have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n viz._n their_o sickness_n which_o may_v be_v inflict_v and_o just_o continue_v too_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o james_n 5._o verse_n 14._o be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o câ—l_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 anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o improbable_o let_v the_o elder_n use_v the_o natural_a mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n also_o add_v their_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o anoint_v with_o oil_n be_v a_o most_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a medicine_n in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o cure_v many_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jewish_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n and_o put_v syneedochical_o for_o any_o other_o natural_a mean_n or_o medicine_n whatsoever_o apply_v for_o help_n and_o cure_n to_o this_o also_o the_o jew_n add_v enchantment_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n probable_o oppose_v prayer_n as_o the_o disciple_n use_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o god_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v and_o then_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o a_o believer_n or_o of_o a_o true_a and_o hearty_a holy_a christian_n such_o as_o the_o elder_n be_v general_o and_o reasonable_o then_o suppose_v to_o be_v shall_v save_v the_o sick_a that_o be_v shall_v save_v he_o from_o his_o sickness_n or_o deliver_v he_o 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 that_o be_v any_o sin_n which_o may_v particular_o have_v deserve_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o sickness_n yet_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o elder_n righteous_a man_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o that_o be_v this_o punishment_n shall_v not_o be_v further_o inflict_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o follow_v confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o it_o be_v very_o prevalent_a with_o god_n to_o procure_v such_o and_o other_o favour_n and_o blessing_n yea_o and_o sometime_o curse_n and_o evil_a thing_n even_o as_o elias_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v by_o his_o prayer_n procure_v and_o obtain_v from_o god_n both_o drought_n and_o rain_n there_o may_v be_v also_o other_o benefit_n to_o other_o by_o our_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v due_o perform_v they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o excite_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v he_o thank_v he_o desire_v of_o he_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o and_o to_o obtain_v all_o the_o consequent_a good_a effect_n which_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v by_o our_o own_o prayer_n all_o which_o good_a thing_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o our_o example_n they_o will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o or_o mind_v or_o not_o so_o much_o sect_n 1._o but_o second_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n which_o again_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o three_o head_n 1_o our_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n 2_o our_o comfort_n joy_n satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n 3_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o common_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o both_o 1_o prayer_n do_v confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o goodnoss_n they_o tend_v much_o to_o preserve_v we_o therein_o and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o that_o these_o several_a way_n among_o other_o first_o by_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o immediate_a mean_n thereof_o second_o by_o suggestion_n or_o bring_v to_o mind_v our_o duty_n or_o what_o help_v to_o practice_v it_o three_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n four_o by_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n particular_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o receive_v all_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n nay_o of_o our_o receive_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o goodness_n itself_o five_o by_o way_n of_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o explicate_v 1_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o immediate_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o run_v over_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n we_o have_v former_o mention_v as_o first_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o express_a judgement_n concern_v ourselves_o direct_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a former_o or_o be_v still_o of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o hearty_a disapprobation_n dislike_n disalallowance_n thereof_o a_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o too_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a a_o hearty_a sorrow_n that_o we_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o imperfect_a wicked_a or_o unhappy_a and_o a_o cheerful_a free_a and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o have_v be_v faulty_a in_o omit_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o and_o abandon_v what_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o do_v to_o mortify_v and_o extinguish_v all_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o any_o or_o all_o our_o appetite_n that_o be_v all_o our_o lust_n or_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o appetito_n and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o command_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o now_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n thus_o explicate_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o actual_a exercise_n or_o exertion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n or_o of_o grace_n in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v so_o often_o as_o we_o thus_o pray_v we_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v and_o put_v forth_o into_o action_n our_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n but_o every_o action_n and_o exercise_n confirm_v the_o habit_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v it_o all_o habit_n may_v be_v thus_o get_v and_o however_o get_v though_o immediate_o by_o god_n influence_n which_o be_v call_v infusion_n yet_o they_o be_v thus_o maintain_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o most_o ordinary_a person_n may_v understand_v this_o by_o experience_n the_o more_o often_o we_o actual_o hate_v or_o be_v grieve_v for_o or_o at_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n the_o more_o we_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v not_o endure_v the_o very_a sight_n or_o mention_v of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o love_n what_o thing_n we_o have_v accustom_v ourselves_o and_o use_v often_o to_o love_n we_o contract_v a_o most_o ready_a firm_a and_o constant_a inclination_n so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o we_o can_v be_v for_o any_o time_n without_o they_o in_o the_o very_a like_o manner_n it_o be_v when_o we_o actual_o often_o abominate_a sin_n in_o general_n or_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a when_o we_o hate_v contemn_v be_v grieve_v for_o it_o when_o we_o hearty_o love_v our_o duty_n and_o with_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o our_o soul_n desire_v and_o will_v we_o may_v be_v universal_o or_o in_o any_o particular_a innocent_a or_o good_a we_o shall_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o that_o habitual_a temper_n of_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v easy_a strong_a vigorous_a and_o constant_a and_o shall_v not_o endure_v the_o sight_n or_o suspicion_n of_o any_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o live_v comfortable_o without_o the_o constant_a consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o of_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n innocency_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o profession_n of_o our_o future_a obedience_n which_o be_v another_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n as_o i_o have_v explicate_v confession_n be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o express_a action_n or_o resolution_n of_o will_n excite_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o direct_v to_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o in_o general_a or_o in_o any_o particular_a where_o she_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o that_o now_o by_o his_o assistance_n and_o strength_n which_o she_o humble_o implore_v she_o will_v observe_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n the_o rule_n of_o which_o be_v his_o will_n make_v know_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n which_o express_a action_n of_o she_o or_o actual_a resolution_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_a the_o better_a must_v needs_o preserve_v and_o increase_v her_o
not_o direct_v thereby_o lead_v we_o into_o sometime_o hurtful_a error_n and_o mistake_n and_o dispose_v our_o judgement_n to_o judge_n false_o a_o very_a great_a hatred_n contempt_n and_o grief_n at_o ourselves_o for_o sin_n in_o general_a or_o some_o more_o notorious_a sin_n in_o particular_a may_v make_v we_o judge_v worse_o of_o ourselves_o than_o in_o truth_n we_o deserve_v as_o we_o but_o too_o often_o do_v by_o other_o when_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n revenge_n against_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a but_o that_o through_o self-love_n and_o flattery_n we_o err_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n therefore_o this_o be_v the_o less_o suspect_v so_o sometime_o some_o very_a great_a passion_n of_o admiration_n honour_n love_n etc._n etc._n for_o some_o one_o attribute_n in_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o magnify_v it_o may_v make_v man_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o other_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n in_o he_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o not_o only_o bare_a falsity_n but_o mysterious_a contradiction_n so_o for_o example_n a_o man_n desire_n to_o advance_v the_o unlimitedness_n of_o god_n power_n may_v lead_v he_o to_o judge_v that_o he_o may_v just_o if_o he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o so_o some_o pious_o but_o unwary_o to_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o our_o redemption_n have_v speak_v and_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o do_v real_o even_o lessen_v and_o abate_v itself_o when_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n it_o do_v extraordinary_o and_o hypostatical_o unite_v itself_o to_o a_o humane_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v a_o little_a digression_n again_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v word_n only_o and_o have_v no_o sense_n hardly_o of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v use_v to_o be_v call_v prayer_n though_o according_a to_o our_o definition_n it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n may_v also_o pray_v and_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v but_o yet_o have_v no_o affection_n stir_v no_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n love_n thankfulness_n to_o god_n no_o desire_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o mention_n with_o his_o lip_n or_o conceive_v with_o his_o mind_n no_o trust_n or_o faith_n in_o god_n not_o one_o jot_n of_o inward_a sorrow_n and_o true_a grief_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o sin_z or_o resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o and_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v say_v word_n and_o understand_v sense_n and_o both_o very_a excellent_a too_o and_o yet_o have_v none_o of_o these_o passion_n and_o affection_n excite_v he_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v therewith_o but_o be_v perfect_o cold_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v usual_o call_v prayer_n which_o as_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v some_o tendency_n and_o preparation_n to_o do_v some_o good_a even_o the_o very_a imprint_v such_o word_n and_o sense_n in_o our_o memory_n so_o they_o may_v sometime_o do_v as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n and_o so_o either_o not_o make_v we_o any_o whit_n the_o better_a or_o make_v we_o the_o worse_a for_o they_o may_v by_o use_n make_v we_o formal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v word_n without_o either_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o with_o they_o but_o without_o any_o affection_n at_o all_o more_o to_o disjoin_v those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v more_o natural_o conjoin_v and_o to_o be_v well_o content_a herewith_o too_o and_o think_v we_o have_v do_v well_o enough_o and_o make_v we_o look_v no_o further_o if_o we_o have_v but_o after_o any_o manner_n say_v our_o prayer_n though_o never_o so_o ignorant_o and_o cold_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v and_o the_o often_o we_o use_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o content_a and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n the_o easiâ—ler_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o still_o whereas_o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o heed_n understand_v and_o comprehend_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n what_o it_o be_v we_o say_v and_o especial_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o then_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v our_o suitable_a affection_n and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o dull_a languid_a inapprehensive_a to_o send_v up_o to_o god_n a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n quicken_v enliven_v and_o strengthen_v our_o affection_n and_o resolution_n again_o as_o i_o have_v former_o say_v though_o we_o pray_v daily_o and_o it_o may_v be_v indifferent_o well_o with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n yet_o we_o may_v so_o constant_o both_o inordinate_o and_o immoderate_o engage_v our_o affection_n all_o the_o day_n after_o about_o other_o object_n beside_o our_o duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o dispose_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o without_o any_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o their_o due_a end_n and_o without_o any_o government_n or_o moderation_n that_o the_o effect_v of_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v sometime_o quite_o prevent_v or_o extinguish_v and_o our_o affection_n be_v upon_o other_o thing_n and_o our_o inclination_n to_o they_o as_o undue_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v indeed_o general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n i_o think_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v perform_v with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n have_v some_o tendency_n in_o they_o to_o make_v we_o better_o or_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v worse_o we_o shall_v general_o be_v world_n though_o now_o not_o good_a if_o such_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v altogether_o neglect_v final_o it_o be_v possible_a sometime_o for_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v so_o perform_v as_o that_o they_o may_v many_o other_o way_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o mention_v do_v we_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o render_v we_o worse_o than_o if_o we_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o vain_o conceit_v of_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o very_o good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n let_v our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v all_o the_o day_n after_o what_o they_o will_v and_o that_o our_o prayer_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v attainment_n enough_o whine_o to_o confess_v they_o in_o general_a or_o particular_a term_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o weakness_n and_o badness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o be_v always_o weak_a and_o sinful_a too_o and_o think_v it_o far_o better_a to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o live_v well_o and_o conscientious_o in_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o frequent_a action_n of_o life_n than_o to_o live_v conscientious_o righteous_o and_o honest_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n too_o as_o please_v he_o but_o not_o to_o pray_v though_o very_o erroneous_o and_o indiscreet_o nay_o insincere_o and_o hypocritical_o as_o be_v before_o say_v and_o therefore_o wicked_o whereas_o this_o last_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o the_o former_a and_o in_o it_o do_v its_o chief_a and_o principal_a though_o not_o only_o use_v and_o benefit_n consist_v as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v but_o yet_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v i_o because_o of_o this_o or_o such_o like_a ineffectual_a use_n or_o abuses_n which_o may_v be_v of_o prayer_n have_v man_n think_v of_o neglect_v or_o throw_v it_o quite_o away_o but_o rather_o to_o betake_v themselves_o serious_o to_o use_v and_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o all_o formality_n conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o follow_v they_o with_o their_o constant_a care_n diligence_n watchfulness_n endeavour_v to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o or_o according_a to_o all_o good_a conscience_n all_o the_o day_n after_o in_o all_o their_o action_n final_o to_o perform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n hereafter_o this_o for_o the_o first_o way_n how_o our_o prayer_n tend_v to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o still_o in_o what_o goodness_n we_o have_v obtain_v that_o we_o do_v not_o go_v backward_o and_o relapse_n but_o go_v forward_o and_o make_v progress_n in_o goodness_n viz._n by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o proper_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n sect_n iii_o ii_o our_o pray_v will_v preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n and_o make_v we_o better_o by_o suggestion_n that_o be_v by_o bring_v to_o our_o mind_n either_o our_o duty_n in_o general_n or_o any_o particular_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o or_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v mean_n to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o thereto_o such_o as_o be_v the_o
