_o disposition_n ready_a to_o forgive_v the_o great_a enemy_n let_v we_o leave_v all_o our_o wilful_a interest_n entire_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o not_o venture_v nor_o suffer_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o and_o where_o to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n chief_o in_o that_o part_n of_o his_o service_n where_o our_o business_n be_v to_o entreat_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n from_o we_o just_o due_a for_o our_o offence_n commit_v against_o his_o continue_a goodness_n if_o he_o show_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o we_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a to_o such_o as_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o deserve_v our_o displeasure_n our_o prayer_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v imprecation_n and_o curse_n all_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n must_v be_v cast_v away_o and_o separate_v from_o this_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o gaul_n of_o the_o heathen_a victim_n be_v when_o they_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o the_o superior_a go_n i_o confess_v that_o self_n preservation_n god_n glory_n common_a justice_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o friend_n of_o the_o church_n and_o public_a may_v oblige_v we_o to_o petition_v heaven_n for_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o unjust_a design_n of_o wicked_a man_n though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o utter_a overthrow_n david_n in_o his_o divine_a psalm_n afford_v we_o many_o example_n to_o this_o purpose_n pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n upon_o the_o ideathen_a say_v he_o that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n psal_n 79.6_o let_v they_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o pook_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 69.28_o consume_v they_o in_o thy_o wrath_n consume_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n rule_v in_o jacob_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n selah_n psal_n 59.13_o these_o and_o such_o like_a prayer_n have_v a_o intent_n chief_o to_o prevent_v the_o future_a mischief_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o of_o his_o church_n be_v likely_a to_o draw_v upon_o his_o servant_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o disarm_v they_o and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o ability_n or_o power_n which_o they_o will_v infallible_o abuse_v oft_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o god_n people_n and_o innocent_a person_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o petition_n god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o declare_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o vile_a contemner_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o such_o intent_n as_o these_o we_o may_v sometime_o beseech_v god_n to_o send_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o our_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n but_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a principle_n of_o revenge_n or_o of_o a_o implacable_a hatred_n to_o desire_v the_o ruin_n of_o any_o that_o we_o disaffect_v be_v to_o concern_v god_n too_o much_o in_o our_o frivolous_a quarrel_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o withhold_v the_o favour_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o grant_v we_o for_o with_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o we_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o let_v therefore_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o alienate_v from_o we_o and_o separate_v in_o judgement_n design_n or_o interest_n let_v they_o purpose_n never_o so_o much_o our_o ruin_n if_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o but_o man_n that_o christian_a disposition_n which_o christ_n our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o both_o by_o his_o command_n and_o example_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o amendment_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v without_o any_o notable_a prejudice_n to_o god_n his_o church_n the_o public_a or_o our_o private_a happiness_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o implacable_a spirit_n will_v never_o find_v acceptance_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o good_a saviour_n that_o pray_v for_o his_o murderer_n teach_v we_o to_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o personal_a wrong_n and_o not_o suffer_v our_o displeasure_n to_o be_v vent_v in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a nature_n will_v speak_v when_o it_o be_v oppress_v and_o complain_v for_o the_o evil_n that_o burden_v we_o it_o will_v petition_v for_o help_n and_o justice_n when_o it_o be_v grieve_v and_o i_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o natural_a motion_n may_v be_v allowable_a if_o it_o be_v keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o disposition_n ready_a to_o forgive_v the_o injury_n receive_v in_o case_n of_o amendment_n and_o our_o enemy_n become_v fit_a object_n of_o our_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n but_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o resentment_n of_o former_a wrong_n to_o speak_v too_o loud_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o desire_v not_o from_o god_n that_o which_o neither_o become_v god_n wisdom_n to_o grant_v nor_o our_o modesty_n and_o christian_a charity_n to_o ask_v
petition_v for_o thing_n with_o confidence_n and_o faith_n which_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o and_o god_n glory_n on_o earth_n i_o can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intent_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o a_o assurance_n of_o obtain_v our_o irregular_a and_o inconsiderate_a desire_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a direction_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o devout_a christian_a let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o may_v safe_o be_v confident_a and_o full_o persuade_v that_o all_o prayer_n tend_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n strength_n against_o temptation_n god_n will_v in_o his_o time_n grant_v he_o his_o request_n if_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o affectionate_a in_o his_o prayer_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n math._n 7.11_o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o as_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v such_o divine_a mercy_n as_o man_n to_o ask_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a to_o obtain_v they_o as_o god_n be_v free_a to_o grant_v but_o for_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o our_o present_a and_o worldly_a interest_n we_o may_v ask_v with_o a_o assurance_n that_o god_n if_o he_o see_v they_o fit_a for_o our_o good_a will_v doubtless_o give_v they_o but_o if_o otherwise_o he_o will_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o liberality_n in_o another_o way_n for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v with_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o send_v such_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o for_o their_o advantage_n not_o always_o answerable_a to_o their_o desire_n he_o keep_v back_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v hurtful_a to_o they_o or_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o public_a good_a and_o instead_o of_o they_o he_o heap_v upon_o they_o other_o which_o will_v prove_v more_o real_o for_o their_o benefit_n man_n foresee_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o god_n inferior_a mercy_n