to_o have_v their_o advantage_n by_o it_o and_o have_v several_a year_n try_v their_o skill_n but_o god_n providence_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o even_o yet_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o eternal_a jehovah_n though_o the_o romanist_n as_o well_o as_o other_o weak_a yet_o presumptuous_a man_n have_v think_v we_o march_v direct_o towards_o rome_n we_o have_v a_o protestant_a king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v we_o such_o generous_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n who_o advise_v he_o and_o such_o skilful_a and_o stout_a champion_n to_o encounter_v they_o and_o above_o all_o the_o god_n of_o protestant_n to_o undermine_v and_o resist_v they_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v our_o helper_n we_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o nay_o though_o a_o host_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v encamp_v against_o as_o we_o will_v not_o slavish_o fear_v evil_a although_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o in_o this_o cause_n of_o religion_n 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know_v what_o be_v deliver_v may_v rational_o consent_v and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o and_o have_v their_o several_a interest_n in_o all_o for_o they_o be_v beast_n rather_o than_o man_n who_o be_v drive_v on_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o such_o petition_n or_o at_o all_o adventure_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o proposition_n which_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o and_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o false_a as_o true_a in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o fix_v their_o seal_n either_o by_o the_o example_n or_o authority_n of_o another_o to_o what_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v oblige_v they_o to_o ruin_v and_o may_v sign_v their_o execution_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o receive_v a_o pardon_n it_o be_v impossible_a at_o man_n shall_v with_o any_o reason_n signify_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o or_o hearty_o wish_v for_o those_o thing_n mention_v in_o a_o prayer_n when_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v whether_o they_o be_v include_v in_o it_o or_o no_o unless_o man_n can_v think_v it_o rational_a to_o set_v their_o hand_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o every_o paper_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o when_o they_o may_v sign_v a_o bond_n instead_o ofa_fw-mi release_n or_o make_v away_o a_o estate_n instead_o of_o make_v it_o sure_a to_o they_o but_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a man_n be_v wary_a enough_o in_o this_o and_o need_v not_o unless_o they_o be_v foolish_a to_o a_o proverb_n any_o monitor_n to_o caution_n they_o in_o it_o though_o their_o want_n of_o skill_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o advise_v in_o some_o nice_a and_o critical_a difficulty_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a think_v you_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o that_o any_o to_o who_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v more_o cautious_a and_o exact_a in_o relation_n to_o their_o secular_a welfare_n than_o they_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o eternal_a advantage_n will_v they_o beg_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n or_o desire_v a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n a_o little_a child_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o gull_v and_o cheat_v but_o when_o such_o a_o exchange_n be_v proffer_v will_v throw_v it_o away_o with_o rage_n and_o contempt_n but_o further_a that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o be_v that_o where_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n without_o reason_n and_o desire_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v whether_o it_o be_v advantageous_a or_o unprofitable_a to_o they_o they_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o object_n of_o their_o choice_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o apprehend_v any_o goodness_n at_o all_o in_o that_o who_o nature_n and_o accommodation_n to_o they_o they_o be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o quick_a man_n subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n in_o their_o body_n that_o must_v and_o will_v many_o time_n cloud_n their_o mind_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o a_o previous_a and_o exact_a consideration_n word_n their_o own_o and_o the_o common_a desire_n of_o other_o man_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n invent_v digest_v and_o reduce_v both_o their_o matter_n and_o expression_n into_o a_o well_o study_v and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o adventure_n to_o pray_v extempore_o in_o a_o public_a audience_n be_v so_o selfish_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o petition_n and_o oftentimes_o so_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o expression_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v amen_o to_o several_a thing_n petition_v for_o if_o they_o at_o all_o use_n their_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o implicit_o join_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gift_a person_n but_o you_o will_v find_v more_o of_o this_o in_o a_o place_n of_o this_o discourse_n more_o particular_o reserve_v for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o matter_n and_o word_n may_v present_v themselves_o on_o a_o sudden_a for_o private_a and_o more_o brief_a ejaculation_n or_o intermix_v themselves_o in_o our_o single_a devotion_n beyond_o the_o form_n which_o we_o may_v general_o use_v either_o through_o the_o great_a enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o upon_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a necessity_n or_o by_o recollect_v in_o our_o memory_n something_o that_o be_v either_o before_o omit_v or_o our_o form_n do_v not_o direct_o enough_o or_o in_o particular_n express_v but_o in_o public_a where_o petition_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o general_a that_o all_o present_a may_v say_v amen_o and_o by_o this_o signify_v their_o assent_n and_o wish_n it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a too_o that_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o time_n to_o judge_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o their_o behalf_n before_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o otherwise_o they_o pray_v not_o with_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o ought_v to_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v their_o affection_n and_o not_o permit_v the_o passion_n to_o sally_v forth_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n now_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v without_o a_o form_n which_o those_o that_o join_v in_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o however_o methinks_v to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v several_a argument_n to_o be_v take_v from_o universal_a pratice_fw-la in_o former_a age_n and_o reason_n also_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o affair_n and_o to_o recommend_v this_o method_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o benediction_n wherein_o also_o prayer_n be_v include_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o one_o religion_n supersede_v and_o evacuate_v the_o other_o under_o the_o law_n we_o find_v the_o prescription_n of_o a_o form_n by_o god_n himself_o wherewith_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n by_o invocate_a and_o wish_v that_o god_n blessing_n may_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o authoritative_a instrument_n in_o this_o method_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o they_o numb_a 6._o 22_o 23_o etc._n etc._n nay_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n make_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o same_o god_n for_o those_o to_o rehearse_v who_o have_v pay_v their_o tithe_n every_o three_o year_n as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v both_o the_o form_n and_o the_o command_n to_o use_v it_o deut._n 26._o from_o v._o 12._o onward_o what_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n but_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n deliver_v to_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o several_a quire_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o sing_v together_o by_o course_n in_o praise_v and_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o ezra_n 3.10_o 11._o nay_o and_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o wonder_n these_o very_a psalm_n translate_v into_o english_a metre_n be_v yet_o sing_v in_o those_o dissent_v congregation_n who_o refuse_v otherwise_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o a_o form_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o form_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o according_o practise_v because_o according_a to_o some_o man_n of_o quick_a invention_n and_o volubility_n of_o language_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a and_o a_o heavy_a people_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o in_o a_o dull_a and_o formal_a way_n yet_o unless_o the_o opposer_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o account_v they_o dull_a and_o carnal_a we_o shall_v find_v form_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o only_o compose_v but_o enjoin_v too_o none_o sure_o can_v be_v unacquainted_a that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v they_o a_o form_n not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o for_o use_v man_n do_v not_o i_o hope_v so_o learn_v christ_n it_o be_v true_a s._n matthew_n deliver_v the_o command_n after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o pay_v you_o mat._n 6.9_o yet_o s._n luke_n record_v the_o same_o prayer_n when_o in_o another_o year_n and_o on_o another_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n deliver_v it_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o our_o lord_n prescription_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_o 11.1_o yet_o this_o difference_n can_v only_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o all_o our_o composure_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o we_o enlarge_v the_o word_n of_o our_o petition_n suitable_a to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v have_v regard_n and_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o this_o pattern_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v use_v also_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o use_v and_o such_o a_o method_n we_o find_v follow_v by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o vanity_n of_o some_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o they_o may_v be_v account_v more_o fanciful_a than_o the_o age_a design_v to_o suit_n their_o expression_n and_o tone_n to_o captivate_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o end_n at_o first_o best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o since_o with_o a_o vengeance_n declare_v to_o other_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o offer_v unto_o god_n fancy_n for_o devotion_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pretend_a wisdom_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n there_o be_v no_o knavery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v also_o intend_v to_o the_o people_n second_o i_o argue_v for_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a because_o the_o minister_n than_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o utter_v all_o by_o their_o consent_n and_o to_o pray_v in_o their_o name_n testify_v their_o unity_n of_o affection_n by_o their_o consent_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o so_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o if_o but_o two_o shall_v agree_v together_o on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o by_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.19_o unity_n of_o affection_n and_o consent_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o render_v our_o public_a devotion_n so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o give_v they_o strength_n and_o virtue_n cause_v our_o prayer_n to_o ascend_v as_o incense_v and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v as_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n now_o there_o can_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v this_o consent_n and_o unity_n of_o affection_n in_o prayer_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o all_o let_v they_o come_v whence_o they_o will_v into_o any_o public_a place_n of_o devotion_n where_o a_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v to_o offer_v their_o joint_a prayer_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o frequent_v the_o church_n be_v before_o acquaint_v with_o the_o service_n and_o prayer_n which_o all_o there_o make_v to_o god_n they_o may_v unite_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o
we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n oâ—_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a
secret_n of_o prince_n and_o administer_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o indeed_o aught_o to_o introduce_v who_o undertake_v to_o be_v so_o particular_a and_o nice_a in_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n or_o pray_v for_o the_o thing_n individual_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o to_o proceed_v by_o our_o absolution_n the_o true_a penitent_n be_v only_o encourage_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n leave_v with_o his_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n cease_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v with_o triumph_n to_o his_o father_n joh._n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v furthermore_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n to_o say_v our_o prayer_n day_n by_o day_n that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o cease_v and_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o adoption_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o this_o because_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o give_v we_o both_o a_o pattern_n and_o direction_n for_o when_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n and_o support_v of_o our_o life_n day_n by_o day_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o make_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o admit_v no_o creature_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n be_v such_o as_o include_v our_o general_a want_n we_o always_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o temptation_n and_o evil_n we_o petition_v also_o for_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o it_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a we_o ask_v those_o theological_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v we_o pray_v more_o especial_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v even_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v lead_v godly_a and_o quiet_a life_n nay_o we_o petition_v for_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o none_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o beg_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o our_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n we_o pray_v for_o happy_a season_n of_o the_o year_n for_o prevention_n of_o and_o deliverance_n from_o all_o plague_n that_o may_v hurt_v the_o body_n and_o all_o evil_n that_o may_v assault_v the_o soul_n we_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o bad_a accident_n and_o misfortune_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v escape_v violence_n and_o sudden_a death_n because_o notwithstanding_o the_o notion_n some_o have_v of_o predestination_n death_n may_v be_v too_o surprise_v to_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o prevent_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v advance_v towards_o and_o seize_v we_o too_o before_o we_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o further_a petition_n heaven_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o our_o last_o encounter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v submit_v with_o christian_a comfort_n and_o courage_n to_o and_o have_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o pray_v not_o indeed_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o low_a world_n because_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o as_o death_n find_v we_o so_o will_v judgement_n too_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v and_o how_o can_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v reveal_v of_o any_o middle_a place_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v suffer_v to_o their_o improvement_n and_o be_v purge_v by_o any_o material_a fire_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o operate_v upon_o a_o immaterial_a be_v yet_o we_o pray_v as_o far_o for_o man_n depart_v this_o life_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n ever_o do_v and_o the_o form_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n teach_v we_o in_o that_o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v viz._n that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n god_n will_v bring_v the_o just_a that_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n to_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n that_o so_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v militant_a on_o earth_n may_v final_o become_v triumphant_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o we_o always_o give_v thanks_o for_o the_o example_n and_o triumph_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o they_o who_o joy_n be_v now_o full_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v our_o liturgy_n be_v so_o excellent_o frame_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o petition_n for_o so_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v cast_v into_o but_o the_o whole_a community_n who_o join_v in_o our_o service_n share_n with_o we_o in_o sympathy_n and_o affection_n because_o they_o must_v remember_v we_o in_o our_o common_a church_n prayer_n and_o of_o this_o the_o litany_n be_v so_o full_a and_o expressive_a that_o particular_a collect_v seem_v to_o be_v redundant_fw-la when_o this_o be_v use_v yet_o we_o have_v even_o these_o too_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o any_o that_o will_v desire_v that_o their_o grievance_n may_v be_v express_v to_o almighty_a god_n by_o he_o who_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o far_o as_o modesty_n and_o cleanness_n of_o language_n be_v able_a to_o present_v they_o though_o not_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v former_o pitch_v up_o with_o a_o fork_n to_o load_v a_o pulpit_n and_o the_o minister_n hearty_a wish_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o devout_a affection_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n our_o church_n direct_v and_o her_o true_a obedient_a son_n practice_v what_o the_o apostle_n advise_v the_o philippian_n to_o do_v chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 6._o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n our_o creed_n in_o which_o we_o make_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n contain_v all_o article_n but_o yet_o no_o more_o than_o the_o pure_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o their_o religion_n declare_v they_o be_v neither_o stuff_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o have_v we_o abate_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n or_o any_o that_o bear_v a_o new_a date_n nor_o do_v we_o receive_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o own_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o general_o doubt_v book_n our_o fellowship_n or_o society_n be_v uphold_v as_o all_o other_o must_v be_v by_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o ruler_n we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v yet_o protestant_a in_o that_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o who_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o personal_a failure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o be_v call_v man_n be_v subject_a or_o the_o malicious_a imputation_n of_o any_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n if_o this_o word_n too_o be_v not_o in_o disgrace_n and_o consent_v among_o the_o ancient_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o instead_o of_o it_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v yet_o learn_v all_o the_o three_o seem_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o if_o they_o fall_v they_o must_v be_v ruin_v together_o our_o sacrament_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n institute_v and_o command_v also_o to_o be_v use_v in_o his_o church_n that_o we_o may_v have_v some_o visible_a sign_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o blessing_n may_v
but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hint_n something_o before_o i_o end_v which_o advance_v their_o rudeness_n into_o perfect_a blasphemy_n if_o pray_v extempore_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n methodical_a and_o faultless_a it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o good_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o they_o have_v a_o escape_n when_o they_o have_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o for_o it_o but_o when_o david_n be_v barter_v for_o the_o threshing-floor_n of_o araunah_n and_o for_o ox_n also_o for_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n nay_o the_o very_a wood_n to_o kindle_v the_o fire_n all_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v present_v with_o for_o nothing_o david_n refuse_v so_o royal_a a_o gift_n and_o his_o reason_n as_o himself_o express_v it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v burn_v offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o &_o 24._o but_o these_o bold_a man_n with_o who_o to_o our_o sorrow_n we_o have_v to_o do_v confident_o present_a to_o almighty_a god_n that_o in_o which_o no_o pain_n be_v take_v in_o the_o composure_n only_o a_o tattle_a and_o talkative_a service_n stuff_v with_o little_a beside_o gibberish_n and_o impertinency_n that_o other_o who_o consider_v what_o and_o to_o who_o they_o offer_v it_o can_v without_o falsehood_n and_o irreverence_n join_v with_o they_o in_o but_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v their_o common_a sacrifice_n and_o strong_a lung_n the_o best_a altar_n on_o which_o these_o oblation_n be_v make_v yet_o all_o this_o they_o think_v to_o smother_v when_o they_o be_v kindle_v into_o passion_n and_o fury_n in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o length_n of_o those_o sentence_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v their_o common_a supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o they_o expect_v the_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o congregation_n to_o what_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o can_v they_o understand_v when_o it_o be_v utter_v for_o their_o rapture_n so_o muffle_v up_o their_o notion_n and_o both_o be_v so_o mix_v with_o their_o petition_n which_o they_o wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a metaphor_n that_o the_o mean_a sort_n can_v understand_v they_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o the_o more_o consider_v part_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v such_o religion_n which_o the_o patron_n and_o promoter_n endeavour_v with_o so_o much_o care_n to_o secure_v from_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a examination_n all_o that_o i_o admire_v in_o it_o be_v how_o they_o can_v be_v dark_a at_o noonday_n and_o mount_v out_o of_o sight_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o extempore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o pretension_n be_v to_o quickness_n of_o invention_n they_o study_v such_o unusual_a expression_n design_o to_o amuse_v but_o not_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n as_o cotta_n in_o tully_n speak_v of_o heraclitus_n the_o nat_n deor._n lib._n 3._o quae_fw-la diceret_fw-la intelligi_fw-la noluit_fw-la that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v make_v vocal_a man_n be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v their_o want_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o this_o especial_o when_o any_o community_n join_v in_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o honest_a plainness_n without_o any_o mysterious_a riddle_n or_o equivocal_a language_n or_o petition_n wrap_v up_o in_o mourn_a metaphor_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bury_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o any_o other_o coptical_a and_o egyptian_a expression_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o decipher_v and_o much_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o as_o well_o baffle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o too_o frequent_o vail_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o he_o that_o make_v the_o oblation_n nay_o very_o often_o amuse_v those_o of_o better_a understanding_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a with_o any_o judgement_n to_o say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o nay_o it_o hazard_n also_o and_o too_o frequent_o destroy_v that_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o and_o safety_n preserve_v pure_a and_o unspotted_a for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o indeed_o attend_v with_o less_o difficulty_n to_o introduce_v a_o strange_a creed_n by_o use_v this_o unbounded_a liberty_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o unstinted_a latitude_n in_o preach_v and_o to_o insinuate_v into_o man_n mind_n either_o old_a or_o new_a condemn_a heresy_n by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o