his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v and_o injure_v to_o own_o his_o goodness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o deny_v compassion_n to_o his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n to_o intercede_v with_o he_o for_o new_a benefit_n and_o employ_v those_o already_o grant_v in_o oppose_v his_o authority_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o have_v receive_v life_n and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o to_o yield_v he_o any_o service_n for_o it_o to_o confess_v his_o unlimited_a knowledge_n and_o presence_n and_o therewith_o retain_v secret_a resolution_n of_o sin_v all_o these_o be_v as_o heinous_a provocation_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o form_v all_o yet_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o pray_v with_o impure_a heart_n and_o mind_n and_o all_o yet_o receive_v this_o far_a aggravation_n that_o they_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n such_o be_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n but_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v belief_n in_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n no_o less_o weighty_a than_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o prayer_n consist_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v grant_v mere_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o through_o his_o merit_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o christian_a prayer_n and_o if_o ourselves_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o yet_o the_o scripture_n will_v abundant_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o that_o in_o he_o and_o through_o he_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n to_o we_o no_o christian_a therefore_o have_v any_o other_o title_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o relation_n can_v consist_v without_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v all_o direct_v to_o promote_v purity_n justice_n and_o holiness_n the_o want_n of_o these_o condition_n break_v off_o the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o man_n who_o then_o in_o vain_a supplicate_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o by_o disobedience_n he_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o may_v plead_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v all-sufficient_a but_o himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o they_o he_o may_v fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n seat_n but_o will_v find_v no_o high_a priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o who_o by_o his_o sin_n have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o crucify_a he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n ii_o the_o second_o condition_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v offer_v up_o without_o wrath_n that_o be_v without_o malice_n or_o hatred_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o anger_v grow_v inveterate_a the_o passion_n of_o anger_n be_v indeed_o no_o less_o unlawful_a to_o those_o that_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n because_o it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a that_o while_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o passion_n continue_v any_o one_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o pray_v while_o that_o commotion_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o attend_v anger_n last_v the_o mind_n can_v attend_v to_o nothing_o else_o and_o can_v direct_v its_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o during_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o unnatural_a to_o undertake_v it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o engage_v its_o whole_a strength_n and_o intention_n and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n which_o it_o can_v do_v when_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v between_o prayer_n and_o anger_n it_o ought_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o compose_v itself_o in_o a_o sedate_n and_o quiet_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o can_v do_v while_o disorder_v by_o any_o passion_n which_o reason_n will_v also_o make_v prayer_n unbefitting_a and_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n impossible_a not_o only_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o anger_n but_o also_o in_o such_o a_o hatred_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o violence_n of_o it_o continual_o employ_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n especial_o where_o the_o person_n hate_v be_v present_a to_o it_o and_o allow_v to_o it_o no_o interval_n of_o calm_a and_o quiet_a until_o it_o be_v either_o satisfy_v with_o revenge_n or_o expire_v with_o long_a time_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o hatred_n be_v a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a anger_n which_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o prayer_n during_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o but_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v monstrous_a the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n allow_v frequent_a interval_n of_o serenity_n to_o the_o mind_n fret_v not_o the_o thought_n continual_o and_o have_v this_o immediate_a effect_n only_o that_o whensoever_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o do_v return_v or_o the_o cause_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v be_v recall_v to_o mind_n either_o resolution_n or_o desire_n of_o revenge_n be_v conceive_v and_o a_o purpose_n form_v of_o not_o forgive_a even_o this_o moderate_a and_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o hatred_n render_v the_o soul_n unfit_a for_o prayer_n and_o always_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o it_o for_o in_o prayer_n if_o direct_v and_o conceive_v aright_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o resign_v up_o his_o affection_n and_o faculty_n entire_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o but_o he_o who_o nourish_v hatred_n in_o his_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a neither_o resign_v up_o himself_o nor_o confess_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a affection_n he_o retain_v in_o opposition_n to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o seek_v or_o desire_v revenge_n he_o make_v himself_o a_o judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o suppose_a injury_n and_o thereby_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o if_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o have_v the_o only_a right_a to_o exercise_v such_o a_o judgement_n this_o confession_n therefore_o of_o subjection_n and_o self-resignation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o prayer_n can_v consist_v with_o hatred_n and_o indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n join_v with_o hatred_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thy_o disposal_n but_o will_v not_o commit_v my_o cause_n to_o thy_o decision_n i_o devote_v my_o affection_n and_o faculty_n to_o thy_o service_n but_o will_v not_o quit_v my_o hatred_n for_o thy_o command_n i_o acknowledge_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o reserve_v to_o myself_o a_o right_a to_o judge_v and_o punish_v by_o revenge_n my_o enemy_n who_o yet_o be_v my_o equal_a and_o thy_o subject_n so_o absurd_a incongruous_a and_o repugnant_a be_v the_o thought_n and_o petition_n of_o a_o malicious_a soul_n compare_v together_o as_o do_v not_o only_o just_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o the_o petition_n but_o also_o deserve_v a_o eminent_a punishment_n for_o dare_v thus_o to_o collude_v with_o god_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o hatred_n with_o prayer_n be_v yet_o behind_o namely_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n who_o may_v just_o affix_v whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o success_n in_o prayer_n he_o have_v above_o all_o other_o qualification_n pre-required_n freedom_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n this_o he_o have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v before_o any_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o especial_o that_o solemn_a one_o of_o prayer_n be_v pay_v to_o himself_o as_o in_o matth._n v._n 23._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n he_o have_v make_v this_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n to_o mankind_n forgive_v that_o you_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o not_o neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n matth._n vi_o 14._o he_o have_v insert_v this_o condition_n into_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v both_o as_o a_o form_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o christian_n forgive_v we_o our_o
of_o gratitude_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a corporeal_a bondage_n and_o leave_v we_o without_o any_o obligation_n of_o render_v public_a and_o solemn_a honour_n to_o he_o for_o free_v we_o from_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a slavery_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o feast_n of_o easter_n institute_v in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o redemption_n be_v to_o we_o what_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o they_o appoint_v in_o memory_n of_o their_o deliverance_n christ_n be_v our_o passover_n as_o we_o hear_v this_o morning_n from_o 1_o cor._n v._o let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o christian_a festival_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v they_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o no_o less_o religion_n than_o be_v the_o festival_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o with_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n gratitude_n and_o devotion_n because_o they_o commemorate_v far_o great_a benefit_n that_o this_o festival_n therefore_o be_v particular_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o obscure_o intimate_v but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n immediate_o after_o their_o time_n do_v most_o evident_o manifest_v it_o scarce_o be_v st._n john_n the_o last_o liver_n of_o the_o apostle_n dead_a when_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n begin_v to_o divide_v about_o the_o time_n of_o solemnize_n easter_n not_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v solemnize_v but_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o fix_a or_o a_o movable_a feast_n both_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o custom_n as_o for_o a_o essential_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o indeed_o strain_v a_o circumstance_n too_o far_o but_o clear_o prove_v thereby_o that_o the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o easter_n be_v then_o by_o all_o christian_n account_v a_o essential_a institution_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o they_o esteem_v it_o unlawful_a to_o vary_v the_o least_o circumstance_n former_o receive_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o festival_n have_v succeed_v instead_o of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o do_v prefigure_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o our_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o ceremony_n prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o they_o in_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb._n as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o remove_v all_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o house_n so_o we_o be_v to_o put_v away_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o they_o then_o sing_v hymn_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o consummate_v our_o redemption_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o day_n as_o they_o eat_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n in_o a_o habit_n and_o posture_n express_v their_o readiness_n to_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a testimony_n of_o rejoice_v and_o mutual_a kindness_n so_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o be_v pay_v upon_o this_o day_n with_o a_o bitter_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a reliance_n upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o readiness_n to_o go_v wherever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o be_v for_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o with_o the_o most_o intense_a thanksgiving_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v form_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o more_o particular_o for_o raise_v to_o life_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n he_o who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n so_o by_o worthy_o celebrate_v here_o on_o earth_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o shall_v obtain_v to_o be_v hereafter_o admit_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o share_v in_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o now_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o april_n 5_o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n ii_o 8._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o whereby_o we_o chief_o pay_v our_o adoration_n to_o god_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o necessity_n to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v annex_v and_o so_o frequent_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n the_o necessity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o to_o effect_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o which_o this_o verse_n be_v more_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n