unsatiable_a and_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n must_v possess_v your_o soul_n when_o you_o lift_v it_o up_o to_o god_n for_o you_o can_v never_o perform_v aright_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n unless_o your_o heart_n be_v penitent_a and_o your_o affection_n pure_a the_o holiness_n of_o your_o person_n make_v the_o prayer_n holy_a and_o the_o savour_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n sweet_a in_o god_n nostril_n but_o if_o any_o wilful_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n it_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o prayer_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v gracious_o hear_v put_v away_o then_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n and_o remove_v your_o inward_a impurity_n and_o be_v whole_o consecrate_a to_o god_n service_n and_o then_o shall_v your_o prayer_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o his_o sight_n as_o the_o incense_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o your_o hand_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n psal_n 141.1.2_o for_o though_o you_o shall_v outward_o appear_v never_o so_o pure_a and_o so_o carry_v yourself_o that_o no_o spot_n can_v be_v see_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o your_o action_n yet_o if_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v you_o psal_n 66.18_o so_o that_o in_o short_a your_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n consist_v in_o your_o repentance_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n whereof_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a scrutiny_n you_o find_v yourself_o to_o be_v guilty_a for_o every_o sin_n whereof_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v will_v hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o your_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o as_o it_o be_v with_o joshua_n who_o prayer_n for_o israel_n god_n utter_o refuse_v because_o they_o have_v take_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v devote_v unto_o he_o and_o which_o have_v bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o they_o josh_n 7.10.11_o chap._n viii_o grace_n necessary_a to_o prayer_n and_o when_o you_o have_v thus_o sweep_v the_o house_n and_o cast_v all_o the_o filth_n and_o rubbish_n out_o of_o door_n your_o next_o business_n be_v to_o see_v it_o decent_o furnish_v for_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n from_o noisome_a lust_n and_o passion_n but_o get_v it_o replenish_v with_o such_o grace_n and_o virtue_n quality_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v require_v to_o prayer_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o grace_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o prayer_n worship_n you_o have_v hear_v be_v that_o great_a duty_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o by_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n you_o acknowledge_v his_o godhead_n and_o this_o worship_n you_o be_v to_o perform_v both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o both_o be_v he_o and_o in_o both_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v and_o worship_v now_o prayer_n be_v the_o soul_n part_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o faith_n or_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o please_v god_n he_o that_o come_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o text_n imply_v that_o you_o be_v not_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o infernal_a fiend_n but_o also_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v give_v what_o you_o due_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o bountiful_o recompense_v your_o diligence_n in_o the_o search_n and_o performance_n of_o his_o will._n and_o believe_v this_o you_o can_v find_v nothing_o fit_a to_o tempt_v you_o to_o neglect_v god_n service_n and_o although_o your_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n therein_o shall_v cost_v you_o dear_a yet_o you_o be_v assure_v that_o whatsoever_o pain_n or_o expense_n you_o bestow_v in_o his_o service_n it_o will_v be_v abundant_o reward_v by_o your_o gracious_a master_n and_o your_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o your_o entrance_n on_o god_n worship_n and_o perseverance_n in_o it_o and_o as_o you_o may_v best_o show_v your_o faith_n by_o 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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 but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v jam._n 1.5_o 6._o if_o any_o man_n pray_v let_v he_o pray_v with_o confidence_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v to_o stick_v fast_o to_o god_n and_o steadfast_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o christianity_n and_o do_v thus_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o protection_n the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o jam._n 5.15_o here_o be_v display_v two_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o those_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n first_o they_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o restore_a of_o the_o sick_a to_o his_o former_a health_n unless_o god_n have_v purpose_v to_o dispose_v of_o it_o 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which_o inable_v you_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n in_o who_o you_o believe_v to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v pray_v aright_o take_v care_n when_o you_o enter_v upon_o this_o service_n to_o entertain_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o without_o all_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n that_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o he_o be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o and_o that_o he_o will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o with_o these_o and_o the_o
none_o can_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o live_v or_o to_o enjoy_v the_o breath_n of_o life_n who_o do_v not_o cheerful_o exercise_v himself_o in_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_v the_o almighty_a which_o show_v the_o universality_n as_o well_o as_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n not_o only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o of_o all_o for_o if_o any_o shall_v vain_o pretend_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o pay_v this_o homage_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o they_o be_v too_o holy_a or_o too_o great_a either_o they_o be_v so_o good_a as_o not_o to_o need_v to_o pray_v or_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v below_o they_o but_o no_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o holiness_n can_v be_v free_a from_o this_o duty_n for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a for_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v be_v also_o most_o eminent_a for_o devotion_n and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a instance_n in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v superlative_o eminent_a for_o all_o heavenly_a perfection_n and_o immaculate_a both_o by_o nature_n and_o conversation_n for_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o live_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v record_v of_o this_o most_o heavenly_a divine_a person_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o humiliation_n and_o not_o arrive_v to_o the_o glorious_a and_o spiritual_a state_n of_o the_o celestial_a life_n heb._n 5.7_o he_o do_v offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o strong_a cry_v and_o tear_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o that_o he_o fear_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o his_o piety_n here_o the_o eternal_a son_n become_v man_n make_v his_o submissive_a petition_n to_o his_o eternal_a father_n either_o to_o free_v he_o from_o that_o direful_a passage_n to_o death_n or_o to_o strengthen_v and_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o the_o horrible_a terror_n conflict_n and_o agony_n that_o therein_o he_o meet_v with_o and_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o will_v restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o not_o to_o let_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o grave_n but_o to_o raise_v he_o thence_o and_o send_v back_o his_o spirit_n into_o his_o body_n and_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v his_o desire_n for_o the_o three_o day_n after_o his_o burial_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o god_n give_v he_o back_o that_o spirit_n which_o on_o the_o cross_n he_o so_o affectionate_o recommend_v into_o his_o hand_n luke_n 23.46_o and_o as_o by_o this_o plain_a example_n of_o christ_n pray_v you_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o man_n sanctity_n can_v excuse_v he_o from_o do_v do_v the_o