promotion_n or_o establishment_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o join_v in_o the_o devotion_n be_v very_a intent_n and_o open_a to_o receive_v what_o we_o say_v with_o greediness_n and_o desire_n especial_o when_o man_n be_v busy_v in_o raise_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n there_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o which_o like_o a_o false_a story_n that_o by_o frequent_a relation_n come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a not_o only_o by_o the_o hearer_n who_o be_v easy_o impose_v on_o but_o he_o that_o tell_v it_o have_v so_o often_o relate_v it_o forget_v that_o he_o once_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a at_o last_o think_v it_o to_o be_v real_o true_a nay_o in_o prayer_n where_o a_o false_a point_n in_o religion_n be_v mist_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o a_o petition_n it_o be_v affect_v and_o swallow_v with_o the_o petition_n and_o more_o easy_o digest_v than_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o homily_n or_o sermon_n because_o in_o hear_v sermon_n man_n employ_v their_o judgement_n more_o than_o their_o affection_n but_o in_o prayer_n the_o affection_n be_v usual_o more_o busy_a than_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o common_a with_o those_o extempore_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o conceive_v prayer_n in_o a_o congregation_n to_o insinuate_v doctrine_n in_o their_o petition_n be_v so_o manifest_a to_o all_o observe_a person_n who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o a_o person_n of_o any_o judgement_n at_o all_o may_v certain_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gift_a brother_n that_o pray_v by_o his_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o then_o where_o people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o those_o who_o they_o embrace_v for_o their_o minister_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o common_a multitude_n must_v and_o in_o most_o point_n it_o be_v notorious_a in_o many_o of_o our_o separatist_n what_o they_o use_v in_o their_o prayer_n and_o speech_n unto_o god_n must_v needs_o obtain_v a_o great_a reputation_n with_o they_o than_o what_o be_v only_o address_v to_o man_n because_o they_o then_o think_v their_o minister_n to_o be_v most_o serious_a cautious_a and_o devout_a too_o this_o therefore_o be_v wary_o and_o exceed_o well_o provide_v against_o after_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n cease_v by_o the_o council_n at_o laodicea_n can._n 18._o where_o the_o father_n assemble_v enjoin_v their_o church_n to_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n both_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o in_o the_o fifty_o nine_o canon_n of_o the_o same_o council_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o vulgar_o compose_a psalm_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o sufficient_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o book_n that_o be_v not_o canonical_a shall_v not_o be_v sing_v or_o read_v in_o the_o church_n where_o also_o for_o man_n satisfaction_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v find_v the_o title_n or_o name_n of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o council_n then_o receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n can._n 12._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o those_o prayer_n and_o office_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o a_o assembly_n or_o council_n shall_v only_o be_v use_v exclude_v other_o in_o all_o their_o public_a administration_n lest_o any_o thing_n shall_v either_o through_o inconsideration_n or_o ignorance_n be_v utter_v before_o the_o people_n that_o may_v contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n receive_v and_o continue_v among_o they_o and_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o prophetical_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o establishment_n for_o the_o present_a and_o transfer_v the_o most_o holy_a christian_a religion_n from_o their_o own_o age_n to_o the_o succeed_a so_o as_o nothing_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o of_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o to_o obviate_v that_o extravagant_a itch_n of_o man_n which_o since_o we_o have_v find_v increase_v into_o a_o
deliver_v in_o relation_n to_o private_a devotion_n which_o hold_v good_a in_o public_a too_o prohibit_v all_o sinister_a and_o hypocritical_a design_n in_o prayer_n to_o gain_v the_o praise_n and_o acclamation_n of_o man_n and_o when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o 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 that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n matth._n 6.5_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o value_v at_o all_o how_o i_o be_o recommend_v unto_o man_n if_o their_o approbation_n shall_v render_v those_o action_n that_o gain_v it_o unacceptable_a and_o odious_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o that_o honourable_a although_o despise_v office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v neither_o fear_v the_o frown_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o no_o body_n can_v bestow_v great_a slur_n or_o indignity_n on_o our_o vocation_n or_o person_n than_o our_o receive_v the_o sacred_a character_n may_v forewarn_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o employment_n unacceptable_a to_o the_o guilty_a to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n redargue_v their_o error_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o open_a rebuke_n and_o shame_n nay_o by_o chance_n sometime_o to_o their_o very_a face_n and_o in_o do_v this_o we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o bear_v some_o share_n in_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n who_o though_o he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o contemn_v whip_v and_o crucify_a now_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o be_v the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v forwarn_v we_o to_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o espouse_n our_o quarrel_n when_o truth_n remain_v unshaken_a on_o our_o side_n by_o his_o providence_n make_v way_n for_o deliverence_n from_o our_o enemy_n that_o he_o that_o despise_v we_o despise_v christ_n himself_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v he_o despise_v he_o also_o that_o send_v he_o luke_o 10.16_o and_o that_o not_o only_a promise_n of_o temporal_a deliverance_n or_o at_o least_o support_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o our_o adversary_n but_o a_o eternal_a reward_n be_v also_o grant_v to_o he_o that_o continue_v and_o persevere_fw-la unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 10.22_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v quite_o swallow_v up_o by_o those_o strange_a child_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v work_n enough_o cut_v out_o for_o we_o not_o only_o to_o tire_v the_o most_o active_a and_o indefatigable_a mind_n among_o we_o but_o even_o to_o disturb_v our_o spirit_n and_o break_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o either_o the_o wit_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n have_v render_v doubtful_a and_o the_o perverse_a wrangling_n of_o one_o man_n with_o another_o have_v make_v that_o a_o subject_a to_o dispute_v upon_o which_o be_v at_o first_o design_v to_o unite_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o strict_a bond_n of_o catholic_n charity_n by_o a_o complete_a and_o uniform_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o religion_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n to_o find_v these_o rude_a indigested_a long_a and_o hypocritical_a prayer_n on_o yet_o their_o patron_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v to_o delude_v the_o people_n do_v like_a man_n in_o a_o shipwreck_n lay_v hold_v of_o any_o plank_n to_o save_v they_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o as_o they_o manage_v their_o prayer_n it_o be_v apparent_a blasphemy_n to_o assert_v it_o they_o entitle_v the_o most_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o all_o their_o loose_a insipued_z and_o most_o ridiculous_a prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o very_a inditer_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a coadjutor_n in_o supply_v by_o a_o immediate_a impulse_n a_o extempore_o man_n with_o matter_n and_o expression_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o well_o although_o i_o be_o able_a upon_o a_o private_a occasion_n to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n by_o myself_o upon_o what_o they_o can_v ground_v their_o peculiar_a confidence_n and_o extraordinary_a expectation_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o either_o upon_o the_o primitive_a example_n of_o man_n inspire_v when_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n more_o necessary_o require_v it_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a can_v be_v no_o common_a precedent_n or_o upon_o some_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14._o chap._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o assistance_n be_v at_o first_o give_v either_o for_o a_o sign_n to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o that_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o else_o to_o enable_v some_o to_o instruct_v other_o or_o to_o pray_v with_o they_o in_o those_o more_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v now_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v so_o long_o plant_v than_o that_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v sing_v or_o pray_v or_o bless_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o that_o will_v peruse_v it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n though_o himself_o have_v extraordinary_a assistence_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o encourage_v extempore_o devotion_n but_o only_o rebuke_v disorder_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n pray_v in_o strange_a language_n to_o the_o people_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o have_v be_v already_o conclude_v upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o chapter_n in_o this_o discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o fanatic_n against_o we_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o in_o which_o we_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n as_o if_o they_o will_v give_v these_o a_o deliverance_n by_o a_o new_a interpretation_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o again_o to_o show_v that_o pray_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n can_v countenance_v extempore_o prayer_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o more_o relation_n to_o it_o than_o latin_a and_o greek_a have_v to_o english_a nay_o as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v not_o so_o much_o neither_o the_o reverend_a dr._n owen_n in_o his_o critical_a discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n have_v a_o excellent_a reason_n pag._n 19_o why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o formal_o pray_v because_o all_o prayer_n whether_o oral_a or_o interpretative_a be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o nature_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v to_o so_o that_o i_o suppose_v these_o man_n prayer_n whatever_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o say_v to_o we_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o he_o that_o utter_v they_o be_v only_o the_o pipe_n through_o which_o without_o a_o metaphor_n the_o water_n or_o the_o wind_n flow_v but_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o assistance_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o to_o help_v their_o invention_n and_o expression_n in_o prayer_n beyond_o a_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o raise_v our_o grace_n and_o affection_n in_o our_o devotion_n which_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o they_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o communicate_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o to_o other_o however_o that_o st._n paul_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o this_o place_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v i._n e._n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n flow_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pray_v but_o my_o own_o apprehension_n of_o what_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n i_o utter_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v advantageous_a unto_o other_o for_o say_v he_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a i.e._n to_o those_o who_o hear_v shall_v have_v join_v with_o i_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v by_o my_o understanding_n also_o that_o be_v when_o he_o do_v pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n he_o will_v by_o his_o understanding_n so_o interpret_v it_o as_o to_o render_v the_o prayer_n intelligible_a unto_o other_o so_o that_o understanding_n here_o be_v oppose_v to_o spirit_n i.e._n the_o speak_n as_o those_o do_v who_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n when_o they_o deliver_v
a_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o this_o great_a duty_n be_v state_v so_o as_o to_o oppose_v some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d._n d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o viz._n prayer_n with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o late_a discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o b._n w._n for_o edw._n advise_n next_o shop_n but_o one_o to_o popes-head-alley_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1683._o to_o my_o love_a parishioner_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o s._n botolph_n without_o bishopsgate_n and_o also_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o christ-church_n together_o with_o those_o of_o s._n leonard_n foster-lane_n in_o london_n by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n unite_v my_o very_a kind_n constant_a and_o gentile_a benefactor_n gentleman_n though_o i_o have_v a_o patron_n who_o be_v your_o bishop_n and_o i_o too_o to_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o i_o can_v perform_v to_o be_v due_a next_o god_n and_o the_o king_n yet_o this_o discourse_n consist_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v late_o preach_v to_o you_o in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o which_o for_o fashion_n sake_n it_o be_v here_o publish_v in_o a_o small_a treatise_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v more_o effectual_o serve_v you_o at_o this_o time_n by_o present_v those_o thing_n to_o your_o perusal_n which_o the_o most_o of_o you_o have_v with_o kindness_n hear_v from_o the_o 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notion_n of_o god_n decree_n that_o duty_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n since_o god_n decree_n be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o predestinate_a shall_v be_v save_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v be_v damn_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a such_o position_n be_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n of_o man_n or_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o community_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n once_o grant_v and_o that_o he_o contain_v all_o possible_a perfection_n his_o worship_n and_o adoration_n will_v be_v a_o natural_a inference_n and_o if_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o benefactor_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v petition_v and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o not_o to_o be_v grateful_a be_v inhuman_a and_o not_o to_o beg_v his_o favour_n on_o who_o we_o depend_v be_v foolish_a and_o irrational_a nay_o worse_o than_o so_o for_o the_o beast_n themselves_o will_v condemn_v this_o who_o action_n be_v to_o we_o discourse_n and_o their_o sense_n of_o obligation_n argument_n to_o convince_v we_o the_o devour_a lion_n be_v obsequious_a to_o his_o keeper_n the_o dull_a ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o sluggish_a ass_n that_o untractable_a creature_n his_o master_n crib_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a then_o if_o reasonable_a man_n shall_v not_o both_o know_v their_o obligation_n and_o consider_v their_o duty_n goodness_n be_v usual_o so_o attractive_a to_o the_o will_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v diffusive_a in_o courtesy_n that_o from_o bad_a nature_n it_o frequent_o command_v both_o acknowledgement_n and_o return_n where_o this_o
therefore_o have_v shine_v bright_a warm_v a_o chaos_n into_o a_o orderly_a creation_n and_o bring_v we_o forth_o to_o be_v subordinate_a governor_n over_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o enlighten_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o heat_n our_o zeal_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v since_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o pay_v our_o esteem_n unless_o injustice_n check_v ingenuity_n to_o man_n among_o ourselves_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n inherent_a in_o they_o thus_o far_o i_o suppose_v mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o i_o may_v modest_o challenge_v the_o universal_a vogue_n to_o vouch_v the_o assertion_n but_o now_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n will_v differ_v and_o temperament_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_v their_o mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o mode_n of_o address_n for_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n be_v oftentimes_o as_o different_a as_o their_o complexion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v very_o servile_a in_o attend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o fetter_n in_o which_o prejudice_n have_v chain_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a in_o its_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o though_o we_o all_o agree_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o act_n compound_v and_o the_o ceremony_n attend_v it_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o schism_n and_o contention_n among_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o resolution_n always_o to_o differ_v that_o we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o these_o wind_n be_v still_o and_o rebuke_v the_o storm_n which_o disturb_v the_o world_n that_o some_o serenity_n may_v at_o last_o appear_v when_o the_o cloud_n be_v scatter_v i_o have_v take_v the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n to_o discourse_v on_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o ought_v to_o attend_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o our_o own_o necessity_n prompt_v we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n reasonable_o require_v and_o his_o command_n render_v it_o indispensible_a but_o yet_o because_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n and_o interest_n which_o controvert_v every_o thing_n have_v perplex_v this_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v as_o instrumental_a as_o i_o can_v in_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n especal_o at_o this_o separate_a time_n of_o lent_n in_o which_o our_o public_a devotion_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n enjoin_v and_o praictise_v accompany_v with_o fast_v and_o almsgiving_n those_o mighty_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o estate_n as_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v 1._o to_o explain_v this_o duty_n 2._o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o 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i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o no_o since_o god_n already_o know_v our_o want_n and_o we_o can_v break_v the_o link_n that_o chain_v cause_n to_o effect_n nor_o alter_v the_o almighty_n decree_n or_o providence_n by_o any_o of_o our_o wish_n or_o prayer_n from_o the_o state_v and_o resolution_n of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v at_o last_o infer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o church_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o perform_v that_o god_n do_v accept_v they_o and_o be_v a_o proper_a method_n of_o address_v to_o he_o second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o abominable_o peccant_a in_o she_o last_o that_o such_o as_o live_v among_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o separate_v from_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o service_n to_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n man_n dependence_n and_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o their_o creator_n and_o themselves_o chap._n i._n have_v thus_o exhibit_v my_o design_a method_n i_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o because_o many_o may_v conjecture_v that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o since_o common_a practice_n will_v just_o supersede_n this_o scruple_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o the_o resolution_n prayer_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n too_o of_o breathe_v forth_o its_o wish_n to_o our_o maker_n lodging_n they_o in_o the_o bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o our_o intercessor_n and_o through_o he_o petition_v relief_n to_o supply_v all_o its_o necessity_n and_o want_n now_o although_o this_o when_o complete_a be_v join_v with_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o prayer_n those_o be_v duty_n distinct_a from_o this_o and_o each_o require_v a_o different_a explication_n various_a man_n conceive_v divers_a definition_n of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v distingish_v by_o word_n and_o phrase_n more_o than_o sense_n one_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o discourse_n or_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n another_o a_o ascend_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o man_n exemplify_v this_o duty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o metaphor_n that_o rather_o obscure_v than_o explain_v the_o thing_n nay_o some_o set_v up_o jacob_n ladder_n in_o this_o case_n for_o angel_n to_o make_v their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v again_o a_o sensible_a and_o direct_a passage_n upward_o mount_v into_o the_o region_n above_o carrying_z man_n petition_n under_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n down_o to_o they_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v allow_v for_o rhetoric_n but_o it_o neither_o explain_v or_o argue_v the_o thing_n we_o may_v better_o guess_v at_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n by_o reflect_v on_o our_o petition_n to_o man_n in_o which_o we_o always_o signify_v our_o desire_n which_o we_o earnest_o wish_v for_o and_o humble_o beg_v the_o grant_n of_o and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o common_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o prayer_n which_o noâ—man_n that_o at_o all_o consider_v can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o now_o this_o be_v make_v when_o direct_v unto_o god_n either_o in_o the_o inflame_a and_o ardent_a desire_v of_o our_o mind_n when_o devout_o fix_v our_o intention_n upon_o he_o we_o secret_o wish_v what_o we_o do_v not_o express_v with_o our_o tongue_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v this_o method_n available_a when_o the_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o who_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o language_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o discern_v our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v our_o word_n but_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v also_o express_v by_o those_o instrument_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v as_o well_o for_o his_o service_n as_o our_o own_o when_o we_o put_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n into_o suitable_a and_o expressive_a language_n rehearse_v this_o with_o the_o due_a and_o humble_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n correspondent_a to_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o private_a and_o this_o either_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n who_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n but_o one_o flesh_n have_v some_o necessity_n betwixt_o themselves_o but_o yet_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o require_v different_a and_o more_o secret_a petition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o private_a pray_v most_o proper_o so_o which_o every_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o perform_v single_o by_o himself_o when_o first_o examine_v his_o