this_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a few_o man_n do_v so_o much_o most_o man_n quite_o neglect_v god_n take_v little_a notice_n of_o he_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o and_o hence_o further_o may_v they_o believe_v themselves_o in_o general_a very_o extraordinary_a excellent_a person_n and_o that_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n most_o precious_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o his_o pray_a people_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o and_o for_o their_o sake_n these_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v i_o have_v mention_v that_o they_o may_v be_v prevent_v be_v it_o sure_o that_o when_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o have_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o please_v therewith_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v real_o good_a that_o please_v he_o not_o for_o example_n his_o singularity_n or_o superiority_n to_o other_o man_n but_o the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o well-disposedness_a of_o his_o soul_n his_o true_a love_n to_o goodness_n universal_o hatred_n of_o sin_n love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n honour_n reverence_n obedience_n faith_n dependence_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o these_o and_z â—_o temper_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o to_o which_o they_o tend_v let_v he_o be_v sure_a also_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o pray_n to_o god_n not_o in_o general_a high_o please_v himself_o in_o have_v pray_v when_o there_o be_v little_a of_o they_o but_o indeed_o much_o more_o of_o such_o worthless_a or_o wicked_a thing_n i_o have_v above_o mention_v the_o be_v thus_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o it_o will_v in_o good_a man_n mind_n raise_v up_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n so_o also_o it_o ought_v that_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v still_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o duty_n whereby_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v render_v better_a more_o able_a and_o dispose_v by_o be_v good_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v as_o to_o be_v please_v and_o delight_v with_o such_o thing_n sect_n x._o iv_o pray_v procure_v delight_n joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n by_o god_n special_a immediate_a influence_n god_n may_v no_o doubt_n in_o our_o pray_n to_o he_o some_o way_n perfect_a all_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o may_v bring_v thing_n either_o unknown_a or_o know_v before_o to_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v reveal_z or_o suggest_v he_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o perceive_v and_o understand_v thing_n more_o clear_o and_o strong_o that_o be_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n he_o may_v also_o excite_v and_o strengthen_v our_o love_n to_o our_o duty_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n love_n to_o any_o particular_a duty_n love_n to_o himself_o honour_n reverence_n humble_a address_n and_o dependence_n faith_n submissive_a and_o obediential_a resolution_n so_o likewise_o sure_o he_o may_v excite_v and_o diffuse_v through_o our_o soul_n joy_n delight_n satisfaction_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o these_o immediate_o more_o than_o will_v otherwise_o be_v without_o this_o his_o especial_a immediate_a action_n or_o influence_n and_o that_o god_n do_v do_v thus_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o reason_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o will_v conclude_v it_o probable_a cicero_n xenoph._n sen._n cicero_n as_o well_o for_o other_o reason_n as_o particular_o to_o draw_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o vivid_v exercise_n of_o these_o excellent_a operation_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v that_o which_o be_v call_v communion_n or_o rather_o union_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n complete_a for_o to_o have_v god_n the_o object_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o direct_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o then_o for_o god_n again_o to_o make_v our_o soul_n the_o object_n of_o his_o action_n or_o influence_n and_o the_o more_o of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o more_o especial_a and_o immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n the_o more_o the_o communion_n be_v or_o may_v very_o proper_o be_v call_v union_n or_o conversation_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o be_v a_o thing_n easy_o understand_v by_o all_o but_o more_o feel_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v true_o call_v godly_a and_o holy_a man_n the_o union_n between_o two_o spiritual_a substance_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o by_o the_o mutual_a intercourse_n of_o operation_n and_o be_v much_o more_o real_o so_o than_o that_o which_o be_v between_o two_o body_n and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v that_o this_o conversation_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o confine_v to_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o our_o life_n in_o any_o part_n of_o which_o we_o may_v direct_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o he_o may_v again_o have_v immediate_a influence_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o suggest_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o obedience_n any_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v and_o the_o frequenter_a and_o more_o vigorous_a these_o thing_n be_v in_o man_n life_n the_o more_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v communion_n or_o union_n with_o god_n in_o his_o life_n or_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o benefit_n of_o pray_v sect_n xi_o iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o general_a good_a effect_n or_o benefit_n of_o pray_v be_v those_o which_o be_v help_n and_o mean_n both_o of_o our_o goodness_n and_o comfort_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a name_n but_o two_o viz._n spirituality_n and_o enlargedness_n of_o soul_n 1._o spirituality_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o temper_n of_o soul_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o intellectual_a or_o spiritual_a object_n whether_o absolute_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o all_o spiritual_a being_n such_o as_o our_o own_o soul_n angel_n god_n himself_o or_o relative_n as_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o habitude_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o such_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_v contrariety_n similitude_n connexion_n and_o repugnancy_n etc._n etc._n the_o successive_a apprehension_n of_o which_o two_o last_n be_v call_v reason_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o object_n about_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v conversant_a in_o prayer_n be_v chief_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n god_n and_o his_o attribute_n our_o soul_n and_o their_o several_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n as_o ignorance_n and_o knowledge_n error_n and_o truth_n vice_n and_o virtue_n or_o sin_n and_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n and_o usage_n of_o ourselves_o to_o prayer_n these_o object_n become_v familiar_a to_o we_o and_o such_o as_o we_o ready_o and_o clear_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v and_o which_o real_o and_o strong_o affect_v we_o whereas_o those_o man_n who_o never_o pray_v or_o otherwise_o use_v their_o mind_n to_o they_o be_v only_o sensual_a and_o corporeal_a or_o carnal_o mind_v that_o be_v such_o who_o can_v only_o conceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o sensible_a thing_n and_o somewhat_o of_o reason_v sometime_o dull_o enough_o too_o about_o they_o but_o strange_o inept_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n blind_a and_o senseless_a in_o they_o but_o further_a this_o spirituality_n of_o mind_n be_v manifest_o a_o great_a preparation_n of_o soul_n for_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n it_o fit_v our_o soul_n to_o apprehend_v their_o nature_n to_o see_v their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n the_o natural_a necessary_a efficiency_n or_o causality_n that_o be_v in_o they_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o no_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o real_o to_o approve_v honour_n admire_v and_o love_v they_o moreover_o the_o very_a same_o temper_n of_o soul_n whether_o from_o the_o subtlety_n and_o calmness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n which_o dispose_v to_o spirituality_n dispose_v also_o to_o benignity_n or_o love_n which_o when_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a be_v the_o only_a instance_n and_o subject_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n final_o the_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o soul_n perceive_v from_o her_o conversation_n with_o spiritual_a object_n be_v far_o more_o profound_a and_o pierce_a more_o last_a and_o more_o frequent_a be_v more_o in_o our_o own_o power_n than_o that_o from_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a one_o be_v that_o which_o beside_o revelation_n the_o experience_n not_o only_o of_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a soul_n but_o
thus_o great_a affection_n and_o passion_n for_o thing_n in_o man_n especial_o who_o study_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v who_o business_n it_o much_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v sign_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n of_o their_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o excellent_a usefulness_n of_o they_o and_o this_o together_o with_o a_o pretend_a or_o real_a great_a love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o true_o generous_a and_o divine_a temper_n have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n that_o some_o man_n have_v have_v so_o many_o follower_n and_o admirer_n and_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o they_o have_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o excellent_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o without_o any_o scruple_n when_o therefore_o our_o affection_n be_v great_a and_o strong_a let_v there_o be_v also_o precede_v a_o understanding_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o thing_n either_o from_o our_o own_o sight_n and_o perception_n if_o we_o can_v or_o from_o divine_a testimony_n or_o which_o be_v most_o common_a easy_a and_o much_o safe_a from_o the_o most_o general_a testimony_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n let_v not_o our_o great_a passion_n be_v only_o a_o affect_v bustle_v to_o make_v people_n believe_v we_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o some_o great_a matter_n which_o we_o have_v discover_v 2._o by_o sincerity_n in_o these_o action_n in_o prayer_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o all_o or_o thy_o whole_a prayer_n have_v their_o due_a ultimate_a end_n unmix_v with_o any_o other_o let_v thy_o ultimate_a end_n in_o general_n be_v sincere_o to_o do_v thy_o duty_n that_o which_o thou_o judge_v thou_o ought_v and_o to_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o be_v universal_o constant_o courageous_o good_a and_o virtuous_a to_o love_v and_o please_v god_n to_o be_v the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o perfect_a and_o make_v happy_a thyself_o by_o possess_v thy_o soul_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o most_o universal_a constant_a and_o generous_a charity_n and_o that_o in_o the_o best_a instance_n viz._n in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v and_o in_o all_o other_o when_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a or_o the_o only_a instance_n thou_o can_v then_o perhaps_o be_v charitable_a in_o of_o self-denial_n humility_n spirituality_n by_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o thy_o appetite_n of_o all_o lust_n by_o be_v sober_a advise_v discreet_a and_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v possess_v enjoy_v from_o god_n let_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o thy_o ultimate_n end_n if_o thou_o acknowledge_v god_n infinite_a perfection_n let_v it_o be_v to_o produce_v in_o thou_o some_o way_n or_o other_o as_o it_o will_v obedience_n and_o imitation_n and_o consequent_o universal_a righteousness_n holiness_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n thereof_o now_o mention_v if_o thou_o confess_v thy_o sin_n let_v it_o be_v to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o whet_v and_o sharpen_v thy_o hatred_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o when_o thou_o profess_v thy_o obediential_a resolution_n let_v it_o be_v to_o confirm_v strengthen_v and_o invigorate_v thy_o love_n and_o like_n resolution_n and_o bent_n of_o soul_n to_o all_o obedience_n and_o to_o thy_o duty_n universal_o when_o thou_o thank_a god_n ingenuous_o for_o his_o great_a kindness_n and_o love_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o thou_o let_v it_o be_v sincere_o to_o engage_v thou_o to_o love_v he_o again_o consequent_o to_o imitate_v obey_v please_v he_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v universal_o holy_a and_o righteous_a when_o thou_o propounde_v or_o recite_v thy_o case_n or_o condition_n or_o that_o of_o any_o other_o for_o who_o thou_o pray_v let_v it_o be_v sincere_o to_o cause_v thyself_o some_o way_n to_o be_v better_o by_o cause_v thou_o more_o to_o attend_v to_o thy_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a thereof_o and_o consequent_o to_o behave_v thyself_o so_o as_o to_o please_v he_o and_o last_o when_o thou_o desire_v or_o petitione_v any_o thing_n let_v thy_o ultimate_a end_n be_v still_o the_o same_o quicken_v thy_o acknowledgement_n and_o sense_n of_o thy_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n by_o which_o thou_o may_v be_v engage_v to_o love_v and_o please_v he_o which_o can_v be_v without_o holiness_n universal_a most_o express_o petition_v god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o make_v thou_o the_o most_o perfect_o holy_a and_o righteous_a thou_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o instance_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a trust_v in_o god_n he_o will_v grant_v those_o thy_o petition_n than_o which_o none_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o thy_o endeavour_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o supervenient_a help_n final_o when_o thou_o beseeche_v god_n for_o all_o or_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n let_v it_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v dispose_v and_o enable_v thereby_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o the_o world_n to_o live_v profitable_o and_o comfortable_o here_o and_o at_o last_o to_o obtain_v a_o immortal_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o be_v to_o be_v pure_o sincere_o and_o unmix_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o thy_o pray_v in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o let_v no_o other_o thing_n come_v in_o the_o place_n hereof_o or_o mix_v and_o blend_v therewith_o let_v not_o for_o example_n mere_a dull_a custom_n be_v the_o end_n that_o be_v mere_a please_a a_o man_n self_n with_o so_o do_v and_o especial_o the_o external_a or_o bodily_a part_n because_o a_o man_n have_v use_v so_o to_o do_v he_o will_v so_o do_v not_o the_o mere_a action_n or_o usage_n so_o much_o as_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v to_o please_v such_o as_o the_o name_n of_o our_o duty_n include_v and_o suppose_v we_o must_v not_o pray_v as_o age_a man_n in_o part_n use_v old_a fashion_n or_o some_o other_o little_a action_n as_o walk_v eat_a drink_v at_o certain_a time_n viz._n principal_o because_o they_o have_v be_v use_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a it_o be_v delightful_a mere_o to_o do_v so_o and_o it_o will_v be_v painful_a and_o troublesome_a to_o they_o to_o abstain_v or_o to_o live_v after_o any_o other_o manner_n let_v not_o again_o the_o procure_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o sanctity_n for_o consciensciousness_n honesty_n spirituality_n for_o great_a part_n or_o gift_n for_o readiness_n copiousness_n variety_n of_o invention_n memory_n judgement_n both_o in_o thing_n and_o word_n sense_n and_o phrase_n for_o the_o usefulness_n and_o general_a goodness_n also_o of_o both_o that_o we_o can_v pray_v much_o or_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o matter_n that_o we_o can_v pray_v long_o and_o often_o or_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n that_o we_o be_v good_a churchman_n that_o we_o never_o miss_v prayer_n that_o we_o can_v pray_v with_o a_o acceptable_a and_o please_a delivery_n or_o voice_n let_v not_o this_o vain_a glory_n of_o pray_v long_o and_o frequent_o in_o every_o place_n in_o synagogue_n corner_n of_o street_n reprove_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o hypocrite_n of_o his_o age_n matt._n 6._o i_o say_v let_v not_o this_o be_v the_o end_n again_o more_o universal_o let_v not_o the_o gratification_n of_o any_o lust_n as_o sensuality_n luxury_n ease_n and_o sloth_n malice_n illwill_a pride_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n equality_n or_o liberty_n revenge_n envy_n ambition_n vainglory_n covetousness_n not_o the_o procurement_n of_o some_o advantage_n for_o employment_n preferment_n rule_n gain_n trade_n or_o the_o like_a in_o the_o least_o peep_n in_o and_o mix_v with_o the_o noble_a end_n before_o mention_v let_v not_o last_o even_o the_o pleasure_n satisfaction_n and_o delight_n we_o may_v find_v in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n such_o as_o clear_a perception_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n his_o attribute_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a future_a sublime_a and_o of_o great_a concernment_n especial_o our_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o both_o great_a and_o good_a passion_n as_o admiration_n and_o honour_n love_n joy_n faith_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n though_o right_o and_o due_o excite_v according_a to_o the_o true_a goodness_n of_o thing_n understand_v usual_o signify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o transport_v ravishment_n ecstasy_n i_o say_v let_v not_o even_o this_o be_v our_o ultimate_a end_n but_o rather_o one_o exceed_v little_a and_o very_o inconsiderable_a part_n thereof_o the_o other_o of_o be_v bend_v and_o resolve_v to_o please_v god_n by_o do_v all_o good_a be_v infinite_o more_o valuable_a as_o tend_v to_o a_o infinite_o great_a good_a notwithstanding_o let_v we_o maintain_v and_o cherish_v this_o