like_a so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o man_n be_v free_v from_o pray_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o grandeur_n or_o secular_a greatness_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o david_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o wear_v the_o royal_a diadem_n do_v not_o neglect_v the_o hallow_a censor_n but_o constant_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o incense_n of_o prayer_n and_o for_o his_o diligence_n and_o assiduity_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n he_o gain_v as_o some_o think_v the_o glorious_a character_n of_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o indeed_o all_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o their_o practice_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o prayer_n and_o even_o bad_a man_n too_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n for_o they_o likewise_o have_v own_a it_o to_o be_v their_o obligation_n thus_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o whenever_o they_o perform_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o saul_n pray_v for_o a_o decision_n by_o lot_n and_o god_n grant_v his_o request_n but_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v cost_v he_o the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o revolt_n of_o his_o subject_n 1_o sam._n 14.41_o 42._o which_o show_v that_o god_n do_v sometime_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o justice_n and_o not_o in_o mercy_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o due_a place_n and_o now_o see_v prayer_n be_v a_o special_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n you_o must_v own_v it_o to_o be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o think_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n he_o command_v and_o you_o must_v discharge_v it_o your_o obedience_n herein_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o will_v be_v best_a reward_v by_o he_o chap._n iii_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v what_o we_o want_v and_o of_o convey_v a_o blessing_n on_o what_o we_o enjoy_v want_n be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o if_o you_o want_v nothing_o you_o need_v use_v prayer_n no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o worship_n you_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o if_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n you_o can_v never_o solid_o hope_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o prayer_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o blessing_n and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o require_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o homage_n belong_v to_o god_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n propound_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o gain_v his_o favour_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o your_o want_n and_o blessing_n what_o you_o have_v but_o here_o i_o expect_v to_o find_v you_o object_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v undeniable_o a_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o none_o ought_v to_o neglect_v yet_o you_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o the_o obtain_v a_o supply_n of_o your_o necessity_n because_o god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n nor_o to_o move_v he_o to_o relieve_v they_o it_o be_v true_a god_n need_v not_o your_o prayer_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o your_o want_n for_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 6.8_o he_o know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o which_o word_n show_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v god_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o but_o they_o respect_v those_o who_o at_o our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o earth_n be_v wont_a to_o lengthen_v out_o their_o prayer_n with_o vain_a repetition_n and_o idle_a tautology_n think_v they_o shall_v have_v their_o petition_n the_o soon_o grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o word_n use_v therein_o whereas_o our_o lord_n assure_v they_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o their_o long_a prayer_n and_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o that_o such_o be_v altogether_o useless_a in_o order_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o want_n as_o full_o know_v they_o without_o be_v tell_v christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o abolish_n that_o he_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o prayer_n when_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v pray_v aright_o to_o which_o end_n he_o give_v they_o a_o most_o absolute_a comprehensive_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o both_o to_o use_v and_o imitate_v which_o form_n bear_v his_o name_n and_o from_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lord's-prayer_n whereof_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mind_v you_o in_o another_o place_n as_o to_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o your_o objection_n which_o make_v prayer_n unnecessary_a to_o move_v god_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n because_o of_o his_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v to_o it_o but_o only_o to_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v more_o than_o either_o you_o desire_v or_o deserve_v yet_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v without_o ask_v and_o it_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v and_o to_o open_v to_o they_o that_o knock_v and_o though_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o property_n to_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v his_o creature_n yet_o still_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v address_v your_o request_n to_o he_o if_o not_o to_o move_v his_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v your_o want_n yet_o to_o show_v you_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o that_o you_o believe_v he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v supply_n beside_o in_o every_o prayer_n
you_o acknowledge_v your_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o you_o be_v his_o beadsman_n live_v upon_o his_o alm_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v nothing_o at_o his_o hand_n but_o what_o you_o seek_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o diligent_a prayer_n but_o then_o again_o suppose_v want_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n the_o mean_n to_o have_v our_o want_n supply_v suppose_v at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o have_v no_o want_n to_o be_v supply_v and_o that_o you_o can_v true_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o rev._n 3.17_o suppose_v you_o be_v able_a to_o stretch_v your_o fancy_n as_o far_o as_o to_o imagine_v a_o all-sufficiency_n in_o yourself_o and_o that_o you_o be_v set_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o indigence_n yet_o still_o you_o have_v need_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v sanctify_v the_o thing_n you_o possess_v for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n 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very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iv_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v only_o unto_o god_n you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a who_o they_o be_v that_o mantain_n and_o practice_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o pretend_v to_o excuse_v it_o by_o say_v that_o the_o worship_n they_o give_v the_o saint_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o that_o which_o they_o give_v unto_o god_n but_o since_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o any_o in_o who_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v rom._n 10.14_o that_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o trust_n and_o god_n alone_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o to_o he_o alone_o you_o ought_v to_o make_v your_o prayer_n but_o if_o you_o will_v give_v that_o honour_n to_o another_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n you_o transfer_v his_o worship_n to_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v a_o most_o aggravate_v sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n it_o be_v a_o general_a receive_v doctrine_n that_o no_o sensible_a or_o material_a sacrifice_n such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o law_n be_v now_o to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v still_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o that_o to_o offer_v this_o to_o any_o other_o be_v a_o derogation_n from_o his_o glory_n and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o doctrine_n who_o say_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 