state_n and_o condition_n he_o devout_o beg_v what_o he_o want_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o himself_o alone_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n or_o else_o as_o he_o be_v within_o a_o large_a community_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o that_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o a_o sufficient_a caveat_n to_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o that_o either_o in_o and_z with_o our_o family_n which_o be_v indeed_o small_a congregation_n when_o the_o master_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_z in_o his_o absence_n have_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o intercede_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o become_v the_o mouth_n and_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n that_o altogether_o by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o affection_n and_o unity_n in_o word_n may_v petition_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o those_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o family_n and_o to_o each_o other_o but_o 2._o prayer_n that_o be_v more_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n consign_v to_o these_o public_a office_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n set_v apart_o to_o sacred_a and_o divine_a use_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o special_a regard_n to_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n in_o this_o discourse_n though_o man_n may_v also_o apply_v the_o particular_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n as_o frequent_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o rational_o suit_v and_o in_o this_o i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o disciple_n which_o they_o in_o reason_n may_v refuse_v to_o bear_v now_o public_a prayer_n in_o more_o solemn_a convention_n and_o among_o great_a number_n assemble_v together_o have_v so_o apparent_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n that_o the_o pretention_n to_o a_o proof_n can_v not_o but_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o foolish_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o reason_n and_o assemble_v together_o for_o common_a worship_n be_v a_o duty_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v their_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o require_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o from_o reason_n we_o may_v present_o understand_v that_o by_o this_o god_n honour_n be_v exalt_v when_o we_o joint_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o this_o we_o propagate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o our_o example_n provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o ourselves_o that_o common_a request_n such_o as_o in_o public_a we_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v to_o which_o every_o individual_a may_v say_v amen_o require_v a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v thus_o connect_v with_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o gain_v great_a degree_n of_o power_n like_o a_o twist_a cord_n they_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n they_o offer_v a_o sacred_a violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n draw_v down_o favour_n from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n moreover_o such_o prayer_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o sacred_a place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o present_a at_o least_o by_o his_o disperse_a train_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n cast_v a_o secret_a awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o public_a and_o divine_a worship_n attend_v with_o proper_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o to_o humility_n and_o adoration_n to_o excite_v within_o we_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o their_o object_n make_v our_o passion_n such_o as_o be_v divine_a and_o recall_v those_o swim_n and_o toss_v thought_n which_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v and_o final_o when_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n shall_v be_v offer_v by_o a_o ordain_v or_o consecrate_v person_n sacred_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o employment_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n by_o resignation_n and_o solemnity_n by_o his_o own_o devotion_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o secondary_a intercessor_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o creator_n he_o weep_v betwixt_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o heaven_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n in_o that_o sacred_a language_n spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o service_n must_v sound_v as_o pleasant_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o rapturous_a to_o good_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o gather_v together_o exercise_v the_o most_o exalt_a strain_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v screw_v beyond_o ordinary_a proportion_n christ_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o he_o join_v in_o our_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a angel_n spread_v their_o wing_n over_o we_o to_o adorn_v the_o solemnity_n and_o god_n himself_o behold_v we_o from_o above_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n with_o smile_n upon_o we_o smell_v a_o sweetness_n from_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v look_v far_o dissipate_v all_o intercept_n cloud_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o prayer_n be_v chap._n ii_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n the_o euchites_n of_o old_a be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v such_o precept_n and_o phrase_n as_o pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o man_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v yet_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o both_o as_o christian_n and_o man_n too_o abundant_o refute_v such_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o the_o allotment_n of_o all_o moral_a or_o pious_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o their_o end_n as_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o dose_n of_o physic_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o patient_n vary_v so_o to_o temperament_n and_o season_n as_o may_v best_o expel_v the_o venom_n of_o the_o disease_n resist_v its_o violence_n and_o recover_v health_n to_o he_o that_o want_v it_o now_o a_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o ought_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o due_a order_n and_o sally_n of_o our_o affection_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o s._n austin_n that_o the_o christian_n in_o egypt_n have_v frequent_a prayer_n be_v brief_a ejaculation_n and_o short_a collect_v that_o a_o tedious_a continuation_n may_v not_o weary_a their_o affection_n but_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v intend_v suitable_a to_o the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v either_o flat_a or_o stupid_a lest_o the_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o effusion_n of_o word_n without_o attention_n or_o manifestation_n of_o affection_n from_o whence_o also_o our_o own_o church_n have_v order_v her_o public_a service_n so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o distinct_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o all_o may_v be_v successive_o employ_v and_o none_o at_o once_o too_o long_o burden_v and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v usual_o brief_a give_v intervall_n and_o respite_n both_o to_o priest_n and_o people_n that_o their_o soul_n and_o affection_n
may_v recover_v strength_n and_o retrieve_v their_o vigour_n by_o these_o small_a interruption_n and_o not_o suffer_v too_o great_a a_o weakness_n to_o steal_v insensible_o upon_o they_o by_o be_v always_o bend_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n therefore_o the_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v design_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v usual_o imply_v but_o they_o must_v admit_v of_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a in_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o the_o like_a 1._o when_o we_o have_v such_o prepare_v and_o ardent_a love_n to_o our_o maker_n ourselves_o and_o the_o fellow_n creature_n of_o our_o own_o species_n that_o the_o exciting_a cause_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v always_o present_a when_o the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o duty_n offer_v themselves_o 2._o when_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o perpetual_a readiness_n and_o aptitude_n for_o devotion_n when_o ever_o we_o have_v time_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o prayer_n return_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v assault_v we_o so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o settle_a temper_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o exert_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o any_o emergent_a or_o periodical_a occasion_n 3._o when_o we_o perform_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o our_o devotion_n with_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n when_o a_o long_a protraction_n or_o a_o seem_a denial_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n do_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o a_o relaxation_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o diligence_n be_v renew_v our_o supplication_n double_v and_o we_o add_v force_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o importunate_a widow_n to_o the_o end_n say_v the_o text_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_o 18.1_o last_o we_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o make_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n frequent_a and_o our_o supplication_n to_o god_n be_v willing_o present_v as_o often_o as_o time_n and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v we_o at_o least_o it_o can_v come_v short_a of_o this_o to_o make_v prayer_n our_o every_o day_n work_v so_o that_o nullâ_fw-la die_fw-la intermittantur_fw-la certa_fw-la tempora_fw-la orandi_fw-la we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o state_v time_n and_o hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o prayer_n itself_o be_v pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v dependent_a being_n and_o daily_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o want_n and_o the_o kind_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o support_v and_o nourish_v we_o the_o continual_a casualty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o frequent_a danger_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o our_o own_o inadvertency_n the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n the_o net_n which_o unfaithful_a or_o malicious_a man_n spread_v for_o we_o and_o the_o violence_n or_o insinuation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o the_o daily_a present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o law_n numb_a 28._o at_o the_o beginning_n these_o be_v type_n of_o the_o christian_a service_n which_o be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n become_v our_o solemn_a and_o reasonable_a devotion_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n too_o will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n think_v prayer_n so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o omit_v it_o he_o will_v endure_v the_o utmost_a severity_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.10_o this_o be_v enjoin_v in_o that_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o be_v both_o our_o form_n and_o our_o pattern_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o petition_v our_o daily_a bread_n day_n by_o day_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o by_o this_o prohibit_v too_o inordinate_a a_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o injoin_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o our_o maker_n command_v frequent_a and_o daily_a petition_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v now_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_o 1.75_o of_o which_o comprehensive_a duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a part_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o scheme_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o intermission_n chap._n iii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o determine_v to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o must_v without_o all_o peradventure_o be_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o being_n inferior_a to_o himself_o we_o honour_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o saint_n depart_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v sacred_a to_o we_o we_o admire_v also_o the_o excellency_n of_o angel_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o various_a and_o useful_a workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n nay_o we_o treat_v all_o thing_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o discourse_n with_o that_o esteem_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o being_n or_o that_o order_n which_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o we_o advance_v our_o contemplation_n when_o we_o think_v of_o angel_n suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o their_o being_n and_o their_o honourable_a employment_n of_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v legion_n of_o they_o at_o his_o disposal_n but_o there_o be_v from_o he_o neither_o command_n nor_o argument_n for_o invocation_n of_o they_o nor_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o aid_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v order_v by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n we_o therefore_o make_v no_o address_n to_o they_o by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o separate_v devotion_n because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o pay_v such_o service_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o our_o creator_n only_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o pay_v our_o ceremony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o respect_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n suitable_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v dignity_n and_o common_a justice_n command_v our_o internal_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v every_o one_o that_o be_v rich_o adorn_v nor_o petition_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v nay_o to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o idolatry_n or_o sin_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v such_o civil_a testimony_n of_o our_o respect_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v either_o to_o glorify_a saint_n or_o innocent_a and_o ever_o bless_a angel_n shall_v they_o at_o any_o time_n assume_v shape_n and_o mix_v themselves_o among_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o negotiate_v any_o affair_n with_o we_o and_o descend_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a conversation_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a time_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apparition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o s_o light_n and_o trick_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o any_o false_a appearance_n to_o our_o own_o imagination_n or_o either_o subtle_a or_o roguish_a invention_n of_o other_o man_n but_o may_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o delude_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o act_n of_o religion_n appropriate_v to_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o
those_o to_o who_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o civil_a respect_n to_o be_v just_a and_o due_a this_o be_v only_o a_o estimation_n express_v by_o outward_a sign_n and_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o their_o being_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o however_o man_n of_o contrary_a persuasion_n especial_o the_o romanist_n who_o pretend_v to_o proportion_v their_o practice_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v save_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n by_o state_v curious_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o they_o can_v free_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o error_n and_o presumption_n from_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o will-worship_n when_o they_o pay_v such_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o creature_n in_o glory_n as_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o betwixt_o it_o and_o idolatry_n there_o hang_v no_o more_o than_o a_o small_a cobweb_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o thin_a distinction_n but_o we_o dare_v not_o constitute_v mediator_n of_o our_o own_o when_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o for_o we_o one_o even_a as_o god_n be_v so_o and_o consequent_o must_v exclude_v other_o there_o be_v one_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o nor_o will_v any_o distinction_n here_o serve_v because_o our_o mediator_n intercede_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mediator_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n more_o must_v have_v shed_v their_o blood_n on_o earth_n we_o desire_v indeed_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n live_v among_o ourselves_o as_o s._n paul_n do_v when_o he_o beseech_v the_o brethren_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o we_o do_v not_o invocate_v they_o by_o act_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o beg_v this_o charitable_a office_n from_o they_o not_o do_v we_o entrench_v upon_o the_o great_a intercessor_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n when_o we_o desire_v these_o intercession_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o only_o that_o the_o incense_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n ascend_v through_o the_o sky_n to_o the_o supreme_a palace_n of_o the_o most_o high_a may_v be_v present_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n resident_a there_o not_o only_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o victory_n whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o reassume_v the_o right_n belong_v to_o his_o god_n head_n but_o on_o purpose_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v receive_v notice_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o know_v how_o to_o signify_v our_o want_n to_o they_o and_o present_v our_o grievance_n to_o their_o apprehension_n as_o we_o do_v to_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o we_o here_o it_o be_v then_o probable_a that_o many_o man_n will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v that_o their_o desire_n to_o they_o though_o not_o by_o a_o religious_a act_n of_o prayer_n which_o now_o they_o conjecture_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a because_o their_o own_o necessity_n themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o complete_o glorify_v may_v incline_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o man_n who_o they_o leave_v in_o this_o low_a world_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o fulfil_n the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o the_o hasten_v that_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v be_v complete_v hereafter_o that_o all_o partake_n in_o a_o glorious_a translation_n or_o resurrection_n they_o themselves_o may_v have_v the_o compleatment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o now_o desire_v but_o shall_v not_o full_o possess_v till_o the_o reunion_n of_o their_o body_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o death_n yet_o keep_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o soul_n now_o in_o heaven_n can_v but_o be_v advance_v and_o extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a unless_o we_o suppose_v their_o understanding_n and_o memory_n to_o die_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v now_o so_o mindful_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n in_o general_a that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o a_o miserable_a world_n as_o to_o exert_v some_o act_n in_o common_a that_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o prayer_n for_o we_o so_o can_v man_n who_o be_v yet_o resident_a on_o the_o earth_n know_v any_o method_n of_o signify_v their_o particular_a desire_n to_o they_o they_o may_v perhaps_o insert_v they_o in_o their_o wish_n and_o make_v such_o petition_n their_o own_o for_o if_o the_o rich_a glutton_n in_o hell_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o brethren_n danger_n as_o to_o beg_v abraham_n to_o send_v lazarus_n to_o they_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o future_a torment_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v much_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o carry_v away_o with_o they_o such_o notice_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o hazard_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o enlarge_a charity_n may_v cause_v they_o in_o general_a to_o petition_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a accident_n in_o this_o world_n which_o now_o happen_v since_o their_o departure_n nor_o do_v bellarmine_n make_v a_o look_a glass_n of_o his_o maker_n at_o all_o help_n the_o contrary_a assertion_n the_o view_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n tanquam_fw-la in_o speculo_fw-la be_v as_o unintelligible_a by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v invisible_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o something_n which_o happen_v here_o and_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n luke_o 15.10_o but_o that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o saint_n depart_v we_o have_v no_o evidence_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v assert_v in_o sacred_a writ_n for_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o isa_n 63.16_o and_o therefore_o nesciunt_fw-la mortui_fw-la etiam_fw-la sancti_fw-la quid_fw-la agunt_fw-la vivi_fw-la etiam_fw-la eorum_fw-la silij_fw-la say_v s._n austin_n in_o curâ_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la the_o saint_n that_o be_v dead_a know_v not_o what_o the_o live_a do_v nay_o their_o very_a child_n in_o vain_a therefore_o will_v it_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n and_o religious_a invocation_n to_o desire_v any_o help_n from_o those_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o want_n nor_o any_o where_o appoint_v to_o convey_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o know_v all_o our_o particular_a need_n as_o they_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o implore_v their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n especial_o with_o such_o solemnity_n and_o devotion_n as_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n because_o god_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v direction_n for_o the_o substantial_o and_o essential_a method_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v no_o where_o command_v such_o circular_a prayer_n that_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o we_o be_v direct_v only_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o answer_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n say_v christ_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o john_n 16.23_o and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o exhort_v that_o since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.6_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o similitude_n from_o court_n below_o to_o teach_v we_o method_n of_o address_n to_o he_o by_o who_o prince_n reign_v or_o if_o there_o be_v what_o man_n that_o may_v himself_o present_v his_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a king_n and_o discourse_v his_o affair_n free_o with_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mediation_n of_o a_o master_n of_o request_n especial_o if_o the_o king_n himself_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o business_n to_o his_o son_n we_o need_v not_o argue_v ourselves_o to_o reverence_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o he_o and_o ourselves_o that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o we_o the_o
workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v a_o right_a of_o be_v petition_v in_o that_o method_n himself_o have_v appoint_v especial_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o we_o who_o be_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n that_o without_o his_o protection_n shall_v be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wind_n and_o blow_v away_o with_o every_o storm_n and_o we_o must_v easy_o if_o we_o be_v not_o too_o obstinate_a be_v excite_v to_o exercise_v due_a affection_n with_o devout_a intention_n and_o a_o awful_a though_o brisk_a fervency_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o when_o we_o be_v not_o guard_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o frail_a and_o weak_a being_n the_o continual_a dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o our_o maker_n who_o be_v the_o great_a preserver_n of_o man_n and_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n which_o he_o demonstrate_v to_o those_o who_o reverent_o adore_v he_o and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n i_o shall_v therefore_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o particular_a by_o give_v some_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o make_v religious_a address_n chap._n iu._n the_o reason_n why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o supreme_a veneration_n which_o we_o demonstrate_v by_o our_o solemn_a and_o most_o intense_a devotion_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n which_o none_o except_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v endow_v with_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n or_o excellency_n seat_v in_o another_o independent_a of_o himself_o god_n will_v then_o be_v finite_a in_o his_o excellency_n something_o be_v suppose_v of_o perfection_n to_o be_v inherent_a in_o another_o which_o be_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o all_o creature_n be_v dependent_a and_o limit_v and_o can_v not_o be_v creature_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o whatever_o ray_n of_o glory_n or_o perfection_n shine_v upon_o and_o adorn_v other_o being_n to_o make_v they_o beautiful_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n be_v emit_v from_o that_o glorious_a sun_n which_o produce_v all_o thing_n and_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o power_n hence_o come_v that_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o pious_a david_n before_o all_o the_o congregation_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o victory_n and_o the_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v thou_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n o_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v as_o head_n above_o all_o both_o riches_n and_o honour_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o reign_v over_o all_o and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v power_n and_o might_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o all_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 29._o v._n 11_o 12._o this_o also_o be_v most_o devout_o acknowledge_v in_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a fast_o of_o the_o jew_n nehem._n 9.6_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v lord_n alone_o thou_o have_v make_v heaven_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o their_o host_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o and_o thou_o preserve_v they_o all_o and_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n worship_v thou_o and_o therefore_o who_o shall_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o lord_n say_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o glorify_v thy_o name_n for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a because_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o for_o thy_o judgement_n be_v make_v manifest_a rev._n 15.4_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v god_n the_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o and_o from_o his_o dominion_n be_v infer_v his_o providence_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n as_o a_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o from_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o self-existent_a sufficiency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o eternal_a be_v because_o among_o the_o god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o nor_o be_v any_o work_v like_a unto_o he_o therefore_o say_v david_n all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n psal_n 86.8_o 9_o so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n worship_n be_v excellency_n and_o greatness_n and_o this_o be_v original_o and_o independent_o in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o none_o to_o other_o but_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o by_o his_o command_n and_o particular_o that_o our_o divine_a acknowledgement_n such_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o our_o prayer_n he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o consequent_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o devotion_n second_o i_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o from_o the_o first_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o religion_n this_o have_v its_o prime_a relation_n unto_o god_n by_o this_o we_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o according_a to_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n for_o whether_o the_o name_n be_v derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la or_o religando_fw-la according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o isidore_n or_o s._n austin_n it_o must_v still_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n or_o if_o we_o have_v rather_o accept_v of_o tully_n definition_n that_o it_o be_v virtus_fw-la quae_fw-la superiori_fw-la cuidam_fw-la naturae_fw-la cultum_fw-la ceremoniamque_fw-la affert_fw-la a_o virtue_n that_o bring_v worship_n and_o ceremony_n to_o a_o certain_a superior_a nature_n this_o superior_a nature_n determine_v by_o cuidam_fw-la be_v but_o one_o even_o the_o supreme_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v now_o prayer_n be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o i_o know_v religion_n and_o prayer_n too_o be_v term_n of_o a_o equivocal_a significancy_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o have_v many_o distinction_n frame_v concern_v they_o to_o evade_v argument_n rather_o than_o answer_v they_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o confine_v god_n worship_n to_o himself_o when_o i_o treat_v therefore_o of_o religion_n here_o though_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o include_v other_o thing_n i_o intend_v only_o those_o proper_a act_n of_o duty_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o the_o supreme_a be_v flow_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o our_o own_o obligation_n prompt_v we_o to_o or_o impose_v on_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o sacred_a writ_n in_o general_a or_o particular_a injunction_n and_o by_o the_o inference_n that_o reason_n may_v most_o direct_o and_o just_o draw_v from_o it_o and_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o a_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n now_o whatever_o else_o beside_o god_n himself_o share_v in_o this_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o join_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o admit_v to_o partake_v in_o such_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n become_v a_o copartner_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o universe_n consist_v of_o god_n and_o creature_n what_o ever_o else_o we_o regious_o invocate_v must_v be_v some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_n hand_n and_o then_o we_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o his_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o god_n consequent_o we_o dispose_v the_o creator_n honour_n to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o detract_v from_o the_o architect_n to_o exalt_v his_o build_n a_o affront_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o most_o worthy_a creature_n because_o he_o have_v declare_v against_o and_o forbid_v it_o but_o never_o signify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o either_o by_o his_o public_a command_n or_o permission_n unless_o because_o he_o have_v suffer_v idol_n till_o the_o worshipper_n sin_n be_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n man_n will_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o approve_v it_o and_o dare_v bold_a man_n make_v idol_n to_o themselves_o which_o god_n so_o constant_o forbid_v and_o hate_v or_o take_v other_o into_o partnership_n with_o he_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a jehovah_n such_o a_o lord_n as_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v none_o other_o but_o further_a that_o god_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o religion_n seem_v a_o proposition_n so_o firm_o rivet_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o though_o many_o have_v mistake_v their_o god_n yet_o few_o will_v
pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o appear_v unreasonable_a in_o religion_n since_o no_o subject_n can_v with_o loyalty_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o any_o though_o the_o most_o noble_a peer_n when_o it_o be_v referve_v to_o the_o king_n alone_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v divine_a worship_n such_o as_o solemn_a prayer_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v only_o to_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o give_v it_o to_o another_o and_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v with_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o my_o last_o argument_n for_o prayer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n only_o three_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o none_o but_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o petition_n who_o among_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v so_o capable_a of_o understanding_n or_o bestow_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o or_o endow_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o fit_a for_o rational_a creature_n in_o all_o their_o exigency_n to_o become_v devout_a petitioner_n unto_o can_v any_o give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o dispense_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n but_o himself_o when_o he_o convey_v this_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o other_o they_o be_v only_o his_o substitute_v delegate_n and_o he_o no_o more_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o they_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o praise_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n who_o can_v bestow_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o both_o who_o treasure_n be_v inexhaustible_a who_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o grace_n be_v convey_v be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v but_o also_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n always_o spring_v up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o can_v bestow_v the_o glory_n above_o but_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v it_o so_o who_o right_a hand_n hold_v star_n and_o have_v all_o crown_n at_o his_o own_o disposal_n who_o can_v rid_v we_o of_o many_o trouble_n especial_o those_o that_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o can_v rebuke_v tempest_n and_o storm_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v in_o a_o person_n qualify_v for_o rational_a creature_n to_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o hear_v and_o understand_v our_o petition_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v what_o we_o supplicate_v he_o for_o and_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v what_o we_o beg_v if_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o prudence_n and_o our_o welfare_n and_o who_o can_v we_o find_v thus_o qualify_v but_o the_o great_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o can_v understand_v our_o petition_n and_o know_v our_o want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
reference_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n 2._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n 3._o to_o show_v something_o which_o may_v regard_v our_o word_n and_o expression_n first_o the_o rnanner_n of_o our_o address_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v include_v great_a activity_n in_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o exert_v our_o affection_n in_o some_o proportion_n to_o the_o value_n of_o our_o petition_n and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n who_o we_o invoke_v particular_o so_o that_o the_o more_o considerable_a and_o worthy_a our_o prayer_n be_v the_o more_o exalt_v and_o earnest_a must_v our_o desire_n be_v the_o external_a representation_n of_o any_o man_n devotion_n without_o the_o inward_a affection_n and_o fervency_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v act_n of_o hypocrisy_n not_o religion_n it_o be_v like_o the_o common_a dissimulation_n among_o ourselves_o when_o we_o fawn_v upon_o a_o man_n till_o we_o obtain_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v he_o my_o son_n say_v wisdom_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 23.26_o and_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n interpretation_n be_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n matth._n 22.37_o hence_o be_v those_o declare_v bless_v by_o the_o psalmist_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o their_o whole_a heart_n psal_n 119.2_o and_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v king_n david_n himself_o wont_v to_o manage_v his_o address_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o god_n psal_n 119._o 10._o and_o i_o entreat_v thy_o favour_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n vers_n 58._o and_o he_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o god_n shall_v hear_v he_o because_o he_o cry_v with_o his_o whole_a heart_n vers_n 145._o his_o mind_n be_v intent_n on_o and_o accompany_v his_o petition_n and_o his_o seriousness_n in_o this_o snatch_v away_o his_o soul_n whole_o to_o itself_o and_o the_o god_n to_o who_o he_o make_v his_o address_n so_o must_v we_o in_o our_o prayer_n to_o the_o supreme_a be_v diligent_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o desire_v and_o be_v first_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n our_o most_o earnest_a wish_n must_v accompany_v the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n now_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v unless_o 1._o we_o understand_v the_o phrase_n and_o word_n in_o which_o we_o utter_v the_o petition_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o how_o can_v we_o intend_v our_o soul_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o urgency_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o be_v offer_v by_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o in_o our_o behalf_n there_o must_v in_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n accompany_v our_o petition_n and_o our_o soul_n must_v in_o a_o manner_n pass_v into_o our_o devotion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v total_o employ_v in_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o time_n we_o be_v about_o it_o without_o any_o divert_v reflection_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v when_o we_o have_v not_o previous_a apprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o a_o sufficient_a perception_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o petition_n nay_o and_z most_o common_o the_o very_a expression_n then_o use_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o employ_v in_o the_o invention_n of_o method_n and_o sense_n and_o strain_v also_o for_o word_n to_o express_v it_o or_o in_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o invention_n of_o another_o who_o presume_v to_o utter_v the_o want_n of_o a_o congregation_n in_o a_o new_a dress_n and_o every_o time_n with_o variation_n of_o phrase_n all_o know_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v exert_v but_o one_o act_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n nor_o consider_v any_o more_o than_o one_o thing_n at_o once_o how_o then_o can_v it_o judge_v and_o apprehend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n raise_v its_o affection_n proportionable_a to_o the_o petition_n and_o keep_v itself_o fix_v upon_o god_n in_o any_o tolerable_a measure_n it_o can_v therefore_o with_o equal_a pace_n accompany_v a_o prayer_n which_o it_o do_v not_o understand_v before_o it_o come_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o true_o be_v this_o well_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o will_v render_v prayer_n useless_a and_o insufficient_a that_o be_v either_o make_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o english_a phrase_n that_o be_v unpremeditated_a unintelligible_a or_o unknown_a before_o hand_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o the_o oblation_n so_o as_o to_o bind_v up_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o petition_n and_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o pray_v with_o understanding_n as_o to_o any_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v from_o man_n join_v in_o prayer_n which_o they_o never_o hear_v before_o as_o in_o the_o case_n when_o a_o stranger_n come_v to_o preach_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v that_o no_o man_n can_v assent_v to_o the_o whole_a with_o understanding_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a apprehension_n or_o he_o that_o pray_v make_v more_o than_o common_a pause_n at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o period_n of_o a_o petition_n that_o all_o may_v have_v time_n to_o apprehend_v and_o judge_n and_o put_v up_o a_o earnest_a wish_n with_o it_o otherwise_o some_o period_n subsequent_a must_v needs_o pass_v before_o the_o antecedent_n have_v be_v consider_v unless_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o a_o man_n that_o whatever_o he_o say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n be_v gospel_n and_o whither_o this_o will_v carry_v we_o may_v be_v easy_o know_v since_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o rome_n for_o if_o we_o may_v implicit_o believe_v particular_a man_n without_o examination_n in_o case_n that_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n much_o more_o will_v they_o say_v may_v we_o believe_v the_o church_n but_o prayer_n indeed_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o voluble_a effusion_n of_o word_n and_o language_n but_o this_o must_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a servour_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o dueintention_n of_o mind_n and_o this_o require_v a_o previous_a acquaintance_n with_o what_o be_v utter_v that_o the_o understanding_n may_v command_v and_o regulate_v the_o affection_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v thus_o just_o inform_v beforehand_o we_o may_v be_v more_o zealous_a and_o earnest_a in_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o a_o decent_a height_n and_o so_o six_o our_o intention_n upon_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o that_o our_o soul_n will_v suffer_v some_o kind_n of_o transport_v and_o be_v swallow_v up_o whole_o in_o they_o have_v you_o not_o see_v a_o person_n who_o delight_v in_o music_n so_o ravish_v with_o the_o stroke_n make_v upon_o his_o viol_n and_o transport_v with_o those_o pleasant_a air_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o all_o his_o faculty_n have_v be_v so_o full_o employ_v that_o he_o have_v disregard_v all_o thing_n else_o as_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v suffer_v a_o transmigration_n and_o have_v whole_o pass_v into_o the_o instrument_n he_o play_v on_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n will_v permit_v with_o man_n devout_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o such_o preparation_n and_o seriousness_n of_o mind_n that_o know_v before_o what_o we_o design_v to_o petition_v heaven_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v intent_n like_o man_n beg_v for_o their_o life_n and_o every_o prayer_n be_v the_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o so_o god_n see_v our_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o have_v mercy_n for_o when_o at_o any_o time_n our_o mind_n wander_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o accompany_v the_o word_n utter_v so_o much_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v lose_v to_o we_o as_o be_v pass_v over_o whilst_o we_o permit_v the_o diversion_n and_o the_o only_a remedy_n by_o which_o we_o may_v interest_n ourselves_o in_o what_o be_v go_v be_v in_o my_o opinion_n to_o recollect_v the_o petition_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v which_o we_o may_v do_v where_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v use_v and_o utter_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o they_o 2._o we_o must_v in_o the_o intend_v our_o mind_n in_o our_o solemn_a devotion_n fix_v our_o soul_n on_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v throughout_o the_o whole_a carry_v along_o whilst_o we_o utter_v our_o want_n some_o notion_n of_o that_o glorious_a be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n especial_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o
we_o find_v after_o a_o excursion_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n when_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o inadvertency_n or_o diversion_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o a_o unusual_a heaviness_n and_o oppression_n in_o our_o body_n forget_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v conversant_a about_o but_o especial_o in_o our_o public_a devotion_n the_o devout_a gesture_n of_o other_o about_o we_o mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v ourselves_o and_o we_o can_v remain_v cold_a and_o stupid_a when_o we_o see_v other_o express_v the_o affection_n and_o ardour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o those_o action_n in_o which_o we_o common_o represent_v they_o when_o by_o the_o gesture_n of_o their_o body_n they_o seem_v to_o pour_v out_o their_o very_a soul_n in_o prayer_n how_o do_v we_o see_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n sparkle_v with_o zeal_n when_o void_a of_o all_o passion_n or_o hypocrifie_n how_o do_v humility_n and_o some_o man_n low_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o cause_v their_o body_n to_o stoop_v and_o their_o knee_n to_o bend_v how_o do_v faith_n and_o hope_n again_o lift_v up_o the_o most_o feeble_a hand_n at_o once_o to_o beg_v and_o receive_v god_n favour_n and_o such_o devout_a action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o hypocritical_a will_v raise_v and_o evidence_n our_o own_o affection_n however_o must_v certain_o inflame_v other_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a then_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v of_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o inward_a intention_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o poet_n say_v of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n that_o when_o they_o be_v only_o single_a they_o portend_v mischief_n and_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o storm_n but_o when_o they_o appear_v both_o together_o they_o presage_v a_o fortunate_a passage_n to_o the_o church_n declare_v piety_n in_o who_o they_o shine_v and_o a_o solid_a and_o well_o ground_a devotion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o particular_a refer_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o deportment_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o make_v a_o search_n into_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o god_n especial_o in_o our_o joint_n and_o common_a petition_n there_o be_v not_o more_o frequent_a extravagancy_n among_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o other_o than_o what_o usual_o proceed_v from_o the_o slip_n or_o design_v action_n of_o our_o tongue_n these_o be_v so_o nimble_a when_o the_o body_n become_v heat_v and_o chafe_v as_o if_o all_o our_o spirit_n fly_v thither_o that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o some_o warm_a constitution_n to_o afford_v they_o any_o rest_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o talkative_a when_o we_o be_v awake_v that_o they_o be_v tattle_v too_o whilst_o we_o be_v asleep_a therefore_o the_o skilful_a and_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a task_n of_o the_o empire_n within_o ourselves_o and_o needs_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o law_n and_o a_o great_a and_o wary_a caution_n to_o be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o stop_v the_o sally_n of_o it_o that_o our_o word_n may_v be_v guide_v with_o discretion_n the_o tongue_n say_v st._n james_n be_v a_o little_a member_n but_o boast_v great_a thing_n and_o he_o compare_v it_o to_o fire_n a_o spark_n of_o which_o often_o turn_v city_n into_o ash_n such_o be_v this_o among_o our_o member_n that_o it_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o itself_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o able_a to_o bridle_v the_o whole_a body_n james_n 3.2_o 5_o 6._o now_o as_o this_o be_v so_o peccant_a in_o our_o conversation_n with_o man_n so_o be_v it_o apt_a to_o err_v in_o our_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o it_o assume_v too_o much_o familiarity_n with_o he_o become_v pert_a and_o rude_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o some_o man_n who_o a_o prince_n honour_n with_o his_o daily_a converse_v be_v so_o sensible_o blow_v up_o with_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o breath_n that_o their_o former_a acquaintance_n must_v not_o know_v they_o so_o oftentimes_o they_o become_v saucy_a to_o he_o that_o have_v advance_v they_o and_o blow_v his_o breath_n back_o upon_o himself_o when_o they_o have_v first_o poison_v it_o in_o their_o own_o body_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o many_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a god_n that_o make_v they_o utter_v such_o language_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o as_o will_v cause_v man_n to_o scorn_n and_o reject_v their_o petition_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o due_a consideration_n and_o impress_v themselves_o with_o a_o just_a awe_n from_o the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n since_o we_o have_v a_o acceptable_a person_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o heb._n 4.16_o but_o who_o can_v think_v that_o such_o a_o text_n give_v encouragement_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o fly_v against_o the_o face_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o advance_v their_o privilege_n into_o a_o confident_a rudeness_n rather_o sure_o the_o same_o apostle_n sober_a advice_n must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o extravagant_a presumption_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o profound_a reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n because_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12.28_o 29._o to_o manage_v therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n in_o such_o language_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o we_o may_v take_v if_o we_o be_v willing_a these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o that_o our_o word_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a 2._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a 3._o they_o must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a 4._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o they_o must_v be_v premeditate_v and_o fix_v first_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n in_o our_o solemn_a prayer_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v mind_v however_o be_v affect_v with_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o if_o he_o be_v it_o be_v without_o reason_n and_o he_o do_v not_o act_n like_o a_o man_n we_o have_v indeed_o too_o melancholy_a and_o woeful_a experience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v take_v with_o musical_a stroke_n and_o any_o thing_n which_o make_v curious_a and_o grateful_a percussion_n upon_o their_o ear_n be_v extreme_o delight_v with_o such_o sound_n of_o word_n as_o be_v void_a of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n if_o we_o think_v that_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n become_v a_o reasonable_a service_n unto_o god_n prayer_n require_v that_o our_o apprehension_n and_o wish_n keep_v a_o parallel_n with_o our_o word_n in_o which_o we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n we_o may_v otherwise_o beg_v a_o serpent_n when_o we_o intend_v a_o fish_n and_o ask_v for_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n if_o in_o public_a we_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n of_o he_o that_o offer_v service_n in_o our_o behalf_n he_o may_v curse_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o we_o think_v he_o bless_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o can_v at_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o it_o but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o ridiculous_a service_n when_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o his_o bundle_n of_o infirmity_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o either_o to_o his_o quick_a or_o dull_a invention_n as_o his_o body_n or_o his_o mind_n be_v either_o vigorous_a or_o disturb_v so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o any_o tolerable_a knowledge_n or_o due_a consideration_n say_v amen_o to_o what_o be_v utter_v or_o compose_v for_o we_o by_o some_o man_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o ourselves_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o we_o can_v never_o proportion_v our_o affection_n or_o the_o intention_n of_o out_o mind_n suitable_a to_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v prayer_n especial_o what_o be_v public_a shall_v be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o word_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o