that_o i_o have_v and_o shall_v give_v that_o we_o may_v pray_v thing_n just_a true_a important_a the_o most_o general_a good_a thing_n and_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o particular_a one_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v well_o furnish_v with_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v pray_v sincere_o fervent_o as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v and_o seasonable_o that_o we_o may_v well_o express_v and_o convey_v both_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n to_o other_o with_o who_o we_o pray_v and_o indeed_o one_o reason_n why_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o ill_o so_o useless_o offensive_o and_o mischievous_o perform_v and_o so_o may_v likewise_o hereafter_o again_o be_v because_o some_o man_n have_v be_v perpetual_o pray_v and_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o little_a or_o none_o in_o the_o reflection_n upon_o it_o or_o examination_n of_o it_o according_a to_o such_o rule_n as_o i_o now_o propose_v and_o much_o less_o in_o the_o study_n and_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o other_o just_a now_o mention_v there_o be_v time_n likewise_o of_o do_v more_o good_a by_o relieve_v the_o indigent_a and_o deserve_a person_n with_o what_o they_o most_o want_v of_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o instruct_v reprove_v exhort_v reconcile_a and_o determine_v of_o difference_n of_o any_o way_n help_v or_o assist_v another_o in_o any_o of_o his_o affair_n a_o thousand_o other_o way_n there_o be_v of_o do_v good_a which_o have_v also_o their_o time_n that_o be_v they_o be_v then_o in_o such_o circumstance_n the_o best_a we_o can_v do_v or_o we_o can_v do_v the_o most_o good_a thereby_o now_o if_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v these_o thing_n we_o shall_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v it_o will_v be_v unseasonable_a moreover_o in_o order_n to_o the_o get_n or_o preserve_v or_o increase_n our_o power_n or_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o serve_v god_n more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n preserve_v or_o augment_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o food_n raiment_n habitation_n rest_v and_o consequent_o health_n and_o strength_n liberty_n not_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o other_o by_o debt_n engagement_n goodname_n authority_n opportunity_n and_o leisure_n of_o gain_v instruction_n and_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n by_o read_v meditation_n conference_n final_o riches_n by_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v whole_o obtain_v or_o in_o part_n i_o say_v in_o order_n to_o this_o every_o person_n have_v some_o call_v some_o action_n of_o life_n or_o other_o to_o which_o he_o mostwhat_a apply_v himself_o and_o the_o former_a good_a thing_n be_v the_o reward_n or_o some_o way_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n therein_o in_o this_o it_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n be_v take_v up_o how_o much_o of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v therein_o and_o when_o it_o will_v do_v most_o good_a to_o employ_v himself_o there_o and_o when_o elsewhere_o every_o man_n own_o sincere_a prudence_n as_o it_o must_v in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n before_o recite_v govern_v by_o reason_n experience_n advice_n of_o the_o most_o sober_a discreet_a wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n must_v only_o determine_v this_o in_o general_n be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o best_a effect_n for_o man_n to_o fill_v up_o all_o their_o life_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o call_v and_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o then_o either_o think_v real_o or_o pretend_v there_o be_v no_o season_n at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v also_o be_v too_o mindless_a of_o they_o for_o example_n it_o will_v be_v unseasonable_a to_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n of_o pray_v and_o it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o good_a harvest_n among_o other_o thing_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v reap_v to_o be_v stand_v still_o and_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o a_o danger_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v fly_v from_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pray_v with_o let_v and_o long_a prayer_n ejaculatory_a may_v always_o be_v use_v for_o any_o good_a thing_n or_o prevention_n or_o removal_n of_o any_o evil_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v not_o desire_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o man_n who_o see_v a_o house_n fall_v upon_o his_o head_n fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o cry_n out_o god_n help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o but_o will_v not_o stir_v out_o of_o the_o place_n there_o be_v indeed_o but_o little_a danger_n hereof_o in_o temporal_a and_o sensible_a good_a thing_n but_o in_o spiritual_a i_o doubt_v it_o be_v frequent_a where_o man_n perhaps_o pray_v much_o and_o often_o to_o god_n to_o be_v sanctify_v to_o be_v secure_v from_o god_n wrath_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o anger_n but_o take_v no_o care_n and_o use_v no_o endeavour_n at_o any_o time_n to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o prevent_v the_o other_o some_o of_o that_o very_a time_n possible_o may_v be_v better_a and_o more_o seasonable_o spend_v in_o meditate_v consider_v watch_v resolve_v inform_v inculcate_a thing_n upon_o themselves_o most_o common_o this_o absence_n of_o all_o endeavour_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o formality_n or_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n or_o at_o least_o of_o fervency_n in_o our_o prayer_n sometime_o indeed_o in_o person_n of_o a_o more_o movable_a and_o changeable_a temper_n there_o may_v be_v in_o their_o prayer_n some_o real_a flash_n of_o strong_a affection_n without_o any_o consequent_a endeavour_n the_o next_o minute_n almost_o those_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v forget_v and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o take_v up_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o any_o other_o object_n which_o succeed_v 2._o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v seasonable_a as_o to_o the_o part_n or_o several_a ingredient_n sometime_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o prayer_n may_v be_v spend_v in_o acknowledgement_n as_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v dull_a and_o insensible_a of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o he_o of_o our_o be_v perfect_o at_o his_o dispose_n of_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o be_v or_o do_v any_o the_o least_o thing_n for_o ourselves_o without_o he_o then_o i_o say_v we_o may_v more_o particular_o and_o large_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o our_o own_o imperfection_n sometime_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o petition_n for_o strength_n to_o amend_v and_o for_o forgiveness_n may_v be_v most_o seasonable_o enlarge_v as_o upon_o such_o time_n as_o prudent_o be_v appoint_v for_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o any_o number_n and_o company_n together_o the_o same_o may_v be_v do_v seasonable_o by_o person_n in_o secret_a and_o retire_o by_o themselves_o sometime_o thanksgiving_n may_v be_v most_o seasonable_o insist_v upon_o a_o enumerate_n of_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n with_o correspondent_a affection_n of_o thanks_o and_o love_n therefore_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v the_o best_a to_o spend_v most_o of_o the_o time_n in_o petition_n to_o do_v it_o very_o particular_o yet_o in_o thing_n of_o concernment_n and_o which_o we_o most_o want_v 3._o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v seasonable_a as_o to_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o these_o part_n or_o ingredient_n thus_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a in_o acknowledgement_n most_o to_o insist_v upon_o god_n power_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o some_o single_a instance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o his_o attribute_n to_o mention_v other_o may_v be_v impertinent_a or_o unseasonable_a it_o may_v exclude_v those_o thing_n which_o will_v do_v more_o good_a of_o this_o we_o can_v want_v instance_n in_o the_o several_a occasion_n of_o address_n to_o god_n both_o in_o public_a form_n and_o private_a usage_n of_o our_o life_n where_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v oft_o too_o general_o or_o improper_o use_v to_o give_v thanks_o and_o petition_n very_o particular_o and_o copious_o for_o many_o thing_n when_o the_o occasion_n be_v special_a for_o one_o thing_n as_o at_o meat_n be_v mostwhat_a unseasonable_a but_o to_o do_v iâ—_n for_o the_o benefit_n then_o receive_v be_v seasonable_a to_o confess_v some_o sin_n with_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o they_o be_v unseasonable_a or_o if_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o too_o particular_o and_o when_o it_o will_v be_v interpret_v to_o proceed_v from_o pride_n or_o envy_n then_o to_o mention_v such_o thing_n will_v be_v unseasonable_a to_o confess_v those_o sin_n which_o the_o person_n and_o company_n have_v be_v true_o most_o guilty_a of_o which_o be_v â—he_v most_o frequent_o commit_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v
error_n and_o mistake_v superstition_n dulness_n insincerity_n formality_n coldness_n that_o god_n will_v help_v his_o invention_n attention_n judgement_n memory_n both_o in_o thing_n and_o word_n proper_a for_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v more_o particular_o know_v god_n attribute_n his_o own_o sin_n god_n mercy_n his_o own_o want_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o pray_v for_o these_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o prayer_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o best_a of_o they_o first_o and_o most_o for_o example_n more_o for_o the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n as_o also_o for_o sincerity_n fervency_n and_o prudent_a seasonableness_n of_o what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o prayer_n than_o for_o multitude_n or_o variety_n celerity_n or_o volubility_n more_o also_o for_o sense_n and_o affection_n than_o for_o the_o sign_n of_o they_o speech_n and_o gesture_n or_o more_o for_o good_a understanding_n and_o affection_n than_o for_o utterance_n and_o eloquence_n to_o have_v the_o aforesaid_a habitual_a qualification_n for_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v in_o some_o mens_fw-la and_o in_o scripture-phrase_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o therefore_o we_o see_v he_o have_v the_o best_a part_n who_o have_v the_o best_a qualification_n and_o he_o the_o most_o who_o have_v the_o most_o he_o who_o pray_v true_a just_a and_o important_a solid_o useful_a thing_n with_o sincerity_n just_a and_o due_a fervency_n frequency_n and_o seasonableness_n though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o short_a have_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n than_o he_o that_o have_v in_o his_o prayer_n great_a variety_n indeed_o of_o matter_n and_o word_n but_o it_o be_v what_o be_v false_a or_o uncertain_a unjust_a small_a trivial_a or_o with_o insincerity_n vainglory_n formality_n or_o he_o who_o heat_n and_o fervency_n be_v only_o bodily_a passion_n raise_v up_o by_o motion_n and_o agitation_n of_o his_o body_n lung_n organ_n of_o speech_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o excellent_a useful_a thing_n because_o see_v and_o perceive_v so_o nor_o feel_v by_o any_o natural_a anticipatory_a sense_n in_o innocent_a soul_n nor_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o which_o one_o certain_a sign_n be_v when_o thing_n be_v untrue_a unjust_a and_o trivial_a these_o i_o say_v be_v sign_n that_o the_o heat_n the_o very_a corporeal_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n come_v not_o from_o understand_v natural_a impression_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o from_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v usual_o the_o natural_a or_o affect_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n i_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o in_o other_o nay_o in_o some_o of_o they_o the_o most_o of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n of_o our_o desire_n our_o sincerity_n and_o proportionable_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n we_o can_v make_v a_o more_o acceptable_a prayer_n to_o god_n than_o for_o such_o qualification_n as_o these_o the_o other_o of_o variety_n particularity_n of_o thing_n but_o especial_o of_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v much_o less_o useful_a and_o considerable_a and_o this_o especial_o if_o we_o be_v private_a person_n and_o the_o less_o it_o be_v our_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o other_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v we_o be_v principal_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n almighty_a will_n by_o his_o immediate_a influence_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v well_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n to_o consider_v examine_v meditate_v reflect_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o may_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o how_o much_o suggest_v to_o and_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o excite_v holy_a affection_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v just_a before_o we_o be_v go_v to_o pray_v or_o in_o prayer_n when_o we_o have_v be_v careless_a but_o yet_o by_o either_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n or_o by_o our_o own_o strain_n excitation_n or_o endeavour_n our_o invention_n and_o memory_n be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o expect_v nor_o indeed_o seem_v it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n which_o way_n god_n help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v whether_o mediate_o by_o mean_n or_o immediate_o so_o it_o be_v do_v sect_n xxi_o 5._o i_o add_v that_o our_o prayer_n for_o we_o may_v pray_v sincere_o for_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o for_o constancy_n of_o sincerity_n itself_o for_o all_o these_o due_a qualification_n may_v be_v successful_a let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v sincere_a heart_a desirous_a and_o ready_a to_o use_v all_o that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o serve_v he_o by_o do_v good_a and_o especial_o in_o this_o case_n if_o god_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o we_o this_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o that_o we_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o ourselves_o above_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o have_v more_o than_o we_o have_v nor_o to_o neglect_v and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n as_o if_o we_o have_v what_o we_o have_v from_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o vainglorious_a contemptuous_a of_o other_o please_v ourselves_o absolute_o in_o our_o own_o superiority_n to_o they_o but_o that_o we_o mortify_v and_o extinguish_v all_o such_o vile_a appetite_n affection_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o degenerate_a and_o sinful_a nature_n and_o that_o we_o humble_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o what_o we_o have_v and_o be_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o due_a estimation_n of_o it_o that_o we_o remember_v very_o well_o like_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o it_o that_o we_o and_o all_o we_o have_v be_v give_v we_o not_o for_o ourselves_o only_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o to_o please_v god_n by_o do_v good_a with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o likely_a capacity_n to_o receive_v these_o thing_n of_o god_n these_o render_v we_o the_o most_o fit_a subject_n for_o god_n suggestion_n instruction_n illumination_n excitation_n of_o holy_a affection_n for_o all_o divine_a thing_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o other_o favour_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psalm_n 25._o verse_n 9_o sect_n xxii_o 6._o in_o one_o word_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o thy_o petition_n and_o propound_v they_o to_o god_n refer_v they_o all_o most_o free_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n let_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v desire_v but_o if_o it_o seem_v not_o fit_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n thou_o retract_a it_o and_o desire_v it_o not_o thou_o obstinate_o desire_v nothing_o by_o this_o mean_n thou_o will_v be_v sure_a that_o all_o thy_o petition_n will_v be_v just_a for_o in_o sum_n thou_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o god_n think_v fit_a and_o sure_o all_o that_o be_v just_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sage_a say_n in_o pir._n avoth_o of_o r._n simeon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v not_o thy_o prayer_n fix_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v to_o the_o rabbi_n and_o agreeable_a enough_o to_o what_o there_o follow_v if_o we_o interpret_v it_o that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v such_o as_o to_o fix_v and_o prescribe_v certain_a law_n to_o god_n but_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a will._n sect_n xxiii_o 7._o which_o indeed_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o most_o general_a be_v not_o content_a and_o satisfy_v with_o any_o prayer_n some_o there_o be_v in_o which_o be_v many_o thing_n false_a some_o in_o which_o be_v many_o petition_n and_o desire_n from_o god_n very_o just_a and_o yet_o with_o a_o strange_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n as_o if_o man_n will_v prescribe_v to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o always_o know_v certain_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o he_o therefore_o will_v do_v in_o thing_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o man_n can_v have_v much_o certainty_n without_o divine_a revelation_n nay_o sometime_o in_o thing_n where_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o desire_v seem_v most_o likely_a to_o other_o beside_o themselves_o to_o be_v just_a and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o grant_v as_o when_o one_o party_n pray_v for_o success_n in_o he_o or_o his_o party_n cause_n for_o victory_n or_o superiority_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v defend_v and_o propagate_v his_o truth_n mean_v some_o certain_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o which_o may_v be_v false_a and_o hurtful_a all_o which_o general_o come_v from_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n mortal_n be_v very_o apt_a