indeed_o some_o of_o the_o father_n be_v think_v to_o have_v favour_v the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n because_o they_o desire_v the_o holy_a man_n who_o memory_n they_o celebrate_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o prayer_n yet_o the_o expression_n use_v by_o they_o on_o such_o occasion_n may_v by_o any_o impartial_a reader_n be_v plain_o find_v to_o be_v rather_o flight_n of_o fancy_n and_o wish_n than_o prayer_n and_o savour_v more_o of_o luxuriancy_n of_o style_n and_o harangue_n than_o devotion_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v her_o member_n to_o make_v vow_n and_o offer_v incense_n to_o the_o saint_n to_o worship_v their_o relic_n and_o image_n to_o believe_v that_o through_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n god_n benefit_n be_v obtain_v and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o intercession_n grace_n and_o merit_n he_o bestow_v many_o favour_n on_o mankind_n but_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o benefit_n you_o receive_v by_o the_o saint_n you_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o they_o yet_o before_o you_o do_v this_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o be_v real_o and_o infallible_o saint_n to_o who_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o that_o they_o already_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o which_o be_v necessary_a even_o according_a to_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o to_o warrant_v your_o invocation_n of_o they_o before_o you_o invoke_v the_o saint_n you_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o they_o can_v and_o will_v hear_v you_o that_o they_o know_v the_o want_v and_o state_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v mindful_a of_o they_o and_o at_o leisure_n to_o obtain_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v the_o saint_n know_v all_o man_n necessity_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o supply_v they_o be_v to_o equal_v they_o with_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o almighty_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v etc._n etc._n as_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o conclusion_n the_o papist_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o grant_v though_o they_o hold_v premise_n natural_o tend_v to_o it_o but_o let_v the_o papist_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o case_n what_o they_o please_v it_o be_v your_o happiness_n to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n which_o teach_v you_o to_o direct_v your_o prayer_n only_o to_o god_n who_o you_o be_v well_o ascertain_v know_v all_o your_o want_n and_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a to_o relieve_v they_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a mediator_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2.5.6_o the_o office_n of_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n be_v two_o thing_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v join_v together_o so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o also_o now_o see_v there_o be_v but_o one_o saviour_n there_o be_v also_o but_o one_o mediator_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o and_o will_n and_o design_n the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o peacemaker_n god_n and_o man_n namely_o christ_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o common_a nature_n and_o in_o it_o die_v for_o all_o who_o nature_n he_o take_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o blood_n to_o rescue_v mankind_n out_o of_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o command_v all_o that_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o humane_a nature_n to_o come_v unto_o god_n only_o through_o he_o god_n have_v no_o where_n appoint_v any_o other_o intercessor_n beside_o he_o which_o consideration_n move_v the_o church_n ever_o since_o it_o be_v call_v christian_n to_o offer_v up_o her_o prayer_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o conclude_v they_o in_o this_o form_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n keep_v therefore_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o you_o belong_v and_o which_o oblige_v you_o to_o pray_v only_o to_o god_n and_o in_o she_o 22d_o article_n censure_v all_o pray_v to_o any_o else_o to_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n vain_o invent_v and_o ground_v upon_o
vouchsafement_n whereof_o a_o mortal_a can_v be_v capable_a when_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o incense_v against_o israel_n that_o he_o resolve_v to_o consume_v they_o he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o whilst_o moses_n pray_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o give_v over_o his_o pray_v and_o to_o let_v he_o alone_o that_o he_o may_v execute_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v against_o that_o stiffnecked_a people_n which_o by_o moses_n intercession_n be_v restrain_v and_o though_o moses_n grant_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o god_n to_o destroy_v they_o yet_o he_o show_v also_o that_o there_o be_v great_a for_o god_n to_o spare_v they_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o deserve_v destruction_n but_o yet_o god_n glory_n be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n lest_o otherwise_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 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for_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n say_v ben-sirach_a and_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o till_o the_o high_a regard_n it_o ecclus._n 35.17_o you_o will_v think_v yourself_o a_o happy_a man_n if_o you_o can_v get_v one_o certain_a mean_n of_o help_v you_o to_o whatever_o you_o want_v though_o it_o cost_v you_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o get_v it_o prayer_n be_v this_o certain_a mean_n which_o never_o fail_v of_o bring_v you_o if_o not_o all_o that_o you_o think_v you_o want_v yet_o all_o that_o you_o real_o want_v or_o all_o that_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o you_o and_o consider_v in_o what_o continual_a want_v you_o be_v of_o receive_v something_o for_o other_o from_o that_o bountiful_a hand_n which_o only_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v all_o want_n it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a carriage_n to_o neglect_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v procure_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o uneasiness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o may_v dishearten_v you_o from_o its_o performance_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o uneasiness_n therein_o it_o arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n but_o the_o untowardness_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n if_o you_o will_v refine_v and_o purge_v that_o from_o all_o earthly_a and_o carnal_a thought_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o heavenly_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o accustom_v it_o to_o prayer_n all_o uneasiness_n therein_o will_v wear_v off_o and_o for_o pain_n you_o will_v find_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n for_o not_o only_o your_o best_a faculty_n be_v employ_v about_o the_o noble_a of_o their_o proper_a object_n in_o prayer_n as_o be_v say_v but_o it_o also_o bring_v you_o near_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o felicity_n which_o must_v needs_o yield_v a_o great_a delight_n to_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o distemper_v and_o like_o a_o sick_a palate_n can_v relish_v the_o most_o pleasant_a food_n but_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v taste_v by_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v carnal_a therefore_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v set_v either_o on_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o dross_n of_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o devotion_n be_v insipid_a and_o that_o like_a israel_n you_o prefer_v fleshpot_n before_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o leave_v the_o quail_n and_o manna_n for_o onion_n and_o garlic_n you_o will_v not_o i_o hope_v account_v these_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o your_o thought_n nor_o wilful_o make_v yourself_o comfortless_a by_o suffer_v either_o employment_n or_o pleasure_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o your_o mind_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o season_v your_o delight_n and_o sweeten_v your_o trouble_n and_o interpose_v themselves_o betwixt_o you_o and_o the_o world_n that_o so_o your_o life_n may_v be_v happy_a and_o your_o death_n welcome_a i_o know_v you_o have_v better_a monitor_n and_o carry_v the_o best_a about_o you_o in_o your_o bosom_n and_o if_o