good_a thing_n may_v become_v hurtful_a to_o we_o through_o the_o devil_n malice_n the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n and_o our_o corruption_n within_o as_o many_o disease_n be_v feed_v and_o increase_v by_o that_o food_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o strengthen_v the_o body_n of_o the_o healthful_a so_o likewise_o many_o inclination_n grow_v worse_o by_o those_o very_a blessing_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o some_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o piety_n in_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v not_o always_o turn_v to_o a_o good_a use_n and_o that_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o have_v a_o petitioner_n gratify_v his_o corrupt_a humour_n so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v confident_a of_o the_o grant_n of_o his_o request_n nor_o to_o flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o that_o which_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n for_o we_o as_o therefore_o a_o devout_a christian_a must_v offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n with_o this_o clause_n if_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n let_v he_o not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o obtain_v his_o petition_n in_o that_o very_a manner_n that_o he_o desire_v it_o and_o with_o that_o improper_a limitation_n of_o the_o overrule_a goodness_n of_o our_o god_n unless_o he_o be_v move_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o grant_n and_o unless_o he_o can_v discover_v the_o event_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v by_o some_o unusual_a revelation_n some_o pious_a soul_n often_o receive_v a_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n before_o they_o rise_v up_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comfort_v their_o droop_a spirit_n with_o a_o speedy_a and_o a_o gracious_a return_n as_o hannah_n who_o petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n 1_o sam._n 1.18_o rise_v up_o with_o a_o joyful_a countenance_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o life_n will_v give_v she_o a_o child_n she_o have_v unburthen_v herself_o of_o her_o sorrow_n in_o prayer_n and_o her_o heart_n and_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o so_o sad_a because_o she_o have_v receive_v some_o assurance_n of_o a_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o obtain_v her_o petition_n eight_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o that_o a_o devout_a christian_a must_v observe_v in_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n slack_v not_o nor_o be_v discourage_v for_o the_o first_o repulse_n or_o for_o a_o delay_n god_n grant_v not_o his_o mercy_n always_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o begin_v to_o ask_v his_o goodness_n be_v to_o be_v court_v by_o our_o zealous_a endeavour_n for_o he_o grant_v many_o time_n to_o our_o perseverance_n what_o he_o deny_v to_o our_o prayer_n the_o woman_n of_o syrophenicia_n meet_v with_o a_o refusal_n and_o have_v not_o her_o patience_n overcome_v this_o obstacle_n she_o have_v never_o return_v with_o the_o glad_a assurance_n of_o her_o daughter_n recovery_n if_o jacob_n have_v not_o contend_v with_o the_o angel_n he_o have_v never_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o blessing_n a_o holy_a and_o devout_a importunity_n seldom_o or_o never_o depart_v empty_a from_o god_n unwearied_a bounty_n he_o suffer_v for_o several_a cause_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o his_o servant_n to_o live_v a_o while_n in_o expectation_n of_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o intend_v at_o last_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v obtain_v with_o they_o a_o right_a esteem_n and_o be_v more_o high_o value_v that_o their_o faith_n patience_n confidence_n in_o he_o and_o all_o their_o grace_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o try_v the_o more_o and_o that_o their_o ability_n for_o prayer_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o a_o constant_a exercise_n and_o all_o impediment_n of_o a_o communion_n with_o our_o god_n may_v be_v remove_v for_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o his_o providence_n cast_v we_o into_o the_o want_n of_o many_o enjoyment_n that_o when_o we_o seek_v they_o from_o god_n by_o prayer_n both_o the_o endeavour_n to_o obtain_v they_o and_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o everlasting_a advantage_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n let_v not_o therefore_o the_o devout_a christian_a be_v discourage_v if_o god_n answer_v not_o his_o request_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o expect_v or_o desire_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o indiscreet_a act_n for_o we_o ignorant_a creature_n to_o limit_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o creator_n liberality_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o he_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o open_v his_o bountiful_a hand_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o cruelty_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o impiety_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v so_o impatient_a for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v and_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o we_o as_o injurious_a to_o his_o honour_n take_v heed_n of_o murmur_v for_o the_o want_n of_o earthly_a conveniency_n it_o be_v the_o great_a ruin_n of_o the_o israelite_n new_o escape_v out_o of_o pharaoh_n bondage_n and_o draw_v several_a plague_n upon_o their_o head_n as_o perseverance_n assist_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o bless_a mean_n to_o obtain_v and_o sanctify_v god_n mercy_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o turn_v they_o soon_o into_o curse_n than_o impatiency_n despair_n and_o insolent_a complaint_n against_o god_n love_n or_o power_n lift_v up_o always_o o_o christian_n thou_o eye_n and_o thy_o hand_n in_o expectation_n of_o god_n time_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n blessing_n be_v not_o weary_a to_o wait_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o bounty_n who_o be_v never_o weary_a to_o do_v thou_o good_a he_o be_v not_o so_o unmindful_a as_o thou_o think_v he_o to_o be_v his_o delay_n or_o refusal_n be_v more_o for_o thy_o advantage_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o mercy_n will_v be_v which_o thou_o desire_v with_o so_o much_o disrespect_n and_o impatience_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n require_v our_o confidence_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n demand_v from_o we_o a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o interest_n to_o his_o disposal_n without_o distaste_n or_o insolent_a complaint_n of_o our_o proud_a nature_n which_o