certain_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n too_o that_o there_o be_v better_a consequence_n of_o willing_a to_o pray_v and_o of_o pray_v or_o desire_v thing_n from_o god_n than_o of_o omit_v or_o neglect_v it_o and_o particular_o beside_o those_o many_o other_o excellent_a one_o a_o little_a before_o mention_v the_o receive_n of_o many_o good_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o some_o the_o best_a we_o be_v capable_a of_o better_a consequence_n than_o these_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o petition_v god_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o nay_o hence_o also_o it_o further_a still_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o liberty_n or_o faculty_n of_o self-determination_n it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o perfection_n to_o pray_v but_o also_o our_o obligation_n such_o be_v my_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n for_o certain_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o will_n and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v our_o perfection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o great_a good_a as_o sure_o we_o do_v not_o see_v this_o to_o be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o pretence_n sect_n ii_o 2._o a_o second_o pretence_n man_n make_v use_v of_o be_v want_n of_o ability_n to_o pray_v alas_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n they_o know_v very_o little_a they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n they_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v very_o little_a of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o action_n what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sin_n and_o of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v guilty_a and_o as_o little_a still_o be_v they_o able_a to_o know_v and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o particular_a favour_n and_o benefit_n they_o have_v receive_v or_o the_o thing_n they_o want_v or_o shall_v desire_v especial_o spiritual_a one_o they_o want_v prudence_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v seasonable_a moreover_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a and_o inept_v to_o apprehend_v attend_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o thing_n final_o they_o want_v understanding_n memory_n judgement_n affection_n for_o god_n their_o sin_n their_o mercy_n their_o want_n and_o most_o of_o all_o do_v they_o want_v invention_n and_o memory_n for_o fit_a word_n and_o speech_n alas_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v to_o express_v themselves_o well_o sometime_o they_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o they_o can_v speak_v they_o to_o this_o effect_n be_v their_o second_o excuse_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o all_o this_o except_o that_o of_o want_n of_o apprehension_n and_o affection_n be_v no_o just_a excuse_n for_o not_o join_v with_o other_o in_o prayer_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a it_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o not_o be_v at_o prayer_n and_o come_n to_o they_o for_o there_o mostwhat_a both_o thing_n true_a just_a and_o useful_a very_o particular_o sometime_o and_o word_n too_o be_v invent_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o as_o for_o our_o apprehend_n conceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o prayer_n shall_v contain_v many_o thing_n we_o can_v in_o some_o measure_n apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v withal_o in_o general_a as_o god_n power_n his_o omnipresence_n his_o universal_a goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o justice_n our_o own_o temporal_a want_n and_o mercy_n at_o least_o some_o very_a gross_a and_o palpable_a sin_n begin_v we_o here_o and_o mind_n we_o these_o thing_n first_o and_o then_o as_o for_o other_o more_o particular_a and_o more_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v and_o may_v apply_v our_o mind_n excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o they_o the_o often_o we_o do_v this_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o let_v we_o begin_v and_o try_v and_o use_v ourselves_o to_o it_o a_o while_n how_o many_o who_o make_v this_o excuse_n of_o non-ability_n be_v unwilling_a and_o backward_o so_o much_o as_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o pray_v either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n or_o inclination_n to_o it_o they_o care_v not_o for_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v and_o do_v so_o still_o and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o let_v person_n but_o use_n themselves_o to_o come_v and_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n they_o will_v find_v in_o time_n some_o good_a or_o other_o of_o it_o they_o will_v sometime_o or_o other_o apprehend_v something_o sometime_o or_o other_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v touch_v and_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o find_v something_o which_o may_v please_v there_o howsoever_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o averse_a thereform_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o tedious_a to_o they_o this_o especial_o if_o people_n live_v pretty_a sober_a life_n and_o they_o be_v not_o addict_v to_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v material_o evil_a and_o naught_o but_o their_o chief_a fault_n have_v be_v they_o have_v not_o mind_v their_o due_a end_n in_o their_o action_n so_o much_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v 2._o all_o this_o non-ability_n except_o again_o that_o of_o ineptness_n to_o apprehend_v and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remedy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v no_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o use_v other_o prayer_n or_o form_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o compose_v by_o judicious_a and_o pious_a person_n for_o here_o again_o be_v good_a matter_n and_o word_n ready_a for_o we_o and_o can_v we_o read_v or_o repeat_v these_o with_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a affection_n or_o learn_v they_o and_o repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v or_o can_v read_v the_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a and_o those_o who_o can_v read_v who_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v every_o day_n few_o can_v learn_v some_o such_o prayer_n without_o book_n short_a or_o long_o few_o or_o more_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o prayer_n none_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o memory_n as_o to_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o all_o may_v have_v the_o less_o excuse_n let_v parent_n and_o those_o who_o educate_v child_n teach_v they_o some_o such_o prayer_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v that_o person_n may_v begin_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a thing_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o sustainer_n from_o who_o they_o have_v every_o thing_n 3._o i_o have_v propound_v some_o mean_n already_o which_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o man_n may_v either_o be_v present_a at_o and_o join_v with_o other_o prayer_n or_o read_v and_o repeat_v judicious_a and_o devout_a form_n of_o prayer_n with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o and_o they_o may_v still_o further_o advance_v some_o at_o least_o to_o compose_v prayer_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o other_o prayer_n or_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o observation_n or_o both_o together_o can_v we_o not_o read_v nor_o hear_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o understand_v the_o plain_a place_n and_o some_o of_o we_o the_o obscure_a by_o other_o explication_n can_v we_o not_o read_v other_o good_a religious_a book_n or_o hear_v they_o read_v can_v we_o not_o sometime_o retire_v meditate_v reflect_v think_v of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o will_v be_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v can_v we_o not_o read_v observe_v commit_v to_o memory_n the_o pattern_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n whether_o speak_v or_o write_v can_v we_o not_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o obtain_v one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o good_a prayer_n especial_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n i_o say_v can_v person_n use_v these_o mean_n i_o think_v they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o some_o or_o other_o more_o or_o less_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o degree_n in_o these_o thing_n some_o man_n can_v make_v use_n of_o more_o of_o these_o mean_n and_o more_o frequent_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o like_a ability_n or_o opportunity_n but_o all_o have_v some_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o the_o most_o busy_a dull_a ignorant_a and_o inept_v person_n may_v use_v more_o mean_n to_o be_v better_a than_o they_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v imperfect_a and_o bad_a do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o become_v better_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o beggar_n who_o go_v from_o door_n to_o door_n or_o sit_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n or_o wait_v upon_o swine_n and_o beast_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v sure_a whatever_o else_o will_v and_o which_o will_v condemn_v they_o sect_n iii_o 3._o a_o three_o
person_n in_o his_o sâ—_n reflection_n or_o occasional_a thought_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o clear_o apprehend_v the_o iniquity_n the_o unreasonableness_n the_o folly_n the_o mischievousness_n either_o of_o sin_n in_o general_n or_o of_o any_o particular_a inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n or_o lust_n or_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o profitableness_n and_o consequent_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o action_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o alike_o eligible_a of_o virtue_n in_o general_n or_o of_o any_o particular_a one_o as_o of_o charity_n self-denial_n humility_n spirituality_n i_o say_v when_o one_o clear_o apprehend_v these_o thing_n his_o soul_n may_v of_o a_o sudden_a swell_v and_o burst_v with_o a_o mighty_a desire_n that_o the_o almighty_a and_o all-good_a god_n will_v purge_v rescue_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o such_o base_a and_o detestable_a thing_n as_o his_o lust_n or_o that_o he_o will_v ingenerate_v increase_n and_o confirm_v in_o he_o that_o noble_a excellent_a most_o perfect_a temper_n of_o virtue_n and_o so_o likewise_o there_o may_v be_v ejaculation_n or_o sudden_a darting_n out_o of_o other_o affection_n and_o passion_n beside_o desire_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n as_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n upon_o a_o clear_a sight_n and_o apprehension_n of_o any_o of_o they_o in_o some_o instance_n or_o upon_o any_o occasion_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o attribute_n apprehend_v mighty_a admiration_n honour_n reverence_n love_n joy_n faith_n or_o trust_n etc._n etc._n may_v on_o a_o sudden_a break_v forth_o in_o reflection_n upon_o and_o confession_n of_o one_o fault_n a_o keen_a anâ—_n sudden_a sit_v of_o hatred_n of_o they_o shame_v aâ—_n sorrow_n for_o they_o may_v be_v excite_v and_o so_o in_o thâ—_n rest_n when_o man_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a surprise_a â—_o fright_a with_o any_o great_a evil_n how_o naturals_n do_v they_o shoot_v up_o a_o swift_a and_o strong_a desâ—â—_n for_o god_n protection_n or_o deliverance_n a_o 〈◊〉_d have_v mercy_n on_o they_o though_o they_o neuâ—_n otherwise_o pray_v a_o design_a prayer_n be_v whâ—_n one_o do_v sum_n up_o his_o petition_n forethinkiâ—_n they_o and_o so_o of_o the_o other_o ingredient_n â—_o prayer_n with_o intent_n to_o propose_v and_o direct_v theâ—_n to_o god_n this_o may_v be_v ordinary_a at_o some_o constant_a â—_o time_n and_o mostwhat_a of_o general_a thing_n wiâ—_n occasional_a addition_n as_o once_o or_o often_o â—_o some_o set_a part_n of_o the_o day_n or_o extraordinary_a when_o a_o man_n set_v some_o one_o time_n on_o purpose_n apart_o for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n express_o proposeâ—_n to_o enâ—ertâ—in_v himself_o with_o such_o thought_n aâ—_n affection_n according_a as_o he_o may_v have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n ejaculatory_a prayer_n be_v usual_o very_a servant_n because_o the_o good_a â—_o evil_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o occasional_o desire_a â—_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o apprehend_v and_o then_o the_o soul_n for_o such_o a_o short_a time_n can_v better_o intend_v its_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o final_o all_o passion_n mental_a or_o corporeal_a especial_o these_o last_o in_o a_o little_a time_n fail_v and_o grow_v weak_a but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o have_v a_o care_n too_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v to_o proportion_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o get_v a_o habitual_a judgement_n thereof_o these_o kind_n of_o prayer_n thus_o direct_v and_o therefore_o especial_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o frequent_a be_v of_o excellent_a use_n well_o to_o dispose_v secure_a and_o guard_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o obtain_v all_o other_o the_o good_a effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n hereafter_o to_o be_v mention_v sect_n iii_o iii_o a_o prayer_n be_v usual_o distinguish_v by_o one_o adjunct_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o content_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o or_o diverse_a a_o prayer_n may_v be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o another_o that_o be_v like_a to_o iâ—_n in_o sense_n passion_n speech_n or_o word_n and_o other_o external_a sign_n and_o their_o circumstance_n as_o order_n or_o it_o may_v be_v diverse_a therefrom_o a_o prayer_n may_v be_v the_o same_o only_o in_o sense_n but_o not_o in_o speech_n or_o other_o external_a sign_n they_o may_v change_v and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o passion_n too_o by_o diverse_a word_n or_o other_o sign_n sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o prayer_n may_v be_v the_o same_o in_o speech_n and_o word_n and_o other_o sign_n and_o not_o the_o same_o exact_o in_o sense_n and_o passion_n nay_o i_o think_v it_o hardly_o ever_o be_v and_o thaâ—_n not_o two_o man_n who_o use_v the_o same_o word_n and_o external_a signâ—_n have_v exact_o the_o same_o idea_n and_o sense_n and_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o disposition_n neither_o as_o to_o nature_n or_o degree_n nay_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o even_o the_o same_o person_n use_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o same_o speech_n or_o other_o external_a sign_n have_v very_o rare_o if_o ever_o accurate_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o passion_n signify_v buâ—_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o just_a to_o have_v mention_v sucâ—_n a_o minute_n speculation_n and_o yet_o not_o useless_a iâ—_n its_o place_n but_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o diâ—putes_n and_o controversy_n than_o all_o be_v awaâ—_n of_o when_o a_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o another_o