what_o i_o write_v be_v needless_a yet_o it_o argue_v my_o affection_n and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o friendship_n my_o prayer_n be_v better_a than_o my_o counsel_n and_o both_o be_v hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a for_o your_o good_a god_n prosper_v your_o perusal_n and_o make_v you_o happy_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o you_o now_o receive_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o to_o hear_v we_o and_o grant_v that_o we_o to_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o pray_v may_v by_o thy_o mighty_a aid_n be_v defend_v and_o comfort_v in_o all_o danger_n and_o adversity_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o chap._n vi_o of_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n have_v give_n you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n i_o come_v next_o to_o show_v what_o be_v require_v to_o render_v your_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o so_o prevent_v the_o pray_v amiss_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n requifite_n to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o prepare_v and_o fit_v of_o yourself_o for_o so_o excellent_a a_o performance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o preparation_n expect_v at_o your_o hand_n you_o may_v learn_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o whence_o all_o that_o be_v solid_a and_o true_o argumentative_a be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o position_n and_o first_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o common_a to_o all_o man_n clear_o show_v you_o that_o matter_n of_o moment_n and_o importance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v undertake_v till_o they_o be_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v best_a manage_v and_o effect_v he_o that_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o house_n or_o to_o make_v war_n oughts_z first_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n before_o he_o begin_v it_o lest_o have_v begin_v and_o want_v ability_n to_o finish_v he_o be_v force_v to_o give_v it_o over_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n luke_n 14.28_o 29_o 30_o 31_o &c_n &c_n few_o thing_n succeed_v well_o which_o be_v not_o first_o well_v consider_v every_o thing_n you_o undertake_v require_v a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o undertake_n and_o in_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n you_o may_v fetch_v argument_n enough_o from_o within_o yourself_o for_o a_o humble_a preparation_n to_o discharge_v it_o for_o when_o you_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o your_o own_o vileness_n the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o you_o be_v to_o pray_o and_o the_o fearful_a effect_n of_o not_o pray_v aright_o you_o must_v be_v far_o go_v in_o stupidity_n and_o senselesness_n if_o you_o apprehend_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v yourself_o for_o this_o duty_n no_o man_n will_v solicit_v a_o favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o of_o like_a passion_n with_o himself_o without_o use_v the_o due_a form_n of_o application_n will_v you_o not_o esteem_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o egregious_a rudeness_n to_o address_v a_o earthly_a potentate_n in_o a_o style_n and_o mode_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o not_o do_v with_o that_o grace_n as_o be_v usual_a on_o such_o occasion_n common_a sense_n direct_v you_o to_o approach_v those_o who_o be_v your_o superior_n either_o in_o condition_n or_o power_n or_o both_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o become_v their_o station_n and_o you_o reason_n be_v a_o law_n against_o indecency_n as_o well_o as_o against_o grosser_n immorality_n so_o that_o you_o need_v no_o clear_a light_n than_o that_o within_o to_o show_v you_o with_o what_o careful_a preparedness_n you_o be_v to_o speak_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o hold_v a_o holy_a converse_n with_o he_o in_o that_o best_a of_o religious_a duty_n will_v any_o man_n of_o either_o modesty_n or_o discretion_n venture_v to_o utter_v himself_o extempore_o
now_o recommend_v as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n whereof_o you_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a when_o you_o pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardent_a desire_n with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o it_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o offer_v when_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o affection_n and_o chafe_v your_o desire_n and_o move_v your_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n the_o great_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o listen_v to_o cold_a lukewarm_a devotion_n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n which_o want_n zeal_n and_o love_n the_o only_a wing_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o thither_o be_v careful_a then_o when_o you_o approach_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o because_o that_o of_o yourself_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o beseech_v the_o divine_a omnipotence_n to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v beware_v of_o quench_v it_o with_o wilful_a sin_n or_o let_v it_o go_v out_o again_o for_o want_v of_o fuel_n or_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v it_o and_o there_o want_v no_o motive_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o this_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n when_o you_o consider_v god_n wonderful_a kindness_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n thereof_o through_o your_o whole_a devotion_n for_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o your_o repentance_n to_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n and_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o your_o sin_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v good_a inward_a motive_n to_o raise_v your_o heart_n into_o zeal_n when_o you_o lift_v up_o your_o voice_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o his_o house_n or_o your_o own_o and_o first_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n you_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o show_v your_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o special_a blessing_n to_o the_o joint_a request_n which_o the_o faithful_a make_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o set_v mark_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o your_o absence_n from_o the_o public_a prayer_n can_v be_v excuse_v without_o a_o important_a occasion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a and_o deliberate_a you_o cut_v yourself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o prayer_n wherein_o all_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o yourself_o even_o a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v never_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n be_v also_o requisite_a in_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o your_o family_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o common-prayer_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o household_n join_v therein_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n careful_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o office_n and_o to_o see_v nothing_o be_v want_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v under_o his_o government_n for_o the_o family_n be_v heathenish_a where_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v and_o where_o the_o master_n do_v not_o resolve_v with_o joshua_n that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24.15_o and_o as_o to_o the_o prayer_n you_o make_v apart_o when_o you_o be_v solus_fw-la cum_fw-la solo_fw-la and_o have_v no_o witness_n of_o what_o you_o do_v but_o only_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n yet_o because_o that_o even_o here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v in_o company_n you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n to_o correct_v it_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a according_a to_o your_o personal_a necessity_n and_o you_o may_v use_v therein_o a_o great_a freedom_n both_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n than_o you_o can_v in_o public_a but_o still_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v therein_o require_v as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o regard_v and_o as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o perform_v all_o these_o sort_n of_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o your_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o attentive_a at_o they_o all_o prayer_n in_o your_o family_n and_o closet_n will_v not_o excuse_v your_o prayer_n at_o church_n all_o be_v require_v