that_o have_v be_v due_o educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o gaudy_a luxuriance_n of_o a_o orator_n not_o welt_a with_o metaphor_n nor_o darken_v by_o any_o figurative_a allusion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o naked_a as_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o plain_a and_o open_a as_o innocence_n itself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o oracle_n in_o word_n that_o may_v beguile_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o question_n of_o the_o inquirer_n be_v otherwise_o let_v the_o language_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n amuse_v only_o but_o not_o edify_v the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o person_n who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o rational_o pronounce_v amen_n to_o it_o because_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a which_o man_n will_v not_o do_v in_o other_o case_n nay_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o such_o prayer_n s._n paul_n both_o redargues_fw-la and_o condemn_v 1_o cor._n 14._o second_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a not_o intermix_v with_o the_o levities_n of_o a_o stage_n as_o if_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v to_o be_v theatrical_a in_o prayer_n and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o raree_o show_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v our_o devotion_n into_o a_o cant_a burlesque_fw-la nor_o cause_v the_o weighty_a conception_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v breathe_v forth_o in_o air_n and_o fancy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v court_v a_o mistress_n or_o a_o common_a hall_n but_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v wise_a and_o grave_a the_o business_n of_o thought_n and_o careful_a premeditation_n and_o our_o word_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o weight_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n beg_v by_o a_o romance_n and_o to_o adorn_v his_o rag_n with_o joques_fw-la or_o flower_n this_o better_a proclaim_v his_o madness_n than_o his_o want_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o a_o person_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o yet_o rant_v aâ—_n and_o tear_n his_o benefactor_n who_o shall_v be_v stow_v it_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v at_o bethlem_n only_o but_o not_o in_o a_o church_n certain_o therefore_o it_o must_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v bold_a man_n thuâ—_n act_v towards_o god_n almighty_a himself_o to_o find_v person_n rave_v in_o their_o prayerâ—_n as_o if_o they_o will_v hector_n the_o greâ—â—_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o scaâ—â—_n he_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o â—_z by_o a_o loud_a noise_n bold_a word_n 〈◊〉_d too_o confident_a importunity_n woulâ—_n make_v a_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n woâ—der_n where_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o trade_n or_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n ridiculous_o groan_v and_o yelp_a out_o his_o prayer_n in_o tone_n unbecoming_a solemnity_n make_v grimace_n and_o wry_a face_n as_o he_o have_v the_o gripe_n in_o his_o belly_n 〈◊〉_d will_v think_v he_o walk_v the_o field_n oâ—ten_o and_o have_v take_v note_n from_o the_o very_a cripple_n nay_o to_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v both_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o consideration_n to_o guess_v which_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o he_o will_v conclude_v both_o to_o be_v artificial_a but_o neither_o to_o be_v fit_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n almighty_n nay_o though_o we_o pray_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o promise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o urge_v god_n gracious_a and_o free_a promise_n in_o such_o dare_a and_o strange_a language_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o kindness_n to_o make_v they_o or_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o he_o can_v not_o suspend_v the_o favour_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o destroy_v that_o free_a grace_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o little_a or_o no_o duty_n to_o perform_v as_o if_o god_n must_v present_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o when_o we_o please_v answer_v our_o petition_n and_o give_v we_o our_o reward_n strange_a that_o man_n in_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n shall_v no_o better_o consider_v their_o distance_n and_o dependence_n but_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n as_o if_o they_o be_v either_o his_o equal_n or_o superior_n thus_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a cloth_n themselves_o with_o shame_n but_o shall_v the_o potsherd_n fly_v at_o the_o potter_n head_n or_o dust_n and_o ash_n endeavour_v to_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a heaven_n shall_v we_o do_v thus_o who_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n who_o one_o word_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o thus_o rude_o address_v can_v sentence_v to_o a_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o make_v the_o shade_n below_o our_o habitation_n nay_o shall_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v our_o body_n into_o a_o grave_n and_o our_o soul_n into_o most_o horrid_a darkness_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o both_o at_o last_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o shall_v he_o be_v address_v to_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o be_v his_o familiar_a acquaintance_n certain_o the_o most_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n prayer_n seem_v to_o make_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o argue_v with_o such_o rude_a and_o careless_a man_n mal._n 1.6_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o be_v then_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o you_o o_o priest_n that_o despise_v my_o name_n and_o yet_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v it_o the_o psalmist_n give_v excellent_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n nay_o our_o very_a rejoice_v must_v be_v with_o reverence_n psal_n 2.11_o and_o if_o the_o great_a king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o david_n there_o speak_v must_v thus_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a much_o more_o ought_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a allay_n to_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o be_v malepert_a with_o their_o maker_n lest_o instead_o of_o favour_n they_o receive_v vengeance_n and_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o a_o speech_n of_o hailstone_n and_o coal_n of_o fire_n let_v man_n therefore_o use_v such_o expression_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n as_o may_v evidence_n some_o dread_a and_o awe_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o declare_v such_o humility_n and_o reverence_n as_o become_v those_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n saint_n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a bishop_n by_o his_o deportment_n among_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o outward_a agreement_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n act._n 20.19_o and_o since_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o express_v our_o inward_a sentiment_n the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o as_o necessary_a too_o as_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o virtue_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o one_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o sign_n of_o the_o other_o that_o when_o gravity_n and_o humility_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v sprout_v forth_o and_o spread_v their_o branch_n in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n mouth_n and_o deportment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o that_o where_o these_o last_o thing_n be_v want_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v nay_o conclude_v the_o profession_n or_o affirmation_n that_o man_n have_v the_o other_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o pretence_n three_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a because_o otherwise_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o
they_o be_v utter_v for_o since_o all_o our_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v also_o design_v to_o signify_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o both_o shall_v run_v parallel_n and_o our_o expression_n equal_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n or_o else_o our_o language_n can_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o utter_v word_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o man_n in_o private_a may_v be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n to_o express_v and_o there_o a_o sigh_n or_o a_o groan_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o what_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o utter_v there_o as_o the_o reverend_n dr._n owen_n more_o clear_o express_v it_o they_o may_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n and_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o condition_n but_o in_o public_a prayer_n when_o one_o become_v the_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n petition_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o to_o express_v the_o general_a want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n that_o all_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o common_a request_n and_o join_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n and_o with_o undivided_a affection_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o yet_o four_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v as_o few_o and_o our_o petition_n as_o brief_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n not_o only_o because_o what_o be_v over_o and_o beyond_o this_o seem_v redundant_fw-la and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o unreasonable_a nor_o only_a because_o a_o tedious_a protraction_n and_o unnecessary_a length_n in_o devotion_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o make_v our_o affection_n unactive_a and_o stupid_a it_o quench_v the_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o turn_n much_o of_o our_o prayer_n all_o whilst_o we_o remain_v thus_o indispose_v into_o mere_a babble_n and_o effusion_n of_o word_n when_o our_o mind_n can_v accompany_v our_o expression_n or_o the_o language_n of_o another_o utter_v in_o our_o behalf_n but_o as_o we_o have_v no_o example_n of_o a_o tedious_a and_o long_a prayer_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o have_v we_o prohibition_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o solomon_n exhort_v to_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o man_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v he_o and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o ecclesiast_fw-la 5.1_o 2._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o restrain_v this_o text_n only_o to_o the_o subsequent_a vow_n yet_o the_o argument_n urge_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v then_o spare_v of_o their_o word_n will_v as_o well_o conclude_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o vow_n in_o both_o which_o thing_n we_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o god_n as_o be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o earth_n our_o saviour_n advice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v when_o thou_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o he_o present_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n the_o form_n of_o a_o full_a and_o most_o expressive_a prayer_n mat._n 6_o 7._o nay_o if_o we_o will_v be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o example_n which_o any_o will_v think_v that_o christian_n ought_v even_o then_o when_o by_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o religion_n will_v conclude_v he_o to_o be_v devout_a be_v fill_v with_o pain_n and_o fear_n of_o far_a torture_n that_o attend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n so_o great_a that_o his_o sweat_n be_v as_o it_o be_v large_a glutinous_a drop_n of_o blood_n when_o as_o s._n matthew_n say_v his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o s._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o even_o than_o we_o find_v his_o word_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o these_o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luke_o 22.42_o nor_o do_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o strong_a desire_n force_v his_o thought_n to_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flood_n of_o expression_n but_o allow_v himself_o some_o small_a interval_n continue_v his_o devotion_n he_o return_v to_o his_o prayer_n repeat_v again_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o of_o these_o text_n hereafter_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o brevity_n be_v a_o ornament_n to_o our_o prayer_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o usual_a custom_n of_o petition_n will_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a convince_a testimony_n to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o very_o odd_a conception_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o make_v religious_a address_n these_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v then_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a draw_v when_o they_o include_v brevity_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o short_a do_v we_o usual_o frame_v they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o great_a man_n that_o be_v in_o public_a employment_n will_v not_o permit_v much_o diversion_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o discern_a able_a to_o understand_v quick_a than_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a station_n a_o breviate_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v some_o man_n when_o other_o must_v be_v large_o instruct_v from_o point_n to_o point_n and_o must_v have_v thing_n various_o diversify_v and_o often_o reiterated_a before_o they_o will_v suit_v with_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o omniscient_a god_n who_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o petition_v to_o be_v less_o intelligent_a or_o compassionate_a than_o man_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o many_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n to_o cause_v he_o to_o understand_v or_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o grant_v what_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o but_o this_o will_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o a_o large_a manner_n in_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v conclude_v with_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o one_o plea_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o a_o long_a continue_a prayer_n the_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v engage_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n luke_o 6.12_o and_o some_o other_o expression_n and_o example_n too_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v some_o length_n in_o prayer_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o and_o be_v either_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n or_o so_o circumstantiate_v that_o they_o differ_v exceed_o from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n unto_o we_o or_o else_o when_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n continue_v long_o in_o prayer_n by_o give_v themselves_o short_a respite_n and_o allow_v some_o interval_n between_o they_o return_v to_o the_o same_o prayer_n again_o which_o may_v be_v short_a enough_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o assistance_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o revelation_n as_o the_o have_v and_o fall_v under_o their_o circumstance_n which_o can_v never_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a practice_n may_v become_v a_o copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n since_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n a_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v convenient_a and_z for_o the_o most_o part_n necessary_a too_o that_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v fix_v and_o premeditate_a for_o if_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a if_o they_o must_v be_v both_o grave_n and_o serious_a if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v full_a in_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o want_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a
upremeditated_a effusion_n of_o man_n in_o their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n their_o invention_n so_o vary_v the_o phrase_n and_o transpose_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o all_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o different_o place_v between_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o alter_v till_o they_o become_v obscure_a and_o be_v so_o cloud_v either_o with_o fog_n or_o dust_n that_o a_o consider_v man_n of_o part_n and_o memory_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v either_o out_o when_o they_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o rubbish_n and_o how_o shall_v another_o search_v out_o that_o which_o he_o that_o hide_v it_o can_v find_v sixthly_a if_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a devotion_n be_v either_o inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a then_o they_o must_v be_v so_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o or_o else_o to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o join_v with_o and_o consent_v to_o they_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a to_o the_o minister_n only_o why_o shall_v the_o people_n trouble_v themselves_o or_o any_o man_n startle_v they_o about_o it_o unless_o man_n think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o devout_a raise_v cloud_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o dispel_v they_o bring_v scruple_n and_o pain_n into_o man_n conscience_n that_o casuistical_a divinity_n may_v come_v the_o more_o into_o fashion_n and_o they_o like_o quack_n may_v sit_v grave_o in_o their_o chair_n to_o scry_v water_n and_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o take_v fee_n of_o their_o wander_a patient_n this_o be_v plain_a force_n of_o a_o trade_n and_o make_v man_n sick_a that_o they_o may_v cure_v the_o disease_n or_o rather_o live_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v the_o people_n perplex_v their_o mind_n about_o that_o in_o which_o only_a the_o minister_n be_v concern_v let_v every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n and_o in_o 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utter_v when_o he_o pray_v and_o direct_v his_o intention_n to_o the_o great_a god_n to_o who_o he_o address_v or_o else_o those_o that_o be_v so_o much_o for_o these_o extemporary_a effusion_n must_v conclude_v that_o the_o minister_n need_v not_o pray_v himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v busy_a in_o invent_v matter_n and_o word_n for_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v devout_a when_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o devotion_n at_o all_o and_o that_o his_o business_n in_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o not_o for_o himself_o 2._o if_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v either_o inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a to_o the_o people_n than_o indeed_o all_o the_o former_a reason_n be_v ineffectual_a and_o more_o will_v be_v so_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o but_o than_o whoever_o assert_v this_o as_o none_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v without_o limitation_n do_v i_o have_v this_o farther_z in_o this_o place_n to_o urge_v against_o he_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o public_a prayer_n at_o all_o for_o all_o prayer_n be_v either_o utter_v in_o word_n that_o be_v premeditate_v or_o conceive_v before_o and_o this_o on_o all_o hand_n will_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v a_o form_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o language_n promote_v by_o what_o help_v soever_o as_o he_o that_o pronounce_v it_o do_v not_o think_v of_o before_o he_o be_v call_v to_o utter_v it_o which_o they_o that_o affect_v it_o call_v either_o pray_v extempore_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v utter_v by_o a_o minister_n in_o a_o public_a congregation_n will_n howsoever_o be_v a_o set_a form_n to_o the_o people_n for_o both_o matter_n and_o word_n must_v be_v frame_v and_o fix_v by_o the_o minister_n invention_n and_o pronounce_v too_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o people_n ear_n they_o must_v understand_v and_o consider_v they_o before_o they_o can_v rational_o consent_v to_o the_o petition_n and_o with_o earnest_a wish_n say_v amen_o and_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o the_o minister_n which_o though_o i_o have_v the_o faculty_n i_o can_v know_v unless_o i_o be_v a_o enthusiast_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o exclude_v by_o a_o late_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v premeditate_v or_o extempore_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o who_o manage_v this_o controversy_n on_o that_o side_n opposite_a to_o our_o church_n turn_v their_o dark_a part_n to_o we_o as_o the_o moon_n do_v before_o a_o change_n and_o like_o the_o little_a fox_n that_o spoil_v our_o vine_n whilst_o the_o grape_n yet_o hang_v tender_a upon_o the_o branch_n be_v so_o hard_o hunt_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o after_o they_o have_v run_v out_o at_o length_n several_a mile_n from_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o unkennele_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v shelter_n in_o the_o wood_n march_v upon_o dead_a or_o quickset_n hedge_n and_o at_o last_o will_v have_v no_o refuge_n but_o to_o earth_n themselves_o when_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n hinder_v their_o be_v dig_v out_o again_o however_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o well_o watch_v and_o observe_v these_o person_n we_o may_v find_v they_o out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n when_o they_o thump_v and_o dig_v to_o make_v their_o way_n through_o and_o for_o the_o great_a part_n though_o some_o be_v of_o a_o more_o quick_a and_o crafty_a invention_n if_o we_o well_o observe_v the_o frequent_a prayer_n of_o any_o one_o man_n pretend_v this_o gift_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v either_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o nimble_a nature_n quick_a invention_n with_o volubility_n of_o language_n pronounce_v with_o a_o endear_n tone_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n cant_v to_o the_o people_n or_o else_o a_o art_n of_o express_v himself_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o frequent_a use_n most_o ready_o and_o sometime_o though_o not_o always_o prudent_o in_o phrase_n and_o sentence_n diversify_v and_o transpose_v according_a to_o the_o various_a position_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o be_v a_o faculty_n only_o of_o amuse_v but_o not_o edify_v the_o people_n make_v grateful_a percussion_n on_o their_o ear_n and_o screw_v up_o their_o affection_n by_o turn_v round_o the_o wheel_n and_o all_o to_o be_v but_o mechanical_a clockwork_n or_o a_o jack_n to_o roast_v meat_n for_o their_o own_o belly_n for_o how_o often_o have_v we_o hear_v these_o gift_a man_n pretend_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o unpremeditated_a method_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o quick_a invention_n whilst_o they_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v be_v believe_v that_o all_o even_o their_o very_a matter_n and_o word_n be_v dart_v into_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o all_o may_v be_v shoot_v back_o to_o heaven_n yet_o upon_o wise_a recollection_n by_o memory_n and_o observation_n we_o have_v conclude_v that_o their_o nimble_a effusion_n have_v consist_v of_o many_o piece_n of_o set_a form_n jumble_v together_o like_o epicurus_n atom_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n or_o at_o least_o of_o many_o preconceive_a sentence_n express_v the_o matter_n of_o former_a petition_n in_o a_o new_a dress_n diversify_v by_o art_n vary_a and_o fix_v in_o divers_a place_n as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o memory_n or_o the_o fancy_n so_o that_o this_o be_v often_o like_o the_o change_n of_o bell_n and_o may_v be_v manage_v by_o the_o same_o art_n four_o will_v make_v four_o and_o twenty_o and_o upon_o five_o they_o may_v ring_v six_o score_n i_o shall_v leave_v this_o therefore_o at_o present_a as_o a_o point_n that_o deserve_v no_o far_a consideration_n among_o any_o religious_a man_n that_o be_v think_v and_o wise_a but_o shall_v