corrupt_v either_o the_o judgement_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o render_v they_o more_o unfit_a for_o god_n great_a design_n in_o our_o redemption_n but_o they_o never_o offer_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n or_o to_o thwart_v the_o common_a practice_n recommend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o well-advised_a piety_n of_o their_o predecessor_n this_o strange_a attempt_n be_v reserve_v for_o these_o last_o and_o worst_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o impiety_n which_o can_v never_o find_v entertainment_n among_o the_o primitive_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n have_v be_v greedy_o embrace_v by_o some_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n under_o the_o usual_a deceive_a pretence_n of_o purity_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v religious_a who_o slander_n condemn_v blaspheme_v and_o contradict_v the_o religious_a practice_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o if_o irregularity_n and_o a_o affect_a sigularity_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o render_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n for_o that_o purpose_n we_o have_v see_v they_o to_o our_o great_a grief_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o former_a age_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o and_o because_o they_o can_v not_o spy_v in_o they_o any_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o we_o have_v see_v these_o over_o zealous_a brethren_n general_o exclaim_v against_o all_o form_n as_o unlawful_a irreligious_a and_o popish_a leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o irregular_a dictate_v of_o their_o passion_n and_o presumptuous_a mind_n a_o mistake_n of_o a_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n that_o oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v holy_a scripture_n concern_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n you_o shall_v not_o find_v a_o church_n nor_o congregation_n profess_v the_o truth_n without_o set_a form_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v say_v when_o enos_n seth_n son_n be_v bear_v and_o that_o man_n begin_v to_o increase_v they_o begin_v also_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n cen._n 4.26_o which_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d simple_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n as_o if_o before_o that_o time_n neither_o adam_n nor_o eve_n have_v ever_o mind_v to_o call_v upon_o he_o nor_o none_o of_o their_o child_n for_o both_o cain_n and_o abel_n have_v be_v teach_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o substance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o continuance_n of_o his_o blessing_n beside_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o adam_n a_o man_n create_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o holiness_n who_o can_v not_o be_v insensible_a of_o our_o dependency_n upon_o and_o want_v of_o god_n daily_a mercy_n who_o have_v see_v his_o wonderful_a power_n in_o the_o creaton_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v forget_v to_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n holy_a name_n but_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o their_o call_n upon_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n in_o a_o public_a society_n and_o with_o set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n answerable_a to_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o solemnize_n the_o public_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o prayer_n praise_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n according_a to_o a_o certain_a manner_n appoint_v by_o the_o religious_a person_n of_o those_o day_n therefore_o in_o the_o original_a the_o word_n employ_v to_o signify_v in_o this_o passage_n call_v upon_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derive_v from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o meet_v together_o and_o assemble_v or_o from_o the_o root_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d public_o to_o read_v and_o declare_v or_o cry_v out_o because_o that_o this_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o these_o first_o man_n of_o the_o ancient_a world_n be_v perform_v in_o their_o public_a meeting_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o service_n and_o ordinary_a worship_n appoint_v and_o observe_v by_o the_o distinct_a read_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o infer_v sufficient_o that_o they_o have_v public_a place_n appoint_v person_n in_o who_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n be_v entrust_v and_o a_o common_a manner_n prescribe_v to_o they_o in_o writing_n which_o they_o be_v to_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o people_n further_o it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n that_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o many_o of_o his_o psalm_n he_o use_v the_o same_o significant_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a verse_n of_o the_o 116_o psalm_n and_o the_o 13_o verse_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o cup_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v usual_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o public_a sacrifice_n a_o type_n of_o our_o christian_a eucharist_n i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o calling_n signify_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o read_v those_o form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o relate_v the_o passage_n of_o former_a time_n to_o allude_v by_o the_o expression_n to_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o those_o action_n that_o be_v mention_v thus_o david_n in_o the_o 79th_o psalm_n verse_n 6._o desire_n god_n to_o send_v down_o his_o judgement_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o the_o heathen_a that_o have_v not_o know_v he_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d derive_v from_o the_o same_o root_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v send_v down_o thy_o judgement_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n which_o call_v not_o upon_o thou_o in_o public_a meeting_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o set_n nor_o appoint_v worship_n for_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o use_v in_o glorify_v thy_o name_n and_o in_o many_o other_o psalm_n david_n use_v the_o same_o expression_n which_o import_v a_o public_a assembly_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o praise_n and_o prayer_n in_o his_o divine_a worship_n when_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n this_o observation_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n both_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n have_v their_o constant_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o yet_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o poet_n it_o seem_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a custom_n from_o the_o first_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o god_n people_n be_v accustom_v to_o do_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a god_n these_o heathen_n do_v common_o practise_v the_o same_o in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o false_a god_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o their_o hymn_n and_o other_o ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n but_o this_o religious_a use_n of_o set_a form_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v by_o the_o song_n of_o triumph_n compose_v by_o moses_n and_o miriam_n exod._n 15._o after_o pharaoh_n overthrow_n in_o the_o red-sea_n moses_n the_o 9th_o psalm_n be_v a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n by_o the_o word_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n by_o the_o other_o institution_n and_o passage_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o chiesly_a by_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n which_o hezekiah_n restore_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o chron._n 29.25_o that_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psaltery_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n observe_v what_o be_v add_v in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n it_o seem_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o observe_v of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v no_o human_a institution_n but_o proceed_v from_o