all_o be_v necessary_a and_o one_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whosoever_o be_v diligent_a in_o public_a prayer_n and_o yet_o negligent_a in_o private_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o rather_o seek_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o man_n than_o to_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o from_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o men._n you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o have_v also_o be_v tell_v with_o what_o circumspection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o observe_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o body_n have_v its_o share_n and_o part_v therein_o for_o both_o be_v god_n workmanship_n and_o purchase_n both_o aught_o to_o give_v he_o homage_n and_o observance_n now_o the_o observance_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n consist_v in_o such_o lowly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a gesture_n as_o may_v testify_v the_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o soul_n bowing_n prostration_n and_o the_o like_a external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o particular_a right_a belong_v to_o god_n before_o who_o you_o be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v for_o he_o be_v your_o maker_n your_o shepherd_n your_o protector_n the_o royal_a author_n of_o the_o 95._o psalm_n do_v affectionate_o call_v upon_o every_o one_o joint_o to_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o partner_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o join_v inward_a and_o outward_a reverence_n together_o that_o the_o submissive_a and_o lowly_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v the_o sincere_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o humble_a external_a bodily_a gesture_n be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o you_o pray_v without_o they_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n you_o be_v about_o nor_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n dignity_n or_o of_o your_o own_o vileness_n but_o in_o these_o bodily_a gesture_n you_o be_v careful_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o superstitious_a and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o prudence_n and_o your_o gesture_n be_v thus_o conduct_v they_o will_v help_v to_o heighten_v inward_a devotion_n in_o yourself_o and_o be_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o but_o i_o leave_v the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o frequency_n you_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n chap._n xii_o of_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n though_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v never_o to_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o text_n in_o scripture_n that_o determine_v how_o often_o you_o be_v to_o use_v it_o the_o inspire_a word_n positive_o command_v you_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o it_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n how_o frequent_o you_o be_v to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o peremptory_a in_o this_o particular_a be_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o s._n paul_n exhort_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o which_o text_n you_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o not_o to_o grow_v restive_a in_o prayer_n but_o therein_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v it_o be_v a_o homage_n you_o be_v to_o pay_v
to_o pray_v so_o that_o when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o great_a solitude_n and_o separation_n from_o company_n you_o be_v to_o own_o your_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a believer_n for_o who_o happiness_n you_o ought_v to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o for_o your_o own_o the_o jewish_a church_n ordain_v that_o all_o their_o public_a prayer_n shall_v be_v conclude_v with_o amen_o i_o say_v public_a prayer_n for_o in_o their_o private_a or_o phylacterical_a prayer_n it_o be_v omit_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n those_o prayer_n be_v public_a to_o which_o amen_o be_v add_v and_o a_o sign_n they_o be_v otherwise_o when_o it_o be_v not_o use_v and_o the_o christian_a church_n retain_v the_o same_o custom_n add_v amen_o to_o all_o her_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o moment_n that_o it_o ought_v never_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o by_o say_v amen_o you_o declare_v your_o trust_n and_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v the_o thing_n you_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will._n it_o be_v one_o special_a branch_n of_o your_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o if_o you_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o not_o your_o own_o fancy_n he_o hear_v you_o by_o say_v amen_o to_o the_o public_a prayer_n you_o express_v your_o approbation_n of_o they_o that_o you_o agree_v with_o the_o congregation_n and_o present_v but_o one_o common_a vote_n unto_o god_n and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o happy_a harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o heart_n and_o voice_n in_o pray_v for_o thing_n lawful_a and_o expedient_a you_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o grant_v the_o request_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n will_v much_o more_o incline_v his_o ear_n to_o a_o pious_a multitude_n to_o a_o numerous_a congregation_n meet_v solemn_o to_o beg_v his_o blessing_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o your_o humble_a hearty_a and_o zealous_a say_n amen_o show_v your_o attentiveness_n to_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o that_o you_o be_v neither_o asleep_a nor_o inadvertent_n when_o they_o be_v make_v and_o indeed_o one_o way_n to_o quicken_v your_o attention_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o you_o be_v to_o say_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o every_o prayer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o set_v your_o seal_n unto_o it_o by_o so_o do_v and_o by_o say_v amen_o you_o also_o let_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n know_v that_o you_o hope_v and_o believe_v to_o have_v your_o share_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a you_o do_v not_o expect_v any_o benefit_n by_o the_o petition_n which_o you_o do_v not_o sign_n and_o confirm_v by_o your_o amen_o in_o which_o single_a word_n all_o your_o own_o want_n be_v sum_v up_o and_o they_o also_o for_o who_o you_o pray_v and_o we_o read_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v the_o say_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o they_o pronounce_v it_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o vociferation_n and_o affectionate_a earnestness_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o shame_n and_o awaken_v their_o negligence_n who_o either_o regard_v not_o at_o all_o to_o say_v amen_o or_o do_v it_o with_o so_o provoke_v a_o drowsiness_n and_o indifferency_n as_o if_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o whether_o god_n will_v grant_v or_o deny_v their_o request_n whether_o he_o do_v hearken_v to_o their_o prayer_n or_o stop_v his_o ear_n against_o they_o which_o be_v consider_v will_v i_o hope_v have_v the_o happy_a influence_n to_o make_v you_o so_o attentive_a to_o prayer_n as_o to_o close_v it_o with_o such_o a_o sensible_a amen_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n may_v say_v so_o too_o 1_o king_n 1.36_o chap._n xvii_o of_o our_o lord_n doxology_n and_o have_v now_o give_v you_o this_o plain_a familiar_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o be_v to_o desire_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o divine_a summary_n leave_v we_o by_o our_o lord_n give_v i_o leave_v for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o present_v you_o with_o a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o drift_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v none_o other_o than_o god_n glory_n and_o your_o own_o benefit_n that_o god_n glory_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n and_o drift_n of_o prayer_n be_v natural_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o doxology_n wherewith_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v ever_o close_v their_o supplication_n that_o doxology_n be_v use_v by_o the_o hebrew_n in_o david_n time_n be_v plain_a from_o his_o own_o practice_n who_o praise_v the_o lord_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o say_v bless_a be_v thou_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n our_o father_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 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 in_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 from_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 