proceed_v on_o to_o the_o inquiry_n which_o remain_v that_o may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n chap._n vi_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o five_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v discourse_v on_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o what_o religious_a and_o devout_a man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n may_v be_v such_o as_o comport_v with_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n lawful_a and_o convenient_a now_o to_o enlarge_v this_o particular_a by_o mention_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o peculiar_a or_o accidental_a want_n of_o man_n may_v make_v necessary_a to_o become_v the_o subject_n of_o christian_a petition_n will_v not_o only_o swell_v and_o enlarge_v this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n and_o proportion_n but_o also_o far_o exceed_v my_o skill_n and_o i_o fancy_n any_o body_n else_o even_o the_o quick_a and_o most_o artificial_a 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one_o time_n or_o other_o aught_o to_o become_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o single_a man_n petition_n for_o a_o man_n may_v beg_v what_o be_v convenient_a or_o necessary_a for_o himself_o that_o may_v be_v to_o another_o great_a damage_n which_o if_o improve_v but_o a_o little_a in_o its_o length_n will_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o such_o particular_a confession_n thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n too_o as_o be_v offer_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o large_a multitude_n from_o the_o view_n of_o a_o single_a man_n particular_a sin_n favour_n receive_v or_o want_n that_o he_o need_v a_o supply_n for_o when_o few_o or_o none_o or_o however_o all_o can_v in_o judgement_n assent_v to_o and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o single_a man_n petition_n no_o other_o rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o what_o may_v suit_v some_o time_n or_o other_o with_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v leave_v their_o various_a and_o present_a necessity_n or_o what_o they_o upon_o a_o probable_a prospect_n view_n to_o influence_n themselves_o assist_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n prudent_o with_o the_o help_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a and_o important_a affair_n of_o petition_v god_n with_o reference_n to_o themselves_o however_o in_o general_a we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n yet_o not_o without_o some_o difference_n of_o affection_n the_o first_o be_v less_o necessary_a and_o inferior_a also_o to_o the_o other_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v petition_v for_o with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o ardency_n and_o affection_n and_o at_o all_o time_n in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o latter_a now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o lawful_a subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v petition_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n that_o may_v obstruct_v the_o possession_n oâ—_n those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o ask_v oâ—_n god_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o these_o be_v especial_o our_o sin_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o evil_a end_n to_o which_o we_o may_v design_v the_o blessing_n themselves_o when_o once_o obtain_v further_o we_o must_v in_o our_o prayer_n beg_v those_o assistance_n and_o help_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o encourage_v the_o mean_n in_o the_o obtainment_n of_o any_o lawful_a design_n and_o these_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o blessing_n and_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o as_o they_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o gracious_o promise_v in_o sacred_a writ_n to_o those_o who_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o their_o reception_n so_o any_o promise_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v ask_v the_o thing_n include_v in_o it_o without_o sin_n or_o danger_n provide_v we_o understand_v the_o promise_n a_o right_a and_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o gracious_a answer_n to_o our_o petition_n if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o may_v be_v convenient_a or_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v with_o reference_n to_o those_o general_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o devout_a prayer_n by_o according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v some_o measure_n of_o our_o particular_a want_n and_o discern_v the_o lawful_a matter_n of_o our_o petition_n but_o since_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o person_n also_o as_o well_o as_o thing_n and_o not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o other_o universal_a charity_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v rational_o conclude_v that_o in_o general_a the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o other_o must_v be_v the_o same_o only_o mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la with_o the_o petition_n for_o ourselves_o and_o will_v only_o admit_v of_o some_o variation_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o new_a direction_n but_o what_o may_v easy_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o former_a i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v pretend_v to_o remember_v much_o less_o to_o inform_v christian_a man_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n for_o parent_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o especial_o those_o to_o who_o original_o be_v commit_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v our_o education_n and_o knowledge_n or_o any_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n if_o they_o be_v live_v the_o universal_a race_n of_o mankind_n must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o our_o prayer_n i_o exhort_v say_v s._n paul_n that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o kjng_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o we_o due_o and_o sincere_o practice_v will_v cause_v our_o prayer_n to_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n like_o incense_n itself_o who_o smoke_n join_v and_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o approach_v even_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o just_a here_o live_v by_o faith_n so_o must_v they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o phoenix_n with_o her_o wing_n kindle_v she_o own_o funeral_n pile_n and_o then_o die_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o perfume_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o general_a direction_n and_o rule_n we_o must_v needs_o fail_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n petition_v those_o for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o which_o thing_n god_n have_v either_o forbid_v we_o to_o ask_v or_o however_o not_o promise_v to_o grant_v if_o we_o pray_v for_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o ask_v we_o then_o sin_n against_o his_o command_n and_o then_o our_o sacrifice_n become_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a snare_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v for_o what_o he_o have_v never_o promise_v to_o grant_v we_o can_v then_o pray_v in_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v without_o presumption_n believe_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v that_o in_o virtue_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v never_o engage_v to_o give_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a impudence_n to_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v make_v such_o return_n to_o our_o petition_n nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n
god_n or_o without_o such_o a_o resolution_n to_o relinquish_v their_o sin_n as_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o perfect_a effect_n in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o life_n when_o they_o do_v not_o smite_v on_o their_o breast_n with_o the_o publican_n but_o either_o conceal_v their_o sin_n as_o david_n do_v sometime_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n or_o justify_v they_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o call_v evil_a good_a for_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whoso_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n pro._n 28.13_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o cherish_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o much_o hate_v be_v to_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o very_a face_n to_o spread_v our_o defile_a garment_n before_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a or_o his_o eye_n can_v now_o behold_v iniquity_n this_o be_v like_o a_o accurse_a traitor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o ask_v preferment_n of_o a_o king_n when_o he_o shall_v beg_v pardon_n with_o a_o halter_n about_o his_o neck_n to_o be_v like_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o kiss_n and_o bold_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o innocence_n of_o our_o face_n must_v incline_v god_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o honest_a man_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o some_o man_n strange_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v conjecture_v that_o he_o will_v overlook_v our_o crime_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v by_o our_o infirmity_n of_o this_o impenitent_a state_n may_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o david_n psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o abomination_n nay_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v neither_o lie_v nor_o equivocate_v say_v of_o such_o man_n that_o they_o offer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n to_o no_o purpose_n i._n e._n if_o they_o present_v they_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o acceptance_n as_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v be_v appease_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o that_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o bring_v any_o more_o vain_a oblation_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v and_o make_v themselves_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n from_o before_o his_o eye_n till_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learned_a to_o do_v well_o otherwise_o say_v he_o incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n isaiah_n 1_o 3._o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o expect_v god_n favourable_a answer_n when_o they_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n the_o concession_n of_o which_o may_v give_v too_o great_a and_o direct_a occasion_n for_o other_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n give_v countenance_n to_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n or_o in_o both_o as_o for_o example_n that_o such_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o support_v their_o sinful_a and_o diabolical_a design_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o when_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v purchase_v the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o own_o disciple_n because_o this_o will_v have_v confirm_v his_o devilish_a doctrine_n among_o the_o people_n and_o that_o sacred_a gift_n and_o authority_n be_v too_o pure_a for_o his_o impious_a and_o defile_a hand_n s._n peter_n make_v a_o reply_n to_o he_o as_o sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o it_o be_v quick_a and_o sudden_a thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v neither_o lot_n nor_o part_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n act_n 8.20_o 21._o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o of_o the_o say_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a john_n 9.31_o now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n for_o we_o find_v the_o jew_n ver_fw-la 24._o exhort_v the_o man_n to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o cure_n but_o none_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o authority_n he_o be_v make_v whole_a who_o have_v not_o sight_n restore_v but_o give_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v say_v they_o meaning_n christ_n that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o work_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o which_o the_o enlighten_v person_n reply_v thus_o to_o confute_v their_o calumny_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n be_v apparent_a now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v god_n will_v not_o attend_v the_o petition_n of_o any_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o impostor_n as_o you_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v who_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o give_v sight_n to_o i_o to_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v harden_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n and_o confirm_v his_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n hear_v none_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o but_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n it_o follow_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o thought_n of_o he_o for_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n nor_o gain_v such_o a_o power_n from_o above_o as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o open_v my_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o now_o though_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o petition_v he_o in_o the_o forementioned_a circumstance_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o obtain_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o alter_v when_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o great_a humility_n of_o soul_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n with_o confession_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o a_o real_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v those_o sin_n that_o have_v hitherto_o separate_v betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o god_n be_v willing_a then_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o to_o adopt_v they_o into_o his_o family_n to_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o his_o care_n and_o more_o especial_a providence_n and_o to_o cause_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o sinner_n that_o repent_v he_o call_v to_o they_o then_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o although_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.18_o god_n cherish_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o amendment_n and_o he_o will_v neither_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o he_o encourage_v the_o first_o motion_n to_o a_o return_n accept_v our_o sincerity_n and_o quicken_v and_o crown_v our_o faithful_a endeavour_n and_o when_o wicked_a man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n address_v themselves_o to_o a_o gracious_a god_n they_o will_v lose_v by_o degree_n their_o former_a denomination_n and_o quick_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o may_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v they_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o god_n with_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o the_o centurion_n clothe_v and_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 8.8_o lord_n i_o be_o unworthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n they_o may_v then_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o pious_o expect_v that_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n have_v no_o soon_o say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n but_o christ_n know_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o now_o discover_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o associate_n present_o reply_v to_o day_n thou_o shall_v
that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v matth._n 7.7_o 8._o furthermore_o he_o confirm_v this_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o use_v his_o utmost_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o his_o mediatory_a authority_n to_o bestow_v what_o we_o lawful_o pray_v for_o and_o certain_o in_o this_o state_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v full_o depend_v upon_o his_o intercession_n and_o ability_n because_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n see_v therefore_o what_o he_o engage_v for_o john_n 14.13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v and_o double_v the_o promise_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o repeat_v it_o with_o a_o double_a asseveration_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o joh._n 16.23_o 24_o and_o 27._o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prevent_v or_o scatter_v all_o those_o fear_n that_o like_o a_o cloud_n hang_v over_o his_o disciple_n head_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n they_o may_v have_v of_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o send_v the_o comforter_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o in_o any_o strait_n and_o exigency_n of_o affair_n they_o shall_v through_o he_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n they_o shall_v have_v ready_a audience_n and_o a_o quick_a return_n make_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v receive_v that_o their_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a and_o give_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o petition_n and_o embolden_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o father_n himself_o have_v a_o great_a kindness_n for_o all_o those_o who_o evidence_n their_o affection_n to_o the_o son_n of_o his_o bosom_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o soon_o shall_v the_o earth_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o heaven_n melt_v than_o such_o promise_n so_o powerful_o confirm_v fail_v of_o their_o accomplishment_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n possible_o distrust_v they_o when_o he_o be_v himself_o that_o conclude_v god_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o immutable_a and_o do_v not_o think_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o great_a impostor_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o god_n have_v hear_v man_n prayer_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v ask_v even_o when_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v beforehand_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o therefore_o although_o he_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o utter_v and_o make_v they_o public_a by_o open_a address_n yet_o as_o his_o command_n for_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o audience_n take_v off_o that_o objection_n so_o if_o his_o determination_n have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v alter_v upon_o man_n devout_a prayer_n and_o humble_a supplication_n it_o do_v not_o only_o prove_v some_o decree_n conditional_a but_o sufficient_o baffle_v all_o discouragement_n to_o prayer_n which_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o any_o uncouth_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o man_n concern_v absolute_a and_o irrespective_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o being_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o in_o their_o consequence_n render_v prayer_n useless_a and_o justify_v what_o they_o call_v persecution_n since_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o shall_v follow_v or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o providence_n if_o they_o state_n it_o right_o as_o well_o in_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_n misfortune_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v in_o their_o glory_n and_o in_o their_o triumph_n but_o though_o god_n providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o like_o a_o wise_a governor_n he_o superintend_v the_o world_n yet_o since_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n his_o apparent_a command_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n for_o our_o practice_n and_o not_o his_o obscure_a and_o hide_a decree_n which_o mystical_a and_o pretend_v person_n who_o confident_o assume_v the_o monopoly_n of_o dream_n will_v fain_o have_v authority_n to_o soothsay_v upon_o that_o they_o may_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o yet_o these_o will_v willing_o when_o it_o may_v be_v propitious_a to_o their_o design_n resolve_v all_o their_o villainy_n into_o they_o but_o what_o a_o strange_a confusion_n will_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n although_o sincerity_n do_v attend_v opinion_n if_o subject_n shall_v proportion_v their_o action_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o uncertain_a conjecture_n they_o have_v of_o the_o intentention_n and_o design_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o not_o guide_v themselves_o by_o his_o know_a law_n the_o law_n will_v then_o no_o long_o be_v his_o but_o their_o own_o and_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a though_o frightful_a prevision_n they_o will_v rebel_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o instinct_n and_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n whilst_o they_o grave_o make_v providence_n their_o leader_n such_o will_v our_o deportment_n be_v towards_o god_n shall_v we_o measure_v our_o duty_n by_o god_n decree_n which_o we_o can_v never_o know_v and_o leave_v his_o write_a law_n manifest_v in_o his_o word_n by_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o certain_o man_n who_o make_v providence_n to_o be_v their_o conductor_n in_o these_o affair_n though_o they_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n yet_o now_o be_v but_o in_o jest_n with_o we_o since_o it_o seem_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o which_o they_o say_v they_o groan_v under_o and_o cry_v out_o on_o persecution_n from_o those_o who_o have_v gain_v the_o whip_n hand_n exercise_v it_o very_o gentle_o upon_o they_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v it_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n too_o severe_a upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o way_n intolerable_a on_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o true_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o a_o little_a patience_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o take_v country_n air_n to_o preserve_v their_o own_o health_n when_o they_o make_v other_o sick_a in_o the_o town_n by_o stay_v but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o particular_a contriver_n that_o follow_v providence_n whilst_o it_o comport_v with_o their_o own_o interest_n yet_o certain_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o mystical_a conclusion_n of_o any_o enthusiastical_a man_n who_o fancy_n may_v blow_v they_o up_o to_o the_o conceit_n and_o for_o aught_o some_o other_o know_v to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o a_o inspiration_n providence_n which_o be_v always_o dark_a and_o full_a of_o riddle_n be_v never_o design_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n life_n because_o from_o this_o be_v frequent_o deduce_v opposite_a and_o quite_o contrary_a conclusion_n alas_o man_n who_o when_o blow_v up_o like_o a_o bladder_n be_v no_o more_o though_o when_o break_v they_o may_v make_v a_o loud_a crack_n can_v see_v through_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v the_o council_n of_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n nor_o read_v the_o decree_n or_o record_v above_o that_o according_o they_o may_v act_v here_o on_o earth_n mortal_a man_n in_o this_o variable_a state_n below_o be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n whatever_o illumination_n they_o may_v pretend_v it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n within_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o very_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v if_o our_o maker_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o design_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o that_o i_o may_v affirm_v without_o any_o dangerous_a opposition_n that_o his_o secret_a will_n do_v not_o contradict_v his_o reveal_v notwithstanding_o the_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n or_o as_o the_o symbol_n and_o infallible_a test_n of_o one_o party_n renounce_v all_o symbolical_a ceremony_n have_v thus_o too_o large_o prefaced_a that_o which_o i_o promise_v to_o prove_v which_o i_o strive_v to_o check_v my_o pen_n in_o but_o my_o understanding_n will_v dictate_v to_o my_o will_n and_o both_o must_v unavoidable_o guide_v my_o hand_n i_o come_v now_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n where_o prayer_n have_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v petition_n when_o yet_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o fetch_v too_o large_a a_o compass_n but_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o israelite_n when_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n beyond_o their_o expectation_n they_o have_v cause_v a_o melt_a