in_o it_o the_o word_n easy_o direct_v i_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v ii_o the_o place_n of_o it_o every_o where_o iii_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n lift_v up_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o condition_n require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a and_o effectual_a lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v i._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_o command_v in_o the_o first_o word_n i_o will_v etc._n etc._n to_o enforce_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o command_v the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n a_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_v herein_o by_o divine_a commission_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o light_a matter_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n be_v long_o since_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n found_v by_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v his_o commission_n before_o he_o impose_v the_o command_n a_o command_n not_o first_o introduce_v by_o he_o but_o often_o repeat_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o who_o teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o since_o none_o as_o i_o suppose_v will_v dispute_v the_o command_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o proceed_v to_o do_v first_o then_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a act_n of_o adoration_n pay_v by_o man_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v necessary_a to_o we_o man_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n at_o first_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o afterward_o all_o his_o life_n long_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n and_o maintain_v by_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n all_o that_o service_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o pay_v and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o adore_v his_o majesty_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n to_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o own_o his_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o profess_v himself_o the_o creature_n the_o servant_n the_o subject_a of_o god_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o as_o such_o this_o be_v all_o which_o man_n can_v pay_v to_o god_n for_o those_o infinite_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v promote_v by_o we_o the_o infinity_o of_o his_o nature_n have_v set_v he_o beyond_o all_o want_n of_o external_a aid_n and_o even_o beyond_o all_o increase_n of_o happiness_n even_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o our_o worship_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o the_o less_o require_v of_o we_o since_o it_o declare_v our_o conviction_n of_o that_o gratitude_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o benefit_n and_o his_o power_n that_o honour_n worship_n and_o reverence_n which_o belong_v
trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o that_o so_o as_o true_o sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o as_o we_o desire_v pardon_n so_o true_o and_o real_o we_o may_v pardon_v other_o and_o not_o only_o profess_v pardon_n to_o other_o in_o use_v this_o form_n of_o word_n but_o also_o renounce_v all_o hope_n or_o claim_n of_o pardon_n from_o god_n if_o what_o we_o then_o profess_v we_o do_v not_o indeed_o intend_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o implore_v by_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o beneficence_n and_o be_v undeserved_a by_o men._n if_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v they_o he_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o affix_v what_o condition_n himself_o please_v to_o they_o he_o may_v have_v command_v some_o very_a difficult_a preparation_n some_o extraordinary_a return_n of_o thanks_o but_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v all_o into_o a_o condition_n so_o easy_a so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o mutual_a remission_n of_o injury_n he_o have_v leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v that_o all_o the_o duty_n exact_v by_o he_o be_v design_v rather_o for_o their_o benefit_n than_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n if_o it_o seem_v a_o hard_a condition_n to_o forgive_v those_o many_o provocation_n and_o injury_n which_o one_o man_n may_v receive_v from_o another_o without_o any_o compensation_n or_o satisfaction_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o much_o great_a provocation_n and_o more_o numerous_a injury_n the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o how_o much_o more_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o pardon_n we_o be_v injure_v by_o other_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n who_o possible_o have_v no_o dependence_n on_o we_o have_v receive_v no_o obligation_n from_o we_o and_o may_v have_v be_v provoke_v by_o we_o but_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n offer_v violence_n to_o our_o creator_n by_o who_o we_o subsist_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v who_o have_v confer_v on_o we_o already_o eminent_a benefit_n and_o intend_v yet_o great_a we_o may_v have_v be_v injure_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o whoever_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o wander_a thought_n the_o impure_a desire_n the_o vain_a imagination_n and_o perhaps_o the_o more_o flagrant_a sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n will_v find_v that_o he_o have_v more_o grievous_o offend_v god_n in_o that_o little_a time_n than_o by_o all_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o man_n he_o can_v have_v be_v provoke_v in_o his_o whole_a life_n if_o then_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o deprecate_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o one_o day_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n and_o pardon_v be_v offer_v by_o god_n upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o freedom_n from_o wrath_n and_o hatred_n it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o our_o interest_n than_o our_o duty_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n in_o prayer_n without_o wrath_n iii_o to_o this_o condition_n the_o apostle_n add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v offer_v without_o doubt_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v a_o disputation_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o mind_n concern_v a_o opinion_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v that_o opinion_n which_o all_o true_a believer_n ought_v to_o entertain_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n this_o doubt_v may_v relate_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n