have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o eloquency_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o unusual_a expression_n can_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o heart_n that_o god_n eye_n in_o all_o our_o service_n the_o whisper_n and_o private_a complaint_n of_o the_o one_o be_v hear_v when_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v reject_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n fly_v open_a at_o the_o beat_n of_o a_o devout_a heart_n when_o it_o remain_v bolt_v at_o the_o furious_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o eloquent_a tongue_n therefore_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a regard_n in_o prayer_n to_o examine_v that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n not_o that_o which_o gratify_v our_o own_o humour_n we_o shall_v choose_v those_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o wherein_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v as_o well_o concern_v as_o our_o tongue_n in_o order_n thereunto_o as_o the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a help_n that_o we_o can_v procure_v both_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a to_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o ignorant_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n wherefore_o man_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o they_o and_o extemporary_a prayer_n set_v up_o those_o form_n i_o mean_v where_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o not_o only_a word_n where_o the_o conception_n be_v plain_o express_v and_o the_o prayer_n fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o weak_a capacity_n they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o plain_a nor_o too_o easy_a and_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o learned_a ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o a_o trouble_n to_o condescend_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n to_o request_v word_v in_o a_o manner_n answerable_a to_o the_o mean_a ability_n for_o christianity_n require_v from_o they_o a_o union_n with_o the_o weak_a of_o their_o brethren_n who_o be_v in_o as_o great_a a_o likelihood_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o obtain_v god_n glory_n as_o person_n of_o the_o great_a reach_n and_o judgement_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o upbraid_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n with_o too_o much_o formality_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o set_a form_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o new_a compose_a prayer_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o we_o ourselves_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n do_v not_o give_v cause_n for_o this_o aspersion_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o deceive_v the_o ignorant_a with_o its_o first_o plausible_a appearance_n let_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o formality_n nor_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o because_o that_o we_o use_v set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n but_o because_o we_o use_v they_o not_o right_a with_o that_o devotion_n respect_n humility_n and_o inward_a affection_n as_o become_v christian_n and_o petitioner_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n because_o in_o our_o public_a service_n we_o repeat_v only_o the_o word_n and_o mind_v not_o the_o utter_v they_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o some_o make_v it_o only_o a_o trade_n to_o go_v to_o prayer_n other_o run_v they_o over_o as_o a_o task_n and_o too_o many_o mind_n the_o form_n but_o few_o mind_n the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o express_v and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a qualification_n and_o outward_a humility_n that_o i_o have_v now_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n this_o cause_v i_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v name_v a_o great_a many_o cause_n that_o we_o ourselves_o give_v but_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o for_o brevity_n sake_n to_o these_o six_o follow_v first_o i_o must_v accuse_v the_o clergy_n both_o high_a and_o low_a great_a and_o small_a for_o have_v give_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o rubric_n by_o their_o indifferent_a practice_n by_o their_o over_o hasty_a read_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o omission_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o they_o shall_v outward_o express_v and_o that_o devotion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n they_o give_v occasion_n to_o many_o to_o slight_v the_o very_a prayer_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n to_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v the_o people_n example_n and_o pattern_n to_o show_v they_o how_o to_o beg_v god_n mercy_n as_o well_o as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v they_o for_o their_o relief_n and_o the_o great_a care_n they_o shall_v take_v to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o reverence_n because_o their_o practice_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v of_o so_o great_a a_o consequence_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o esteem_v those_o prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o person_n that_o officiate_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v read_v over_o the_o prayer_n not_o as_o we_o peruse_v a_o story_n in_o a_o book_n but_o with_o his_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o upon_o his_o knee_n he_o ought_v to_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o deliver_v they_o with_o the_o most_o apparent_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n of_o reverence_n and_o earnestness_n imaginable_a endeavour_v to_o grace_v the_o godly_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o thy_o graceful_a and_o comely_a delivery_n with_o thy_o decent_a and_o respectful_a posture_n and_o gesture_n and_o let_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o assembly_n learn_v from_o thou_o my_o reverend_a brother_n the_o manner_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o prayer_n o_o let_v not_o the_o negligence_n and_o sloathfulness_n of_o so_o many_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n but_o strive_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v thyself_o that_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o thy_o hearer_n i_o speak_v to_o you_o chief_o who_o office_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o sing_v daily_a praise_n to_o god_n in_o cathedral_n church_n think_v not_o that_o you_o have_v sufficient_o discharge_v your_o duty_n if_o you_o have_v observe_v your_o distance_n your_o tune_n and_o please_v the_o auditor_n with_o your_o melodious_a voice_n o_o remember_v my_o christian_a brother_n that_o thou_o must_v likewise_o please_v thy_o god_n with_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o tune_n as_o well_o his_o praise_n with_o the_o inward_a affection_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o outward_a concert_n of_o music_n take_v heed_n lest_o thy_o behaviour_n or_o thy_o negligent_a discharge_n of_o thy_o duty_n give_v scandal_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o weakness_n which_o thou_o may_v discover_v at_o such_o a_o time_n second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n give_v by_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o wealthy_a clergy_n who_o seldom_o read_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o unless_o it_o be_v some_o small_a portion_n but_o common_o employ_v their_o deacon_n or_o the_o mean_a person_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o rubric_n as_o if_o that_o office_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o