since_o he_o be_v of_o a_o plasant_a plant_n become_v no_o better_o than_o a_o briar_n a_o thorn_n dry_a stubble_n fit_a for_o the_o burn_a how_o well_o may_v guilty_a sinner_n call_v with_o they_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o revelution_n v_o 16._o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o belove_a and_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n in_o a_o most_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o and_o pursuance_n of_o his_o father_n will_n have_v restore_v unto_o man_n freedom_n of_o access_n to_o god_n jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o know_v full_a well_o how_o great_a the_o attempt_n be_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v he_o in_o do_v put_v his_o life_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o engage_v his_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v our_o peace_n have_v procure_v for_o we_o a_o liberty_n of_o approach_v too_o and_o of_o draw_v nigh_o go_v as_o near_o as_o we_o will_v even_o 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throne_n of_o god_n be_v a_o throne_n of_o glory_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n a_o mercy-seat_n that_o have_v a_o rainbow_n round_o about_o it_o and_o because_o we_o enter_v with_o safety_n therefore_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o boldness_n both_o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o accept_v and_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n now_o if_o that_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o value_v this_o privilege_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n if_o you_o do_v not_o careful_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o now_o it_o have_v be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n for_o poor_a sinner_n you_o deal_v very_o disingenuous_o do_v not_o well_o consider_v the_o inestimable_a price_n which_o it_o cost_v and_o you_o offer_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o wretched_a affront_n to_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n of_o no_o more_o excellency_n than_o that_o of_o a_o beast_n a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a man_n or_o of_o a_o guilty_a and_o death-deserving_a criminal_a 3._o three_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o holy_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o eph._n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o saint_n your_o prayer_n must_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o your_o spirit_n prayer_n must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o lip-labour_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o fervour_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o also_o it_o must_v be_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o help_v his_o people_n infirmity_n and_o to_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o prayer_n must_v be_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o with_o the_o heat_n and_o earnestness_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o than_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o jude_n say_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o happy_a they_o who_o have_v not_o fallible_a man_n to_o make_v their_o prayer_n for_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v two_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v a_o little_a notice_n of_o pray_v always_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o you_o be_v to_o be_v day_n and_o night_n at_o it_o as_o if_o pray_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o your_o duty_n for_o you_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o other_o work_n to_o do_v which_o must_v be_v careful_o attend_v and_o therefore_o the_o original_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o opportunity_n in_o every_o fit_a and_o proper_a season_n for_o prayer_n in_o every_o condition_n into_o which_o providence_n cast_v you_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o other_o expression_n most_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i._n e._n with_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o with_o extraordinary_a too_o that_o which_o have_v fast_v join_v with_o it_o private_a prayer_n and_o public_a too_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n â—allies_v out_o on_o a_o sudden_a unto_o god_n give_v he_o a_o visit_n and_o away_o knock_v at_o his_o door_n put_v in_o a_o short_a petition_n and_o be_v go_v like_o one_o that_o be_v engage_v about_o some_o other_o business_n and_o can_v stay_v and_o also_o compose_v prayer_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n fix_v and_o abide_v some_o considerable_a time_n with_o god_n family-prayer_n and_o closet-prayer_n prayer_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o alone_o by_o ourselves_o we_o may_v and_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o opportunity_n offer_v and_o occasion_n do_v require_v but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 4._o four_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o christian_n now_o that_o we_o call_v secret_a prayer_n when_o a_o person_n get_v alone_o by_o himself_o and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v to_o god_n when_o be_v sequester_v from_o all_o company_n whatsoever_o and_o withdraw_v from_o his_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n his_o most_o familiar_a and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o by_o himself_o in_o a_o most_o close_a and_o private_a retirement_n he_o send_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o holy_a and_o servant_n desire_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o fetch_v down_o his_o god_n to_o he_o by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o obtain_v of_o he_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o which_o he_o find_v a_o sensible_a want_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o and_o give_v his_o heavenly_a father_n a_o visit_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v know_v of_o it_o noâ—_n that_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o be_v free_a to_o own_o god_n for_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n christ_n for_o his_o dear_o belove_a prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o work_n before_o all_o the_o world_n though_o he_o be_v reproach_v scorn_v and_o malign_v for_o it_o but_o because_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o pharisaical_a vain_a glorious_a spirit_n and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v get_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o impediment_n and_o diversion_n he_o enter_v into_o his_o chamber_n and_o there_o shut_v his_o door_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v shut_v out_o all_o that_o will_v interrupt_v and_o disturb_v that_o fellowship_n with_o his_o god_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o find_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o as_o that_o he_o count_v it_o his_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n at_o other_o time_n he_o will_v make_v one_o of_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n with_o a_o multitude_n that_o keep_v holiday_n psal._n 42._o 4._o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n psal._n 27._o 4_o and_o also_o he_o know_v how_o to_o go_v out_o as_o isaac_n do_v into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n to_o be_v abroad_o and_o consider_v with_o david_n the_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v create_v and_o so_o take_v
he_o come_v arm_v with_o authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o bind_v all_o that_o call_v on_o thy_o name_n well_o ananias_n do_v what_o thou_o be_v bid_v for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o vile_a wretch_n a_o cruel_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n fear_v he_o not_o the_o wolf_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o lamb_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o former_o he_o be_v he_o be_v now_o quite_o another_o thing_n and_o be_v act_v by_o a_o far_o better_a spirit_n he_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o thou_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o it_o he_o be_v a_o praying-man_n he_o that_o before_o speak_v nothing_o but_o blasphemy_n and_o outrage_n against_o christ_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v now_o that_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o sanctify_a speak_v supplication_n it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o a_o great_a many_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v they_o will_v go_v out_o to_o hear_v and_o they_o be_v for_o variety_n this_o man_n and_o that_o and_o twenty_o more_o possible_o three_o sermon_n upon_o a_o day_n peradventure_o four_o and_o i_o do_v not_o blame_v any_o for_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o see_v christian_n hungry_a and_o of_o good_a appetite_n so_o that_o they_o do_v but_o allow_v themselves_o necessary_a time_n for_o concoction_n and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o personal_a and_o family_n duty_n but_o conscience_n do_v thou_o speak_v and_o that_o loud_a enough_o to_o make_v guilty_a person_n hear_v and_o feel_v too_o be_v there_o not_o some_o of_o these_o who_o at_o home_n be_v never_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n if_o a_o man_n can_v look_v into_o their_o house_n and_o into_o their_o chamber_n he_o will_v find_v that_o prayer_n be_v quite_o shut_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o that_o let_v these_o person_n hold_v their_o head_n never_o so_o high_a and_o have_v obtain_v never_o so_o great_a a_o name_n i_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o company_n of_o walk_a ghost_n such_o as_o do_v real_o want_v a_o inward_a vital_a principle_n and_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o by_o some_o external_a consideration_n prayer_n be_v a_o breathe_n in_o heaven_n air_n it_o be_v the_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n it_o draw_v in_o spirit_n and_o life_n from_o he_o and_o then_o again_o it_o pour_v out_o and_o empty_v itself_o into_o he_o and_o it_o be_v full_a out_o as_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v a_o natural_a life_n without_o natural_a breathe_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o spiritual_a breathe_n i_o mean_v without_o prayer_n you_o know_v when_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n zechar._n 12._o 10._o he_o do_v it_o in_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n wheresoever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n there_o he_o do_v certain_o act_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 8._o 15._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o they_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o import_v a_o filial_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n i_o remember_v what_o you_o may_v meet_v in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o remove_v mountain_n though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n on_o the_o poor_a and_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o as_o a_o mere_a sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n what_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o do_v indeed_o make_v action_n lovely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o put_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o they_o the_o very_a same_o may_v be_v affirm_v concern_v prayer_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o well_o accomplish_v never_o so_o raise_v in_o his_o attainment_n never_o so_o fluent_a and_o warm_a in_o his_o discourse_n never_o so_o eminent_a for_o his_o profession_n never_o so_o frequent_a and_o attentive_a in_o his_o hear_n never_o so_o abundant_a in_o act_n of_o charity_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v a_o prayerless_a person_n he_o be_v nothing_o nothing_o in_o religion_n nothing_o to_o purpose_n all_o his_o part_n and_o performance_n though_o many_o and_o specious_a will_v amount_v to_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n arithmetic_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o more_o significancy_n than_o so_o many_o cipher_n without_o a_o figure_n to_o put_v a_o value_n into_o they_o that_o which_o i_o have_v say_v amount_v to_o thus_o much_o to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o gracious_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o all_o that_o such_o a_o one_o do_v will_v never_o turn_v he_o to_o a_o good_a account_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o live_v a_o spiritual_a life_n without_o faith_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n without_o prayer_n for_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v they_o that_o believe_v will_v speak_v when_o god_n have_v kindle_v a_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v work_v in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n that_o spark_n will_v fly_v upward_o and_o carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o it_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o in_o psal._n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n what_o do_v he_o speak_v prayer_n lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o end_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o my_o day_n therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o you_o will_v either_o take_v up_o prayer_n and_o follow_v it_o as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o christian_n work_n or_o else_o lay_v down_o your_o profession_n boast_v not_o of_o a_o filial_a relation_n to_o god_n while_o thou_o be_v not_o possess_v with_o a_o filial_a spirit_n and_o disposition_n never_o talk_v of_o your_o be_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o in_o all_o your_o life_n you_o never_o speak_v one_o serious_a hearty_a word_n to_o he_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v without_o prayer_n be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o to_o put_v off_o the_o honourable_a name_n christian_n which_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n belong_v to_o you_o and_o call_v yourselves_o heathen_n beast_n nay_o which_o be_v worse_o though_o not_o too_o bad_a for_o you_o downright_o practical_a atheist_n second_o your_o condition_n at_o the_o present_a be_v very_o miserable_a though_o you_o know_v it_o not_o so_o long_o as_o you_o live_v without_o prayer_n you_o live_v without_o a_o blessing_n whatsoever_o may_v light_v upon_o you_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pray_a people_n if_o you_o will_v look_v into_o the_o book_n of_o god_n which_o i_o believe_v you_o seldom_o do_v for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o beg_v his_o mercy_n will_v not_o labour_v to_o know_v his_o will_n you_o may_v see_v how_o much_o it_o cost_v esau_n to_o get_v a_o blessing_n from_o his_o father_n isaac_n he_o shed_v many_o tear_n and_o lift_v up_o loud_a cry_n gen._n 27._o 33_o 34._o isaac_n tell_v he_o that_o one_o have_v bring_v he_o venison_n which_o he_o have_v eat_v of_o and_o he_o bless_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v say_v when_o esau_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o his_o father_n he_o cry_v with_o a_o great_a and_o exceed_o bitter_a cry_n and_o say_v unto_o his_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o when_o isaac_n answer_v vers_fw-la 37._o behold_v i_o have_v make_v he_o thy_o lord_n and_o all_o his_o brethren_n have_v i_o give_v to_o he_o for_o servant_n and_o with_o corn_n and_o wine_n have_v i_o sustain_v he_o and_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v now_o unto_o thou_o my_o son_n vers._n 38._o esau_n say_v unto_o his_o father_n have_v thou_o but_o one_o blessing_n my_o father_n bless_v i_o even_o i_o also_o o_o my_o father_n and_o esau_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n and_o weep_v what_o be_v thou_o so_o poor_a o_o my_o father_n as_o that_o in_o give_v one_o blessing_n thou_o have_v give_v away_o all_o have_v thou_o not_o reserve_v one_o and_o all_o this_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o do_v before_o he_o can_v obtain_v yea_o and_o it_o