and_o divine_a prayer_n '_o that_o prayer_n among_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o change_v the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o we_o pray_v but_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v not_o change_v he_o but_o only_o fit_v we_o for_o receive_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o yet_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o some_o grain_n of_o salt_n by_o distinguish_v betwixt_o god_n essence_n and_o his_o will_n his_o essence_n indeed_o can_v be_v change_v by_o our_o prayer_n but_o his_o will_n may_v again_o before_o the_o former_a assertion_n can_v be_v account_v true_a god_n decree_n must_v be_v distinguish_v into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a his_o absolute_a decree_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o his_o conditional_a may_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o however_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o one_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o one_o design_n of_o god_n command_v it_o though_o this_o can_v be_v all_o next_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o natural_a subjection_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o produce_v the_o growth_n and_o action_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o favour_n for_o which_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o some_o thoughtfulness_n consider_v what_o a_o direct_a influence_n our_o prayer_n have_v to_o the_o accomplish_v such_o glorious_a design_n we_o can_v deny_v even_o this_o argument_n to_o conclude_v our_o duty_n for_o how_o effectual_o do_v our_o prayer_n move_v we_o to_o those_o virtue_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o we_o implore_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n if_o we_o be_v at_o all_o hearty_a in_o our_o address_n and_o how_o direct_o do_v they_o check_v those_o vice_n which_o we_o both_o lament_v a_o former_a and_o pray_v against_o a_o future_a commission_n of_o our_o confession_n bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o those_o expression_n by_o which_o we_o aggravate_v they_o with_o truth_n cause_v we_o to_o abominate_a those_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o thus_o with_o horror_n most_o dreadful_o decipher_v our_o petition_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o obtain_v relief_n and_o our_o very_a thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v impress_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n can_v but_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o so_o good_a a_o benefactor_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o cause_n return_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o large_a dependence_n and_o from_o who_o as_o often_o as_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v renew_v obligation_n so_o that_o be_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n frequent_o practise_v with_o due_a humility_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v those_o sin_n with_o industry_n and_o delight_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v confess_v with_o sorrow_n and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o with_o seriousness_n and_o repentance_n and_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n give_v man_n assurance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v more_o frequent_o pray_v they_o will_v sin_v less_o and_o the_o rational_a and_o humble_a management_n of_o their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n far_o beyond_o what_o those_o can_v expect_v by_o another_o method_n who_o do_v not_o frequent_o and_o serious_o adventure_v the_o experiment_n for_o as_o according_a to_o plato_n philosophy_n the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o so_o by_o often_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o which_o we_o adore_v and_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v what_o we_o admire_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o rational_a man_n to_o imitate_v in_o themselves_o that_o which_o they_o commend_v and_o praise_n in_o another_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n which_o in_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o habitual_a possession_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v call_v communicable_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o best_o distinguish_v we_o from_o beast_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o converse_v only_o with_o sensual_a object_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o tincture_n themselves_o by_o their_o conversation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o rational_a they_o become_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o grillus_n in_o plutarch_n phaed._n reason_n and_o assert_n well_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o if_o religion_n be_v once_o take_v from_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o better_a than_o brute_n but_o more_o miserable_a for_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o evil_n their_o trouble_n be_v accent_v and_o their_o disquietment_n enlarge_v beyond_o the_o perception_n of_o other_o creature_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o insensible_a nature_n it_o be_v religion_n therefore_o that_o perfect_v and_o consummate_v the_o being_n of_o man_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o aspire_v to_o glory_n through_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o endless_a immortality_n and_o in_o this_o it_o render_v they_o far_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a brute_n who_o live_v some_o time_n and_o then_o die_v and_o perish_v now_o such_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v with_o and_o be_v bear_v upon_o our_o prayer_n to_o which_o religion_n have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n that_o whenever_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a offspring_n and_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n rise_v up_o at_o last_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o consideration_n can_v but_o convince_v we_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o either_o regard_n god_n or_o ourselves_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n or_o our_o uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o great_a god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o we_o invert_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n when_o we_o expect_v the_o conveyance_n in_o another_o way_n for_o though_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a know_v our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v not_o present_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a although_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o resolution_n nor_o can_v we_o prescribe_v method_n to_o he_o or_o with_o modest_a devotion_n desire_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o grant_v yet_o in_o prayer_n direct_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n he_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtainment_n of_o what_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o desire_n vuit_fw-la deus_fw-la rogavi_fw-la vult_fw-la cogi_fw-la vult_fw-la quâdam_fw-la importunitate_fw-la vinci_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n bona_fw-la est_fw-la haec_fw-la violentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v compel_v he_o will_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n when_o in_o prayer_n we_o wrestle_v with_o almighty_a god_n and_o like_o jacob_n we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o blessing_n behind_o he_o he_o love_v in_o our_o devotion_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o with_o due_a humility_n importune_v he_o with_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o without_o faint_v we_o express_v our_o want_n he_o will_v neither_o withhold_v grace_n nor_o glory_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o these_o and_o certain_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v such_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o who_o resolve_v not_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o happiness_n by_o miss_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v both_o gain_v and_o exercise_v in_o it_o who_o love_n communion_n with_o god_n here_o respect_v their_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o so_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o as_o for_o ever_o to_o abandon_v the_o
we_o may_v know_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o this_o point_n from_o bellarmin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o every_o tome_n of_o his_o controversy_n he_o join_v the_o virgin_n mary_n with_o god_n in_o the_o thanks_o he_o render_v for_o help_v in_o the_o composure_n praise_v be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n nay_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n exceed_v he_o in_o the_o transport_n for_o he_o possible_o as_o he_o think_v from_o good_a manner_n put_v the_o virgin_n before_o her_o son_n in_o the_o close_a of_o some_o of_o his_o book_n and_o say_v laus_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o beatae_fw-la virgini_fw-la mariae_fw-la &_o domino_fw-la jesus_n christo_fw-la praise_n be_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o whether_o his_o meaning_n be_v to_o constitute_v a_o new_a trinity_n by_o discard_n the_o old_a omit_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o change_v that_o sacred_a person_n for_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o the_o conquest_n in_o the_o battle_n at_o lepanto_n be_v plain_o ascribe_v not_o to_o god_n but_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n which_o appear_v by_o their_o festival_n in_o memory_n of_o it_o call_v festum_fw-la sanctae_fw-la mariae_fw-la à _fw-la victoriâ_fw-la celebrate_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o october_n it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o the_o romanist_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v they_o to_o intercedein_a their_o behalf_n when_o intercession_n for_o man_n in_o heaven_n be_v plain_o found_v on_o their_o redemption_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n be_v alone_o capacitate_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o they_o rely_v also_o on_o those_o who_o they_o invoke_v in_o such_o case_n for_o aid_n and_o protection_n nay_o for_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o all_o their_o curious_o invent_a distinction_n will_v never_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o the_o horrid_a guilt_n of_o give_v away_o god_n glory_n to_o another_o since_o by_o their_o petition_n they_o imply_v a_o dependence_n on_o creature_n who_o they_o invoke_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o god_n power_n alone_o to_o give_v what_o ever_o messenger_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o must_v be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o understand_v what_o religion_n mean_v but_o let_v we_o allow_v the_o evasion_n of_o the_o romanist_n in_o these_o point_n to_o be_v as_o cunning_a and_o plausible_a and_o witty_a as_o they_o please_v yet_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v compose_v prayer_n in_o such_o language_n and_o stile_n that_o the_o first_o and_o natural_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v lead_v the_o simple_a into_o error_n and_o idolatry_n unless_o you_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v all_o schoolman_n that_o understand_v how_o to_o split_v a_o hair_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pick_v straw_n well_o that_o have_v the_o artificial_a knack_n of_o nicety_n and_o distinction_n or_o head_n so_o natural_o make_v for_o abstraction_n that_o they_o ken_v a_o dictinction_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v invent_v and_o utter_v by_o another_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o but_o these_o art_n and_o trick_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o edge_n of_o their_o own_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o edge_n as_o be_v fatal_a too_o this_o be_v like_o make_v any_o point_n hard_a that_o be_v before_o easy_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o unridle_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o render_v the_o same_o easy_a again_o and_o so_o end_v where_o he_o first_o begin_v this_o be_v only_o turn_v round_o over_o a_o rope_n to_o bring_v one_o head_n into_o its_o right_a place_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n these_o thing_n be_v let_v the_o first_o inventor_n answer_v themselves_o it_o can_v otherwise_o appear_v to_o i_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n grow_v from_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o be_v design_v only_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n convenient_a for_o this_o world_n but_o no_o way_n procure_v glory_n in_o the_o next_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v with_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o body_n in_o which_o all_o present_a at_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o be_v concern_v and_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o join_v what_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o expression_n in_o this_o service_n so_o word_v that_o they_o be_v right_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o learned_a whilst_o the_o people_n may_v by_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o that_o to_o which_o they_o immediate_o address_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o distinction_n or_o if_o they_o do_v its_o acute_a operation_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o by_o their_o public_a service_n be_v idolater_n in_o practice_n though_o they_o may_v hate_v the_o name_n and_o the_o thing_n too_o if_o once_o they_o have_v it_o explain_v to_o they_o however_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o my_o knowledge_n to_o know_v how_o they_o can_v god_n deliver_v we_o from_o such_o devotion_n of_o which_o so_o gross_a and_o thick_a ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n which_o yet_o how_o far_o it_o may_v excuse_v the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v invincible_a i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o great_a god_n to_o judge_v together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v that_o their_o hazard_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o themselves_o by_o refuse_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o willing_o permit_v their_o priest_n to_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v easy_o it_o seem_v and_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v much_o more_o pleasant_a to_o be_v always_o blind_a than_o to_o see_v such_o be_v like_o the_o samaritan_n our_o saviour_n rebuke_n joh._n 4.22_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mountain_n although_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o worship_v but_o let_v we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n continue_v to_o offer_v to_o the_o great_a god_n such_o prayer_n as_o we_o understand_v that_o both_o the_o affection_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n may_v bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o our_o expression_n let_v we_o whatever_o other_o do_v devout_o pray_v to_o the_o supreme_a god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n since_o we_o be_v encourage_v thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v 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neither_o especial_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o the_o meanness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o address_v and_o consider_v well_o that_o reverential_a fear_n and_o awful_a tremble_a that_o become_v those_o who_o worship_n at_o his_o footstool_n who_o have_v life_n and_o death_n at_o his_o disposal_n if_o any_o thing_n require_v a_o thoughtful_a consideration_n certain_o our_o prayer_n may_v command_v it_o from_o we_o nay_o suppose_v he_o who_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o a_o gift_a man_n to_o have_v the_o quick_a conception_n and_o the_o most_o voluble_a tongue_n that_o any_o among_o the_o numerous_a race_n of_o adam_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o yet_o consider_v too_o that_o the_o disposition_n and_o activity_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v very_o obsequious_a to_o the_o temperament_n of_o their_o body_n that_o this_o often_o alter_v with_o the_o weather_n and_o distemper_n create_v such_o change_n in_o they_o that_o a_o man_n 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god_n what_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v present_v unto_o man_n and_o all_o must_v suffer_v for_o the_o personal_a infirmity_n of_o one_o man_n but_o this_o do_v not_o happen_v among_o those_o who_o use_v a_o form_n and_o liturgy_n prepare_v for_o they_o because_o a_o minister_n although_o something_o indispose_v may_v read_v it_o before_o the_o people_n and_o though_o his_o own_o mind_n may_v be_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v yet_o the_o people_n if_o they_o please_v may_v be_v affectionate_a and_o devout_a and_o to_o confirm_v this_o charge_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o in_o public_a have_v use_v extempore_o and_o conceive_v prayer_n can_v deny_v this_o observation_n upon_o his_o own_o experiment_n so_o i_o have_v often_o in_o the_o late_a time_n and_o since_o too_o hear_v person_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o this_o extempore_o delusion_n begin_v their_o address_n to_o god_n almighty_a methodical_o and_o well_o whilst_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v he_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o yet_o the_o prayer_n before_o they_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o conclusion_n either_o through_o weariness_n of_o invention_n or_o some_o other_o infirmity_n have_v be_v fraught_v not_o only_o with_o weakness_n and_o indiscretion_n but_o with_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o unless_o mystical_a nonsense_n may_v demonstrate_v inspiration_n and_o turn_v in_o a_o parenthesis_n so_o long_o that_o the_o first_o half_a sentence_n be_v forget_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o end_n to_o join_v to_o it_o become_v a_o ornament_n to_o a_o petition_n now_o what_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v possess_v such_o man_n who_o present_v to_o he_o such_o impertinent_a uncivil_a and_o nonsensical_a prayer_n nay_o how_o suitable_a such_o deportment_n be_v to_o the_o god_n who_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o worship_n i_o willing_o leave_v to_o all_o sober_a and_o wise_a man_n serious_o to_o consider_v and_o i_o hope_v the_o adversary_n to_o our_o establish_a method_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o public_a will_v never_o so_o far_o desert_n themselves_o nor_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o policy_n and_o craft_n in_o provoke_v any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o particular_n since_o they_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o evidence_n to_o be_v have_v i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v account_v a_o man_n of_o no_o mean_a gift_n before_o major_a weir_n staff_n blossom_v who_o when_o he_o have_v a_o view_n of_o his_o own_o prayer_n take_v by_o another_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n on_o a_o fastday_n will_v not_o believe_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o he_o ever_o utter_v it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o he_o can_v not_o with_o any_o modesty_n or_o reason_n refuse_v he_o be_v present_o abash_v and_o for_o the_o future_a betake_v himself_o to_o a_o safe_a method_n however_o if_o man_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n that_o extravagancy_n of_o this_o nature_n almost_o necessary_a to_o extempore_o prayer_n can_v possible_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o great_a god_n nor_o any_o way_n comport_v with_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n who_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o glory_n and_o perfection_n the_o mean_a person_n and_o the_o low_a capacity_n may_v reasonable_o determine_v and_o without_o a_o prompter_n easy_o judge_v in_o this_o affair_n chap._n fourteen_o i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o to_o a_o three_o argument_n against_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o separatist_n as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n their_o own_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o they_o adore_v and_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n betwixt_o the_o deity_n and_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v frequent_o fill_v with_o tautology_n and_o vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o that_o have_v be_v strict_a or_o loose_v observer_n of_o those_o crude_a and_o indigested_a prayer_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o extempore_o devotionist_n who_o have_v undertake_v thus_o to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o what_o ever_o form_n they_o may_v reserve_v for_o themselves_o but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v a_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a caution_n to_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o present_a homage_n and_o worship_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o we_o all_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v matth._n 6.7_o and_o though_o christ_n may_v speak_v syriack_n at_o the_o delivery_n yet_o the_o evangelist_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o prohibition_n who_o language_n become_v the_o original_a unto_o we_o by_o who_o also_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o action_n be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n have_v write_v in_o greek_a we_o must_v
so_o take_v as_o they_o be_v with_o these_o long-winded_a gift_n of_o some_o man_n since_o we_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o cattle_n they_o be_v that_o first_o devour_v widow_n house_n and_o for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matth._n 23.14_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o a_o multitude_n of_o word_n but_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n and_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n that_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o be_v propitious_a to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o same_o father_n have_v it_o much_o speech_n be_v one_o thing_n but_o a_o continual_a daily_a affection_n another_o now_o this_o raise_n our_o affection_n to_o their_o proper_a object_n inflame_v our_o desire_n and_o testify_v our_o humility_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n be_v great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o our_o devotion_n and_o those_o prayer_n be_v best_o compose_v that_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v most_o capable_a to_o cause_v these_o effect_n it_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o tedious_a length_n in_o a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a chain_n of_o petition_n not_o well_o accomplish_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n who_o require_v our_o best_a and_o most_o lively_a service_n and_o will_v not_o accept_v another_o sacrifice_n when_o to_o borrow_v a_o expression_n we_o have_v a_o male_a in_o the_o flock_n add_v to_o this_o final_o what_o strange_a confession_n man_n usual_o make_v who_o be_v force_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o every_o advantage_n to_o gain_v a_o topick_n to_o lengthen_v what_o they_o call_v prayer_n when_o he_o be_v account_v the_o most_o powerful_a man_n that_o remain_v long_a at_o this_o exercise_n the_o gift_a person_n be_v own_o sin_n as_o have_v be_v remark_v before_o be_v usual_o present_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o they_o must_v permit_v he_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n to_o tell_v lie_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n if_o all_o his_o auditory_a be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o particular_a crime_n with_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o commission_n and_o omission_n all_o mankind_n may_v join_v in_o because_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o we_o have_v all_o sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 23._o or_o in_o the_o true_a and_o secure_a word_n of_o our_o liturgy_n we_o have_v leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o have_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v but_o to_o extend_v a_o solemn_a and_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o length_n of_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o fault_n of_o man_n that_o we_o can_v reduce_v to_o such_o comprehensive_a law_n together_o with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n and_o for_o one_o man_n in_o public_a to_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o we_o have_v break_v all_o these_o commandment_n of_o god_n both_o in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n when_o perhaps_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o in_o who_o name_n he_o present_v such_o confession_n have_v actual_o and_o plain_o without_o a_o figure_n commit_v murder_n adultery_n theft_n or_o the_o like_a be_v to_o render_v devout_a man_n more_o vile_a than_o they_o be_v to_o give_v as_o i_o have_v hint_v to_o the_o very_a heathen_a a_o opportunity_n both_o of_o scorn_n and_o triumph_n to_o tell_v a_o lie_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o solemnize_v a_o falsehood_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n himself_o can_v but_o hate_v all_o lie_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o other_o and_o beside_o what_o a_o impudence_n be_v this_o to_o utter_v such_o thing_n in_o our_o confession_n to_o he_o who_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o