their_o promotion_n and_o dignity_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o we_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o it_o make_v we_o like_o our_o divine_a and_o great_a saviour_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o request_n be_v there_o any_o that_o name_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o scorn_v to_o imitate_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n no_o person_n can_v be_v too_o worthy_a for_o so_o excellent_a a_o employment_n and_o because_o the_o usual_a method_n observe_v in_o cathedral_n can_v well_o be_v change_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o superior_a clergy_n the_o bishop_n the_o dean_n and_o the_o canon_n will_v sometime_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o have_v total_o appropriate_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o foundation_n and_o society_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v remove_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o disesteem_a of_o our_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v and_o entertain_v thereby_o for_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n
their_o prejudices_fw-la therefore_o against_o our_o rubric_n be_v more_o dangerous_a but_o if_o a_o judicious_a and_o pious_a soul_n will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o sift_v they_o out_o and_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la they_o shall_v either_o find_v none_o or_o such_o slender_a one_o as_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o wonder_v at_o their_o stiffneckedness_n and_o strange_a fancy_n such_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o render_v they_o most_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o foreign_a church_n of_o christ_n their_o most_o ordinary_a and_o popular_a complaint_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popish_a and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n a_o error_n which_o any_o man_n will_v acknowledge_v if_o he_o will_v but_o compare_v our_o prayer_n with_o the_o popish_a prayer_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v popish_a which_o oppose_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n against_o all_o the_o heresy_n plot_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichristian_a pope_n at_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v popish_a which_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o which_o their_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n embrace_v as_o most_o consonant_a with_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n may_v with_o as_o much_o likelihood_n be_v say_v to_o be_v popish_a or_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v they_o in_o their_o breviarium_fw-la to_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n this_o accusation_n appear_v a_o mere_a calumny_n unless_o any_o of_o those_o refine_a soul_n can_v spy_v out_o and_o show_v we_o any_o particular_a in_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o savour_v of_o the_o romish_a error_n and_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o pope_n interest_n among_o we_o but_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n of_o abusive_a tongue_n when_o they_o can_v instance_n any_o certain_a crime_n to_o bring_v their_o accusation_n in_o gross_a that_o their_o malice_n may_v be_v less_o discernible_a and_o their_o charge_n may_v be_v more_o weighty_a but_o let_v not_o the_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n deter_v thou_o my_o christian_a brother_n from_o make_v use_n with_o comfort_n to_o thy_o soul_n of_o these_o godly_a prayer_n let_v not_o these_o mistake_a brethren_n infect_v thy_o judgement_n with_o the_o same_o troublesome_a error_n examine_v and_o try_v search_v into_o every_o corner_n of_o this_o book_n and_o see_v whether_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o colour_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v to_o say_v any_o sign_n of_o those_o error_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n let_v not_o their_o imposture_n prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o thy_o discretion_n as_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v for_o popery_n what_o be_v agreeable_a with_o christ_n true_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v most_o conformable_a of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o belief_n government_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o in_o this_o of_o the_o liturgy_n our_o church_n recommend_v that_o manner_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v most_o like_a that_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o our_o government_n and_o condition_n as_o our_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o our_o late_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a memory_n declare_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n all_o other_o accusation_n as_o well_o as_o this_o savour_v more_o of_o malice_n and_o displeasure_n than_o right_a reason_n and_o tend_v to_o this_o ungracious_a end_n to_o abolish_v order_n and_o method_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o introduce_v a_o sad_a and_o unreasonable_a confusion_n in_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a take_v heed_n if_o he_o himself_o have_v such_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o these_o form_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n that_o he_o can_v use_v they_o himself_o with_o any_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o disturb_v not_o other_o mind_n with_o the_o same_o schismatical_a mistake_n and_o spread_v not_o abroad_o what_o i_o can_v wish_v be_v consign_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n let_v he_o not_o hinder_v other_o from_o the_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v from_o a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o these_o prayer_n to_o god_n abstain_v my_o christian_a brother_n from_o blaspheme_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v or_o that_o which_o thou_o hate_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n draw_v not_o other_o into_o the_o same_o prejudice_n and_o be_v not_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v our_o devotion_n not_o acceptable_a to_o our_o good_a god_n because_o thou_o have_v a_o implacable_a displeasure_n against_o they_o think_v not_o that_o piety_n be_v confine_v to_o thy_o breast_n alone_o and_o to_o those_o of_o thy_o sect._n lay_v aside_o i_o beseech_v thou_o that_o bitterness_n that_o peevishness_n and_o froward_a temper_n which_o make_v thou_o fret_v at_o our_o good_a order_n and_o christian_a discipline_n if_o thou_o perceive_v any_o fault_n coldness_n dulness_n or_o unhandsome_a action_n in_o private_a person_n charge_v not_o their_o miscarriage_n upon_o our_o church_n or_o rubric_n but_o be_v so_o reasonable_a not_o to_o proclaim_v thy_o unreasonable_a distaste_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o and_o thyself_o six_o i_o can_v forget_v to_o mention_v another_o cause_n of_o man_n contempt_n of_o our_o form_n and_o rubric_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o manner_n of_o present_v they_o to_o god_n which_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o meet_v with_o true_a comfort_n and_o real_a benefit_n for_o i_o know_v some_o that_o have_v constant_o attend_v at_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v for_o many_o year_n scarce_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n that_o do_v invite_v they_o yet_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n find_v that_o inward_a content_n which_o they_o now_o think_v to_o receive_v from_o new_a modes_n of_o prayer_n