lose_v all_o he_o do_v and_o will_v be_v himself_o reject_v in_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v under_o our_o consideration_n you_o find_v the_o direction_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v concern_v prayer_n afterward_o a_o excellent_a pattern_n to_o frame_v it_o by_o here_o be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n he_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o guise_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o day_n they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n in_o open_a and_o frequent_v place_n where_o they_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o fail_v of_o spectator_n and_o observer_n of_o their_o devotion_n who_o will_v as_o they_o hope_v tell_v what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o cry_v they_o up_o as_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n though_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o the_o show_n thus_o they_o have_v mere_o a_o external_a religion_n unto_o the_o practice_n whereof_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o only_o by_o external_a consideration_n it_o be_v not_o a_o spring_n within_o but_o weight_n without_o that_o set_v their_o wheel_n a_o go_v the_o end_n that_o they_o in_o all_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n that_o among_o they_o they_o may_v raise_v a_o name_n obtain_v credit_n and_o applause_n and_o be_v account_v somebody_o for_o religion_n though_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o cheat_n christ_n tell_v we_o the_o issue_n hereof_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v the_o mark_n but_o catch_v what_o they_o fish_n for_o very_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n there_o be_v none_o to_o come_v none_o lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v it_o now_o in_o this_o present_a time_n all_o that_o be_v good_a of_o it_o glory_n but_o a_o vain_a glory_n a_o name_n but_o nothing_o else_o they_o get_v a_o esteem_n with_o ignorant_a man_n who_o be_v as_o empty_a as_o themselves_o they_o be_v reckon_v great_a man_n who_o but_o they_o for_o their_o sanctity_n and_o let_v they_o have_v it_o and_o bless_v themselves_o in_o it_o but_o thou_o who_o love_v thy_o soul_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v indeed_o a_o gainer_n by_o thy_o religion_n enter_v thou_o into_o thy_o closet_n when_o thou_o pray_v run_v not_o into_o a_o corner_n of_o a_o street_n but_o some_o nook_n or_o corner_n of_o the_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v not_o open_v thy_o casement_n but_o shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n we_o may_v rational_o look_v upon_o christ_n as_o suppose_v that_o all_o who_o call_v themselves_o and_o will_v be_v by_o other_o account_v christian_n do_v pray_v that_o every_o one_o who_o count_v it_o his_o honour_n to_o take_v up_o that_o name_n will_v also_o reckon_v himself_o oblige_v to_o take_v up_o that_o work_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o yet_o live_v a_o prayerless_a life_n no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n give_v he_o who_o do_v not_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o holy_a devil_n in_o hell_n as_o a_o prayerless_a saint_n upon_o earth_n paul_n be_v no_o soon_o throw_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o we_o have_v he_o upon_o his_o knee_n no_o soon_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o supplicant_n grace_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o that_o man_n heart_n who_o live_v without_o prayer_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o disciple_n will_v pray_v when_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o they_o will_v do_v that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o furthermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o will_v from_o thence_o send_v up_o a_o cry_n to_o heaven_n jonah_n think_v the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o belly_n of_o hell_n yet_o there_o he_o do_v pray_v and_o resolve_v to_o look_v towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n so_o then_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n do_v pray_v and_o therefore_o here_o he_o only_o give_v they_o counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o the_o right_a management_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o through_o some_o fatal_a mistake_n lose_v their_o labour_n spend_v their_o breath_n to_o no_o purpose_n offend_v the_o god_n who_o they_o seek_v and_o instead_o of_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o pull_v down_o wrath_n and_o a_o curse_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n do_v not_o you_o in_o your_o prayer_n fly_v so_o low_a a_o pitch_n as_o to_o make_v esteem_n with_o man_n your_o end_n either_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o your_o end_n do_v not_o aim_v at_o vain_a glory_n suppose_v by_o that_o mean_v you_o may_v get_v a_o name_n that_o gain_n will_v not_o make_v you_o rich_a a_o name_n you_o may_v have_v but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v rot_v and_o perish_v a_o great_a noise_n you_o may_v make_v in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o empty_a sound_n and_o what_o will_v you_o be_v the_o better_a for_o that_o a_o little_a popular_a breath_n may_v swell_v and_o puff_v you_o up_o but_o it_o will_v not_o raise_v you_o any_o thing_n near_o to_o god_n and_o heaven_n nor_o blow_v you_o on_o any_o fast_a to_o the_o port_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o much_o there_o be_v of_o privacy_n in_o your_o prayer_n so_o that_o there_o be_v sincerity_n and_o purity_n too_o nor_o how_o secret_o it_o go_v up_o to_o god_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o go_v out_o of_o feign_a li_n when_o other_o be_v altogether_o for_o the_o synagogue_n and_o street_n do_v thou_o o_fw-fr christian_n enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n or_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o do_v thou_o take_v pleasure_n in_o thy_o retirement_n when_o no_o body_n see_v thy_o god_n do_v yea_o and_o he_o love_v to_o see_v and_o when_o no_o body_n hear_v thy_o god_n do_v and_o what_o he_o hear_v he_o like_v thy_o prayer_n thy_o sigh_n thy_o groan_n be_v his_o music_n only_o i_o desire_v that_o this_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o while_o christ_n do_v here_o command_v and_o enjoin_v secret_a duty_n it_o be_v not_o any_o part_n of_o his_o purpose_n to_o exclude_v or_o take_v we_o from_o public_a only_o he_o will_v shut_v out_o and_o separate_v vanity_n and_o pride_n from_o both_o that_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v raise_v and_o discourse_v upon_o be_v this_o doct._n closet_n on_o secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o advantageous_a duty_n which_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o when_o you_o be_v alone_o and_o have_v no_o body_n with_o you_o then_o be_v you_o with_o god_n at_o a_o night_n when_o you_o be_v in_o bed_n common_a with_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o turn_v your_o eye_n inward_a before_o sleep_n close_v they_o and_o before_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n spend_v some_o time_n in_o seek_v of_o and_o commune_v with_o your_o god_n take_v your_o leave_n of_o your_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o if_o you_o please_v steal_v away_o from_o they_o that_o you_o and_o your_o god_n may_v be_v together_o when_o upon_o a_o express_a command_n give_v he_o by_o god_n himself_o abraham_n go_v to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n isaac_n genesis_n 22._o 5._o he_o say_v unto_o his_o young_a man_n abide_v here_o with_o the_o ass_n and_o i_o and_o the_o lad_n will_v go_v yonder_o and_o worship_n and_o come_v again_o to_o you_o he_o fear_v that_o if_o they_o go_v with_o he_o they_o will_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o their_o company_n so_o let_v worldly_a business_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o acquaintance_n set_v at_o a_o distance_n while_o you_o go_v by_o yourselves_o to_o perform_v act_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o your_o request_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n think_v not_o that_o i_o speak_v against_o public_a prayer_n for_o god_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n and_o christ_n walk_v in_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n when_o his_o people_n be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o for_o your_o cast_v off_o family_n prayer_n there_o be_v a_o prayer_n upon_o record_n in_o scripture_n against_o prayerless_a family_n call_v for_o wrath_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o by_o god_n upon_o they_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v present_v let_v they_o not_o be_v neglect_v secret_a prayer_n be_v a_o choice_a part_n of_o your_o work_n too_o be_v not_o any_o of_o you_o want_n to_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o lay_v
shall_v make_v to_o thyself_o no_o grave_v image_n thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a remember_v that_o thou_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n so_o here_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v christ_n will_v have_v every_o one_o that_o name_v his_o name_n that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o counsel_n as_o give_v and_o this_o charge_n as_o lay_v upon_o he_o thou_o thomas_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o thou_o john_n when_o thou_o pray_v do_v this_o and_o so_o thou_o matthew_n and_o thou_o andrew_n and_o so_o every_o one_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a or_o that_o shall_v live_v in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o and_o to_o all_o do_v thou_o enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n thou_o alone_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o thou_o not_o upon_o other_o with_o thou_o but_o upon_o thou_o and_o so_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n get_v alone_o say_v christ_n and_o pray_v alone_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o none_o to_o see_v thou_o none_o to_o overhear_v thou_o god_n and_o a_o holy_a soul_n be_v very_o good_a company_n when_o it_o go_v out_o with_o tear_n and_o he_o meet_v it_o with_o smile_n when_o it_o draw_v up_o its_o confession_n and_o he_o seal_v its_o pardon_n it_o breathe_v out_o holy_a desire_n and_o long_n and_o he_o afford_v it_o gracious_a answer_n and_o in_o they_o satisfaction_n it_o state_n its_o case_n tell_v its_o disease_n open_v its_o sore_n and_o he_o apply_v ease_v and_o heal_a remedy_n in_o a_o word_n when_o the_o soul_n fire_v its_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o in_o the_o holy_a flame_n thereof_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v wonderful_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o good_a for_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v one_o with_o another_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v be_v call_v upon_o to_o strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o family_n duty_n or_o in_o public_a ordinance_n or_o in_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o own_o pressure_n and_o his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o upon_o these_o account_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v o_o holy_a soul_n what_o special_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v thou_o what_o token_n of_o love_n he_o may_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o body_n by_o when_o disconsolate_a hannah_n have_v be_v water_v her_o plant_n weep_v great_o alone_a pour_v out_o her_o soul_n in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o the_o lord_n she_o have_v such_o a_o impress_n upon_o her_o spirit_n such_o a_o message_n of_o peace_n whisper_v to_o she_o as_o make_v her_o glad_a at_o heart_n and_o on_o a_o sudden_a dry_v up_o all_o her_o tear_n so_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a thou_o if_o thou_o engage_a in_o this_o work_n in_o thy_o uprightness_n may_v believe_o and_o comfortable_o expect_v the_o same_o in_o god_n time_n however_o set_v this_o down_o with_o thyself_o and_o act_v according_o that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v thy_o unquestionable_a duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n 4._o last_o there_o be_v a_o very_a gracious_a promise_n make_v to_o secret_a prayer_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n as_o worthy_a your_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o make_v promise_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o require_v and_o which_o be_v not_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o he_o and_o which_o according_o be_v not_o duty_n in_o man_n promise_n do_v follow_v precept_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o strengthen_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n the_o encourage_v we_o to_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o sweeten_v those_o obediential_a act_n to_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o warrant_n hence_o such_o enquiry_n as_o this_o isa._n 1._o 12._o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n viz._n to_o come_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o hence_o also_o that_o complaint_n and_o charge_n that_o they_o burn_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n in_o the_o fire_n make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o they_o which_o as_o he_o say_v jer._n 7._o 31._o he_o command_v they_o not_o neither_o enter_v it_o into_o his_o heart_n david_n design_n be_v good_a and_o it_o please_v god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o set_v for_o his_o honour_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v to_o he_o that_o god_n send_v he_o this_o message_n by_o nathan_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 7._o in_o all_o the_o place_n wherein_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n speak_v i_o a_o word_n with_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n who_o i_o command_v to_o feed_v my_o poople_n israel_n say_v why_o build_v you_o not_o i_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n from_o whence_o say_v peter_n martyr_n we_o learn_v that_o david_n fail_v in_o attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v not_o a_o word_n for_o it_o from_o god_n from_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o a_o peculiar_a command_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o time_n and_o place_n those_o that_o run_v on_o such_o errand_n as_o god_n never_o send_v they_o on_o and_o presume_v to_o do_v such_o work_n as_o god_n never_o set_v they_o about_o or_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v his_o work_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n expect_v a_o reward_n from_o his_o hand_n let_v they_o get_v one_o where_o they_o can_v why_o shall_v god_n pay_v they_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o work_n or_o for_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n nadab_n and_o abihu_n do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o offer_v incense_n but_o they_o do_v it_o after_o their_o own_o fashion_n in_o make_v use_n of_o strange_a fire_n and_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n they_o find_v god_n not_o a_o bountiful_a rewarder_n but_o a_o dreadful_a revenger_n when_o promise_n be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v plain_o speak_v that_o thing_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n be_v make_v a_o duty_n now_o we_o find_v here_o in_o the_o text_n a_o great_a and_o gracious_a promise_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o secret_a prayer_n do_v this_o say_v he_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n about_o thou_o study_v all_o possible_a privacy_n and_o retirement_n let_v no_o body_n know_v of_o that_o which_o thou_o go_v about_o if_o thou_o can_v help_v it_o do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o secret_a there_o be_v christ_n counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v good_a because_o give_v by_o he_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n now_o take_v with_o you_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o this_o counsel_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o god_n will_v not_o send_v one_o single_a petitioner_n empty_a from_o his_o throne_n of_o grace_n though_o thou_o go_v beg_v yet_o thou_o shall_v return_v rejoice_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n yearn_v over_o his_o wicked_a neighbour_n he_o pray_v in_o secret_a for_o filthy_a sodom_n there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o back_v he_o in_o that_o suit_n nor_o to_o plead_v together_o with_o he_o that_o city_n be_v indeed_o so_o bad_a that_o he_o be_v both_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o appear_v as_o a_o advocate_n for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v more_o than_o once_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n oh_o let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a yet_o observe_v how_o mighty_a he_o be_v with_o god_n he_o lift_v up_o prayer_n after_o prayer_n and_o god_n condescend_v to_o he_o again_o and_o again_o single_n and_o solitary_a abraham_n have_v such_o a_o great_a interest_n and_o success_n that_o the_o glorious_a and_o provoke_v god_n do_v not_o give_v over_o grant_v until_o abraham_n have_v give_v over_o pray_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v be_v perform_v namely_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o secret-prayer_n be_v the_o christian_n duty_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o will_v be_v his_o advantage_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o it_o will_v afford_v he_o these_o two_o