concern_v prayer_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a worthiness_n of_o the_o supplicant_n in_o the_o first_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o doubt_v overthrow_v the_o success_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o it_o if_o he_o doubt_v he_o dishonour_v god_n and_o can_v perform_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o prayer_n for_o shall_v he_o be_v say_v to_o commit_v himself_o entire_o to_o god_n who_o question_n his_o existence_n or_o can_v he_o rely_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_a or_o almighty_a the_o least_o mixture_n of_o doubt_n herein_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o submission_n reliance_n subjection_n and_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o intervene_v in_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o prayer_n which_o thereby_o cease_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o sincere_a so_o also_o in_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a religion_n upon_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a prayer_n be_v chief_o place_v in_o vain_a do_v he_o plead_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n audience_n of_o prayer_n be_v promise_v as_o a_o reward_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o doubt_v it_o be_v the_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o procure_v acceptance_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o firm_o believe_v it_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o if_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o authority_n we_o esteem_v thing_n future_a as_o present_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n lay_v down_o by_o our_o lord_n mark_v xi_o 24._o whatosever_v thing_n you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o this_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o ancient_a saint_n and_o patriarch_n so_o successful_a as_o be_v at_o large_a describe_v hebr._n xi_o that_o have_v see_v the_o promise_n afar_o off_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o as_o a_o sure_a testimony_n of_o their_o persuasion_n quit_v their_o present_a pleasure_n and_o possession_n in_o exchange_n for_o future_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o lord_n while_o conversant_a on_o earth_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n among_o the_o galilean_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o himself_o require_v it_o as_o the_o previous_a condition_n of_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v make_v whole_a not_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n without_o the_o concurrent_a belief_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o wrought_v not_o upon_o they_o as_o upon_o so_o many_o machine_n but_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o with_o rational_a being_n and_o therefore_o distribute_v his_o favour_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o herein_o a_o imperfect_a faith_n or_o a_o cold_a persuasion_n will_v not_o suffice_v st._n peter_n demonstrate_v much_o more_o when_o he_o adventure_v himself_o upon_o the_o water_n at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n yet_o because_o he_o still_o retain_v some_o doubt_n and_o fear_n our_o lord_n permit_v he_o to_o sink_v that_o so_o he_o may_v reprove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o his_o faith_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o doubt_v be_v a_o diffidence_n concern_v the_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o success_n and_o advantage_n consequent_a to_o prayer_n when_o the_o existence_n or_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n but_o his_o will_n dispute_v and_o it_o seem_v incredible_a that_o such_o a_o almighty_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v have_v no_o need_n and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o man_n shall_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bestow_v such_o eminent_a favour_n and_o so_o ready_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n to_o overcome_v this_o doubt_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v such_o favourable_a audience_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o because_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o remit_v you_o to_o those_o many_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o place_n be_v numerous_a and_o evident_a i_o will_v now_o insist_v but_o on_o one_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n luk._n xviii_o deliver_v as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v for_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o success_n there_o the_o unjust_a judge_n be_v represent_v as_o grant_v that_o to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n which_o neither_o the_o justice_n of_o her_o cause_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n can_v obtain_v from_o he_o and_o this_o inference_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a verse_n 7._o and_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n christ_n propose_v the_o
efficacy_n of_o it_o with_o a_o unjust_a judge_n it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v introduce_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a and_o benign_a man_n that_o so_o his_o justice_n if_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a clemency_n may_v demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n receive_v those_o kind_o who_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n the_o greatness_n of_o who_o bounty_n exceed_v our_o comprehension_n it_o have_v be_v enough_o as_o i_o before_o say_v to_o have_v propose_v the_o person_n of_o a_o just_a judge_n but_o to_o represent_v a_o cruel_a impious_a inhuman_a judge_n unmerciful_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o easy_a to_o supplicant_n instruct_v we_o that_o even_o a_o wicked_a nature_n may_v be_v by_o prayer_n incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v to_o do_v more_o lively_a to_o express_v the_o force_n foe_fw-mi prayer_n when_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o carry_v we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o severe_a judge_n cruel_a by_o nature_n but_o mollify_v by_o prayer_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n the_o father_n most_o good_a kind_a gentle_a merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o forgive_a sin_n bear_v with_o insuperable_a patience_n the_o daily_a affront_v of_o man_n the_o honour_n pay_v to_o his_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o contumely_n therein_o offer_v to_o his_o own_o son_n what_o success_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hope_v to_o our_o prayer_n make_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v present_v with_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o