and_o at_o last_o have_v total_o forsake_v they_o cry_v out_o most_o bitter_o against_o their_o former_a formality_n lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o that_o unfit_a temper_n proceed_v from_o the_o prayer_n and_o not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o when_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o prejudice_n education_n or_o interest_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n at_o our_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o this_o ignorance_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o of_o our_o public_a peace_n which_o if_o any_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o expel_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n benefit_n let_v he_o serious_o consider_v and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n which_o will_v show_v he_o how_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n with_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o general_a direction_n to_o pray_v well_o which_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v to_o practice_n in_o all_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n particular_a three_o particular_a but_o beside_o those_o which_o suit_n with_o all_o temper_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o suppose_v that_o some_o advice_n beside_o may_v be_v give_v more_o particular_o and_o more_o proper_a for_o those_o person_n among_o we_o that_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o our_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o prejudice_v against_o it_o some_o advice_n i_o mean_v that_o may_v have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o their_o causeless_a mistake_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_o i_o judge_v many_o stand_n in_o great_a need_n of_o these_o direction_n who_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o devotion_n for_o prejudice_n here_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o learn_v or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o practise_v what_o their_o affection_n teach_v they_o in_o other_o case_n to_o perform_v without_o a_o teacher_n if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o charity_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v true_o and_o zealous_o affect_v in_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o their_o minister_n composure_n and_o that_o they_o can_v join_v their_o heart_n in_o devotion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o those_o person_n that_o seem_v outward_o to_o be_v so_o dispose_v be_v real_o so_o in_o
their_o heart_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v delight_v with_o the_o prayer_n whether_o their_o soul_n be_v true_o in_o a_o pray_a temper_n first_o endeavour_v to_o be_v hearty_o reconcile_v with_o the_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n recommend_v in_o our_o church_n employ_v reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o persuade_v thyself_o my_o christian_a brother_n to_o embrace_v what_o duty_n command_v that_o duty_n which_o thou_o owe_v to_o authority_n and_o thy_o interest_n oblige_v thou_o to_o practice_n why_o shall_v prejudice_n keep_v thou_o always_o blindfolded_a why_o shall_v man_n of_o perverse_a judgement_n and_o corrupt_a design_n impose_v upon_o thy_o judgement_n such_o gross_a mistake_n why_o will_v thou_o dote_v upon_o thy_o own_o error_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o so_o much_o stiffness_n as_o if_o thy_o salvation_n do_v thereupon_o depend_v those_o error_n i_o mean_v that_o cause_n thou_o to_o look_v upon_o our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o superstitious_a and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o thou_o and_o other_o displeasure_n at_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n take_v not_o thing_n of_o that_o high_a concernment_n upon_o trust_n and_o captivate_v not_o thy_o discretion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o never_o so_o learned_a but_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n and_o holy_a scripture_n right_o interpret_v labour_v to_o lift_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a endeavour_n make_v use_n of_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v expel_v and_o drive_v away_o all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n which_o keep_v thou_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o manner_n of_o worship_v our_o great_a god_n consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o desire_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o first_o composer_n the_o approbation_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n the_o command_n and_o injunction_n of_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n who_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n in_o all_o their_o law_n relate_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o thy_o salvation_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o uniformity_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o thou_o excelle_v they_o in_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v in_o the_o good_a end_n which_o they_o purpose_v to_o themselves_o without_o this_o reconcilement_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o thou_o to_o receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o our_o prayer_n by_o join_v with_o we_o for_o thy_o soul_n will_v never_o offer_v up_o hearty_o to_o god_n that_o for_o which_o it_o have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n second_o overcome_v in_o thy_o soul_n all_o inward_a displeasure_n which_o thou_o have_v conceive_v against_o the_o person_n of_o thy_o minister_n officiate_a or_o distaste_n at_o his_o behaviour_n and_o action_n what_o if_o he_o be_v open_o scandalous_a or_o at_o variance_n with_o thou_o let_v not_o his_o guiltiness_n cause_v thou_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o irregularity_n or_o neglect_v thy_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v not_o your_o mutual_a dissatisfaction_n cause_n you_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n such_o wicked_a varlet_n as_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o cause_v many_o to_o slight_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o excusable_a before_o god_n who_o require_v a_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n from_o every_o distinct_a person_n and_o allow_v not_o the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o the_o disorderly_a behaviour_n of_o the_o other_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o whilst_o thou_o be_v inward_o displease_v with_o thy_o minister_n thou_o can_v never_o conjoin_v thy_o heart_n with_o the_o godly_a prayer_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whilst_o thou_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o person_n his_o prayer_n and_o his_o word_n will_v never_o benefit_v thou_o much_o i_o shall_v not_o examine_v the_o many_o frivolous_a cause_n of_o distaste_n which_o the_o man_n of_o our_o day_n entertain_v against_o the_o clergy_n but_o this_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o interest_n of_o a_o parishioner_n to_o smother_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n conceive_v against_o his_o minister_n special_o at_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n when_o he_o be_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o pray_v right_a look_v not_o on_o he_o at_o that_o time_n as_o thy_o enemy_n but_o as_o thy_o friend_n who_o pray_v for_o thy_o necessity_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o look_v not_o on_o he_o as_o one_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o but_o reconcile_v in_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o