of_o the_o child_n in_o psalm_n 18._o we_o find_v that_o good_a man_n in_o his_o distress_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v unto_o his_o god_n and_o god_n hear_v he_o divine_a love_n be_v quick_a of_o hear_v he_o hear_v my_o voice_n out_o of_o his_o holy_a temple_n and_o my_o cry_n come_v before_o he_o even_o into_o his_o ear_n and_o now_o observe_v what_o haste_n god_n make_v to_o his_o servant_n vers._n 9_o 10._o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v dew_v he_o ride_v upon_o a_o cherub_n and_o do_v fly_v yea_o he_o do_v fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n when_o holy_a david_n want_v his_o god_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o present_o i_o dare_v assure_v thou_o o_o saint_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o get_v thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o servant_n believe_v prayer_n knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n thou_o shall_v to_o thy_o comfort_n find_v that_o thy_o belove_a will_v not_o be_v long_o from_o thou_o no_o no_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a gracious_o to_o return_v thy_o visit_n he_o will_v come_v and_o drop_v some_o sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_v of_o thy_o lock_n secret_a prayer_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o secret_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n so_o it_o make_v way_n for_o god_n open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o saint_n and_o when_o that_o be_v open_v what_o bless_a discovery_n be_v make_v what_o treasure_n appear_v and_o riches_n of_o grace_n what_o counsel_v of_o wisdom_n and_o thought_n of_o good_a and_o great_a design_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o which_o be_v ravish_v and_o may_v well_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o transport_n when_o guilty_a but_o convince_v ephraim_n get_v alone_o and_o make_v his_o reflection_n and_o thereupon_o bemoan_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a folly_n stubbornness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o beg_v hard_o for_o convert_v turn_v grace_n god_n present_o turn_v towards_o he_o and_o with_o yearn_v bowel_n speak_v his_o love_n this_o resolution_n be_v immediate_o take_v up_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v sometime_o in_o displeasure_n withdraw_v from_o his_o sin_v child_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o to_o return_v to_o they_o when_o he_o be_v send_v for_o hos._n 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n i_o will_v stay_v away_o i_o will_v not_o come_v near_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o till_o they_o do_v this_o but_o let_v they_o do_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v and_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o acceptance_n i_o will_v rise_v out_o of_o my_o place_n and_o visit_v they_o with_o salvation_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o come_v at_o prayer_n call_v if_o some_o cry_a sin_n or_o other_o do_v not_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o it_o and_o his_o presence_n and_o beam_n will_v effectual_o scatter_v the_o thick_a and_o black_a cloud_n the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n when_o once_o lift_v up_o will_v make_v it_o a_o day_n of_o gladness_n to_o the_o most_o benight_a soul_n whenever_o he_o come_v he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o blessing_n along_o with_o he_o and_o so_o appear_v unto_o its_o joy_n these_o particular_n to_o which_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o secret_a prayer_n be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o your_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o by_o application_n which_o will_v be_v twofold_a 1._o for_o reprehension_n 2._o for_o exhortation_n the_o use_n of_o reprehension_n or_o reproof_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o fall_v under_o it_o and_o oh_o that_o it_o may_v come_v with_o such_o power_n as_o to_o make_v they_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o issue_n in_o their_o amendment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o they_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v amiss_o first_o they_o be_v sharp_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o they_o be_v deep_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o instead_o of_o make_v conscience_n and_o live_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o secret_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o and_o live_v in_o the_o total_a neglect_n of_o all_o prayer_n they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o approach_v unto_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n before_o he_o they_o go_v to_o their_o bed_n at_o night_n like_a swine_n to_o their_o sty_n not_o beg_v divine_a protection_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o they_o in_o a_o morning_n and_o go_v about_o their_o business_n without_o pay_v any_o acknowledgement_n to_o their_o great_a benefactor_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o who_o careful_a providence_n they_o be_v secure_v yea_o sit_v down_o to_o their_o table_n without_o ask_v god_n blessing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o when_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a rise_v up_o to_o work_n or_o play_v without_o give_v god_n thanks_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o beholden_a to_o he_o and_o thus_o they_o live_v prayerless_a life_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v pass_v many_o day_n and_o escape_v many_o danger_n and_o receive_v many_o mercy_n and_o commit_v many_o sin_n but_o never_o set_v themselves_o at_o least_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o put_v up_o one_o prayer_n oh_o how_o do_v they_o tumble_v out_o by_o wholesale_n a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o execrable_a oath_n and_o tremendous_a curse_n which_o speak_v their_o tongue_n the_o devil_n instrument_n set_v on_o fire_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n but_o no_o body_n ever_o see_v they_o upon_o their_o knee_n before_o god_n nor_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o prayer_n drop_v from_o their_o li_n they_o have_v have_v many_o danger_n prevent_v but_o never_o seek_v refuge_n nor_o take_v shelter_n in_o god_n they_o have_v every_o day_n receive_v multitude_n of_o mercy_n but_o do_v never_o solemn_o beg_v one_o god_n do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n order_n that_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n shall_v never_o go_v out_o and_o appoint_v the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n but_o poor_a creature_n these_o have_v no_o fire_n their_o heart_n be_v as_o cold_a as_o ice_n they_o know_v not_o what_o true_a love_n to_o god_n mean_v and_o have_v no_o fire_n in_o themselves_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o sacrifice_n from_o they_o his_o altar_n shall_v be_v empty_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o lay_v on_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o never_o make_v a_o attempt_n this_o way_n never_o try_v to_o pray_v never_o go_v about_o the_o work_n they_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n ps._n 10._o 4._o in_o all_o of_o they_o he_o be_v but_o in_o few_o of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o when_o he_o forcible_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o make_v his_o own_o way_n for_o they_o never_o invite_v he_o nor_o study_v to_o think_v of_o he_o he_o be_v not_o welcome_a nor_o grateful_a to_o they_o i_o fear_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o ask_v some_o of_o you_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o friend_n neighbour_n what_o intercourse_n be_v there_o between_o god_n and_o you_o what_o converse_v and_o fellowship_n have_v you_o with_o god_n do_v you_o pray_v a-days_o do_v you_o pray_v by_o yourselves_o in_o your_o chamber_n or_o with_o your_o family_n be_v you_o some_o of_o that_o bless_a wrestle_a generation_n who_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n if_o you_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o cover_v your_o sin_n and_o shame_n with_o a_o lie_n you_o must_v answer_v no_o not_o i_o god_n know_v i_o can_v pray_v i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v i_o never_o go_v about_o it_o i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o these_o what_o agur_n say_v of_o himself_o prov._n 30._o 2._o sure_o they_o be_v more_o brutish_a than_o any_o man_n they_o have_v not_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n they_o have_v not_o learned_a wisdom_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a let_v they_o be_v reckon_v for_o beast_n in_o human_a shape_n some_o have_v write_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o reason_n but_o religion_n as_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o specifical_a difference_n
hence_o when_o sickness_n arrest_v you_o and_o you_o find_v that_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n be_v at_o your_o very_a door_n that_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a time_n and_o it_o will_v cause_v many_o thought_n and_o tremble_n of_o heart_n and_o then_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o cordial_n and_o happy_a the_o man_n that_o have_v his_o comfortable_a reflection_n and_o prospect_n to_o support_v his_o spirit_n who_o can_v look_v back_o to_o his_o life_n pass_v with_o peace_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o eternity_n with_o hope_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o have_v maintain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n with_o his_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o unto_o prayer_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n he_o be_v so_o rough_o handle_v by_o that_o last_o enemy_n that_o he_o can_v pray_v his_o heart_n be_v so_o faint_a within_o he_o and_o his_o pain_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n for_o that_o work_n in_o which_o he_o have_v find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n and_o for_o which_o he_o have_v so_o dear_a a_o love_n alas_o than_o his_o case_n his_o weakness_n his_o agony_n his_o tumbling_n and_o toss_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v pray_v as_o he_o be_v wont_a only_a sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o eye_n and_o give_v a_o look_n towards_o god_n holy_a temple_n and_o dart_v up_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n poor_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o utmost_a length_n he_o can_v go_v and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o straighten_a and_o confine_v holy_a asaph_n put_v this_o among_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o bitter_a complaint_n psal._n 77._o 4_o that_o he_o be_v so_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v but_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o can_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v himself_o with_o his_o former_a pray_v and_o former_a walk_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n his_o former_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o when_o there_o be_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o hezekiah_n he_o can_v send_v this_o short_a petition_n up_o again_o to_o heaven_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n he_o can_v do_v but_o very_o little_a then_o his_o strength_n be_v go_v and_o his_o breath_n be_v short_a but_o he_o can_v with_o comfort_n remember_v and_o desire_v god_n himself_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v walk_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o haltion_n and_o healthful_a day_n so_o when_o a_o gracious_a person_n be_v disable_v for_o his_o work_n he_o can_v think_v thus_o there_o be_v a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n against_o such_o a_o time_n of_o need_n as_o this_o be_v and_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o what_o do_v you_o think_v will_v become_v of_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n you_o that_o have_v be_v all_o your_o day_n stranger_n to_o this_o work_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o can_v pray_v your_o distemper_n and_o pain_n will_v not_o lâ—t_v you_o and_o you_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o nor_o how_o to_o do_v one_o stroke_n at_o it_o and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v a_o sting_n and_o horror_n to_o you_o to_o think_v that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o all_o thing_n well_o with_o you_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o be_v call_v upon_o often_o by_o your_o godly_a minister_n and_o by_o your_o gracious_a friend_n and_o relation_n but_o you_o will_v not_o at_o a_o die_a hour_n you_o will_v have_v no_o fitness_n for_o that_o work_n and_o all_o the_o time_n that_o you_o live_v before_o you_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o but_o possible_o you_o will_v comfort_v yourselves_o with_o this_o that_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o inward_a disquiet_n and_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pray_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n for_o you_o will_v send_v for_o some_o godly_a minister_n or_o other_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o well_o suppose_v that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o minister_n send_v for_o comes_z if_o he_o know_v what_o a_o wretch_n thou_o have_v be_v and_o how_o much_o thou_o have_v neglect_v god_n and_o thy_o duty_n all_o thy_o day_n what_o straitning_n of_o soul_n must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v under_o as_o to_o thou_o with_o what_o holy_a confidence_n and_o hope_n may_v we_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o a_o godly_a person_n when_o sick_a if_o we_o can_v say_v to_o god_n as_o they_o do_v to_o christ_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 3._o lord_n he_o who_o thou_o love_v be_v sick_a but_o what_o a_o damp_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o we_o when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n for_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neglect_a god_n and_o hate_v he_o and_o live_v without_o he_o and_o in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o i_o fear_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o befool_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o if_o they_o can_v get_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n too_o oh_o than_o all_o be_v well_o and_o their_o soul_n go_v immediate_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o stop_n by_o the_o way_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o glory_n be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o entrance_n grant_v but_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o will_v not_o do_v and_o that_o these_o man_n build_v their_o high_a hope_n upon_o a_o sandy-foundation_n that_o will_v fail_v they_o and_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a encouragement_n or_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o prayer_n safe_a to_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o themselves_o take_v one_o right_a step_n in_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o will_v never_o be_v humble_a petitioner_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o exceed_v worthy_a of_o your_o observation_n and_o repeat_v thought_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o one_a of_o samuel_n chap._n 12._o after_o that_o good_a man_n have_v faithful_o reprove_v the_o people_n for_o their_o great_a wickedness_n in_o ask_v a_o king_n and_o likewise_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a consternation_n by_o a_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n which_o be_v unusual_a in_o that_o country_n they_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o he_o say_v in_o verse_n 19_o pray_v for_o by_o servant_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o we_o die_v not_o that_o request_n he_o be_v most_o free_o wilâ—ing_v to_o grant_v god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v sin_v in_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o will_v continue_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o now_o mark_v and_o remember_v that_o which_o follow_v in_o vers_fw-la 24._o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o my_o duty_n you_o be_v a_o people_n that_o i_o dear_o love_v and_o hearty_o wish_v welfare_n and_o prosperity_n to_o i_o will_v speak_v for_o you_o and_o plead_v for_o you_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o you_o but_o do_v not_o you_o lay_v too_o great_a stress_n upon_o my_o prayer_n look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o be_v not_o find_v sin_v against_o god_n while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o you_o leave_v you_o do_v yourselves_o more_o mischief_n than_o i_o can_v do_v you_o good_a my_o prayer_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o your_o behalf_n unless_o you_o will_v resolve_v to_o fear_n god_n yourselves_o and_o to_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o yourselves_o and_o pray_v and_o honour_n and_o obey_v he_o yourselves_o by_o warrant_n of_o that_o scripture_n i_o do_v now_o say_v to_o you_o when_o you_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o distress_n and_o fear_v you_o shall_v die_v you_o will_v call_v the_o minister_n to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o when_o you_o send_v for_o we_o we_o will_v come_v only_o i_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v be_v send_v for_o soon_o than_o we_o be_v by_o some_o of_o you_o viz._n while_o you_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o yourselves_o and_o in_o