may_v and_o in_o thy_o hand_n it_o be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o all_o now_o therefore_o our_o god_n we_o thank_v thou_o and_o praise_v thy_o glorious_a name_n chron._n 29_o 10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o find_v a_o doxology_n add_v to_o all_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o compendious_a form_n and_o though_o some_o both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o doxology_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v a_o spurious_a addition_n put_v in_o by_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o he_o do_v yet_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o say_n for_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n take_v every_o petition_n of_o his_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o jewish_a euchologue_n it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v that_o he_o thence_o also_o take_v the_o doxology_n and_o add_v it_o to_o his_o prayer_n as_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o now_o the_o doxology_n be_v not_o only_o a_o form_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n fit_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v the_o close_n up_o of_o all_o devotion_n in_o token_n that_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o god_n honour_n but_o it_o also_o contain_v the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o make_v your_o address_n unto_o god_n for_o in_o say_v thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o you_o acknowledge_v all_o those_o excellency_n to_o be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o chief_a motive_n of_o prayer_n and_o which_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n to_o that_o heavenly_a duty_n and_o to_o all_o the_o grace_n therein_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o first_o your_o faith_n be_v great_o support_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n you_o pray_v for_o when_o you_o mature_o revolve_v that_o you_o beg_v they_o of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a universal_a absolute_a independent_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o be_v easy_o entreat_v of_o his_o subject_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o their_o protection_n and_o happiness_n only_o remember_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o acknowledge_v god_n kingdom_n you_o own_v yourself_o to_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o to_o submit_v entire_o to_o his_o government_n and_o not_o to_o countenance_v any_o one_o rebel_n lust_n against_o he_o and_o when_o second_o you_o ascribe_v power_n unto_o god_n you_o profess_v your_o belief_n of_o his_o all-sufficiency_n and_o that_o you_o present_v your_o petition_n to_o one_o who_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o grant_v it_o for_o if_o he_o want_v either_o will_n or_o power_n to_o give_v what_o you_o beg_v it_o be_v enough_o utter_o to_o discourage_v your_o application_n but_o see_v that_o god_n have_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o king_n and_o a_o sovereign_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o every_o thing_n as_o he_o please_v he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v fit_o qualify_v to_o grant_v the_o request_n you_o make_v unto_o he_o and_o although_o your_o own_o unworthiness_n may_v just_o hinder_v you_o from_o receive_v any_o favour_n at_o his_o hand_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o withhold_v what_o you_o right_o sue_v for_o that_o his_o free_a grace_n may_v have_v that_o glory_n from_o you_o which_o he_o have_v from_o all_o to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v former_o bountiful_a there_o be_v a_o excellent_a honour_n arise_v unto_o god_n from_o his_o own_o
for_o worldly_a riches_n do_v not_o desire_v they_o for_o such_o low_a regard_n as_o the_o maintain_n of_o pride_n pomp_n luxury_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v wherewith_o to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o to_o be_v in_o your_o prosperity_n what_o job_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a that_o the_o blessing_n of_o he_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v may_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o by_o your_o mean_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o needy_a may_v sing_v for_o joy_n job_n 29._o 2._o let_v your_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o former_a without_o the_o latter_a be_v trifle_v and_o mockery_n and_o the_o latter_a without_o the_o former_a vanity_n and_o presumption_n you_o can_v never_o right_o desire_v what_o you_o do_v not_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n labour_n to_o obtain_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o you_o do_v not_o endeavour_v after_o be_v to_o be_v the_o moral_a of_o the_o clown_n in_o the_o apologue_n who_o call_v to_o hercules_n to_o help_v he_o out_o with_o his_o mire_v cart_n without_o set_v his_o own_o shoulder_n to_o the_o wheel_n the_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o helm_n be_v the_o old_a rule_n supplication_n and_o endeavour_n be_v never_o to_o be_v disjoin_v no_o good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o either_o of_o they_o when_o alone_o 3._o observe_v what_o answer_n god_n make_v and_o what_o return_v you_o receive_v to_o your_o prayer_n and_o in_o particular_a consider_v that_o his_o gracious_a providence_n may_v often_o deny_v you_o some_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o see_v they_o less_o fit_a for_o you_o to_o receive_v but_o then_o he_o give_v you_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n which_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n see_v be_v more_o for_o your_o advantage_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o these_o limitation_n viz._n that_o he_o see_v it_o good_a for_o you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o by_o some_o particular_a decree_n determine_v the_o contrary_n as_o for_o example_n if_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v a_o impenitent_a nation_n it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n on_o earth_n can_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o of_o this_o you_o have_v a_o dreadful_a instance_n in_o ezekiel_n 14._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o when_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v a_o land_n with_o any_o kind_n of_o scourge_n he_o will_v not_o forbear_v to_o do_v it_o for_o any_o manner_n of_o intercession_n final_o whether_o god_n grant_v or_o deny_v your_o request_n it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o resign_v your_o will_n to_o he_o and_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n with_o a_o profound_a sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o that_o without_o difficulty_n of_o access_n he_o admit_v you_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o acceptance_n if_o you_o pray_v as_o you_o ought_v and_o to_o show_v how_o you_o be_v to_o do_v this_o have_v be_v my_o care_n in_o what_o i_o now_o present_v you_o god_n prosper_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v praise_n glory_n adoration_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o ever_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n write_v by_o the_o reverend_a l.a._n d._n d._n dean_n of_o lichfield_n west_n barbary_n or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o custom_n and_o revolution_n of_o that_o country_n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o barbary_n the_o first_o state_n of_o mahomedism_n the_o primitive_a institution_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o catechise_n a_o modest_a plea_n for_o the_o clergy_n a_o introduction_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o catechumen_n a_o account_n of_o the_o millennium_n the_o genuine_a use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o the_o christian_n obligation_n frequent_o to_o receive_v the_o latter_a the_o history_n of_o the_o heresy_n deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n the_o christian_n daily_a sacrifice_n due_o offer_v be_v a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o prayer_n a_o account_n of_o tangier_n during_o the_o earl_n of_o tiviot_n be_v government_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n