our_o judge_n that_o be_v not_o only_o doubtful_a but_o untrue_a in_o which_o consider_v people_n can_v join_v with_o other_o that_o make_v they_o because_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v guilt_n before_o they_o have_v yet_o commit_v the_o crime_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o neither_o their_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v they_o nor_o do_v god_n himself_o convict_v and_o judge_v they_o such_o invention_n the_o evil_a spirit_n himself_o may_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n because_o they_o too_o frequent_o not_o only_o teach_v man_n how_o vile_a the_o confessor_n be_v himself_o but_o how_o many_o way_n god_n commandment_n may_v be_v break_v by_o they_o and_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o new_a way_n of_o offend_a god_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a in_o before_o now_o whether_o such_o service_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o the_o christian_n worship_n who_o can_v and_o will_v severe_o revenge_v himself_o on_o those_o that_o thus_o public_o affront_v his_o majesty_n who_o can_v lie_v but_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a splendour_n and_o perfection_n and_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blemish_n of_o the_o halt_n and_o blind_a who_o final_o be_v a_o god_n that_o be_v omniscient_a and_o acquaint_v with_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o man_n confession_n and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o design_n they_o be_v utter_v who_o know_v the_o conveniency_n wisdom_n and_o ardour_n of_o our_o devotion_n and_o the_o original_n and_o height_n of_o all_o the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o prayer_n together_o with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o all_o wise_a and_o think_v religious_a man_n to_o consider_v when_o they_o be_v unprejudiced_a and_o retire_a by_o themselves_o chap._n xvi_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o chapter_n urge_v another_o reason_n against_o the_o strange_a extempore_o prayer_n of_o our_o separatist_n to_o evidence_n that_o their_o public_a devotion_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o worship_v and_o that_o be_v because_o general_o those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o congregation_n manage_v their_o prayer_n in_o so_o careless_a and_o loose_a a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v more_o thoughtfulness_n about_o that_o by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o man_n than_o that_o by_o which_o they_o attempt_v to_o approve_v themselves_o too_o god_n otherwise_o what_o mean_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o reiteration_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o petition_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o great_a god_n can_v certain_o be_v render_v more_o propitious_a or_o receive_v a_o more_o convince_a and_o prevail_a argument_n to_o grant_v relief_n and_o a_o supply_n to_o man_n necessity_n because_o various_a phrase_n express_v their_o want_n and_o every_o time_n they_o have_v occasion_n to_o renew_v their_o petition_n for_o the_o same_o favour_n they_o do_v it_o in_o different_a language_n and_o method_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rhetoric_n or_o copiousness_n of_o word_n but_o the_o affection_n humility_n and_o piety_n of_o mankind_n recommend_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n that_o now_o incline_v the_o great_a god_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n yet_o various_a phrase_n do_v indeed_o please_v and_o captivate_v the_o fancy_n of_o many_o weak_a and_o unstable_a man_n and_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o design_n of_o schism_n by_o some_o man_n licens_v themselves_o to_o take_v a_o liberty_n in_o suit_v their_o prayer_n to_o the_o temperament_n and_o humour_n of_o such_o person_n who_o these_o lead_a shepherd_n intend_v to_o fold_v among_o their_o separate_a flock_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o they_o love_v not_o the_o language_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v grave_a and_o manly_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o they_o adapt_v their_o expression_n to_o certain_a tone_n and_o particular_a mimical_a and_o surprise_v gesture_n by_o which_o they_o captivate_v silly_a woman_n or_o melancholy_a man_n who_o they_o find_v possess_v with_o more_o passion_n than_o understanding_n this_o i_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a reason_n and_o motive_n why_o the_o papist_n resolve_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o rend_v we_o in_o piece_n first_o introduce_v this_o way_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n far_o different_a from_o that_o mental_a prayer_n of_o mr._n cressy_n which_o a_o late_a author_n so_o jesuitical_o refute_v as_o may_v more_o large_o appear_v to_o any_o candid_a reader_n in_o a_o little_a book_n entitle_v fox_n and_o firebrand_n but_o if_o some_o such_o end_n by_o which_o they_o plain_o gratify_v the_o papist_n be_v not_o design_v by_o the_o master_n of_o our_o private_a assembly_n who_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o faith_n of_o some_o man_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o to_o draw_v as_o many_o as_o they_o be_v able_a into_o the_o net_n which_o they_o have_v spread_v
the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o a_o utterance_n of_o our_o petition_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o it_o conclude_v indeed_o against_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o latin_a and_o justify_v our_o own_o in_o english_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o it_o can_v neither_o strengthen_v the_o enthusiast_n nor_o detract_v from_o the_o worth_n or_o reputation_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v liturgy_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o the_o real_a opposition_n which_o be_v here_o make_v of_o spirit_n to_o understanding_n and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o verse_n without_o any_o paraphrase_n upon_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o though_o st._n chrysostom_n interpretation_n of_o the_o whole_a do_v not_o in_o every_o part_n agree_v with_o this_o yet_o he_o expound_v spirit_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o evidence_n their_o vanity_n by_o defend_v their_o extravagancy_n by_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v win_v from_o they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v trump_v they_o up_o to_o the_o world_n and_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o twelve_o of_o zechariah_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v gain_v but_o little_a countenance_n from_o hence_o for_o their_o irrational_a and_o loose_a way_n of_o worship_n though_o as_o a_o neat_a commentator_n of_o their_o own_o descant_n upon_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o as_o by_o whole_a pailful_n trapp_n in_o loc_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n but_o that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v by_o his_o benign_a operation_n confer_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o who_o be_v harden_v through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n to_o the_o affront_a and_o crucify_a the_o blessed_a jesus_n shall_v so_o relent_v for_o their_o former_a wickedness_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o petition_n for_o their_o pardon_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o very_a person_n who_o they_o put_v so_o death_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v indeed_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o so_o it_o no_o more_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o dictate_v matter_n and_o expression_n to_o all_o those_o who_o devout_o pray_v than_o it_o prove_v all_o saint_n under_o this_o dispensation_n to_o be_v perfect_a jew_n that_o crucify_v their_o saviour_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o the_o world_n make_v either_o out_o from_o this_o text._n nay_o such_o doctrine_n can_v no_o more_o be_v found_v on_o this_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n than_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v also_o dictate_v matter_n and_o word_n in_o preach_v too_o and_o render_v all_o sanctify_a man_n sermon_n as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o the_o second_o of_o joel_n where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v since_o this_o be_v fulfil_v on_o that_o eminent_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n visible_o descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n and_o to_o work_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o according_o it_o be_v limit_v by_o st._n peter_n act_n 2.16_o if_o man_n will_v still_o trifle_v with_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o allow_v also_o woman_n to_o be_v preacher_n as_o well_o as_o man_n because_o in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v say_v that_o daughter_n as_o well_o as_o son_n shall_v prophesy_v it_o will_v only_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o some_o man_n prefer_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o new_a and_o set_v a_o prophet_n and_o a_o apostle_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v the_o advantage_n to_o which_o we_o please_v as_o he_o gratify_v either_o our_o humour_n or_o our_o interest_n but_o suppose_v our_o extempore_o man_n shall_v fly_v from_o scripture_n to_o the_o succeed_a writer_n among_o the_o christian_n as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o they_o may_v when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o they_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o worship_n which_o we_o declaim_v against_o be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o understand_v 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treat_v of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n acacquaint_v the_o world_n that_o by_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o fundamental_a word_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o old_a turn_v into_o mythology_n and_o gentilism_n the_o same_o may_v we_o also_o say_v of_o those_o person_n who_o pretension_n be_v the_o high_a in_o understand_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o cover_v the_o bright_a sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n and_o render_v the_o plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o find_v mystery_n in_o word_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n easy_o represent_v their_o own_o meaning_n so_o that_o to_o discover_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o rubbish_n which_o by_o mystical_a man_n be_v cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o by_o such_o mean_n some_o turn_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o gibberish_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n either_o by_o their_o own_o 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render_v any_o the_o most_o holy_a system_v of_o religion_n extreme_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v accuse_v for_o cheat_v and_o imposture_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v two_o face_n may_v easy_o carry_v a_o double_a name_n and_o be_v uâ—iled_v under_o equivocal_a or_o obscure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n be_v mist_v and_o dusky_a if_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o dark_a as_o if_o the_o preserver_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n intend_v to_o keep_v they_o all_o unto_o themselves_o thus_o theodoret_n hist_o lib._n 2._o report_v of_o leontius_n stain_v with_o the_o arrian_n blasphemy_n that_o he_o endeavour_v with_o subtlety_n to_o hide_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o dubious_a and_o equivocal_a language_n alter_v the_o sense_n of_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la by_o change_v and_o interpose_v some_o little_a 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no_o mystery_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o excuse_v they_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o say_v amen_o to_o all_o the_o mystery_n produce_v by_o other_o we_o be_v all_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o pray_v with_o we_o though_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o this_o great_a family_n and_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o he_o to_o pray_v unto_o himself_o but_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o this_o too_o however_o strange_a word_n and_o uncouth_a phrase_n strike_v terror_n and_o amazement_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o proselyte_n that_o they_o may_v by_o this_o method_n be_v soften_v and_o prepare_v the_o more_o easy_o to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o otherwise_o upon_o retirement_n and_o consideration_n their_o free_a reason_n will_v never_o embrace_v and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o honest_a plea_n because_o it_o be_v open_a and_o without_o reserve_v though_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v a_o little_a knavery_n in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v eusebius_n inform_v we_o hist_o lib._n 4._o that_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o marcus_n the_o magician_n utter_v many_o hebrew_n name_n that_o they_o may_v affect_v those_o that_o be_v new_o enter_v into_o their_o study_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o great_a admiration_n and_o amazement_n in_o a_o word_n our_o most_o exalt_a and_o obstinate_a separatist_n be_v much_o of_o the_o temper_n and_o design_n too_o of_o those_o who_o s._n austin_n blame_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n who_o endeavour_v to_o transcend_v all_o that_o be_v create_v but_o be_v keep_v down_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o mortality_n when_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o can_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v by_o their_o bold_a and_o resolute_a affirmation_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o bar_v themselves_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n choose_v rather_o not_o to_o correct_v their_o own_o perverse_a opinion_n than_o to_o change_v that_o which_o they_o have_v assume_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o defend_v what_o shall_v i_o trouble_v any_o reader_n with_o what_o they_o prop_n and_o support_v what_o our_o schismatic_n call_v their_o church_n for_o since_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o own_o succession_n they_o bold_o deny_v any_o to_o be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o tertullian_n the_o prescript_n haeret._n cap._n 32._o send_v this_o challenge_n to_o the_o heretic_n then_o edant_fw-la ergo_fw-la origines_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v they_o put_v forth_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o their_o church_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o catalogue_n of_o their_o bishop_n that_o so_o descend_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o beginning_n they_o may_v find_v that_o their_o first_o bishop_n have_v have_v one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n who_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n his_o author_n and_o antecessor_n for_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o in_o this_o method_n do_v the_o apostolic_a church_n deduce_v and_o declare_v their_o original_a i_o may_v to_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n also_o instance_n in_o many_o of_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o separatist_n that_o be_v as_o currant_n as_o they_o be_v common_a among_o they_o which_o yet_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o endear_n word_n and_o scripture_n proof_n wound_v the_o deity_n in_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n disturb_v that_o bless_a harmony_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o politic_a government_n of_o mankind_n which_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v very_o much_o help_v and_o conduce_v to_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n recommend_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v these_o thing_n at_o present_a and_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o testimony_n that_o s._n cyprian_n bear_v to_o borrow_v a_o expression_n from_o the_o spawn_n of_o these_o man_n against_o all_o prayer_n that_o be_v rude_a and_o indigested_a more_o full_a of_o word_n than_o of_o sense_n and_o more_o abound_v with_o long_a period_n than_o matter_n that_o may_v promote_v hearty_a devotion_n for_o the_o father_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v abundant_o condemn_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o give_v a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o after_o he_o have_v give_v this_o advertisement_n that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n at_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n hide_v himself_o he_o certain_o discern_v he_o because_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o see_v both_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a this_o holy_a father_n acquaint_v man_n that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v congregat_v to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o
object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o one_o in_o who_o we_o may_v confide_v and_o trust_v since_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n there_o be_v safety_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o and_o the_o mark_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o our_o being_n live_v and_o our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o his_o wonderful_a redemption_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o all_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n make_v on_o earth_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o bloody_a sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o god_n will_v be_v both_o ungrateful_a and_o inhuman_a to_o be_v the_o most_o surly_a and_o vile_a pensioner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o provoke_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o we_o must_v unman_v ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o ungod_o the_o deity_n last_o that_o i_o may_v urge_v a_o most_o conclude_a argument_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o have_v prohibit_v the_o offering_n our_o religious_a devotion_n to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v engraven_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a establishment_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idol_n to_o worship_n nor_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o thing_n religious_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o exod._n 20._o and_o he_o back_v the_o prohibition_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o jealousy_n he_o have_v of_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v severe_o punish_v the_o guilty_a we_o find_v therefore_o that_o when_o aaron_n to_o appease_v the_o multitude_n make_v a_o melt_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o deliverer_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n rear_v a_o altar_n upon_o which_o they_o make_v their_o burn_a and_o peace_n offering_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n in_o god_n transfer_v their_o oblation_n through_o this_o representation_n to_o he_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o offering_n and_o the_o idol_n make_v god_n the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o devotion_n by_o proclaim_v this_o to_o be_v a_o feast_n unto_o jehovah_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o fire_n kindle_v for_o this_o sacrifice_n make_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o burn_v nor_o can_v moses_n intercession_n expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o he_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n there_o be_v immediate_o slay_v three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o god_n continue_v to_o plague_v the_o people_n scatter_v their_o carcase_n about_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o their_o progress_n visit_v this_o sin_n upon_o they_o exod._n 33._o nay_o man_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o caution_v by_o many_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o approach_v not_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v god_n glory_n to_o another_o or_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_v or_o melt_a image_n too_o numerous_a for_o i_o to_o reckon_v up_o here_o and_o grant_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o those_o scripture_n but_o god_n have_v sufficient_o forbid_v it_o under_o the_o new_a where_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o worship_n more_o proportionate_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o service_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n neither_o with_o the_o corporal_a representation_n of_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o in_o their_o schism_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o bloody_a sacrifice_n or_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n prefigure_v any_o messiah_n to_o come_v nor_o yet_o as_o the_o gentile_n by_o any_o of_o their_o inferior_a daemon_n when_o satan_n tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o same_o bait_n which_o other_o make_v a_o tender_a of_o to_o those_o who_o they_o endeavour_v to_o proselyte_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o present_o repel_v he_o with_o disdain_n and_o scorn_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o if_o god_n will_v have_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o but_o the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v mankind_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o there_o will_v have_v appear_v light_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n that_o seem_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v in_o his_o solemn_a worship_n from_o they_o but_o no_o direction_n to_o this_o appear_v nor_o can_v the_o scripture_n at_o all_o patronize_v it_o unless_o corrupt_v by_o false_a gloss_n and_o force_v interpretation_n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o all_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a may_v behold_v it_o angel_n themselves_o those_o glorious_a creature_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o civil_a respect_n to_o they_o refuse_v to_o share_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o prohibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o angel_n which_o appear_v to_o converse_v with_o saint_n john_n when_o this_o belove_a disciple_n prostrate_v himself_o to_o worship_v he_o sudden_o reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o and_o urge_v two_o argument_n to_o enforce_v his_o prohibition_n enough_o to_o deter_v all_o mankind_n from_o pay_v act_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o creature_n 1._o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n the_o offspring_n of_o the_o universal_a parent_n therefore_o such_o honour_n be_v not_o due_a to_o i_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o adoration_n such_o homage_n be_v just_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o angel_n worship_n god_n rev._n 19.10_o nay_o worship_a god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n beguile_v christian_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o col._n 2.18_o and_o much_o more_o must_v they_o miss_v their_o recompense_n if_o they_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o beg_v of_o they_o what_o be_v part_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o grant_v now_o as_o the_o invocation_n of_o these_o detract_v so_o much_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n if_o we_o make_v religious_a petition_n unto_o saint_n for_o these_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a classis_fw-la their_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o those_o embellishment_n that_o adorn_v angel_n therefore_o when_o cornelius_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v saint_n peter_n he_o snatch_v he_o up_o and_o bid_v he_o stand_v upon_o his_o foot_n and_o forbear_v such_o signal_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o which_o be_v usual_o pay_v in_o act_n of_o devotion_n for_o say_v he_o i_o myself_o also_o be_o a_o man_n act_v 10.26_o thus_o also_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n refuse_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o lycaonian_o rend_v their_o clothes_n at_o their_o public_a blasphemy_n and_o intend_a idolatry_n and_o stop_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o methinks_v shall_v startle_v other_o we_o also_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o you_o act_n 14.15_o this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n therefore_o why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o sacred_a writ_n and_o forbid_v to_o offer_v our_o devotion_n to_o another_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o my_o three_o enquiry_n by_o show_v we_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n chap._n v._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mode_n of_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o for_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n we_o adore_v and_o worship_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o religious_a devotion_n in_o which_o solemn_a prayer_n bear_v a_o great_a share_n in_o this_o some_o of_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o raise_v by_o person_n who_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o will_v be_v something_o though_o not_o as_o much_o as_o i_o intend_v regard_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o with_o