a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o when_o we_o come_v it_o shall_v be_v with_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o we_o will_v pray_v for_o you_o hearty_o and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n but_o do_v not_o you_o trust_v to_o that_o and_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o health_n and_o strength_n in_o a_o supine_n carelessness_n and_o neglect_n but_o now_o make_v prayer_n your_o business_n go_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n upon_o your_o own_o errand_n and_o seek_v god_n yourselves_o second_o consider_v what_o will_v be_v the_o fruâ—t_n of_o this_o total_a neglect_n of_o prayer_n after_o death_n have_v put_v a_o period_n to_o your_o sinful_a careless_a life_n enoch_n while_o in_o the_o way_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o end_n god_n take_v he_o the_o communion_n be_v begin_v here_o that_o show_v the_o holiness_n of_o enoch_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v perfect_v and_o that_o make_v his_o happiness_n complete_a a_o pray_v saint_n do_v at_o death_n go_v up_o to_o the_o choir_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n of_o just_a man_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o loud_a and_o never-ending_a allelujah_n they_o live_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o shall_v live_v a_o life_n of_o praise_n in_o heaven_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o you_o that_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o the_o work_n what_o kind_n of_o eternity_n be_v that_o which_o you_o shall_v launch_v into_o how_o unspeakable_o doleful_a will_v your_o condition_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o praise_n for_o your_o instrument_n be_v not_o in_o tune_n for_o it_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v here_o for_o the_o put_v your_o heart_n in_o frame_n from_o you_o there_o will_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o jar_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o most_o pleasant_a and_o melodious_a consort_n you_o can_v pray_v to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o poor_a indigent_a beggar_n how_o then_o can_v you_o exalt_v and_o praise_v he_o which_o to_o do_v be_v the_o work_n of_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n angel_n and_o then_o if_o you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o heaven_n you_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o hell_n if_o no_o company_n for_o angel_n then_o for_o devil_n if_o you_o will_v not_o pray_v here_o you_o shall_v in_o the_o torment_n and_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n roar_v and_o howl_v there_o you_o will_v not_o honour_n god_n he_o will_v punish_v you_o you_o care_v not_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v his_o rest_n you_o will_v not_o seek_v his_o face_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v his_o face_n no_o no_o down_o you_o shall_v be_v thrust_v into_o that_o lake_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v fire_n to_o torment_v but_o no_o light_n to_o refresh_v where_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n but_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n in_o this_o life_n you_o send_v up_o no_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o live_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o know_v he_o as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o need_v he_o as_o if_o you_o have_v no_o love_n for_o he_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v you_o have_v not_o well_o remember_v this_o he_o let_v you_o alone_o at_o present_a and_o carry_v as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n but_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o according_o when_o he_o have_v you_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o place_n of_o give_v out_o reward_v and_o punishment_n render_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a as_o his_o work_n have_v be_v there_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n and_o anguish_n but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v affect_v with_o your_o misery_n nor_o will_v he_o pity_v your_o groan_n nor_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o your_o tear_n lay_v these_o thing_n to_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o prayer_n be_v your_o interest_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n if_o you_o do_v but_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o it_o you_o will_v love_v it_o if_o you_o be_v but_o once_o use_v to_o it_o you_o will_v never_o leave_v it_o psal._n 116._o 1_o 2._o i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o my_o supplication_n because_o he_o have_v incline_v his_o ear_n unto_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v call_v upon_o he_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v and_o that_o be_v long_o enough_o long_a he_o shall_v not_o pray_v so_o long_o he_o will_v there_o be_v no_o praying-work_n in_o heaven_n well_o say_v david_n i_o will_v ply_v it_o here_o and_o follow_v it_o hard_o now_o he_o have_v find_v the_o good_a and_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o use_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o use_n of_o reprehension_n i_o shall_v direct_v my_o discourse_n to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o for_o public_a pray_v get_v into_o church_n and_o such_o as_o they_o call_v consecrate_a place_n there_o to_o show_v i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o word_n very_o proper_a to_o the_o design_n their_o devotion_n though_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o when_o their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v and_o their_o service_n be_v do_v their_o church_n be_v exceed_o empty_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o shame_n to_o they_o for_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n why_o do_v they_o not_o frequent_v it_o if_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n why_o do_v they_o not_o abound_v in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a cry_n among_o they_o for_o that_o form_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v do_v they_o much_o good_a that_o love_v it_o but_o since_o their_o cry_n for_o it_o be_v so_o loud_a why_o be_v their_o devotion_n so_o little_a why_o do_v small_a matter_n keep_v they_o at_o home_n upon_o weekday_n why_o do_v they_o choose_v tavern_n and_o alehouse_n rather_o than_o their_o place_n of_o prayer_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o their_o seem_a zeal_n do_v not_o come_v from_o a_o bad_a principle_n and_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o a_o bad_a end_n i_o shall_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o liturgy_n that_o be_v not_o my_o business_n who_o desire_v to_o follow_v those_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n let_v those_o that_o like_v it_o and_o choose_v it_o use_v it_o if_o they_o please_v let_v they_o that_o find_v it_o heart-raising_a heart-warming_a heart-inlarging_a go_v on_o in_o their_o attendance_n upon_o it_o i_o envy_v none_o that_o which_o they_o like_v and_o may_v do_v they_o good_a especial_o when_o i_o have_v that_o which_o please_v i_o better_o bless_a be_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o thanks_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n over_o we_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n yea_o and_o that_o liberty_n establish_v by_o a_o law_n we_o know_v there_o be_v many_o adversary_n that_o be_v enrage_v at_o it_o but_o through_o divine_a goodness_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o effectual_a door_n open_v the_o lord_n grant_v none_o may_v be_v able_a to_o shut_v it_o that_o which_o i_o blame_v many_o for_o be_v their_o idolize_v of_o public_a place_n as_o if_o they_o do_v put_v a_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n into_o work_n do_v in_o they_o and_o as_o if_o public_a prayer_n be_v enough_o and_o will_v serve_v for_o all_o how_o have_v we_o some_o superstitious_a person_n as_o they_o pass_v through_o a_o abbey_n cathedral_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o bear_v their_o head_n but_o drop_v upon_o their_o knee_n in_o a_o pew_n or_o at_o a_o pillar_n and_o other_o that_o i_o have_v know_v when_o the_o bell_n chime_n in_o up_o they_o get_v and_o to_o the_o church_n they_o go_v and_o there_o they_o sit_v till_o the_o service_n be_v finish_v and_o that_o they_o think_v sufficient_a and_o with_o that_o they_o do_v at_o present_v put_v off_o their_o conscience_n that_o be_v all_o the_o prayer_n they_o make_v then_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o visit_v and_o game_n there_o be_v no_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n none_o in_o their_o chamber_n and_o closet_n i_o appeal_v to_o your_o conscience_n in_o the_o case_n and_o accuse_v no_o body_n live_v unless_o their_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o now_o my_o friend_n what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o this_o be_v it_o well_o will_v this_o do_v be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n be_v this_o to_o fill_v up_o your_o day_n and_o place_n with_o duty_n be_v this_o to_o deal_v bountiful_o with_o that_o god_n who_o do_v deal_v so_o bountiful_o with_o you_o be_v this_o to_o fit_v yourselves_o for_o the_o give_v up_o your_o account_n unto_o god_n the_o proud_a pharisee_n go_v to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v but_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o come_v away_o with_o a_o world_n of_o
sin_n in_o he_o and_o with_o a_o load_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o he_o do_v indeed_o justify_v and_o applaud_v himself_o but_o god_n soul_n abhor_v and_o loathe_v he_o whereas_o the_o poor_a humble_v brokenhearted_a publican_n stand_v a_o great_a way_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o inward_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o he_o be_v send_v home_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v god_n give_v he_o a_o pardon_n and_o a_o smile_n i_o shall_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n or_o pain_n about_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n because_o i_o conclude_v their_o prejudice_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o will_v give_v very_o little_a heed_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v say_v though_o deliver_v with_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o real_o design_v for_o their_o good_a yet_o not_o know_v what_o it_o may_v please_v that_o god_n to_o do_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v make_v what_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o change_n in_o they_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v they_o by_o altogether_o in_o silence_n but_o offer_v to_o their_o consideration_n these_o two_o thing_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n carry_v something_o of_o weight_n in_o they_o first_o place_n do_v not_o add_v any_o value_n to_o action_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v that_o which_o after_o the_o discourse_n of_o cornelius_n peter_n say_v unto_o he_o act_v 10._o 34._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o place_n with_o god_n he_o have_v no_o more_o esteem_n for_o the_o chancel_n than_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o be_v within_o the_o rail_n be_v no_o more_o sacred_a than_o that_o which_o be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v as_o near_o compendious_a and_o direct_v a_o way_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n from_o thy_o house_n o_o believer_n as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o church_n or_o the_o most_o magnificent_a cathedral_n and_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v make_v and_o present_v there_o with_o a_o holy_a heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v find_v as_o free_v a_o access_n to_o god_n as_o ready_a a_o audience_n with_o he_o and_o as_o gracious_a a_o acceptance_n it_o be_v indeed_o by_o we_o and_o all_o grant_v that_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o holy_a place_n yea_o there_o be_v in_o it_o not_o only_o a_o holy_a place_n but_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n god_n himself_o have_v sanctify_v it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o most_o solemn_a service_n there_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o name_n that_o be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o everblessed_n mediator_n and_o wherever_o the_o jew_n be_v into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v scatter_v or_o carry_v captive_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v towards_o it_o dan._n 6._o 10._o when_o daniel_n know_v that_o the_o writing_n be_v sign_v he_o go_v into_o his_o house_n and_o his_o window_n be_v open_a in_o his_o chamber_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o kneel_v upon_o his_o knee_n three_o time_n a_o day_n and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o before_o his_o god_n as_o he_o do_v afore-time_o but_o that_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o that_o church-state_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o that_o dispensation_n cease_v i_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o holiness_n of_o place_n here_o below_o the_o synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v not_o holy_a but_o only_o convenient_a place_n for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n come_v not_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o of_o those_o synagogue_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a stir_n and_o hot_a contention_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o before_o about_o the_o place_n of_o publick-worship_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n the_o jew_n be_v for_o the_o temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a for_o that_o be_v the_o place_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o appoint_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o samaritan_n stand_v stiff_o for_o the_o temple_n which_o have_v be_v build_v by_o their_o ancestor_n upon_o mount_n gerizzim_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n have_v a_o opportunity_n put_v into_o her_o hand_n do_v in_o john_n 4._o 20._o start_n the_o question_n and_o propound_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n seek_v as_o one_o say_v to_o be_v by_o he_o satisfy_v about_o it_o as_o in_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n now_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v his_o answer_n thereunto_o which_o you_o have_v in_o verse_n 21._o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o at_o jerusalem_n nor_o in_o this_o mountain_n worship_v the_o father_n prayer_n ordinance_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o this_o place_n nor_o to_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o please_a powerful_a and_o prevalent_a in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o place_n sake_n than_o it_o be_v in_o another_o add_v hereunto_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n paul_n say_v in_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o i_o will_v 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 mark_v his_o manner_n of_o expression_n i_o will_v he_o speak_v with_o authority_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o receive_v this_o from_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v i_o will_v have_v he_o not_o be_v sure_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v pawles_n will_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v but_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o pray_v let_v they_o pray_v any_o where_o every_o where_o in_o what_o place_n they_o themselves_o judge_v fit_a and_o convenient_a so_o that_o their_o hand_n be_v wash_v in_o innocency_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v but_o cleanse_v from_o their_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n holy_a and_o pure_a prayer_n shall_v be_v welcome_a to_o god_n and_o have_v a_o most_o gracious_a reception_n from_o what_o quarter_n or_o corner_n soever_o it_o come_v we_o find_v that_o good_a jonah_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o fish_n which_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o dismal_a a_o place_n that_o he_o count_v and_o call_v it_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n yet_o his_o prayer_n make_v there_o do_v not_o lose_v its_o way_n nor_o fail_v of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v jonah_n 2._o 2._o i_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o my_o affliction_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o hear_v i_o out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n cry_v i_o and_o thou_o hear_v my_o voice_n second_o i_o do_v advise_v and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o to_o be_v better_o study_v in_o and_o acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n than_o it_o may_v be_v as_o yet_o you_o be_v for_o i_o can_v but_o tell_v you_o though_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a work_n and_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o will_v manage_v religion_n to_o everlasting_a advantage_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n necessary_a for_o they_o that_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n to_o watch_v their_o heart_n narrow_o and_o to_o keep_v a_o very_a strict_a eye_n upon_o they_o lest_o by_o those_o superstitious_a observance_n they_o be_v find_v want_v to_o and_o of_o the_o very_a vital_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o hug_v and_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o rot_a and_o stink_a carcase_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n be_v want_v and_o as_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o pharisee_n matt._n 23._o 23._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cummin_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n they_o neglect_v the_o magnalia_fw-la legis_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n while_o they_o be_v great_o solicitous_a about_o the_o minutula_n