religion_n god_n forbid_v that_o the_o usual_a difference_n of_o man_n about_o worldly_a interest_n shall_v separate_v we_o in_o god_n presence_n from_o one_o another_o and_o cause_v our_o variance_n to_o be_v eternal_a if_o therefore_o we_o be_v likely_a notwithstanding_o our_o present_a debate_n to_o meet_v unanimous_o to_o worship_n god_n majesty_n for_o all_o eternity_n and_o sing_v to_o he_o angelical_a halelujah_n hereafter_o why_o may_v we_o not_o now_o suppress_v our_o displeasure_n stifle_v our_o passion_n and_o reconcile_v ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n and_o common_a benefactor_n for_o that_o intent_n it_o concern_v thou_o not_o to_o mind_n so_o much_o the_o person_n as_o the_o petition_n not_o so_o much_o the_o minister_n as_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o at_o who_o command_n thou_o be_v ready_a to_o forget_v the_o most_o sensible_a wrong_n and_o check_v the_o strong_a passion_n of_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n three_o think_v not_o that_o the_o vicious_a behaviour_n of_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n will_v be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o thy_o prayer_n or_o hinder_v their_o accptance_n it_o be_v the_o common_a excuse_n of_o man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v promiscuous_o admit_v and_o that_o they_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o the_o open_o debauch_v or_o with_o person_n that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v scandalous_a but_o this_o vain_a pretence_n proceed_v many_o time_n from_o a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o our_o own_o sanctity_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o pharisee_n temper_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o impudence_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o the_o publican_n humility_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o god_n that_o see_v all_o our_o action_n and_o temper_n know_v how_o to_o put_v a_o disterence_n between_o thy_o relegious_a behaviour_n and_o the_o vice_n of_o a_o wicked_a christian_a it_o be_v not_o thy_o neighbour_n ungodliness_n that_o can_v prejudice_v thy_o devotion_n why_o shall_v thou_o be_v offend_v with_o that_o which_o god_n allow_v and_o the_o public_a unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n require_v we_o can_v wish_v that_o in_o our_o public_a assembly_n all_o be_v saint_n and_o angel_n but_o see_v that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o cull_v and_o pick_v out_o every_o vicious_a person_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o by_o some_o ill-willer_n i_o be_o afraid_a scarce_o any_o will_v be_v leave_v we_o must_v therefore_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o disturb_v not_o the_o public_a quiet_a more_o than_o the_o vicious_a and_o the_o profane_a by_o our_o indiscreet_a and_o schismatical_a nicety_n four_o if_o thou_o will_v offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o benefit_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o thy_o heart_n careful_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n enjoin_v in_o the_o common-prayer_n who_o know_v but_o that_o this_o submission_n and_o this_o custom_n will_v have_v a_o speedy_a influence_n upon_o thy_o mind_n to_o cause_v thy_o soul_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o god_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n between_o they_o will_v beget_v a_o mutual_a compliance_n between_o the_o action_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o the_o often_o practise_v of_o thing_n must_v needs_o reconcile_v we_o to_o those_o performance_n and_o remove_v the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v not_o ground_v in_o reason_n nor_o strengthen_v by_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o weak_a brother_n can_v at_o present_v comply_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o he_o find_v a_o inward_a repugnancy_n for_o the_o public_a prayer_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o receive_v the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n thereby_o intend_v let_v he_o follow_v and_o try_v my_o advice_n but_o a_o few_o month_n let_v he_o
holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v act_v in_o we_o without_o our_o assistance_n and_o cooperation_n and_o if_o he_o do_v the_o devotion_n be_v he_o and_o none_o of_o we_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v the_o unruly_a and_o wander_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o pray_a temper_n in_o all_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n three_o therefore_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o we_o or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n this_o be_v a_o consequence_n deducible_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v that_o pray_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o set_a form_n and_o so_o much_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pretend_a pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o acquiesce_v to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o allege_v let_v he_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n whatever_o interpretation_n we_o give_v to_o the_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v that_o purpose_n whether_o we_o understand_v they_o concern_v the_o gift_n or_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n without_o a_o real_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o every_o expression_n without_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n petition_v for_o and_o without_o a_o devout_a composure_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v how_o this_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o our_o assidual_a endeavour_n for_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o disposition_n it_o ought_v to_o recollect_v and_o call_v back_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o labour_n to_o express_v both_o a_o feel_n of_o its_o want_n and_o a_o dutiful_a reverence_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n serious_o cider_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o more_o freedom_n in_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n imprint_v either_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o our_o book_n than_o in_o extemporary_a pray_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o act_v its_o part_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o devotion_n than_o in_o such_o prayer_n where_o it_o have_v so_o many_o office_n to_o perform_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o some_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n learning_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o inward_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a in_o extemporary_a prayer_n consider_v whether_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n pray_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o set_a form_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v deny_v of_o those_o help_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n wherein_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o devout_a soul_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n which_o god_n greatness_n requite_v at_o our_o hand_n second_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o ready_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o slender_a ability_n of_o such_o person_n both_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o condescend_v to_o their_o mean_a gift_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o assistance_n as_o they_o want_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n require_v