both_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n it_o be_v calledâ—_n form_n of_o prayer_n which_o may_v be_v more_o or_o leâ—_n call_v so_o as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o often_o repeateâ—_n and_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o the_o same_o sense_n anâ—_n word_n so_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n and_o for_o be_v in_o premeditate_a and_o extemporary_a prayer_n which_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o diverse_a from_o aâ—_n other_o prayer_n this_o form_n may_v be_v compose_v by_o one_o seâ—_n who_o recite_v it_o or_o by_o another_o and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n a_o prayer_n thaâ—_n be_v recite_v by_o one_o but_o once_o whether_o compose_v by_o himself_o or_o other_o be_v not_o a_o form_n but_o if_o more_o than_o once_o or_o often_o it_o be_v where_o also_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o hardly_o any_o man_n prayer_n but_o be_v more_o or_o less_o a_o form_n that_o be_v it_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o some_o prayer_n which_o have_v be_v before_o say_v or_o recite_v by_o some_o person_n or_o other_o at_o least_o by_o himself_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o or_o another_o invention_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o form_n more_o or_o less_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o sense_n but_o in_o word_n and_o in_o the_o order_n too_o the_o great_a difference_n even_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o most_o copious_a and_o various_a conceit_n and_o invention_n be_v usual_o in_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v one_o way_n sometime_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o coherence_n not_o very_o remote_a but_o very_o good_a by_o reason_n of_o diverse_a relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o as_o one_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v come_v in_o in_o a_o prayer_n after_o one_o thing_n as_o its_o cause_n and_o so_o as_o a_o mean_n after_o another_o as_o its_o effect_n and_o so_o as_o a_o motive_n after_o another_o as_o one_o of_o its_o kind_n or_o instance_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v premeditate_v by_o a_o person_n use_v to_o reason_v this_o variety_n be_v more_o easy_a but_o if_o it_o be_v extempore_o suppose_v his_o prayer_n be_v one_o continue_a thing_n without_o interruption_n his_o sight_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o thing_n and_o his_o reason_v must_v be_v very_o quick_a or_o else_o ofttimes_o the_o order_n and_o coherence_n will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o unaccountable_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o less_o concernment_n so_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o true_a and_o profitable_a and_o ofttimes_o great_a and_o just_a passion_n cause_v a_o man_n utter_o to_o neglect_v method_n to_o affect_v variety_n in_o prayer_n as_o every_o where_o else_o mere_o for_o itself_o be_v a_o light_n and_o childish_a thing_n and_o the_o be_v please_v therewith_o be_v at_o least_o a_o effect_n of_o imprudence_n and_o so_o much_o unseasonable_a as_o if_o noâ—_n to_o be_v whole_o exclude_v yet_o to_o be_v spare_o admit_v because_o otherwise_o it_o will_v usual_o take_v off_o man_n mind_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v in_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o thing_n speak_v plain_o
thing_n discover_v by_o ouâ—_n own_o reason_n and_o observation_n divine_a and_o humane_a testimony_n and_o as_o for_o this_o last_o let_v it_o be_v of_o the_o most_o wise_a sober_a virtuous_a unprejudiced_a honest_a person_n who_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o free_a from_o superstition_n it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o mischievous_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n judge_v thing_n good_a or_o bad_a and_o more_o or_o less_o so_o according_a to_o their_o inclination_n which_o be_v principal_o cause_v by_o passion_n though_o not_o always_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a effect_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o ought_v therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o dispose_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o great_a affection_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o ourselves_o affection_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o ourselves_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v the_o great_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v so_o the_o most_o universal_o the_o most_o intensly_n and_o most_o constant_o such_o as_o be_v general_o in_o form_n and_o in_o the_o public_a most_o likely_a if_o compose_v and_o allow_v by_o judicious_a wise_a generous_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n the_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o affect_v man_n we_o may_v observe_v be_v selfish_a sensible_a and_o present_a good_a thing_n sometime_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o all_o these_o such_o as_o be_v our_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n our_o be_v elect_v justify_v pardon_v save_v when_o other_o be_v reprobate_v condemn_a punish_v eternal_o sometime_o riches_n plenty_n health_n good_a relation_n or_o friend_n honour_n or_o the_o like_a all_o which_o ofttimes_o be_v the_o least_o good_a thing_n and_o least_o to_o be_v desire_v compare_v with_o other_o either_o because_o they_o be_v but_o sensible_a or_o present_a or_o selfish_a good_a or_o all_o of_o they_o whereas_o thing_n of_o more_o universal_a and_o public_a good_a effect_n spiritual_a future_a aught_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v though_o common_o they_o be_v much_o less_o such_o as_o to_o be_v perfect_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o holy_a to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o and_o please_v he_o to_o be_v universal_o dispose_v and_o enable_v to_o be_v beneficent_a or_o universal_a charity_n and_o beneficence_n self-denial_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_n because_o always_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a humility_n spirituality_n of_o mind_n mortification_n of_o all_o our_o lust_n or_o inordinate_a selfish_a appetite_n etc._n etc._n afterward_o wisdom_n nay_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n we_o be_v more_o to_o desire_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a good_a than_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o our_o persection_n more_o than_o our_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n more_o than_o our_o own_o felicity_n again_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n more_o than_o sensible_a future_o more_o than_o present_a our_o judgement_n final_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o utility_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v direct_v our_o desire_n and_o all_o our_o affection_n in_o our_o prayer_n which_o judgement_n as_o i_o say_v we_o be_v to_o inform_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n by_o god_n word_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o wise_a holy_a and_o good_a man_n so_o far_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v reason_n impartial_o to_o think_v they_o so_o and_o we_o must_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v to_o know_v who_o be_v so_o and_o last_o much_o by_o a_o natural_a sense_n &_o consequent_a passion_n god_n have_v make_v our_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o some_o thing_n our_o conscience_n allow_v it_o he_o have_v anticipate_v our_o nature_n with_o such_o impression_n if_o we_o can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o contract_v by_o bodily_a temper_n education_n example_n this_o of_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o we_o judge_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v so_o considerable_a among_o man_n and_o have_v natural_o so_o much_o influence_n that_o few_o person_n be_v determine_v in_o their_o opinion_n by_o any_o other_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o premeditate_a prayer_n and_o even_o a_o form_n compose_v by_o a_o private_a person_n and_o recite_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v general_o prefer_v before_o a_o form_n compose_v by_o the_o public_a and_o recite_v by_o a_o private_a person_n viz._n because_o man_n general_o be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a or_o profitable_a which_o be_v say_v or_o recite_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o he_o that_o say_v and_o recite_v the_o prayer_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n so_o too_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v affect_v now_o man_n judge_v that_o he_o that_o recite_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o himself_o do_v and_o do_v judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o see_v they_o to_o be_v so_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v he_o say_v those_o thing_n rather_o than_o other_o but_o they_o as_o they_o think_v have_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o judge_v so_o of_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o recite_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o another_o for_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o say_v and_o recite_v that_o and_o no_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v he_o attend_v not_o to_o nor_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o recite_v any_o more_o than_o a_o schoolboy_n be_v with_o his_o lesson_n nay_o though_o the_o reciter_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n shall_v have_v as_o many_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o â—_z as_o he_o that_o recite_v a_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o composition_n yet_o his_o example_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o ordinary_o so_o efficacious_a for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o that_o affection_n may_v come_v from_o custom_n or_o compliance_n or_o the_o like_a but_o here_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_n to_o look_v upon_o such_o public_a form_n as_o compose_v by_o the_o public_a who_o mostwhat_a be_v to_o be_v presume_v wise_a than_o private_a person_n and_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o of_o exceed_v great_a profit_n and_o benefit_n or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v choose_v other_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o those_o let_v the_o reciter_n behave_v himself_o as_o he_o will_n and_o then_o second_o that_o some_o and_o sure_o considerable_a man_n who_o recite_v they_o with_o afction_n do_v it_o real_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v and_o because_o they_o do_v judge_v they_o true_a and_o exceed_o profitable_a not_o only_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o compliance_n and_o then_o it_o may_v as_o reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o the_o great_a affection_n of_o those_o who_o recite_v their_o own_o prayer_n ofttimes_o especial_o in_o extempore_o be_v force_v lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v can_v ofttimes_o they_o proceed_v more_o from_o their_o be_v their_o own_o and_o invent_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o see_v man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v much_o please_v with_o their_o own_o than_o out_o of_o any_o clear_a sight_n or_o judgement_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o utility_n if_o they_o do_v judge_v they_o be_v true_a and_o profitable_a that_o very_a judgement_n may_v proceed_v from_o that_o self-love_n and_o esteem_n three_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o proportion_n to_o such_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o example_n of_o he_o that_o say_v or_o recite_v they_o if_o we_o think_v not_o good_a to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a herein_o we_o shall_v have_v great_a and_o clear_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o such_o modesty_n as_o to_o be_v backward_o to_o signify_v it_o let_v all_o man_n here_o as_o in_o all_o prayer_n do_v what_o they_o can_v what_o they_o see_v and_o assent_v to_o as_o true_a and_o judge_v it_o good_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v so_o let_v they_o join_v in_o that_o and_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v their_o hearty_a affection_n in_o that_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v not_o through_o laziness_n or_o prejudice_n especial_o from_o revenge_n wilful_o neglect_v or_o reject_v it_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a affection_n in_o diversity_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o usual_a or_o general_a but_o not_o constant_a or_o universal_a for_o sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v more_o affectionate_o use_v as_o when_o person_n be_v of_o a_o slow_a and_o staid_a temper_n not_o care_v to_o enlarge_v their_o knowledge_n or_o their_o desire_n but_o
very_o well_o content_a with_o what_o they_o have_v also_o when_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o already_o have_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v very_o excellent_a or_o the_o very_o best_a or_o much_o better_a than_o what_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v withal_o in_o any_o other_o purposely_o keep_v &_o cherish_v their_o affection_n for_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v already_o place_v they_o &_o withhold_v they_o from_o other_o for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o frequent_a &_o repeat_v conjunction_n their_o affection_n be_v far_o more_o real_a ready_a and_o strong_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o form_n then_o to_o any_o new_a thing_n not_o before_o hear_v by_o they_o in_o other_o prayer_n as_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v cause_v by_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v better_o or_o equal_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o new_a thing_n where_o we_o have_v not_o time_n nor_o perhaps_o ability_n to_o compare_v so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o by_o a_o knowledge_n or_o belief_n that_o nothing_o or_o very_o few_o thing_n be_v so_o such_o a_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n be_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o esteem_n and_o love_v then_o ignorance_n if_o we_o will_v try_v for_o example_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o may_v find_v it_o so_o if_o we_o often_o say_v our_o father_n and_o have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o comprehensive_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v wise_o and_o tender_o good_a to_o we_o have_v bring_v we_o forth_o bring_v we_o up_o do_v still_o and_o must_v always_o provide_v for_o our_o good_a in_o all_o respect_v spiritual_a bodily_a here_o hereafter_o and_o as_o often_o endeavour_v to_o join_v a_o cordial_a and_o ardent_a affection_n of_o love_n to_o this_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o joy_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o frequent_a usage_n when_o we_o pronounce_v these_o word_n we_o shall_v most_o ready_o have_v such_o a_o conceit_n and_o apprehension_n and_o strong_a affection_n too_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o when_o we_o pray_v forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n have_v we_o then_o a_o apprehension_n or_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o most_o universal_a charity_n for_o who_o shall_v we_o not_o love_n when_o we_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o conjoin_v we_o strong_a and_o eagr_a desire_n therewith_o send_v the_o petition_n wrap_v up_o in_o a_o inward_a sigh_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v it_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v upon_o use_n that_o whenever_o we_o hear_v or_o pronounce_v the_o one_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o apt_a and_o ready_a to_o have_v the_o other_o too_o those_o who_o have_v pious_o and_o devout_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v have_v ofttimes_o experience_v that_o if_o any_o sentence_n therein_o have_v much_o affect_v they_o the_o often_o they_o have_v think_v thereof_o the_o more_o real_a and_o ready_a and_o great_a have_v be_v their_o affection_n there_o may_v be_v too_o much_o frequency_n and_o the_o succession_n may_v be_v too_o quick_a what_o inverval_n of_o form_n be_v convenient_a and_o do_v not_o hinder_v attention_n and_o affection_n will_v easy_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n where_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o prejudice_n as_o for_o extempore_o prayer_n leave_v to_o the_o extempore_o memory_n invention_n judgement_n of_o the_o reciter_n whether_o natural_a or_o pretend_a to_o be_v inspire_v it_o have_v so_o much_o the_o disadvantage_n to_o compare_v it_o first_o of_o the_o other_o two_o viz._n public_a or_o private_a form_n and_o premeditate_a prayer_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n thereof_o be_v so_o many_o more_o and_o great_a and_o the_o conveniency_n so_o much_o few_o or_o less_o that_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v where_o they_o can_v be_v have_v except_o very_o rare_o as_o where_o a_o person_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n that_o his_o extempore_o may_v be_v better_o than_o his_o own_o premeditate_a or_o recite_v form_n and_o in_o itself_o too_o very_o good_a some_o man_n may_v have_v more_o considerable_a thing_n suggest_v by_o a_o quick_a and_o sudden_a excitation_n and_o heat_n of_o themselves_o with_o exercise_n and_o by_o consequent_a bodily_a passion_n and_o they_o may_v give_v better_a judgement_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o utility_n than_o if_o they_o consider_v never_o so_o long_o with_o which_o their_o head_n be_v dull_v attention_n confound_v they_o nay_o even_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a