the_o little_a thing_n which_o do_v speak_v the_o unsoundness_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o they_o who_o spend_v all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o care_n and_o heat_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o come_v not_o under_o any_o express_a command_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n they_o that_o be_v most_o curious_a about_o their_o body_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v most_o careless_a about_o their_o soul_n they_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n at_o their_o glass_n that_o they_o have_v none_o for_o the_o bible_n they_o be_v so_o careful_a that_o a_o pin_n be_v not_o stick_v amiss_o in_o their_o clothes_n that_o they_o leave_v every_o thing_n amiss_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o garb_n and_o unreasonable_a dress_n in_o which_o some_o silly_o proud_a person_n come_v into_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o spectator_n to_o determine_v how_o they_o spend_v and_o profane_v the_o morning_n of_o the_o sabbath_n at_o home_n and_o we_o may_v apprehend_v and_o fear_v the_o same_o in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o much_o set_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o be_v at_o least_o very_o apt_a and_o prone_a to_o bestow_v none_o of_o their_o care_n about_o that_o which_o deserve_v most_o they_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o place_n that_o they_o forget_v and_o neglect_v the_o heart_n they_o be_v so_o thoughtful_a where_o they_o pray_v that_o they_o do_v not_o mind_n how_o they_o pray_v they_o be_v so_o set_v for_o a_o form_n they_o do_v not_o mind_n nay_o possible_o they_o hate_v the_o power_n but_o by_o the_o way_n letâ—me_v whisper_v this_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o these_o person_n that_o the_o altar_n will_v not_o sanctify_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n if_o you_o bring_v dead_a formal_a lifeless_a prayer_n though_o you_o offer_v they_o up_o in_o your_o consecrate_a church_n nay_o at_o your_o adore_a altar_n they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o with_o a_o sweet_a smell_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n before_o god_n i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o body_n think_v that_o i_o do_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o formality_n of_o heart_n be_v inseparable_a companion_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o mere_a formal_a professor_n be_v most_o for_o form_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o form_n be_v mere_a formal_a professor_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o some_o look_v upon_o form_n as_o lawful_a and_o out_o of_o modesty_n and_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o lowness_n of_o their_o own_o part_n do_v make_v use_n of_o form_n when_o they_o pray_v with_o other_o and_o be_v conscientious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o petition_n confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o sincere_a affection_n and_o do_v meet_v with_o a_o gracious_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o do_v enjoy_v a_o communion_n with_o his_o holy_a majesty_n but_o this_o i_o will_v also_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v and_o if_o any_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o upon_o they_o be_v it_o that_o constant_a state_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o formality_n be_v borderer_n upon_o one_o another_o they_o live_v at_o no_o such_o great_a distance_n but_o that_o they_o frequent_o yea_o common_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o service_n and_o in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o real_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o stand_v they_o in_o hand_n who_o make_v use_v of_o form_n to_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o look_v wary_o to_o themselves_o lest_o they_o do_v even_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a fall_v into_o formality_n that_o indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n of_o spirit_n which_o god_n can_v endure_v when_o in_o the_o forequoted_a scripture_n the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n fall_v into_o discourse_n with_o christ_n about_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o that_o mountain_n viz._n gerizim_n our_o saviour_n do_v wise_o and_o gracious_o take_v she_o off_o from_o that_o as_o a_o matter_n not_o so_o momentous_a as_o to_o deserve_v either_o her_o enquiry_n or_o his_o resolution_n and_o fall_v to_o acquaint_v she_o with_o direct_v she_o to_o and_o put_v herâ—_n upon_o the_o spirituality_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o that_o which_o she_o and_o every_o one_o ought_v principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v most_o for_o and_o upon_o which_o his_o pure_a eye_n be_v chief_o set_v 4_o john_n 23_o 24._o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n spiritual_a worship_n be_v most_o congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n childish_a toy_n please_v child_n who_o have_v no_o more_o wit_n outward_a pomp_n and_o ceremony_n please_v vain_a man_n who_o have_v not_o so_o good_a heart_n as_o they_o shall_v but_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o spirit_n such_o worshipper_n he_o seek_v other_o he_o reject_v when_o he_o find_v they_o therefore_o you_o must_v be_v such_o if_o you_o will_v find_v favour_n or_o receive_v a_o blessing_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o if_o man_n be_v once_o set_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o eager_a as_o they_o be_v for_o nor_o so_o tetchy_a froward_a and_o contentious_a about_o place_n modes_n and_o form_n which_o can_v fetch_v their_o pedigree_n and_o original_n no_o high_o than_o mere_a human_a invention_n and_o appointment_n enough_o of_o that_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o some_o person_n do_v not_o think_v this_o a_o little_a too_o much_o use_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o this_o use_n of_o reprehension_n my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o awaken_v rouse_v and_o startle_v to_o convince_v and_o bring_v those_o to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o who_o live_v without_o secret_a prayer_n i_o hear_v from_o some_o and_o i_o do_v more_o than_o partly_o believe_v it_o that_o there_o be_v many_o professor_n and_o those_o too_o of_o some_o name_n and_o eminency_n who_o live_v under_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o this_o sinful_a omission_n and_o if_o there_o be_v some_o such_o how_o great_a may_v we_o suppose_v the_o total_a number_n to_o be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v this_o way_n chargeable_a though_o let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o many_o every_o one_o of_o they_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n be_v know_v to_o that_o god_n who_o observe_v our_o down-lying_a and_o our_o uprising_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o way_n there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v come_v to_o public_a ordinance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v count_v heathen_n nor_o suspect_v to_o be_v papist_n which_o party_n now_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v under_o great_a infamy_n and_o reproach_n though_o not_o great_a than_o they_o do_v deserve_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o that_o curse_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o do_v profess_v yea_o and_o they_o will_v attend_v upon_o those_o ordinance_n which_o they_o think_v be_v most_o pure_o administer_v and_o also_o join_v themselves_o in_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o be_v of_o the_o most_o scriptural_a constitution_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v reckon_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o high_a form_n and_o chief_a rank_n yea_o and_o peradventure_o they_o will_v set_v up_o family-duty_n they_o will_v call_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n together_o and_o all_o under_o their_o â—oof_n and_o charge_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n lest_o upon_o a_o discontent_n or_o remove_n somebody_o within_o door_n shall_v tell_v tale_n by_o mean_n whereof_o their_o reputation_n shall_v be_v blast_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v desirous_a yea_o ambitious_a of_o approve_v themselves_o but_o wretch_n as_o they_o be_v as_o for_o prayer_n by_o themselves_o either_o in_o chamber_n or_o in_o closet_n or_o any_o where_o else_o they_o do_v lay_v it_o aside_o altogether_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o that_o he_o and_o they_o never_o so_o meet_v together_o they_o find_v much_o other_o work_n and_o can_v do_v many_o other_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v alone_o they_o can_v spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n at_o the_o glass_n view_v and_o dress_v themselves_o they_o can_v tell_v their_o money_n and_o read_v over_o their_o bill_n and_o bond_n but_o as_o for_o soul-searching_a
not_o part_v with_o thou_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o take_v i_o up_o to_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o deny_v to_o go_v along_o with_o i_o unless_o desire_n and_o long_n be_v grow_v insignificant_a unless_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v lose_v their_o wont_a power_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o my_o house_n to_o my_o family_n to_o my_o chamber_n i_o be_o now_o set_v for_o the_o great_a privacy_n and_o for_o the_o sweet_a intimacy_n there_o will_v i_o pour_v out_o my_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o there_o i_o will_v humble_o and_o patient_o yet_o with_o inflame_a long_n attend_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o wait_v thy_o gracious_a answer_n we_o find_v that_o holy_a abraham_n do_v erect_v altar_n to_o god_n abroad_o in_o the_o several_a place_n to_o which_o he_o come_v god_n have_v his_o table_n for_o abraham_n and_o abraham_n will_v have_v his_o altar_n for_o god_n god_n be_v very_o gracious_a abraham_n very_o ingenuous_a god_n be_v bountiful_a and_o abraham_n grateful_a at_o sichem_n the_o lord_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o there_o he_o build_v a_o altar_n and_o another_o he_o make_v near_o unto_o bethel_n and_o another_o in_o the_o plain_a of_o mamre_n and_o doubtless_o as_o he_o have_v his_o altar_n so_o his_o sacrifice_n as_o all_o place_n be_v witness_n of_o god_n kindness_n to_o abraham_n so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o witness_n of_o his_o mindfulness_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o as_o he_o have_v his_o altar_n abroad_o so_o as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v he_o have_v his_o grove_n at_o home_n a_o oratory_n a_o place_n of_o prayer_n where_o he_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o everlasting_a god_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o ourselves_o who_o can_v find_v altar_n abroad_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o they_o will_v make_v some_o they_o have_v as_o lief_o be_v without_o church_n as_o without_o altar_n and_o oh_o how_o do_v they_o admire_v they_o as_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n and_o how_o do_v they_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o stoop_v and_o bow_v to_o they_o and_o herein_o they_o place_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o their_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o foolish_a superstition_n if_o not_o something_o worse_a from_o which_o god_n deliver_v england_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n which_o do_v yet_o need_v a_o further_a reformation_n well_o these_o people_n have_v these_o thing_n abroad_o but_o suppose_v one_o shall_v ask_v they_o what_o they_o have_v at_o home_n may_v they_o not_o say_v we_o have_v rich_a table_n full_a cup_n stately_a chamber_n down-bed_n yea_o and_o card_n and_o dice_n health_v and_o rant_a chamber_a and_o wantonness_n yes_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a but_o what_o be_v there_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n of_o any_o honour_n do_v to_o god_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o no_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o be_v thou_o one_o of_o this_o number_n then_o i_o earnest_o desire_v thou_o to_o think_v with_o thyself_o and_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o profane_a place_n be_v thy_o closet_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o prayer_n how_o it_o stink_v in_o god_n nostril_n whatever_o other_o sweet_n thou_o may_v have_v where_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a duty_n to_o perfume_v it_o what_o a_o wicked_a place_n what_o a_o hell_n be_v thy_o chamber_n out_o of_o which_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v do_v it_o exclude_v if_o there_o be_v no_o prayer_n there_o then_o for_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o i_o mean_v by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o then_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o devil_n but_o my_o chief_a design_n be_v not_o to_o deal_v at_o present_a with_o the_o gross_a and_o open_o flagitious_a i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o prayer_n in_o their_o chamber_n and_o closet_n who_o do_v by_o their_o loose_a vicious_a and_o abominable_a life_n proclaim_v to_o all_o that_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n i_o will_v indeed_o speak_v a_o thousand_o word_n to_o do_v their_o soul_n good_a and_o think_v my_o time_n and_o labour_n well_o bestow_v but_o now_o my_o business_n lie_v among_o professor_n those_o of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o secret_a prayer_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v propound_v these_o four_o question_n and_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o answer_n they_o can_v give_v first_o be_v thou_o a_o christian_a indeed_o or_o be_v thou_o not_o second_o do_v thou_o make_v religion_n thy_o business_n or_o do_v thou_o not_o three_o what_o account_n do_v thou_o make_v of_o god_n four_o do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n charge_v thou_o with_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o duty_n i_o desire_v to_o deal_v faithful_o with_o you_o as_o one_o that_o must_v answer_v before_o my_o judge_n and_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v deal_v faithful_o with_o your_o own_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v your_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concern_v first_o be_v thou_o a_o christian_n or_o be_v thou_o not_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o profession_n only_o but_o in_o reality_n not_o in_o show_v only_o but_o in_o sincerity_n not_o in_o word_n and_o in_o tongue_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n thou_o will_v answer_v yes_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o thou_o say_v well_o but_o the_o great_a business_n be_v to_o make_v it_o out_o how_o do_v thou_o prove_v it_o thou_o will_v perhaps_o answer_n thou_o have_v be_v baptize_v that_o be_v well_o too_o that_o thy_o parent_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o bring_v thou_o to_o that_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o initiation_n and_o thereby_o bind_v thou_o to_o the_o faith_n fear_n and_o service_n of_o thy_o great_a creator_n and_o lord_n redeemer_n but_o my_o friend_n be_v that_o all_o thou_o have_v to_o say_v for_o thy_o christianity_n be_v that_o all_o the_o evidence_n thou_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v i_o can_v forbear_v tell_v thou_o that_o baptism_n where_o there_o be_v that_o and_o no_o more_o do_v make_v a_o company_n of_o pitiful_a christian_n there_o be_v a_o israelite_n in_o show_n and_o a_o israelite_n in_o deed_n will_v thou_o observe_v and_o make_v due_a use_n of_o that_o which_o paul_n say_v rom._n 2._o 28_o 29._o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outwordly_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n i_o may_v say_v that_o be_v not_o baptism_n which_o be_v only_o outward_a that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v the_o denomination_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n christ_n will_v not_o own_o a_o person_n for_o a_o sheep_n of_o his_o fold_n a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o lay_v indeed_o on_o all_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o a_o obligation_n unto_o holiness_n and_o it_o will_v great_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n which_o they_o afterward_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a commission_n of_o but_o it_o will_v not_o entitle_v they_o to_o salvation_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n possible_o now_o thou_o think_v thou_o have_v enough_o baptism_n save_v and_o what_o do_v i_o need_v more_o but_o stay_v let_v the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n not_o the_o put_v away_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o sprinkle_v water_n upon_o the_o face_n according_a to_o most_o or_o dip_v in_o it_o according_a to_o other_o or_o plunge_v the_o whole_a body_n in_o it_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n according_a to_o some_o neither_o this_o nor_o that_o way_n will_v be_v sufficient_a and_o save_v alone_o the_o unregenerate_a child_n of_o israel_n though_o circumcise_v be_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o ethiopian_n amos_n 9_o 7._o and_o as_o one_o say_v a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n upon_o his_o face_n but_o say_v peter_n the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n when_o conscience_n be_v able_a to_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n to_o answer_v the_o engagement_n in_o baptism_n to_o attain_v the_o bless_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n â—y_a walk_v as_o become_v one_o of_o his_o covenant-â—eople_a now_o then_o let_v