and_o erroneous_a choice_n of_o their_o god_n they_o be_v still_o true_o orthodox_n in_o conclude_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_v whatever_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v in_o that_o to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v divinity_n all_o the_o attribute_n that_o render_v it_o fit_a for_o their_o adoration_n namely_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n for_o they_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o seek_v to_o that_o for_o help_v which_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o and_o this_o they_o know_v must_v be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o power_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n yet_o whilst_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v god_n they_o believe_v also_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_v they_o of_o which_o worship_n prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v ever_o think_v so_o eminent_a a_o branch_n that_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a system_fw-la of_o divine_a adoration_n but_o if_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n shall_v not_o clear_o enough_o discover_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o chief_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o worship_n and_o homage_n which_o be_v indispensible_o due_a to_o the_o alwise_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o scripture_n make_v it_o undoubtable_o evident_a and_o the_o many_o text_n wherein_o god_n promise_v to_o hear_v your_o prayer_n plain_o imply_v a_o command_n to_o make_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v answer_v thou_o jer._n 33.3_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v deliver_v joel_n 3.32_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a s._n john_n 16.23_o 24._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v s._n matth._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o in_o all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n there_o be_v imply_v both_o a_o command_n to_o pray_v and_o promise_v to_o be_v hear_v psal_n 65.2_o thou_o that_o hear_v the_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v meaning_n that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o betake_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n and_o that_o none_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o piety_n or_o sense_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v negligent_a and_o remiss_a in_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o make_v his_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n if_o you_o serious_o consider_v god_n deal_n with_o man_n you_o will_v see_v that_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o abundant_a mercy_n compassion_n and_o bounty_n all_o which_o you_o devout_o acknowledge_v and_o praise_v when_o you_o right_o address_v he_o with_o your_o prayer_n and_o by_o if_o a_o steady_a obedience_n you_o keep_v fast_o to_o his_o law_n patient_o wait_v his_o good_a time_n and_o pleasure_n persevere_v in_o sincere_a application_n to_o he_o rely_v sole_o upon_o he_o without_o resort_v to_o any_o other_o or_o use_v any_o indirect_a mean_n for_o your_o support_n he_o then_o will_v seasonable_o grant_v your_o petition_n succour_v you_o in_o your_o great_a necessity_n and_o deliver_v you_o in_o the_o most_o imminent_a danger_n psal_n 145.17_o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o he_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n holiness_n and_o veracity_n be_v his_o two_o great_a inseparable_a attribute_n his_o holiness_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o man_n sin_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o it_o he_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o sanctify_v their_o heart_n intend_v by_o this_o mean_n either_o to_o preserve_v their_o innocence_n or_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a to_o restore_v it_o after_o they_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o one_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o this_o method_n than_o he_o let_v such_o know_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o next_o as_o to_o god_n veracity_n this_o be_v apparent_a in_o all_o his_o word_n for_o he_o never_o affirm_v what_o be_v not_o most_o true_a nor_o promise_n what_o he_o do_v not_o full_o intend_v to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o see_v he_o have_v say_v call_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_z ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v since_o he_o be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o grant_v their_o request_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o word_n and_o though_o you_o find_v yourself_o waver_v light_a and_o unconstant_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v turn_v with_o every_o blast_n divert_v by_o every_o allurement_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o your_o best_a and_o chief_a vow_n as_o samson_n with_o his_o new_a cord_n which_o he_o break_v at_o the_o name_n of_o a_o philistin_n yet_o with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o unfaithfulness_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o whatsoever_o than_o he_o have_v say_v shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o make_v good_a his_o title_n of_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n when_o rebecka_n be_v childless_a isaac_n entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o she_o and_o she_o conceive_v moses_n beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v the_o plague_n he_o have_v bring_v upon_o egypt_n and_o his_o prayer_n be_v grant_v hannah_n labour_v under_o the_o reproach_n of_o barrenness_n pour_v out_o her_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o he_o give_v she_o a_o son_n ezra_n and_o his_o countryman_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v safe_o guard_v they_o home_o out_o of_o their_o babylonian_a bondage_n and_o he_o be_v entreat_v by_o they_o and_o his_o hand_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o good_a when_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o first_o battle_n with_o the_o philistine_n be_v defeat_v their_o judge_n slay_v and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n take_v prisoner_n yet_o samuel_n cry_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o better_o success_n the_o lord_n hear_v he_o and_o fight_v from_o heaven_n in_o their_o behalf_n discomfit_v the_o enemy_n with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o affliction_n they_o no_o soon_o make_v their_o unfeigned_a supplication_n unto_o god_n but_o he_o send_v they_o relief_n he_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o oppressor_n and_o by_o his_o alwise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n direct_v they_o to_o some_o auspicious_a successful_a mean_n of_o redress_v their_o grievance_n and_o either_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a condition_n or_o give_v they_o one_o that_o be_v better_a i_o mention_v these_o example_n of_o god_n grant_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o no_o other_o intent_n but_o to_o confirm_v your_o assurance_n of_o his_o never_o fail_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o hear_v those_o who_o due_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o seem_v so_o ready_a to_o do_v this_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o work_v miracle_n than_o faithful_a prayer_n shall_v return_v empty_a as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o joshua_n at_o who_o request_n god_n make_v the_o sun_n stand_v still_o upon_o gibeon_n and_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n josh_n 10.12_o and_o when_o many_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o misery_n and_o want_n even_o than_o have_v god_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o hear_v the_o groan_n of_o the_o prisoner_n and_o to_o loose_v those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o die_v psal_n 86._o signal_o display_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o low_a world_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o misery_n be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o call_v daily_o upon_o he_o rejoice_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o save_v all_o such_o as_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o david_n perhaps_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o conclude_v his_o psalter_n with_o this_o affectionate_a exhortation_n let_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v breath_n praise_v the_o lord_n and_o