law_n of_o union_n between_o body_n and_o soul_n or_o natural_o they_o may_v hereby_o be_v more_o generous_o intellectual_o divine_o dispose_v and_o incline_v viz._n to_o thing_n that_o be_v large_a and_o great_a and_o therefore_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v future_a spiritual_a of_o most_o universal_a good_a effect_n their_o animal_n spirit_n be_v in_o great_a plenty_n subtilise_v and_o stront_o but_o not_o ungovernable_o agitate_a where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o governable_a bodily_a passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v always_o neglect_v but_o they_o may_v be_v sometime_o on_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o and_o approve_v by_o our_o prudence_n but_o except_o i_o say_v such_o a_o rare_a case_n only_o where_o a_o form_n or_o premeditate_a prayer_n can_v be_v have_v a_o extempore_o one_o may_v sometime_o be_v use_v as_o where_o a_o person_n have_v not_o the_o other_o two_o present_a or_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o time_n to_o premeditate_a one_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o some_o prayer_n be_v recite_v to_o as_o in_o some_o sudden_a danger_n even_o in_o profitable_a affection_n much_o more_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n the_o other_o prayer_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o that_o affection_n which_o be_v in_o it_o be_v mostwhat_a force_a and_o strain_v or_o excite_v by_o loud_a voice_n and_o bodily_a action_n or_o by_o bodily_a temper_n in_o general_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o precede_a judgement_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v even_o in_o those_o very_a person_n themselves_o who_o pray_v as_o inconsiderable_a as_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v though_o most_o auditor_n be_v oft_o mistake_v and_o think_v it_o be_v or_o their_o affection_n be_v but_o the_o relic_n of_o some_o they_o have_v former_o have_v it_o may_v be_v with_o judgement_n little_a enough_o whence_o they_o be_v general_o less_o and_o more_o superficial_a than_o especial_o in_o premeditate_a prayer_n where_o we_o have_v with_o approbation_n pitch_v upon_o thing_n it_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v worse_o use_v and_o place_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o absolute_o suppose_v a_o man_n can_v use_v no_o other_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o none_o at_o all_o sometime_o better_o than_o none_o sometime_o very_o good_a it_o be_v according_a as_o the_o person_n be_v and_o their_o present_a temper_n according_a to_o their_o quickness_n of_o approcheâ—sion_n and_o memory_n both_o of_o thing_n and_o consequence_n and_o of_o word_n whether_o just_a wheâ—_n they_o be_v pray_v or_o sometime_o before_o invenâ—ted_v by_o themselves_o or_o learn_v from_o other_o or_o as_o be_v usual_o express_v according_a to_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o invention_n memory_n anâ—_n judgement_n moreover_o according_a to_o the_o viriety_n truth_n profitableness_n of_o their_o thought_n accompany_v with_o suitable_a affection_n or_o â—_o use_v to_o be_v say_v according_a as_o their_o mind_n arâ—_n well_o furnish_v with_o matter_n both_o of_o sense_n be_v language_n anâ—_n with_o due_a affection_n form_v judicious_o or_o at_o present_a by_o a_o certain_a generous_a habitual_a temper_n of_o mind_n excite_v towards_o thing_n suitable_o to_o their_o degree_n or_o valâ—â—_n and_o excellency_n i_o say_v according_a as_o these_o aâ—_n more_o or_o less_o in_o a_o person_n his_o extempore_o prayâ—_n will_v be_v better_a or_o worse_o and_o he_o may_v more_o 〈◊〉_d less_o trust_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a that_o thoâ—_n very_a person_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o quality_n can_v perform_v extempore_o prayer_n well_o can_v with_o some_o premeditation_n do_v it_o far_o better_a but_o as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o person_n they_o be_v so_o deficient_a in_o they_o that_o it_o be_v far_o better_a they_o shall_v themselves_o make_v a_o form_n of_o their_o own_o or_o use_v another_o or_o at_o least_o premeditate_v and_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v altogether_o abstain_v and_o omit_v to_o pray_v at_o all_o for_o slowness_n and_o faultringness_n of_o conceit_n and_o utterance_n for_o want_v of_o quick_a memory_n invention_n judgement_n tautology_n for_o want_n of_o either_o past_a invention_n or_o present_a ready_a ready_a memory_n falshood_n trivialness_n unprofitableness_n mischievousness_n of_o thing_n and_o impropriety_n and_o unfitness_n of_o speech_n for_o want_n of_o past_a or_o present_a good_a judgement_n and_o present_a memory_n
so_o also_o vain_a and_o groundless_a affection_n strain_v and_o force_v by_o bodily_a temper_n loudness_n of_o voice_n or_o stir_a action_n only_o be_v certain_o all_o of_o they_o scandalous_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n to_o be_v prevent_v and_o better_a to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o room_n if_o it_o can_v be_v without_o great_a inconvenience_n as_o sure_o there_o may_v by_o the_o use_n of_o either_o a_o public_a or_o private_a form_n make_v by_o other_o or_o one_o self_n or_o by_o praemeditation_n extempore_o prayer_n especial_o speak_v with_o real_a or_o seem_a great_a and_o counterfeit_a passion_n may_v be_v ofttimes_o so_o hurtful_a that_o there_o have_v better_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o thereby_o those_o who_o do_v not_o see_v nor_o understand_v their_o defect_n in_o those_o thing_n beforementioned_a get_v a_o habit_n of_o imitate_v they_o have_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o much_o better_a thing_n furnish_v with_o and_o their_o affection_n raise_v to_o nonsense_n that_o be_v only_a word_n and_o sound_n or_o to_o thing_n extraordinary_o confuse_o conceive_a and_o understand_v and_o those_o mean_a trash_n false_a trivial_a or_o mischievous_a particular_o sometime_o as_o relate_v to_o god_n impious_a but_o for_o those_o who_o have_v knowledge_n anâ—_n judgement_n enough_o to_o observe_v those_o defect_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o candid_a at_o least_o they_o caâ—_n not_o join_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o their_o prayer_n aâ—_n to_o they_o such_o and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o offend_v to_o see_v so_o useful_a a_o office_n so_o much_o spoyleâ—_n and_o ill_o perform_v so_o unbecome_o triss_o or_o mischievous_o when_o it_o may_v be_v doâ—_n much_o better_a some_o and_o very_o many_o lâ—_n wise_a and_o candid_a be_v dispose_v to_o neglect_v anâ—_n despise_v by_o too_o rash_a a_o conclusion_n from_o one_o â—_o more_o person_n particular_a defect_n and_o infirmity_n the_o whole_a prayer_n his_o person_n and_o his_o religion_n too_o and_o it_o may_v be_v ofttimes_o if_o not_o â—_o religion_n yet_o all_o the_o external_a public_a officeâ—_n thereof_o and_o think_v that_o true_o there_o be_v no_o gooâ—_n to_o be_v get_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v childâ—_n or_o vulgar_a thing_n not_o become_v man_n but_o â—_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o vâ—_n lieu_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o may_v spend_v theâ—_n time_n elsewhere_o better_o i_o say_v again_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o a_o man_n have_v weâ—_n consider_v and_o judge_v of_o plenty_n and_o variety_n of_o thing_n true_a and_o profitable_a whether_o by_o himself_o invent_v or_o learn_v from_o other_o wise_a and_o pious_a man_n these_o thing_n also_o clothe_v with_o fit_a and_o convenient_a expression_n and_o be_v oâ—_n a_o ready_a easy_a strong_a memory_n to_o retain_v and_o use_v they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v of_o a_o quick_a invention_n and_o judgement_n to_o discern_v the_o verity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o thing_n at_o present_a suggest_a or_o inven_v from_o their_o likeness_n to_o or_o consequence_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v deliberate_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n or_o other_o testimony_n judge_v true_a and_o useful_a and_o have_v be_v according_o discreet_o affect_v so_o far_o be_v the_o man_n more_o sit_v to_o use_v and_o trust_v to_o extempore_o prayer_n with_o other_o add_v hereto_o that_o frequency_n of_o use_n of_o either_o a_o form_n or_o premeditate_a or_o extempore_o prayer_n or_o all_o of_o they_o and_o of_o judicious_a reflection_n thereupon_o may_v make_v it_o more_o easy_a and_o allowable_a insomuch_o that_o variety_n of_o true_a useful_a and_o just_a thing_n will_v never_o fail_v speedy_o to_o present_v themselves_o to_o some_o person_n what_o come_v to_o their_o mind_n and_o what_o they_o speak_v may_v be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v piece_n of_o various_a form_n premeditate_a and_o compose_v by_o other_o or_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v best_a able_a and_o in_o best_a temper_n a_o little_a alter_v or_o dispose_v by_o a_o present_a prudence_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v as_o true_a just_a important_a and_o more_o seasonable_a and_o fervent_a than_o the_o thing_n in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o form_n of_o other_o or_o their_o own_o compose_n when_o possible_o they_o be_v not_o in_o so_o good_a a_o temper_n especial_o if_o the_o person_n be_v possess_v habitual_o with_o holy_a and_o generous_a affection_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o be_v such_o in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n as_o for_o secret_a prayer_n there_o need_v no_o extempore_o prayer_n at_o all_o a_o man_n may_v take_v what_o time_n he_o please_v to_o find_v out_o and_o judge_v what_o iâ—_n most_o fit_a to_o be_v pray_v and_o particular_o whaâ—_n he_o will_v have_v he_o may_v put_v what_o interval_n hâ—_n please_v between_o every_o sentence_n and_o affect_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o iâ—_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unadvised_a thing_n for_o he_o â—_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o comâ—_n next_o as_o for_o inspiration_n that_o be_v invention_n memory_n judgement_n affection_n excite_v and_o furnish_v by_o god_n special_a extraordinary_a influencâ—_n and_o action_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n by_o no_o mean_n now_o â—_o be_v trust_v to_o in_o our_o prayer_n with_o other_o mâ—_n be_v very_o natural_o fond_a of_o this_o as_o a_o signâ—_n great_a favour_n with_o god_n almighty_a and_o a_o probable_a one_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o not_o a_o necessary_a onâ—_n for_o god_n may_v inspire_v a_o bad_a man_n or_o at_o leaâ—_n worse_o than_o some_o not_o inspire_v not_o for_o his_o owâ—_n but_o for_o other_o sake_n and_o a_o very_o sincere_o generous_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n self-denying_a pious_a just_a charitable_a humble_a and_o spiritual_o mind_v be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a perscâ—_n than_o a_o inspire_a one_o unless_o it_o be_v with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o habitual_a holiness_n nor_o be_v the_o absolute_a and_o ultimate_a affectation_n and_o love_n of_o any_o such_o great_a privilege_n as_o inspiration_n any_o better_a than_o a_o branch_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n which_o its_o likely_a be_v much_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n when_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o grant_v it_o often_o and_o liberal_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n st._n paul_n exhort_v they_o to_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n such_o as_o prophesy_v tongue_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v but_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n wrought_v by_o god_n special_a immediate_a action_n but_o yet_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v show_v they_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n and_o that_o be_v charity_n he_o say_v also_o of_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v all_o those_o gift_n and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o eloquence_n prophesy_v understand_v of_o the_o obscure_a and_o deep_a mystery_n universal_a knowledge_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n to_o his_o brethren_n express_v itself_o in_o all_o those_o lovely_a effect_n mention_v by_o he_o it_o all_o profit_v nothing_o he_o be_v a_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n a_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n be_v much_o admire_v but_o vain_o it_o do_v no_o good_a nay_o it_o may_v be_v harm_n those_o three_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n viz._n 12_o 13_o and_o 14._o will_v do_v well_o to_o be_v often_o read_v by_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o pretend_v too_o huff_o too_o and_o value_v themselves_o too_o much_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o generous_a and_o sincere_o holy_a man_n deserve_v more_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o his_o wisdom_n spirit_n and_o temper_v express_v in_o that_o and_o such_o like_a place_n than_o for_o all_o the_o mystery_n he_o teach_v and_o all_o the_o part_n and_o gift_n he_o have_v and_o all_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o much_o sure_a sign_n than_o they_o be_v of_o his_o inspiration_n and_o the_o divine_a superintendency_n and_o care_n over_o he_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o write_v i_o know_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o god_n by_o his_o immediate_a special_a influence_n may_v assist_v or_o help_v our_o invention_n memory_n judgement_n and_o affection_n in_o prayer_n but_o than_o â—_o add_v who_o know_v when_o and_o how_o much_o it_o may_v please_v he_o so_o to_o do_v that_o i_o think_v it_o iâ—_n principal_o to_o the_o diligent_a in_o conjunction_n with_o our_o care_n endeavour_v use_v of_o mean_n which_o be_v none_o in_o extempore_o prayer_n but_o in_o a_o premeditate_a prayer_n a_o man_n do_v or_o shall_v seâ—_n himself_o to_o invent_v what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o needful_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v true_a or_o to_o
that_o and_o other_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o and_o look_v at_o both_o the_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o good_a or_o bad_a effect_n of_o any_o of_o they_o not_o to_o observe_v and_o regard_v only_o the_o conveniency_n of_o one_o but_o not_o its_o inconvenience_n and_o so_o cry_v it_o up_o and_o contrariwise_o the_o inconveniecy_n of_o avother_n but_o not_o its_o conveniency_n and_o so_o make_v a_o great_a cry_n against_o it_o according_o as_o they_o chance_v to_o be_v affect_v they_o ought_v also_o wâ—ll_n to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o the_o true_a goodness_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o degree_n from_o the_o disâ—inct_a sight_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o â—â—eir_n effect_n in_o which_o last_o they_o be_v to_o be_v especial_o careful_a they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o most_o common_a error_n of_o judge_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o or_o concomitant_a wâ—â—h_n other_o to_o be_v entire_o their_o effect_n when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o at_o all_o or_o but_o in_o part_n and_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o other_o thing_n altogether_o or_o principal_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o conceit_a hotheaded_a rash_a person_n to_o determine_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o private_a assembly_n much_o less_o in_o a_o national_a church_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v upright_o virtuous_a godly_a pious_a spiritual_a considerative_a attentive_a of_o good_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o humane_a nature_n especial_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o or_o in_o two_o word_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a and_o good_a to_o man_n of_o clear_a true_o inform_v and_o comprehensive_a mind_n there_o appear_v sometime_o much_o less_o &_o sometime_o much_o more_o difference_n between_o thing_n than_o to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o generality_n who_o withal_o remember_v how_o short_a their_o comprehension_n be_v and_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o unhappy_a lot_n of_o those_o who_o see_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v fierce_o contend_v for_o and_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a blind_a passion_n judge_v great_a to_o be_v think_v or_o to_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v think_v cunning_a selfish_a and_o unconsciencious_a man_n their_o calmness_n and_o almost_o indifferency_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o self-interest_n compliance_n desire_v of_o quiet_a or_o ease_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o be_v true_o one_o of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o self-interest_n be_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o general_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n by_o activity_n and_o fierceness_n though_o ill-governed_n for_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v count_v at_o least_o notable_a instrument_n by_o those_o who_o discern_v more_o but_o be_v cunning_o selfish_a though_o there_o be_v man_n too_o of_o those_o sly_a principle_n who_o may_v mix_v themselves_o with_o true_o wise_a and_o sincere_o honest_a person_n for_o shelter_n and_o defence_n and_o this_o for_o the_o three_o distinction_n sect_n iv_o iv_o a_o four_o be_v common_o into_o public_a private_a and_o secret_a prayer_n which_o may_v better_a be_v thus_o viz._n into_o that_o alone_a and_o that_o with_o other_o that_o with_o other_o may_v either_o be_v with_o some_o select_a small_a company_n as_o that_o with_o family_n the_o often_o the_o better_a daily_o