he_o be_v careful_a of_o and_o busy_a at_o his_o home-trade_n psal._n 55._o 17._o evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o at_o that_o rate_n of_o work_v he_o can_v neither_o live_v nor_o lie_v up_o as_o he_o will_v therefore_o you_o read_v in_o psal._n 119._o 164._o it_o be_v his_o constant_a practice_n to_o be_v at_o his_o praise_n of_o god_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n three_o i_o will_v ask_v thou_o this_o question_n what_o do_v thou_o think_v of_o god_n what_o figure_n do_v he_o make_v i_o know_v notwithstanding_o his_o unmatchable_a excellency_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n he_o be_v very_o low_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o many_o yea_o most_o but_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o professor_n and_o pretend_v to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o a_o love_n to_o he_o but_o prithee_o what_o room_n do_v thou_o give_v he_o where_o do_v thou_o place_v he_o do_v thou_o deal_v becoming_o with_o he_o do_v thou_o value_v and_o esteem_v he_o as_o a_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v value_v do_v thou_o believe_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o man_n on_o earth_n put_v together_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o to_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o thou_o be_v a_o far_o great_a matter_n than_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o best_a and_o great_a person_n upon_o earth_n upon_o thou_o it_o real_o be_v so_o for_o what_o be_v all_o the_o world_n to_o god_n what_o be_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o god_n what_o be_v their_o love_v thou_o if_o he_o hate_v thou_o what_o be_v their_o like_n thou_o if_o he_o loathe_v thou_o what_o be_v their_o approve_v and_o justify_v thou_o if_o he_o reject_v and_o condemn_v thou_o but_o i_o ask_v now_o what_o thy_o thought_n be_v and_o again_o i_o ask_v do_v thou_o think_v that_o to_o have_v his_o presence_n with_o thou_o be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o frequent_a and_o numerous_a assembly_n the_o most_o throng_a congregation_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n alone_o shall_v be_v more_o aw_v and_o it_o be_v more_o delight_v than_o that_o of_o any_o other_o now_o if_o thou_o have_v this_o high_a esteem_n for_o god_n if_o thou_o make_v this_o account_n of_o his_o presence_n then_o remember_v that_o he_o see_v in_o secret_a so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o text._n his_o eye_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n not_o only_o in_o the_o highway_n and_o broad_a street_n but_o they_o look_v into_o nook_n and_o corner_n also_o he_o do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o step_n into_o chamber_n and_o closet_n too_o as_o in_o ezek._n 9_o 8._o he_o order_v the_o prophet_n to_o dig_v in_o the_o wall_n and_o command_v he_o to_o go_v in_o and_o see_v the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v there_o and_o verse_n 12._o he_o speak_v of_o what_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n do_v in_o the_o dark_a every_o one_o in_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o imagery_n idolater_n act_v their_o idolatry_n and_o ungodly_a man_n their_o wickedness_n as_o close_o as_o they_o can_v they_o have_v darkness_n and_o wall_n to_o conceal_v it_o but_o to_o god_n the_o darkness_n be_v as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n and_o in_o the_o wall_n there_o be_v a_o hole_n through_o which_o god_n eye_n look_v and_o discover_v all_o and_o he_o that_o can_v find_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o wall_n have_v also_o a_o window_n in_o the_o chamber_n now_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n will_v make_v thou_o pray_v in_o thy_o family_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a influence_n on_o thou_o as_o to_o fetch_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o house_n and_o draw_v thou_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n iâ—_n the_o act_n of_o public_a worship_n give_v i_o a_o reason_n if_o thou_o have_v one_o worth_n the_o give_n why_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o holy_a god_n shall_v not_o make_v thou_o pray_v in_o thy_o chamber_n by_o thyself_o since_o he_o do_v most_o curious_o observe_v thou_o there_o though_o no_o body_n else_o do_v i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o tell_v thou_o whether_o thou_o will_v believe_v and_o consider_v it_o or_o not_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o thyself_o that_o if_o thou_o do_v neglect_v secret_a prayer_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o thou_o undervalue_v god_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o base_a slight_n put_v upon_o god_n and_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v four_o let_v i_o once_o more_o inquire_v of_o thou_o what_o agreement_n be_v there_o between_o thou_o and_o thy_o conscience_n when_o you_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n do_v you_o find_v and_o enjoy_v peace_n within_o be_v conscience_n quiet_a do_v it_o not_o quarrel_v with_o you_o and_o make_v you_o feel_v its_o anger_n i_o remember_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o rom._n 14._o 22._o happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v that_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v whatever_o other_o say_v against_o he_o he_o be_v not_o self-condemned_n so_o i_o may_v say_v happy_a be_v the_o man_n who_o condemn_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o omit_v thou_o never_o pray_v in_o secret_a but_o be_v thou_o not_o in_o that_o want_v to_o thy_o duty_n be_v not_o thou_o injurious_a both_o to_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o soul_n do_v thou_o not_o withhold_v from_o he_o that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n do_v not_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v want_v to_o thy_o duty_n do_v it_o not_o vote_n for_o it_o do_v it_o not_o upbraid_v thou_o with_o the_o neglect_n do_v it_o not_o sometime_o flee_v in_o thy_o face_n and_o charge_v it_o upon_o thou_o and_o put_v thou_o into_o a_o little-ease_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o conscience_n go_v along_o with_o those_o thing_n and_o subscribe_v to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o what_o account_n will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o give_v unto_o thy_o supreme_a lord_n for_o thy_o not_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o vicegerent_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o set_v up_o in_o thy_o bosom_n how_o will_v thou_o answer_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o thy_o conscience_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o do_v that_o which_o thy_o conscience_n tell_v thou_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v how_o do_v thou_o think_v to_o come_v off_o what_o plea_n will_v thou_o use_v at_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n when_o thy_o heavenly_a master_n shall_v say_v i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o i_o they_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v up_o here_o have_v be_v a_o huge_a chasâ—e_n a_o great_a vacancy_n i_o have_v be_v forget_v and_o neglect_v by_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o thou_o will_v not_o do_v i_o service_n when_o thou_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v thou_o will_v rather_o sit_v still_o nod_v in_o thy_o chair_n than_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o give_v i_o a_o visit_n we_o be_v command_v always_o to_o ahound_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15._o verse_n last_o how_o dare_v thou_o then_o to_o omit_v so_o considerable_a so_o sweet_a and_o so_o necessary_a a_o part_n thereof_o especial_o when_o thy_o conscience_n persuade_v and_o call_v thou_o to_o it_o conscience_n will_v be_v hear_v soon_o or_o late_a in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v its_o soft_a counsel_n you_o shall_v its_o loud_a thunder_n if_o you_o will_v not_o follow_v its_o direction_n it_o will_v pursue_v you_o with_o its_o terror_n in_o a_o word_n if_o you_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n you_o shall_v feel_v the_o fury_n of_o it_o and_o when_o you_o feel_v it_o you_o will_v find_v it_o intollâ—rable_a have_v thus_o order_v out_o those_o reproof_n which_o i_o judge_v necessary_a upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o text_n and_o beg_v they_o may_v take_v place_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n in_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o other_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o hearty_a and_o serious_a exhortation_n i_o do_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o who_o be_v yet_o altogether_o or_o too_o great_a stranger_n to_o it_o to_o set_v forthwith_o upon_o this_o excellent_a duâ—y_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o oh_o that_o by_o the_o
of_o thy_o heavenly_a father_n i_o be_o confident_a if_o thou_o will_v begin_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n thou_o will_v not_o easy_o give_v it_o over_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v what_o interruption_n the_o devil_n may_v give_v thou_o who_o hate_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o man_n but_o if_o by_o temptation_n thou_o shall_v for_o a_o time_n be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v well_o nor_o able_a to_o enjoy_v thyself_o till_o thou_o do_v return_v to_o it_o again_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o a_o humble_a holy_a and_o believe_a performance_n thou_o will_v experience_n such_o incomparable_a sweetness_n and_o so_o much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v go_v on_o and_o call_v upon_o god_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v and_o then_o expire_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o stephen_n do_v who_o last_o word_n be_v prayer_n act_v 7._o 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o fall_v asleep_a that_o which_o i_o have_v further_o to_o do_v will_v be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o lay_v down_o motive_n to_o the_o work_n 2._o give_v direction_n for_o manage_v it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o allure_a and_o draw_v you_o to_o this_o excellent_a work_n who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n to_o it_o or_o very_o backward_o and_o by_o consequence_n inconstant_a off_o and_o on_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o hearty_o rejoice_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v gracious_o please_v to_o succeed_v these_o endeavour_n so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v to_o you_o may_v bring_v you_o upon_o your_o knee_n that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o of_o this_o chamber-practice_n more_o of_o a_o chamber-fellowship_n and_o closet-communion_n with_o your_o god_n the_o motive_n be_v these_o first_o do_v you_o pray_v in_o secret_a because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o prayer_n see_v in_o secret_a as_o trust_v in_o he_o you_o do_v at_o no_o time_n and_o in_o no_o condition_n trust_v in_o a_o god_n that_o can_v save_v so_o direct_v your_o prayer_n to_o he_o you_o do_v in_o no_o place_n pray_v unto_o a_o god_n that_o can_v hear_v when_o hagar_n have_v in_o a_o fear_n flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o her_o incense_a mistress_n god_n find_v she_o out_o in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o she_o be_v abscond_v and_o appear_v and_o speak_v unto_o she_o there_o whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v in_o gen._n 16._o 13._o that_o she_o call_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v unto_o she_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o for_o she_o say_v have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o we_o may_v as_o some_o do_v reckon_v these_o word_n to_o be_v word_n of_o reprehension_n as_o relate_v to_o herself_o and_o word_n of_o admiration_n as_o refer_v to_o god_n have_v i_o also_o look_v after_o he_o here_o i_o be_o but_o how_o stupid_a and_o foolish_a have_v i_o be_v i_o have_v be_v look_v back_o to_o the_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v when_o in_o the_o family_n and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o my_o master_n abraham_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o displeasure_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o mistress_n sarahâ—â—_n and_o i_o have_v be_v look_v to_o the_o desolate_a place_n and_o distress_a condition_n into_o which_o i_o be_o now_o bring_v but_o have_v i_o here_o mind_v god_n and_o look_v after_o god_n i_o have_v be_v so_o afflict_v with_o my_o loss_n and_o have_v pore_v so_o much_o upon_o my_o trouble_n that_o i_o have_v be_v unmindful_a of_o god_n do_v find_v neither_o heart_n nor_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o he_o or_o look_v after_o he_o a_o case_n it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n yet_o here_o he_o â—eeth_v i_o and_o mind_n i_o here_o he_o look_v upon_o my_o person_n and_o upon_o my_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n and_o may_v not_o thou_o my_o friend_n say_v the_o very_a same_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o thy_o closet-recesses_a thou_o god_n see_v i_o when_o no_o soul_n live_v be_v by_o when_o no_o mortal_a eye_n seâ—th_v i_o then_o thou_o god_n see_v i_o now_o let_v i_o desire_v thou_o after_o that_o serious_a consideration_n to_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o serious_a question_n to_o thyself_o have_v i_o also_o here_o look_v after_o he_o that_o see_v i_o god_n eye_n have_v be_v here_o upon_o i_o but_o have_v my_o eye_n be_v again_o upon_o god_n and_o unto_o god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n i_o have_v look_v after_o that_o god_n who_o see_v i_o there_o i_o have_v have_v many_o frequent_a repeat_v and_o raise_v thought_n at_o he_o there_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o he_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n yea_o more_o than_o they_o that_o watch_v for_o the_o morning_n but_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o chamber_n can_v thou_o make_v thy_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thou_o know_v and_o be_v my_o witness_n that_o even_o here_o i_o have_v look_v after_o thou_o that_o see_v i_o here_o my_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n have_v be_v towards_o the_o lord_n that_o see_v i_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n that_o your_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v psalm_n 139._o 7._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n the_o question_n speak_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v his_o eye_n be_v fasten_v upon_o thou_o and_o follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v look_v to_o thyself_o and_o ponder_v all_o thy_o action_n thou_o be_v under_o the_o pure_a and_o pierce_a and_o all-discerning_a eye_n of_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o kitchen_n yea_o and_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n too_o and_o since_o he_o do_v see_v thou_o there_o what_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n in_o thy_o mind_n and_o corruption_n in_o thy_o heart_n will_v thou_o have_v he_o see_v nothing_o do_v by_o thou_o but_o look_v into_o thy_o glass_n and_o into_o thy_o chest_n and_o bag_n or_o turn_v over_o thy_o finery_n and_o foolery_n and_o so_o feed_v thy_o wantonness_n and_o pride_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o perish_a carcase_n to_o deck_v and_o adorn_v it_o or_o gratify_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a appetite_n but_o never_o see_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n seek_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n or_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o own_o precious_a and_o never-dying_a soul_n oh_o that_o his_o eye_n may_v affect_v your_o heart_n that_o divine_a eye_n which_o be_v upon_o all_o your_o way_n and_o look_v you_o through_o and_o thorough_a that_o eye_n which_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n yea_o inconceivable_o more_o than_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v among_o other_o have_v these_o two_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o all_o man_n that_o know_v and_o own_v he_o first_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o seâ—ondly_o it_o shall_v quicken_v and_o animate_v we_o it_o shall_v awe_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o be_v a_o effectual_a curb_n to_o those_o lust_n and_o corruption_n which_o will_v otherwise_o break_v loose_a and_o grow_v rampant_a when_o no_o body_n be_v by_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v by_o this_o preserve_v young_a joseph_n from_o fall_v before_o a_o great_a temptation_n when_o he_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o mistress_n and_o as_o some_o will_v have_v think_v have_v do_v himself_o a_o kindness_n this_o thought_n break_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o temptation_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n again_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n shall_v animate_v and_o put_v life_n into_o you_o it_o shall_v as_o a_o golden_a spur_n quicken_v you_o to_o the_o careful_a and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n when_o you_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o no_o body_n at_o hand_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o make_v report_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o you_o enough_o alone_o that_o god_n see_v your_o love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o his_o name_n and_o a_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o he_o need_v none_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o unmindfulness_n and_o neglect_n of_o he_o no_o no_o he_o