necessary_a preparation_n the_o unjust_a judge_n although_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o do_v justice_n to_o the_o widow_n for_o her_o importunity_n what_o fear_n can_v not_o do_v prayer_n obtain_v neither_o threat_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n can_v incline_v the_o man_n to_o justice_n yet_o the_o cry_n and_o supplication_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n soften_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o tractable_a if_o she_o can_v obtain_v so_o much_o from_o a_o rough_a ill-natured_a man_n how_o much_o great_a kindness_n goodness_n and_o love_n may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n who_o always_o desire_v to_o show_v mercy_n but_o never_o to_o exercise_v severity_n who_o very_a threat_n and_o punishment_n be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobedience_n let_v we_o once_o more_o review_v the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o unjust_a judge_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o discover_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o men._n if_o he_o who_o never_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v any_o good_a change_v on_o the_o sudden_a by_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o poor_a supplicant_n and_o be_v move_v to_o compassion_n much_o more_o will_v the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o man_n be_v prevalent_a with_o he_o who_o nature_n include_v a_o infinity_n of_o goodness_n and_o who_o dispense_v the_o emanation_n of_o that_o goodness_n in_o vast_a and_o constant_a benefit_n even_o without_o entreaty_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n riches_n life_n and_o health_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o only_a for_o his_o immense_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n but_o if_o he_o so_o favour_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v those_o who_o ask_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o sensible_a that_o the_o benefit_n proceed_v from_o he_o what_o will_v he_o not_o bestow_v on_o those_o who_o spend_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o last_o reason_n of_o doubt_v in_o prayer_n be_v the_o conscience_n of_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o supplicant_n which_o conscience_n be_v either_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a unworthiness_n of_o man_n or_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n of_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v it_o acceptable_a the_o former_a fall_n in_o with_o that_o doubt_n which_o i_o last_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n to_o remove_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o that_o removal_n have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o day_n discourse_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n upon_o the_o whole_a it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a the_o place_n of_o it_o to_o be_v regard_v the_o posture_n not_o to_o be_v neglect_v the_o condition_n indispensable_a and_o the_o success_n certain_a the_o eighteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o may_n 4._o 1690._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n act_n x._o 40_o 41._o he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v so_o illustrious_a a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v so_o undeniable_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o person_n so_o firm_a a_o assurance_n of_o those_o hope_n which_o we_o conceive_v of_o our_o own_o resurrection_n deserve_v at_o this_o season_n more_o than_o a_o single_a consideration_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o that_o which_o chief_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a continue_v his_o expectation_n of_o enjoy_v hereafter_o a_o better_a state_n and_o after_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o his_o saviour_n here_o on_o earth_n wrought_v for_o his_o sake_n complete_v his_o joy_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n therefore_o all_o the_o time_n between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a mystery_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o joy_n during_o that_o whole_a season_n in_o the_o public_a office_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v no_o less_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o these_o time_n than_o to_o those_o of_o more_o ancient_a age_n so_o our_o gratitude_n and_o rejoice_v in_o memory_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o intense_a it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o those_o ancient_a christian_n live_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n have_v more_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n relate_v than_o we_o now_o have_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n always_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v now_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o uncertain_a interest_n as_o they_o be_v then_o when_o the_o experience_n of_o frequent_a miracle_n render_v it_o most_o certain_a or_o that_o however_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o five_o hundred_o disciple_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v no_o less_o just_a cause_n of_o joy_n than_o admiration_n yet_o that_o other_o who_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o the_o report_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n can_v not_o but_o be_v less_o concern_v at_o the_o relation_n by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v fruitful_a in_o invent_v argument_n oppose_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o other_o even_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o after_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o appear_v not_o in_o public_a converse_v not_o in_o solemn_a place_n and_o among_o the_o multitude_n as_o before_o but_o only_o show_v himself_o to_o some_o few_o disciple_n of_o his_o own_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o take_v off_o this_o objection_n and_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o conduct_n of_o christ_n relate_v in_o the_o text_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o and_o show_v open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v divide_v my_o design_a discourse_n into_o these_o three_o part_n i._o that_o to_o have_v show_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o whole_a unbelieve_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v unbecoming_a the_o majesty_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o create_v a_o universal_a conviction_n iii_o that_o god_n have_v notwithstanding_o offer_v to_o mankind_n sufficient_a argument_n of_o reasonable_a conviction_n first_o then_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o honour_n