at_o least_o or_o friend_n especial_o sick_a person_n or_o in_o any_o distress_n and_o affliction_n which_o be_v call_v private_a or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a assembly_n or_o company_n as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o must_v recite_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o be_v all_o to_o join_v such_o as_o our_o parochial_a congregation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o public_a prayer_n or_o a_o common_a prayer_n that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o of_o that_o congregation_n or_o to_o many_o câ—ngregations_n secret_a prayer_n or_o that_o which_o be_v alone_o in_o one_o clâ—â—et_n or_o chamber_n or_o any_o retire_a place_n be_v usual_o most_o profitable_a to_o each_o particular_a person_n because_o a_o man_n may_v there_o more_o particularize_v his_o want_n his_o sin_n or_o fault_n which_o hâ—_n beg_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o supply_v to_o mend_v in_o he_o to_o prevent_v to_o pardon_v also_o because_o he_o may_v take_v more_o time_n to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o consider_v any_o of_o the_o ingredient_n in_o a_o prayer_n before_o mention_v any_o thing_n he_o pray_v and_o so_o more_o affect_v himself_o also_o because_o he_o need_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o word_n and_o expression_n order_n and_o coherence_n and_o so_o may_v more_o firm_o intend_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o holy_a affection_n of_o soul_n in_o his_o prayer_n and_o that_o to_o one_o or_o as_o few_o thing_n as_o he_o will_v though_o it_o may_v be_v advisable_a for_o he_o especial_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o other_o or_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o thing_n to_o use_v himself_o to_o clothe_v his_o sense_n and_o affection_n with_o word_n and_o expression_n for_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o reason_n secret_a prayer_n may_v be_v most_o profitable_a to_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n but_o then_o public_a prayer_n be_v most_o extensive_o so_o that_o be_v to_o most_o person_n and_o that_o at_o a_o time_n for_o every_o one_o behave_v themselves_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o and_o with_o those_o fit_a and_o proper_a sign_n of_o their_o sincere_a and_o serious_a inward_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o testimony_n and_o example_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v the_o worship_n we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v to_o that_o all-perfect_a be_v and_o do_v so_o encourage_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o do_v it_o have_v for_o certain_a no_o better_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o they_o see_v it_o the_o general_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o men._n this_o do_v maintain_v a_o general_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ofttimes_o do_v much_o good_a and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v much_o worse_a as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o those_o public_a acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o office_n perform_v to_o he_o beside_o the_o sight_n of_o so_o many_o person_n even_o as_o many_o as_o can_v assemble_v together_o worship_v god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n as_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o command_v sign_n more_o than_o any_o word_n that_o god_n be_v absolute_o supreme_a to_o all_o above_o all_o that_o he_o know_v all_o be_v relative_o good_a to_o all_o the_o common_a parent_n sustainer_n benefactor_n friend_n to_o all_o this_o make_v we_o the_o more_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n perfection_n and_o to_o have_v a_o more_o magnificent_a opinion_n of_o he_o more_o to_o admire_v he_o love_v he_o fear_v he_o obey_v he_o or_o in_o one_o word_n to_o worship_v he_o the_o public_a worship_n therefore_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o suitable_a to_o and_o require_v bâ—_n god_n greatness_n and_o excellent_a majesty_n thâ—_n be_v it_o be_v the_o best_a sign_n of_o our_o opinion_n of_o alâ—_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o his_o infinite_a perâ—â—ctions_n it_o be_v a_o augustness_n and_o magnificent_a he_o â—s_v worthy_a of_o nay_o it_o be_v infinite_o below_o hiâ—_n but_o it_o be_v all_o we_o can_v do_v if_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o eaâ—_n can_v â—eet_v together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o son_n part_n of_o this_o material_a world_n his_o temple_n tâ—_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o worship_n he_o tâ—_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o hear_v his_o wilâ—_n profess_v obedience_n to_o he_o it_o will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n his_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o eâ—fect_a of_o our_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v all_o â—_o we_o to_o bring_v our_o heart_n well_o dispose_v and_o aâ—fected_v with_o reverence_n honour_n love_v anâ—_n praise_n trust_v in_o he_o obedience_n to_o he_o witâ—_n all_o the_o part_n of_o inward_a worship_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v those_o bâ—_n some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a sign_n eâ—_n speech_n and_o gesture_n such_o as_o be_v composeâ—_n look_v eye_n lift_v up_o or_o fix_v liftedup_a hand_n erect_a body_n bend_a knee_n oâ—_n which_o there_o be_v infinite_a natural_a i_o say_v not_o affect_v these_o sign_n be_v the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o for_o to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o serious_a and_o discreet_a people_n with_o such_o carriage_n and_o demeanour_n be_v a_o very_a please_a sight_n and_o draw_v easy_o to_o
bow_v down_o and_o oppress_v this_o happy_a soul_n with_o upright_a and_o cheerly_o countenance_n with_o solid_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o steady_o and_o generous_o walk_v through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o be_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n may_v dispose_v he_o into_o who_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v thus_o pray_v and_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n who_o will_v be_v so_o weak_a and_o foolish_a as_o for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o gratification_n of_o some_o pitiful_a mean_a and_o base_a appetite_n for_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o some_o vile_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n or_o sin_n forego_v and_o quit_v all_o his_o faith_n confidence_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o the_o consequent_a delight_n acquiescence_n case_n peace_n and_o joy_n of_o soul_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v ashamed_a ever_o to_o think_v of_o god_n much_o more_o to_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o or_o ask_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o never_o so_o great_a distress_n who_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n for_o what_o can_v never_o make_v the_o least_o part_n of_o recompense_n yes_o let_v atheist_n and_o worldling_n live_v without_o any_o mind_v of_o or_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n if_o they_o please_v the_o good_a man_n know_v too_o well_o the_o sweetness_n the_o profit_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o to_o do_v likewise_o david_n be_v a_o true_o excellent_a example_n of_o this_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v his_o most_o usual_a cordial_n which_o he_o often_o take_v to_o support_v his_o faint_a and_o tire_a soul_n to_o quell_v and_o compose_v his_o vexation_n fear_n disturbance_n to_o alleviate_v and_o remove_v his_o grief_n and_o sadness_n we_o will_v give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o psalm_n 42._o first_o he_o mention_n his_o present_a sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o his_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o country_n it_o be_v likely_a by_o saul_n and_o principal_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o his_o god_n for_o which_o he_o pant_v and_o thirst_v oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4_o 6._o then_o his_o enemy_n contempt_n and_o insult_a over_o he_o and_o especial_o their_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v reject_v he_o or_o mind_v he_o not_o verse_n 3_o 10._o but_o to_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v himself_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o be_v very_o confident_a god_n will_v hear_v he_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n and_o cheerlily_n chide_v himself_o ver._n 8_o 9_o 11._o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o the_o night_n his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o and_o my_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n that_o be_v yet_o i_o will_v pray_v to_o my_o god_n and_o i_o trust_v and_o know_v he_o will_v give_v i_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o praise_v he_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o i_o at_o all_o time_n i_o will_v say_v unto_o god_n my_o rock_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o why_o go_v i_o mourning_n because_o of_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o verse_n 11._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n again_o the_o very_a next_o psalm_n viz._n 43._o he_o pray_v very_o passionate_o to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n from_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v unmerciful_a deceitful_a unjust_a and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o back_o again_o to_o enjoy_v his_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o temple_n from_o which_o he_o seem_v now_o banish_v oh_o send_v out_o say_v he_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n that_o be_v perhaps_o thy_o enlighten_v or_o rejoice_v truth_n in_o perform_v of_o thy_o promise_n thou_o have_v make_v to_o i_o let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o holy_a hill_n zion_n the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n that_o be_v the_o temple_n build_v instead_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n where_o god_n especial_o manifest_v himself_o or_o where_o be_v very_o special_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n then_o he_o vow_v unto_o god_n that_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o thankfulness_n he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v that_o favour_n verse_n 4._o then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o verse_n the_o last_o he_o be_v full_a of_o good_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o joy_n and_o of_o his_o content_n which_o use_v to_o be_v show_v by_o one_o healthful_a aspect_n and_o countenance_n and_o who_o be_v his_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o petition_n at_o last_o viz._n that_o he_o shall_v praise_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o public_o in_o the_o temple_n again_o in_o psalm_n 55._o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a plight_n that_o he_o be_v in_o because_o of_o the_o constant_a machination_n and_o plot_n of_o his_o enemy_n deceitful_a and_o bloody_a man_n as_o it_o be_v v._o 23._o nay_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v his_o friend_n and_o confident_n who_o have_v forsake_v he_o in_o his_o disgrace_n and_o adversity_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a and_o contemn_v he_o verse_n 12._o his_o enemy_n contrive_v even_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n they_o oppress_v he_o with_o accusation_n and_o reproach_n and_o wrathful_o hate_v he_o whence_o he_o be_v full_a of_o complaint_n and_o mourn_a in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o be_v likelihood_n of_o his_o death_n thereby_o which_o though_o another_o sense_n may_v be_v too_o he_o express_v in_o verse_n 4_o 5_o by_o his_o heart_n be_v pain_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n fall_v upon_o he_o and_o fearfulness_n and_o tremble_a come_n upon_o he_o and_o horror_n overwhelm_v he_o but_o then_o the_o course_n he_o take_v be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o by_o these_o he_o reseve_v himself_o from_o this_o sadness_n and_o grief_n of_o soul_n and_o ease_v comfort_n and_o satisfy_v it_o verse_n 16._o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v save_v i_o verse_n 17._o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noonday_n that_o be_v very_o frequent_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o god_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o verse_n 22._o cast_v thy_o burden_n that_o be_v what_o grieve_v thou_o upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v move_v that_o be_v himself_o to_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n sect_n ix_o a_o three_o way_n how_o prayer_n be_v for_o our_o iii_o iii_o ease_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v by_o reflection_n upon_o our_o have_v perform_v our_o most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a good_a quality_n in_o ourselves_o that_o may_v upon_o this_o occasion_n appear_v as_o in_o general_a upon_o our_o ability_n for_o and_o our_o good_a will_n to_o this_o duty_n or_o performance_n that_o we_o be_v able_a and_o dispose_v for_o such_o excellent_a thing_n as_o be_v in_o prayer_n more_o particular_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o able_a to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o future_a yea_o eternal_a and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o action_n our_o own_o soul_n their_o action_n and_o inclination_n the_o state_n after_o death_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o life_n hereafter_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o god_n perfection_n acknowledge_v they_o real_o honour_v he_o love_n and_o resolve_v to_o obey_v he_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o grieve_v sincere_o and_o hearty_o for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o our_o bad_a and_o sinful_a temper_n and_o inclination_n be_v please_v with_o desire_n pray_v for_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o attend_z to_z and_o be_v frequent_o and_o much_o affect_v with_o thing_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o misery_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sensual_a dull_a worldly_a earthlyminded_n person_n who_o can_v mind_v nothing_o but_o sensible_a present_a and_o worldly_a matter_n for_o this_o short_a life_n all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v and_o confuse_o see_v
unregarded_a and_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o themselves_o be_v alas_o ofttimes_o very_o ignorant_a inept_v careless_a or_o partial_a examiner_n of_o themselves_o man_n may_v thank_v god_n that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v not_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n and_o that_o they_o have_v some_o grace_n as_o sincere_a zeal_n humility_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o have_v not_o but_o instead_o thereof_o or_o at_o least_o mix_v therewith_o wrath_n pride_n vainglory_n or_o in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o true_o have_v as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v they_o may_v thank_v god_n for_o own_v their_o cause_n by_o success_n in_o war_n or_o law_n when_o he_o do_v not_o but_o only_o chastise_v it_o may_v be_v or_o correct_v another_o they_o may_v also_o apply_v general_a or_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o other_o good_a man_n to_o themselves_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n to_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o they_o and_o last_o in_o the_o particular_a deduction_n and_o recital_n of_o our_o case_n or_o condition_n or_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o still_o not_o aggravate_v nor_o extenuate_v more_o than_o be_v true_a as_o a_o man_n may_v propose_v to_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n the_o great_a machination_n and_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n their_o insult_a over_o he_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o they_o if_o he_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o he_o when_o little_a of_o this_o may_v be_v true_a most_o of_o it_o be_v only_o conceit_v so_o out_o of_o pride_n to_o render_v himself_o more_o considerable_a or_o to_o show_v that_o he_o can_v or_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o all_o or_o out_o of_o wrath_n or_o it_o be_v more_o fear_v than_o real_a many_o other_o instance_n of_o these_o particular_n may_v be_v give_v sect_n ii_o ii_o the_o second_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v just_a and_o this_o respect_n only_o that_o part_n of_o prayer_n call_v petition_n when_o we_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v or_o grant_v any_o positive_a or_o privative_a good_a thing_n to_o we_o let_v we_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o we_o can_v that_o it_o be_v just_a he_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o we_o justice_n be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o immediate_o desire_v in_o prayer_n be_v god_n grant_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o here_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o use_v divine_a revelation_n or_o god_n word_n right_o interpret_v and_o our_o own_o best_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o be_v just_o thus_o for_o example_n we_o must_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v gratify_v our_o revenge_n envy_n ambition_n covetousness_n wrath_n vainglory_n or_o any_o other_o lust_n as_o sometime_o the_o ruin_n or_o destruction_n or_o hurt_n of_o our_o enemy_n indeed_o because_o we_o prosperity_n for_o ourselves_o and_o we_o and_o success_n in_o a_o unjust_a or_o wicked_a undertake_n great_a riches_n relation_n employment_n part_n and_o gift_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o