not_o seek_v his_o face_n where_o you_o sin_n to_o his_o face_n oh_o look_v careful_o to_o it_o that_o as_o there_o be_v secret_a fault_n so_o there_o be_v secret_a prayer_n and_o tear_n as_o secret_a sin_n so_o secret_a service_n four_o there_o be_v special_a and_o momentous_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o secret_a prayer_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n nor_o woman_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v something_o or_o other_o which_o he_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v a_o mantle_n of_o privacy_n throw_v over_o something_a or_o other_o which_o he_o may_v be_v free_a and_o willing_a to_o whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o prudent_a intimate_a friend_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o bosom_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o divulge_v and_o come_v abroad_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o body_n now_o let_v i_o ask_v thou_o have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o his_o ear_n something_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n acquaint_v with_o something_o it_o may_v be_v that_o do_v great_o oppress_v thou_o and_o whilst_o thou_o do_v smother_v it_o altogether_o in_o silence_n thy_o heart_n be_v almost_o break_a within_o thou_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o give_v vent_n and_o thereby_o some_o ease_n to_o thy_o overburdened_a mind_n and_o where_o can_v thou_o do_v it_o with_o more_o freedom_n and_o great_a hope_n of_o relief_n than_o when_o thou_o be_v alone_o before_o a_o gracious_a god_n who_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o his_o compassion_n do_v not_o fail_v will_v that_o which_o they_o call_v common-prayer_n râ—ach_v thy_o whole_a case_n do_v it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o find_v every_o one_o of_o thy_o want_n mention_v there_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o groan_n form_v there_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o desire_n draw_v up_o there_o be_v there_o nothing_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a in_o thy_o case_n be_v it_o exact_o state_v by_o other_o in_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14._o 10._o the_o heart_n know_v his_o own_o bitterness_n and_o a_o stranger_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o his_o joy_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o lock_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n that_o no_o body_n else_o have_v a_o key_n to_o let_v he_o into_o they_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o a_o poor_a disease_a patient_n to_o tell_v his_o physician_n how_o he_o feel_v himself_o indeed_o if_o he_o be_v so_o disturb_v in_o his_o reason_n or_o so_o much_o enfeeble_v that_o he_o can_v do_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o some_o other_o to_o do_v it_o that_o have_v be_v about_o he_o and_o curious_a in_o his_o observation_n but_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o wise_a physician_n will_v like_v that_o account_n best_o which_o come_v from_o his_o patient_n be_v own_o mouth_n suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o give_v one_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o do_v so_o to_o thy_o great_a and_o everblessed_n physician_n the_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o that_o end_n study_v both_o his_o word_n and_o thy_o heart_n that_o by_o study_v his_o word_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o know_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o by_o study_v thy_o own_o heart_n thou_o may_v know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o then_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o again_o will_v publick-prayer_n at_o all_o time_n become_v thou_o and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concernment_n have_v thou_o so_o much_o of_o a_o unspotted_a innocency_n or_o such_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o blush_v to_o tell_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o housetop_n have_v thou_o be_v so_o undefiled_a in_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o need_v not_o care_v who_o know_v what_o thou_o have_v be_v and_o what_o thou_o have_v do_v indeed_o when_o a_o proud_a and_o self-conceited_a pharisee_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o display_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o trumpet_n out_o his_o own_o commendation_n to_o tell_v god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o phoenix_n a_o kind_n of_o none-such_a in_o the_o world_n one_o that_o be_v so_o free_a from_o common_a defilement_n so_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o act_n of_o goodness_n that_o his_o fellow_n be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v he_o ambitious_a of_o have_v auditor_n enough_o and_o to_o see_v he_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o with_o his_o hand_n by_o his_o side_n strut_a it_o to_o the_o temple_n where_o he_o do_v expect_v a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n who_o may_v go_v and_o inform_v other_o what_o great_a thing_n they_o have_v hear_v concern_v he_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o so_o raise_v to_o he_o thousand_o of_o admiring_n among_o such_o as_o will_v be_v credulous_a and_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n but_o methinks_v when_o a_o poor_a publican_n that_o groan_v under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n who_o know_v himself_o unable_a to_o answer_v for_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o who_o have_v have_v often_o and_o often_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o himself_o pronounce_v by_o his_o own_o awaken_v and_o wound_v conscience_n when_o i_o say_v he_o be_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o indictment_n against_o himself_o and_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o righteous_a judge_n and_o then_o have_v so_o do_v to_o beg_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o plead_v hard_a for_o his_o life_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o may_v stand_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o get_v alone_o by_o himself_o as_o a_o person_n ashamed_a and_o even_o confound_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o acquaint_v god_n with_o thy_o disease_n foul_a loathsome_a disease_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o open_v thy_o artery_n sore_n and_o those_o wound_n in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o as_o poor_a david_n find_v and_o own_a stink_n and_o be_v corrupt_a it_o speak_v a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o do_v high_o become_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o now_o christian_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o deal_v particular_o with_o thou_o and_o to_o come_v as_o close_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o propound_v some_o few_o question_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o desire_v thou_o to_o propound_v they_o to_o thyself_o when_o i_o have_v do_v 1._o have_v thou_o not_o some_o secret_a sin_n to_o confess_v to_o god_n have_v thou_o be_v all_o thy_o day_n so_o sober_a and_o righteous_a and_o godly_a so_o circumspect_a and_o exact_a that_o no_o action_n of_o thou_o trouble_v thou_o or_o will_v reflect_v dishhonour_n upon_o thou_o or_o in_o the_o least_o put_v thou_o out_o of_o countenance_n be_v there_o no_o blot_n in_o thy_o escutchion_n no_o dead_a fly_n in_o thy_o box_n of_o ointment_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n do_v by_o thou_o which_o nobody_o do_v know_v of_o and_o which_o thou_o will_v not_o for_o more_o than_o i_o will_v say_v have_v any_o body_n know_v of_o let_v this_o bring_v thou_o to_o secret_a prayer_n for_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v indeed_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n thou_o do_v not_o need_v to_o do_v it_o unto_o man_n there_o be_v no_o necessâ—â—y_n for_o thou_o to_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v thy_o own_o shame_n auriculaâ—â—onfeâ—â—â—on_n which_o the_o popish_a priest_n do_v require_v be_v a_o abomination_n but_o a_o confession_n there_o must_v be_v else_o the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v heal_v the_o oppress_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v relieve_v the_o sâ—ain_n will_v not_o be_v take_v out_o the_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v pardon_v the_o promise_n be_v he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n as_o much_o as_o he_o need_v or_o can_v desire_v and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n give_v we_o this_o assurance_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o that_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v we_o â—u_n sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o those_o word_n from_o all_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o justify_v grace_n will_v make_v through_o work_n wherever_o it_o come_v it_o take_v away_o iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n all_o sort_n and_o size_n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o where_o do_v this_o take_v place_n only_o in_o they_o that_o confess_v where_o there_o be_v no_o confession_n you_o can_v with_o reason_n hope_v for_o a_o remission_n add_v this_o you_o may_v very_o well_o spread_v before_o god_n those_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v commit_v in_o secret_a because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o hide_v they_o from_o he_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o
the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o or_o have_v great_a dependence_n upon_o these_o thing_n and_o possible_o twenty_o more_o which_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o be_v very_o much_o the_o matter_n of_o thy_o desire_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o god_n who_o perform_v all_o thing_n for_o david_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v other_o acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n if_o thou_o be_v loath_a that_o thy_o family_n shall_v be_v privy_a to_o the_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o these_o respect_n then_o let_v they_o bring_v thou_o upon_o thy_o knee_n in_o thy_o secret_a retirement_n there_o thou_o may_v be_v bold_a and_o as_o free_a as_o thou_o please_v there_o thou_o may_v full_o open_v thy_o case_n and_o unbosom_v thyself_o and_o tell_v god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o keep_v back_o nothing_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o holy_a david_n who_o can_v say_v in_o psal._n 38._o 9_o all_o my_o desire_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o groan_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o five_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n be_v enough_o to_o attract_v and_o draw_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o secret_a prayer_n bring_v the_o christian_a into_o secret_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o secret_a communion_n be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n as_o that_o person_n taste_v and_o experience_n who_o love_v god_n indeed_o two_o lover_n have_v abundant_o more_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o each_o other_o company_n when_o they_o be_v get_v in_o a_o corner_n and_o no_o body_n to_o interrupt_v or_o observe_v they_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o throng_n of_o people_n or_o in_o a_o room_n where_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o there_o they_o can_v be_v so_o familiar_a and_o free_a as_o their_o mutual_a affection_n do_v require_v we_o have_v free_a leave_n give_v we_o yea_o we_o be_v under_o a_o divine_a command_n to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o holdness_n heb._n 4._o 16._o with_o a_o freedom_n of_o speech_n to_o fetch_v up_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o tell_v our_o whole_a mind_n to_o god_n but_o when_o the_o saint_n go_v in_o company_n many_o time_n he_o that_o be_v call_v out_o to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o god_n find_v himself_o confine_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o a_o natural_a and_o overpower_v modesty_n and_o his_o christian_a childlike_a boldness_n be_v abate_v nay_o whole_o to_o seek_v and_o he_o be_v at_o such_o a_o great_a loss_n and_o so_o exceed_o trouble_v that_o he_o can_v speak_v that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n asaph_n psal._n 73._o his_o freedom_n be_v turn_v into_o oppression_n and_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o matter_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v almost_o ready_a to_o break_v within_o he_o because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v himself_o vent_v in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o be_v a_o awe_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o do_v issue_n in_o a_o painful_a restraint_n oh_o christian_n if_o you_o can_v hear_v some_o gracious_a soul_n in_o their_o private_a address_n to_o god_n it_o will_v put_v you_o into_o a_o amazement_n you_o can_v not_o forbear_v stand_v and_o wonder_v how_o bold_a they_o be_v with_o god_n though_o not_o saucy_a how_o familiar_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o god_n yet_o know_v and_o consider_v their_o distance_n how_o plain_a they_o will_v be_v how_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a how_o they_o will_v plead_v with_o he_o and_o produce_v their_o argument_n and_o strong_a reason_n and_o with_o vehemency_n urge_v they_o wrestle_v with_o he_o as_o those_o that_o must_v have_v their_o petition_n grant_v and_o will_v too_o before_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o they_o do_v herein_o that_o which_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o above_o and_o use_v those_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v who_o speak_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o herein_o forget_v themselves_o or_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o more_o bold_a than_o welcome_a when_o they_o have_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o wound_v up_o their_o importunity_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v their_o kind_n and_o gracious_a father_n allowance_n for_o and_o then_o be_v their_o prayer_n his_o music_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o who_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o have_v take_v the_o same_o course_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v or_o conceive_v the_o fruit_n and_o advantage_n which_o thereby_o come_v into_o they_o when_o their_o soul_n have_v have_v so_o large_a a_o vent_n what_o â—ase_n do_v they_o find_v in_o themselves_o what_o peace_n but_o such_o as_o pass_v understanding_n how_o do_v their_o face_n shine_v even_o as_o that_o of_o moses_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n what_o delight_n have_v they_o have_v what_o joy_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v they_o find_v within_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o holy_a david_n do_v with_o high_a confidence_n promise_v unto_o himself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o promise_v so_o much_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o future_a by_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n he_o look_v not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a taste_n a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o some_o crumb_n of_o comfort_n so_o much_o only_o as_o will_v set_v he_o a_o longing_n or_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o but_o a_o full_a meal_n he_o promise_v himself_o the_o best_a not_o brown-bread_n and_o water_n ordinary_a course_n fare_n but_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n yea_o and_o enough_o too_o a_o fullness_n so_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o complain_v but_o admire_v and_o triumph_v my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a lip_n when_o he_o have_v his_o sweet_a refresh_n his_o fill_n than_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o benefactor_n but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o do_v promise_v himself_o these_o rich_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n in_o his_o secret_n converse_v with_o god_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o night-watche_n upon_o which_o word_n mr._n dickson_n have_v this_o observation_n very_o apposite_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o way_n to_o find_v refreshment_n spiritual_a be_v beside_o public_a ordinance_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n in_o secret_a at_o such_o time_n as_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a necessity_n may_v best_o spare_v and_o then_o and_o there_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v see_v or_o feel_v of_o god_n word_n or_o work_v and_o to_o keep_v our_o thought_n upon_o this_o holy_a subject_n by_o prayer_n soliloquy_n and_o meditation_n this_o this_o bring_v in_o spiritual_a refreshment_n indeed_o this_o warm_v the_o heart_n this_o feast_n it_o this_o delight_v it_o this_o raise_v it_o this_o furnish_v it_o with_o new_a song_n six_o secret_a prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v vain_a our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n in_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n thou_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o psal._n 87._o 2._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n i._n e._n say_v ainsworth_n the_o public_a assembly_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n but_o he_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o afford_v his_o presence_n and_o give_v a_o meeting_n to_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o friend_n when_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v christ_n own_o word_n for_o your_o assurance_n in_o the_o case_n matth._n 18._o 20._o as_o to_o assist_v so_o to_o accept_v and_o bless_v and_o do_v for_o they_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o they_o desire_v yea_o his_o grace_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o his_o love_n so_o great_a that_o his_o condescension_n shall_v be_v low_a yet_o for_o he_o will_v come_v into_o a_o corner_n when_o he_o have_v a_o child_n of_o his_o alone_a pray_v and_o cry_v cantic_a 2._o 14._o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n