pray_v and_o go_v not_o thither_o full_a of_o thy_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o and_o be_v not_o as_o fool_n who_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o turn_v not_o from_o they_o only_a penitent_n than_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v suppliant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n every_o one_o be_v to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n to_o abandon_v his_o sin_n when_o he_o come_v unto_o god_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o foot_n and_o approach_v he_o with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n under_o the_o law_n no_o man_n have_v liberty_n to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n who_o have_v touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n till_o he_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o water_n by_o the_o priest_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o come_n unto_o god_n without_o have_v your_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o your_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o the_o master_n forbid_v any_o to_o enter_v the_o temple_n with_o dust_n on_o their_o foot_n mean_v thereby_o that_o all_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a affection_n thought_n and_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v shake_v off_o and_o discharge_v by_o they_o who_o come_v to_o offer_v spiritual_a holy_a service_n unto_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v also_o enjoin_v not_o to_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n any_o of_o those_o tool_n and_o instrument_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o civil_a trade_n and_o employment_n by_o which_o they_o be_v also_o mind_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o whatsoever_o may_v in_o the_o least_o suggest_v any_o earthly_a concern_v worldly_a notion_n or_o encumbrance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o god_n house_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v or_o divert_v in_o devotion_n nor_o be_v the_o jew_n singular_a in_o this_o particular_a or_o the_o only_a people_n that_o be_v careful_a thus_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o prayer_n for_o the_o mahumedan_n who_o take_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n from_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o precise_a in_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o mosch_n or_o giamma_n the_o place_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n for_o they_o never_o repair_v to_o these_o till_o they_o have_v first_o wash_v at_o home_n nor_o do_v they_o enter_v those_o solemn_a place_n with_o their_o shoe_n on_o and_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o come_v unprepared_a to_o prayer_n or_o behave_v themselves_o indecent_o at_o they_o that_o they_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o come_n cleanliness_n according_a to_o mahume_v be_v the_o key_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o regard_v without_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cleanliness_n all_o the_o preparative_n to_o prayer_n be_v understand_v and_o by_o prayer_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o this_o cleanliness_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o body_n but_o also_o regard_v the_o mind_n and_o conversation_n and_o it_o imply_v the_o put_v away_o of_o all_o unlawful_a action_n the_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o vicious_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n and_o affection_n and_o they_o hold_v that_o filthiness_n in_o these_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o offensive_a to_o god_n who_o according_a to_o their_o alcoran_n as_o well_o as_o our_o bible_n be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v the_o least_o defilement_n and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o christian_n will_v not_o come_v behind_o jew_n and_o mahumedan_n in_o this_o particular_a nor_o bold_o and_o inconsiderate_o rush_v upon_o those_o holy_a duty_n which_o these_o infidel_n approach_v with_o so_o great_a preparedness_n the_o apostle_n advise_v all_o of_o his_o religion_n to_o lift_v up_o holy_a and_o pure_a hand_n in_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o by_o his_o apostolical_a authority_n he_o appoint_v that_o not_o only_o at_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o every_o where_o else_o christian_n shall_v pray_v with_o that_o ceremony_n of_o hold_v up_o the_o hand_n join_v with_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o good_a work_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o no_o doubt_n or_o irresolution_n of_o mind_n shall_v hinder_v the_o exercise_n or_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n you_o do_v but_o burn_v incense_n to_o vanity_n and_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n to_o heaven_n to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o your_o action_n be_v unjust_a god_n will_v cast_v back_o your_o prayer_n like_o dung_n upon_o your_o face_n and_o reject_v both_o they_o and_o your_o person_n when_o you_o tread_v his_o court_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v his_o worshipper_n he_o he_o hear_v s._n john_n 9.31_o his_o eye_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o his_o face_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a psal_n 34.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.12_o god_n look_v kind_o on_o his_o obedient_a servant_n but_o he_o set_v himself_o as_o a_o enemy_n against_o the_o obstinate_o wicked_a he_o be_v nigh_o to_o good_a man_n and_o hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o he_o who_o turn_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n prov._n 28.9.15.29_o the_o humble_a dutiful_a soul_n implore_v god_n assistance_n be_v sure_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o kind_n or_o in_o equivalence_n but_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n declare_v the_o prayer_n of_o sinner_n to_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o none_o but_o impenitent_a sinner_n who_o stubborn_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n who_o either_o wilful_o continue_v in_o their_o impiety_n or_o retain_v a_o kindness_n for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o then_o your_o have_v commit_v sin_n and_o your_o sense_n of_o some_o gild_n be_v upon_o you_o that_o aught_o to_o hinder_v your_o pray_v for_o you_o must_v pray_v the_o rather_o that_o god_n may_v remit_v and_o pardon_v the_o sin_n you_o have_v commit_v for_o if_o you_o be_v humble_o mind_v and_o sincere_o change_v from_o bad_a to_o good_a if_o you_o loath_a and_o forsake_v your_o evil_a way_n and_o with_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n grieve_v for_o your_o offence_n you_o then_o be_v one_o who_o cry_n god_n will_v hear_v and_o who_o tear_n he_o will_v put_v into_o his_o bottle_n and_o not_o suffer_v a_o drop_n fall_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o penitent_a to_o be_v as_o water_v spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n he_o will_v hear_v your_o cry_n and_o deliver_v your_o soul_n from_o death_n he_o will_v recover_v your_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 116.8_o 9.13_o he_o will_v give_v you_o space_n and_o opportunity_n to_o live_v and_o acceptable_o to_o serve_v he_o he_o will_v hear_v your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v unto_o he_o without_o the_o love_n of_o your_o sin_n about_o you_o or_o purpose_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o when_o noah_n come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n in_o which_o say_v one_o he_o have_v long_o be_v bury_v not_o dead_a his_o first_o care_n be_v to_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o take_v of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n to_o offer_v in_o burnt-offering_n and_o the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o noah_n heart_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o action_n and_o show_v himself_o please_v with_o his_o holy_a intention_n but_o that_o which_o herein_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o observable_a and_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v noah_n great_a industry_n and_o care_n for_o the_o right_a offering_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v see_v in_o his_o building_n a_o altar_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o beast_n and_o bird_n as_o be_v fit_a thereon_o to_o be_v offer_v now_o prayer_n be_v your_o best_a sacrifice_n which_o in_o imitation_n of_o noah_n you_o be_v to_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o great_a preparedness_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o will_v betray_v in_o you_o a_o profane_a temper_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o lack_n of_o a_o just_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o siracide_n before_o thou_o pray_v prepare_v thyself_o and_o be_v not_o as_o one_o that_o tempt_v the_o lord_n ecclus_n 18.23_o let_v the_o clean_a beast_n and_o bird_n offer_v by_o noah_n mind_n you_o of_o keep_v your_o soul_n clean_a and_o pure_a from_o all_o wicked_a resolution_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a of_o all_o sinful_a habit_n and_o intention_n and_o let_v no_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n or_o any_o uncharitableness_n lodge_v in_o your_o heart_n for_o no_o lust_n of_o carnal_a uncleanness_n no_o filthiness_n of_o spirit_n no_o