from_o they_o now_o from_o the_o beginning_n set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o these_o person_n because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o and_o their_o several_a want_n to_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o become_v we_o mortal_a men._n if_o therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weak_a kind_n of_o christian_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o to_o the_o strong_a no_o doubt_n but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v use_v these_o help_n with_o more_o advantage_n a_o staff_n be_v good_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o feeble_a body_n to_o make_v it_o walk_v with_o more_o assurance_n and_o be_v likewise_o as_o beneficial_a to_o a_o strong_a person_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o one_o can_v possible_o walk_v without_o it_o and_o the_o other_o may_v march_v a_o few_o step_n and_o it_o may_v be_v proceed_v on_o in_o his_o way_n without_o it_o but_o for_o more_o ease_n and_o better_a conveniency_n it_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o tedious_a march_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o staff_n which_o may_v succour_v his_o infirmity_n and_o may_v comfort_v his_o weary_a limb_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o reject_v useful_a thing_n to_o say_v man_n may_v be_v without_o they_o i_o think_v it_o wisdom_n not_o to_o cast_v away_o such_o beneficial_a help_n to_o our_o devotion_n as_o be_v set_a form_n because_o we_o may_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o ability_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o able_a to_o compose_v some_o of_o a_o high_a strain_n and_o more_o passionate_a some_o that_o may_v gratify_v our_o own_o and_o the_o people_n corrupt_a humour_n which_o usual_o despise_v thing_n that_o be_v common_a when_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v their_o worth_n three_o consider_v how_o apt_a our_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v wander_v and_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v draw_v aside_o from_o our_o devotion_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v well_o which_o six_v our_o mind_n and_o settle_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v this_o good_a office_n to_o we_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n judicious_o compose_v either_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n or_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n for_o in_o the_o former_a method_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v tie_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o step_v aside_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o other_o sense_n yet_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o judicious_a christian_a can_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sense_n be_v better_a able_a to_o limit_v and_o stop_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o unruliness_n of_o his_o thought_n than_o when_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o they_o to_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o the_o pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o some_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o foolish_a humour_n of_o other_o have_v teach_v man_n to_o reject_v and_o contemn_v our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n establish_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v the_o best_a liturgy_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o modern_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o hinder_v man_n from_o use_v they_o with_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o their_o strong_a displeasure_n their_o frowad_n temper_n and_o their_o itch_a ear_n a_o disease_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o heart_n and_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o organ_n of_o hear_v let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v thou_o my_o christian_a reader_n serious_o to_o peruse_v these_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o let_v not_o any_o popular_a mistake_n nor_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n discourage_v thou_o in_o the_o devour_v use_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o thy_o god_n where_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v from_o thou_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n and_o in_o thy_o private_a family_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n and_o
thou_o design_a yet_o to_o continue_v i_o some_o time_n long_o in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n grant_v i_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v with_o more_o circumspection_n that_o i_o may_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o behaviour_n a_o more_o religious_a observer_n of_o thy_o holy_a law_n more_o zealous_a and_o mindful_a to_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v that_o i_o may_v emprove_v the_o few_o moment_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o to_o live_v to_o prepare_v for_o a_o long_a eternity_n and_o not_o waste_v my_o precious_a time_n in_o vanity_n as_o i_o have_v former_o do_v mitigate_v i_o beseech_v thou_o my_o great_a pain_n take_v away_o thy_o heavy_a hand_n from_o i_o and_o give_v i_o ease_v or_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o patience_n to_o endure_v what_o thou_o shall_v think_v convenient_a to_o lay_v upon_o i_o let_v i_o receive_v these_o admonition_n from_o thou_o in_o that_o dutiful_a manner_n as_o become_v i_o thy_o poor_a disease_a servant_n that_o i_o may_v never_o depend_v too_o much_o upon_o my_o present_a be_v but_o always_o think_v upon_o and_o look_v for_o my_o departure_n that_o i_o may_v be_v always_o prepare_v for_o a_o removal_n out_o of_o this_o incommodious_a inn_n into_o that_o house_n that_o be_v not_o make_v with_o hand_n out_o of_o this_o life_n chequer_a with_o so_o many_o suffering_n into_o a_o uniform_a and_o bless_a estate_n where_o all_o these_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n o_o my_o god_n let_v not_o thy_o grace_n and_o goodness_n forsake_v i_o or_o leave_v i_o to_o myself_o suffer_v i_o not_o through_o impatience_n to_o hasten_v my_o death_n or_o to_o desire_v it_o before_o it_o be_v thy_o will_n to_o take_v i_o hence_o let_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o dispose_v of_o my_o own_o life_n which_o thou_o have_v reserve_v to_o thyself_o alone_o but_o strengthen_v my_o resolution_n and_o courage_n to_o bear_v without_o murmur_v or_o complain_v with_o a_o quiet_a and_o content_a spirit_n what_o thy_o wisdom_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a for_o i_o and_o to_o wait_v with_o a_o christian_a temper_n for_o my_o appoint_a time_n when_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o my_o pain_n release_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o this_o crazy_a and_o pollute_a prison_n and_o take_v this_o immortal_a be_v out_o of_o this_o decay_a house_n whereof_o the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n have_v be_v so_o terrible_o shake_v by_o my_o present_a disâ—ase_n that_o i_o have_v just_o think_v it_o will_v before_o this_o time_n fall_v into_o ruin_n prepare_v i_o for_o thyself_o o_o my_o god_n and_o when_o thou_o shall_v call_v i_o away_o receive_v i_o into_o thy_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a sanctuary_n where_o my_o ever_o bless_a saviour_n sit_v at_o thy_o right_a hand_n to_o intercede_v for_o i_o amen_n a_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n when_o the_o symptom_n of_o death_n appear_v o_o almighty_a god_n and_o heavenly_a father_n i_o 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