and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a when_o she_o be_v most_o retire_a and_o abscond_v christ_n love_v both_o to_o see_v she_o and_o hear_v she_o though_o she_o be_v sunburn_a with_o persecution_n and_o soot_v with_o infirmity_n yet_o her_o countenance_n be_v comely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n because_o there_o he_o see_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n image_n and_o though_o her_o prayer_n be_v break_v and_o as_o the_o chattering_n of_o a_o crane_n yet_o the_o voice_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o although_o our_o lord_n speak_v this_o to_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n who_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v take_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o when_o elijah_n be_v as_o you_o hear_v and_o we_o note_v before_o under_o the_o juniper-tree_n god_n be_v please_v to_o come_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n a_o account_n of_o his_o case_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o withdraw_a himself_o what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bring_v thou_o hither_o and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v have_v of_o i_o know_v o_o holy_a soul_n thou_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o may_v promise_v thyself_o the_o same_o kindness_n god_n will_v not_o think_v it_o too_o much_o for_o his_o majesty_n to_o come_v to_o thou_o alone_o when_o desire_v and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o blessing_n for_o thou_o though_o thou_o take_v none_o here_o to_o back_v thou_o have_v not_o a_o friend_n on_o earth_n to_o join_v in_o the_o suit_n yet_o do_v thou_o go_v and_o state_n thy_o own_o case_n draw_v up_o thy_o petition_n and_o present_v it_o unto_o god_n with_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n set_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o it_o and_o god_n will_v present_o add_v his_o fiat_fw-la his_o amen_o though_o it_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n shall_v not_o present_o be_v give_v in_o to_o thou_o yet_o the_o grant_n shall_v be_v pass_v in_o heaven_n thy_o father_n will_v say_v be_v it_o unto_o this_o soul_n even_o as_o it_o will_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o only_o give_v the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o thou_o but_o more_o too_o and_o while_o thou_o ask_v like_o a_o child_n he_o will_v answer_v thou_o like_o a_o god_n a_o most_o gracious_a assurance_n hereof_o you_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o he_o see_v the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o thy_o desire_n he_o see_v how_o thou_o labour_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o what_o pain_n thou_o have_v take_v and_o with_o what_o great_a wrestle_n thou_o haste_v wrestle_v and_o have_v see_v he_o will_v reward_v the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o the_o reward_n be_v to_o come_v so_o then_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v christ_n thou_o shall_v not_o lose_v thy_o labour_n thou_o shall_v not_o have_v pang_n and_o throw_n of_o soul_n and_o after_o all_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wind_n never_o do_v any_o one_o holy_a prayer_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o drop_v by_o the_o way_n the_o great_a god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o set_v his_o child_n about_o any_o unprofitable_a work_n paul_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v of_o that_o mind_n when_o he_o say_v in_o 1._o cor._n 15._o last_o be_v steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n as_o their_o grievous_a suffering_n turn_v they_o to_o a_o very_a good_a account_n so_o shall_v all_o their_o holy_a action_n there_o be_v never_o a_o appointment_n of_o duty_n for_o they_o but_o it_o carry_v in_o its_o bowel_n a_o design_n of_o mercy_n he_o say_v not_o to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o my_o face_n in_o vain_a the_o prepare_v and_o engage_v of_o their_o heart_n to_o pray_v speak_v his_o readiness_n and_o resolution_n to_o incline_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v when_o he_o bid_v they_o open_v their_o mouth_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v fill_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o give_v a_o knock_n at_o his_o door_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o have_v promise_v when_o they_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o they_o and_o when_o he_o open_v his_o door_n he_o will_v open_v his_o heart_n and_o hand_n too_o and_o not_o send_v they_o away_o empty_a when_o he_o bid_v they_o seek_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o find_n and_o that_o which_o they_o find_v shall_v be_v worth_a their_o while_n and_o pay_v they_o for_o all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v to_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o those_o that_o sit_v down_o loser_n and_o have_v a_o disappointment_n of_o their_o expectation_n nay_o further_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v we_o open_o he_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v how_o he_o use_v his_o servant_n they_o shall_v see_v there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o though_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o fool_n in_o go_v about_o to_o charge_v rot_v sordid_a design_n and_o a_o mercenary_a selfishness_n upon_o job_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o job_n do_v not_o serve_v god_n 〈◊〉_d nought_o he_o will_v reward_v thou_o open_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n as_o you_o have_v compass_v his_o altar_n with_o your_o supplication_n so_o will_v he_o compass_v you_o about_o with_o favour_n and_o with_o song_n he_o will_v make_v it_o manifest_a he_o will_v convince_v his_o enemy_n a_o foolish_a wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a world_n of_o all_o the_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o they_o themselves_o shall_v see_v it_o false_a that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o serve_v god_n he_o will_v by_o his_o liberal_a reward_n give_v they_o extort_v from_o they_o this_o acknowledgement_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o especial_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o at_o the_o last_o and_o great_a day_n which_o will_v be_v the_o day_n of_o recompense_n the_o day_n in_o which_o god_n will_v make_v up_o his_o jewel_n and_o set_v they_o not_o in_o gold_n but_o in_o glory_n then_o as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o mal._n 3._o 18._o yea_o then_o indeed_o shall_v you_o discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a betweem_v he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o between_o he_o that_o seek_v god_n and_o he_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o between_o he_o that_o pray_v and_o he_o that_o pray_v not_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o apparent_a and_o manifest_a difference_n the_o stone-blind_a world_n those_o that_o be_v wicked_o wilful_o blind_a shall_v see_v it_o to_o their_o vexation_n and_o torment_n these_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o i_o do_v design_n and_o do_v hope_n to_o work_v upon_o your_o heart_n these_o the_o silken_a cord_n of_o a_o man_n the_o rational_a argument_n with_o which_o i_o will_v alluâ—e_v and_o draw_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a cheerful_a performance_n of_o this_o excellent_a necessary_a and_o soul-chearing_a soul-fattening_a duty_n of_o secret-prayer_n and_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v hear_v you_o have_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o prevail_v with_o now_o that_o you_o may_v do_v this_o work_n well_o and_o not_o fail_v as_o to_o the_o right_a management_n of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o miss_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o singular_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o come_v by_o it_o i_o shall_v afford_v you_o what_o assistance_n i_o judge_v needful_a in_o the_o case_n and_o in_o silence_n pass_v over_o those_o direction_n which_o refer_v to_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o up_o some_o that_o do_v particular_o concern_v and_o relate_v to_o secret-prayer_n they_o be_v these_o i_o beseech_v you_o mind_n and_o practise_v they_o first_o make_v thy_o secret_a approach_n to_o god_n with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o spirit_n that_o thou_o can_v though_o thou_o go_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n and_o with_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o with_o hope_n of_o find_v grace_n yet_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o his_o fear_n thou_o worship_v towards_o his_o holy_a temple_n though_o thou_o be_v alone_o and_o without_o any_o here_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n do_v thou_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o as_o great_a a_o â—we_n
thyself_o because_o of_o the_o rage_n of_o my_o enemy_n awake_v for_o i_o to_o the_o judgement_n which_o thou_o have_v command_v so_o shall_v the_o congragation_n of_o the_o people_n compass_v thou_o about_o 〈◊〉_d for_o their_o sake_n therefore_o return_v thou_o on_o high_a yea_o when_o there_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o god_n people_n compass_v he_o about_o we_o may_v say_v lord_n for_o their_o sake_n show_v thyself_o be_v exalt_v in_o thy_o strength_n and_o in_o thy_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n yet_o know_v this_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o any_o one_o single_a member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n shall_v be_v remiss_a and_o abate_v of_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n for_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 15._o 30._o when_o we_o be_v together_o in_o prayer_n we_o must_v strive_v together_o in_o prayer_n the_o word_n be_v very_o emphatical_a when_o we_o be_v together_o we_o must_v not_o be_v in_o prayer_n only_o but_o in_o a_o agony_n too_o we_o must_v not_o only_o seek_v mercy_n but_o strive_v for_o it_o strive_v mighty_o as_o wrestler_n do_v and_o champion_n in_o the_o field_n it_o be_v say_v beza_n a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o military_a affair_n and_o signify_v such_o fervency_n and_o zeal_n as_o be_v use_v in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n there_o must_v be_v a_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n strength_n and_o a_o put_v forth_o of_o we_o a_o act_n to_o the_o utmost_a though_o we_o be_v together_o and_o that_o a_o great_a number_n together_o yet_o we_o must_v every_o one_o strive_v else_o it_o will_v be_v our_o shame_n as_o in_o a_o school_n if_o all_o the_o boy_n be_v study_v and_o con_v their_o lesson_n any_o one_o shall_v not_o mind_v it_o but_o be_v toy_v and_o loiter_v or_o as_o in_o a_o workhouse_n many_o shall_v be_v labour_v hard_o till_o the_o sweat_n run_v off_o their_o face_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o industrious_a company_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o sleep_v and_o there_o another_o trifle_n and_o also_o it_o will_v be_v to_o your_o loss_n for_o though_o the_o church_n may_v obtain_v a_o gracious_a answer_n and_o prevail_v for_o a_o blessing_n and_o delight_v themselves_o in_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o the_o lazy_a lukewarm_a christian_a who_o do_v nothing_o or_o at_o best_a out_o of_o a_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n will_n a_o hundred_o to_o one_o fall_v short_a and_o miss_v of_o a_o share_n be_v one_o of_o those_o foolish_a slothful_a seeker_n that_o be_v not_o able_a and_o while_o a_o jacob_n after_o his_o wrestle_n be_v commend_v and_o reward_v have_v his_o name_n change_v to_o his_o honour_n from_o weak_a jacob_n to_o mighty_a israel_n from_o jacob_n a_o worm_n to_o israel_n a_o prince_n with_o god_n while_o resolve_v and_o importunate_a soul_n be_v most_o gracious_o smile_v upon_o and_o send_v away_o as_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n be_v with_o their_o desire_n fulfil_v and_o their_o joy_n run_v over_o be_v it_o to_o you_o even_o as_o you_o will_v i_o can_v i_o will_v deny_v you_o nothing_o thou_o may_v be_v send_v away_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n from_o god_n thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v with_o a_o flea_n in_o thy_o ear_n no_o no_o with_o a_o sting_n in_o thy_o conscience_n buâ—_n now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o joint_a endeavour_n require_v such_o utmost_a strive_n when_o you_o go_v before_o god_n with_o your_o unite_a force_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o you_o shall_v be_v cold_a and_o freeze_v why_o you_o shall_v trifle_v and_o be_v careless_a when_o you_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o secret_a with_o god_n no_o no_o than_o it_o do_v near_o concern_v you_o to_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o muster_v all_o your_o force_n and_o to_o put_v all_o your_o affection_n into_o a_o lively_a and_o fervant_fw-la frame_n and_o every_o grace_n to_o its_o post_n and_o business_n be_v you_o have_v to_o do_v all_o your_o work_n yourselves_o get_v as_o much_o strength_n from_o heaven_n as_o you_o can_v and_o employ_v all_o you_o get_v whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v thou_o own_o single_a hand_n be_v sure_a that_o thou_o do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n christian_n you_o must_v seek_v mercy_n diligent_o if_o you_o will_v be_v successful_a in_o your_o seek_n seven_o let_v not_o thy_o secret_a prayer_n shut_v prayer_n out_o of_o thy_o family_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o performance_n as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o this_o neglect_n and_o omission_n neither_o think_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n now_o with_o that_o which_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o good_a plea_n when_o thou_o shall_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n it_o be_v indeed_o thy_o duty_n to_o pray_v alone_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o thou_o do_v well_o yet_o thou_o must_v not_o only_o pray_v alone_o but_o with_o other_o also_o yea_o this_o be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o you_o who_o be_v governor_n of_o family_n you_o shall_v see_v to_o it_o that_o your_o house_n be_v church_n not_o bethaven_n house_n of_o vanity_n but_o bethel_n the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o precilla_n and_o aquila_n 16_o rom._n 5._o and_o a_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphus_fw-la coloss._n 4._o 15._o and_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o philemon_n house_n philemon_z 2._o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_v and_o a_o true_a one_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n in_o his_o own_o house_n you_o do_v well_o enough_o remember_v your_o be_v king_n and_o as_o such_o do_v insist_v much_o upon_o your_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o know_v how_o to_o lord_n it_o enough_o only_o by_o the_o way_n take_v this_o short_a advice_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o so_o rule_n as_o king_n as_o not_o to_o degenerate_v into_o tyrant_n you_o be_v head_n and_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o such_o but_o let_v not_o your_o crown_n be_v thorn_n rend_v and_o tear_v afflict_a and_o vex_v those_o that_o live_v under_o your_o shadow_n and_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o withal_o do_v not_o forget_v that_o you_o be_v to_o be_v prophet_n too_o teach_v and_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v under_o your_o charge_n and_o care_n gen._n 8._o 19_o i_o know_v abraham_n that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o and_o you_o be_v to_o be_v priest_n also_o pray_v for_o your_o family_n and_o with_o they_o what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o this_o what_o more_o decent_a and_o comely_a do_v you_o not_o live_v together_o do_v you_o not_o love_v together_o do_v you_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o do_v you_o not_o rejoice_v and_o make_v merry_a together_o and_o i_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o judgement_n conscience_n what_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o ought_v not_o these_o person_n to_o worship_n god_n together_o aught_o they_o not_o to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n together_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v your_o communion_n a_o holy_a communion_n to_o sweeten_v your_o comfort_n and_o converse_n and_o to_o sanctify_v all_o your_o enjoyment_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n prayer_n family-prayer_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o family-enjoyment_n without_o it_o you_o sit_v down_o at_o unsanctified_a table_n and_o you_o lie_v down_o in_o unsanctified_a bed_n and_o i_o do_v hearty_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n and_o imitation_n the_o holy_a and_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n a_o prince_n captain-general_n and_o leader_n of_o israel_n do_v you_o see_v how_o much_o he_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o gracious_a purpose_n josh._n 24._o 15._o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o i_o but_o we_o not_o only_a we_o apart_o but_o also_o we_o together_o and_o let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v aside_o your_o vain_a pretence_n and_o weak_a reason_n against_o a_o great_a duty_n never_o pretend_v modesty_n in_o the_o case_n thou_o be_v ashamed_a to_o pray_v before_o other_o but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o fig-leaf_n as_o can_v cover_v thy_o nakedness_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thy_o folly_n and_o sin_n of_o thy_o vain_a word_n and_o frothy_a talk_n but_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o thy_o work_n be_v ashamed_a that_o thou_o do_v it_o no_o better_o but_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o be_v