do_v good_a therewith_o but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v superior_a to_o other_o or_o acquire_v name_n or_o reputation_n or_o be_v able_a to_o advance_v and_o propagate_v certain_a opinion_n and_o usage_n because_o we_o and_o abolish_v or_o remove_v other_o because_o contrary_a to_o we_o in_o which_o case_n our_o request_n be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v because_o good_a for_o the_o world_n and_o please_v therefore_o to_o himself_o but_o indeed_o to_o gratify_v we_o only_o and_o that_o in_o hurtful_a mischievous_a and_o therefore_o unlawful_a desire_n this_o ofttimes_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o though_o we_o may_v sometime_o slight_o or_o it_o may_v be_v confident_o judge_v the_o thing_n beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o those_o unlawful_a desire_n may_v make_v we_o to_o judge_v so_o sometime_o indeed_o and_o most_o ordinary_o perhaps_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n st._n james_n tell_v his_o fellow_n christian_n that_o some_o of_o they_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o to_o consume_v it_o upon_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n those_o viz._n of_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n james_n 4._o verse_n 3._o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o bring_v it_o with_o a_o wicked_a mind_n prov._n 21._o verse_n 27._o we_o shall_v often_o hear_v of_o fast_n and_o prayer_n of_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a party_n for_o victory_n and_o success_n in_o any_o affair_n and_o thanksgiving_n too_o when_o both_o can_v be_v just_a in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a petition_n that_o god_n will_v favour_v or_o prosper_v the_o just_a cause_n and_o yet_o this_o may_v not_o always_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n neither_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o to_o he_o as_o all_o other_o petition_n thus_o sect_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n pray_v with_o a_o great_a earnestness_n and_o confidence_n for_o the_o conversion_n or_o extirpation_n of_o each_o other_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a but_o one_o of_o those_o prayer_n can_v be_v just_a if_o when_o we_o petition_v god_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o no_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o very_o confident_a and_o bold_a too_o in_o ask_v we_o great_o dishonour_v god_n for_o hereby_o we_o beget_v a_o opinion_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o such_o a_o suitable_a behaviour_n that_o god_n be_v more_o fond_a of_o we_o and_o our_o concern_v then_o of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a that_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o particular_a better_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o as_o if_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v what_o we_o desire_v he_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o if_o we_o do_v attend_v to_o and_o examine_v with_o as_o much_o care_n as_o we_o ought_v before_o we_o pray_v whether_o what_o we_o pray_v be_v just_a and_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v and_o do_v without_o any_o prejudice_n from_o self-love_n conclude_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v mistake_v this_o be_v only_o a_o defect_n of_o our_o knowledge_n the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v soon_o amend_v by_o refer_v all_o our_o petition_n to_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o which_o hereafter_o but_o we_o may_v through_o undue_a self-love_n so_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o think_v ourselves_o so_o acceptable_a and_o dear_a to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v conceit_v it_o can_v but_o be_v just_a for_o he_o to_o do_v what_o especial_o we_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o inspirer_n of_o it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n when_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o pride_n or_o other_o self-love_n petition_v he_o to_o do_v more_o modesty_n better_o become_v we_o whereby_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o due_a judgement_n of_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o have_v that_o and_o do_v with_o good_a reason_n think_v ourselves_o so_o far_o good_a only_a as_o we_o real_o be_v and_o consequent_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o be_v so_o modest_a too_o as_o to_o remember_v that_o we_o can_v but_o very_o rare_o certain_o tell_v in_o particular_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n what_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v just_a for_o he_o to_o do_v he_o who_o be_v all-comprehending_a in_o his_o knowledge_n always_o certain_o know_v and_o to_o he_o therefore_o we_o refer_v the_o justice_n and_o consequent_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n the_o confidence_n of_o some_o person_n in_o their_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n when_o their_o temper_n have_v be_v heat_v especial_o how_o unblamable_a how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a the_o wise_a sort_n of_o heathen_n have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o ask_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o what_o be_v just_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o pindar_n py._n od._n 3._o we_o mortal_n ought_v to_o desire_v from_o the_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v fit_v and_o just_a mind_v the_o present_a of_o what_o condition_n we_o noâ—_n be_v sect_n iii_o iii_o the_o three_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n
neither_o for_o bodily_a nor_o mental_a favour_n yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o of_o far_o less_o good_a effect_n than_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o better_a thing_n more_o and_o first_o as_o they_o deserve_v we_o be_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o thing_n as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v according_a to_o its_o proportion_n of_o goodness_n viz._n in_o such_o proportion_n as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o or_o mean_n to_o the_o last_o end_n the_o universal_a happiness_n and_o because_o for_o example_n all_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n be_v general_o much_o more_o so_o than_o bodily_a we_o must_v be_v often_o and_o more_o sensibe_n of_o they_o more_o frequent_o and_o fervent_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o what_o have_v be_v say_v about_o thankfulness_n may_v be_v advise_v concern_v petition_n that_o we_o desire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n principal_o most_o frequent_o and_o most_o ardent_o the_o most_o universal_a or_o public_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o then_o all_o the_o rest_n or_o any_o of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o true_a degree_n of_o goodness_n too_o we_o see_v man_n general_o faulty_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o they_o will_v pray_v infinite_o more_o hearty_o for_o fair_a wether_n or_o rain_n when_o it_o be_v much_o want_v than_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n nay_o if_o they_o dare_v they_o will_v and_o they_o real_o have_v more_o mind_n to_o it_o pray_v against_o those_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v disturb_v by_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o pray_v for_o the_o food_n and_o pamper_v of_o their_o body_n than_a for_o that_o which_o may_v increase_v grace_n and_o gift_n in_o their_o soul_n more_o that_o they_o may_v have_v earthly_a friend_n who_o may_v love_v and_o honour_v they_o than_o the_o friendship_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n more_o that_o any_o man_n who_o can_v possible_o punish_v they_o for_o any_o misdemeanour_n will_v forgive_v they_o than_o that_o god_n will_v more_o that_o they_o may_v be_v rich_a than_o honest_a or_o just_a or_o charitable_a or_o make_v good_a use_n of_o riches_n like_o faithful_a servant_n and_o steward_n of_o our_o great_a master_n god_n from_o which_o same_o temper_n it_o come_v that_o all_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o favour_n of_o good_a instruction_n exhortation_n example_n and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o instrument_n thereof_o be_v general_o less_o prize_v and_o esteem_v than_o a_o small_a piece_n of_o breâ—d_n or_o money_n than_o the_o least_o good_a appertain_v to_o the_o body_n or_o estate_n and_o their_o reward_n will_v be_v answerable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o law_n or_o the_o sentiment_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a so_o last_o our_o explication_n of_o our_o case_n may_v be_v too_o tedious_a we_o may_v too_o operose_o aggravate_v our_o case_n more_o comparative_o with_o other_o matter_n we_o even_o then_o want_v than_o we_o ought_v this_o of_o petition_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o that_o excellent_a sermon_n after_o he_o have_v warn_v they_o against_o distrust_n solicitude_n and_o over-eager_a care_n concern_v worldly_a good_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o clothing_n he_o add_v but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o its_o righteousness_n that_o be_v probable_o god_n kingdom_n by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n thereof_o or_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o some_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n viz._n goodness_n and_o virtue_n render_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o other_o and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o use_n of_o they_o but_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_n matt._n 6._o verse_n 33._o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o obivous_a that_o it_o be_v commend_v and_o advise_v by_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o address_n to_o their_o go_n their_o pray_v for_o long_a life_n glory_n beauty_n marriage_n posterity_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o vulgar_a use_v to_o ask_v of_o their_o god_n the_o satirist_n deride_v as_o folly_n because_o they_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o have_v as_o much_o evil_a and_o mischief_n attend_v they_o but_o he_o advise_v they_o shall_v rather_o pray_v for_o a_o good_a mind_n courageous_a fearless_a of_o death_n nay_o desirous_a of_o it_o patient_a master_n of_o passion_n despiser_n of_o selfish_a sensual_a pleasure_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o fortem_fw-la posce_fw-la animum_fw-la &_o mortis_fw-la terror_fw-la carentem_fw-la qui_fw-la spatium_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la extremum_fw-la inter_fw-la munera_fw-la ponat_fw-la naturae_fw-la qui_fw-la far_o queat_fw-la quoseunque_fw-la labores_fw-la nesciat_fw-la irasci_fw-la cupiat_fw-la nihil_fw-la &_o poâ—iores_fw-la herculis_fw-la aerumnas_fw-la credat_fw-la saevosque_fw-la dolores_fw-la et_fw-la venere_n &_o plumis_fw-la &_o caenis_fw-la sardanapali_fw-la juven_n sat._n 10._o to_o this_o sense_n ask_v a_o great_a mind_n that_o fear_v not_o death_n welcome_v the_o time_n of_o its_o last_o breath_n that_o firm_o bear_v the_o great_a pain_n slavery_n of_o passion_n that_o disdain_v that_o take_v stout_a virtue_n press_v with_o misery_n before_o soft_a pleasure_n of_o base_a luxury_n sect_n iv_o iv_o a_o four_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o of_o the_o object_n be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o extensive_a as_o may_v be_v this_o also_o appertain_v to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n that_o our_o acknowledgement_n for_o example_n 1._o be_v as_o comprehensive_a as_o may_v be_v and_o general_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v all_o god_n perfection_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o petition_v and_o such_o be_v his_o always_o infinite_a as_o to_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o these_o certain_o comprehend_v all_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o prayer_n more_o particular_a which_o particular_n be_v to_o be_v for_o all_o can_v be_v either_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a concern_n or_o importance_n or_o which_o we_o best_o apprehend_v or_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o or_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o any_o petition_n we_o may_v make_v as_o for_o example_n sometime_o we_o may_v make_v our_o acknowledgement_n not_o only_o of_o god_n goodness_n in_o general_n but_o also_o of_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o such_o as_o his_o forbearance_n of_o we_o so_o long_o notwithstanding_o our_o careless_a or_o contemptuous_a violation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o most_o righteous_a and_o holy_a law_n his_o forgiveness_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sin_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n his_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o any_o particular_a good_a thing_n as_o such_o a_o good_a advantage_n of_o condition_n for_o instruction_n or_o virtue_n such_o a_o assistance_n for_o the_o obtainment_n and_o performance_n of_o any_o particular_a virtue_n and_o duty_n or_o against_o any_o temptation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v usual_o express_v such_o a_o deliverance_n from_o such_o a_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a evil_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o our_o thankfulness_n and_o express_o love_a god_n for_o his_o benefit_n so_o our_o petition_n one_a let_v they_o be_v as_o general_a as_o may_v be_v and_o comprehensive_a it_o be_v convenient_a in_o prayer_n always_o at_o least_o to_o premise_v such_o general_a petition_n before_o particular_a one_o and_o sometime_o for_o want_v of_o time_n or_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v be_v only_o use_v for_o example_n that_o god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o good_a thing_n that_o he_o think_v sit_v and_o just_a as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o use_v when_o he_o pray_v to_o pray_v only_o if_o he_o always_o do_v so_o he_o mâ—ght_v have_v do_v better_a sometime_o to_o have_v propound_v and_o desire_a thing_n more_o particular_o and_o as_o well_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n that_o the_o god_n who_o know_v best_o what_o be_v good_a will_v give_v he_o good_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o xenoph._n in_o memor_fw-la lib._n 1._o as_o xenophon_n report_v and_o somewhat_o more_o particular_o that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o all_o good_a thing_n of_o our_o soul_n body_n estate_n which_o comprehend_v all_o as_o to_o their_o subject_n or_o all_o here_o and_o hereafter_o which_o comprehend_v all_o as_o to_o time_n or_o to_o descend_v further_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n gift_n and_o grace_n which_o comprehend_v all_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o soul_n more_o particular_a yet_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o to_o live_v godly_o righteous_o and_o sober_o which_o comprehend_v all_o grace_n or_o virtue_n all_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o such_o also_o be_v the_o petition_n in_o
the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o then_o 2_o after_o these_o general_a petition_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v there_o be_v other_o as_o particular_a as_o may_v be_v especial_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o sometime_o in_o lesser_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o importance_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o apprehend_v they_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o better_o apprehend_v and_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o particular_a thing_n than_o with_o general_n thus_o let_v we_o pray_v sometime_o for_o particular_a virtue_n or_o grace_n part_n or_o gift_n bodily_a or_o external_a good_a thing_n sometime_o for_o many_o and_o a_o great_a number_n together_o at_o one_o time_n we_o may_v long_o insist_v upon_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o only_a at_o another_o time_n upon_o other_o much_o according_a to_o our_o need_n and_o want_v and_o consequent_o also_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehend_v our_o want_n thereof_o and_o be_v affect_v therewith_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o man_n shall_v make_v reflection_n upon_o their_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a condition_n see_v what_o they_o want_v and_o what_o they_o have_v and_o according_o direct_v their_o endeavour_n and_o their_o prayer_n they_o shall_v observe_v whether_o they_o want_v any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n or_o strength_n against_o any_o sin_n or_o lust_n or_o any_o other_o especial_o more_o useful_a thing_n and_o remember_v the_o next_o time_n to_o propound_v it_o and_o beseech_v it_o of_o god_n more_o earnest_o and_o solemn_o as_o they_o may_v then_o and_o at_o other_o time_n with_o frequent_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n man_n be_v common_o here_o more_o careless_a of_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v be_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n to_o obtain_v they_o ought_v also_o to_o ask_v god_n favour_n in_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o we_o ourselves_o can_v already_o do_v our_o whole_a power_n and_o ability_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v from_o god_n and_o perpetual_o dependent_a upon_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o he_o can_v increase_v in_o we_o as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v as_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n for_o we_o without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n command_v it_o philip._n 4._o verse_n 6._o saying_n 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 the_o heathen_n themselves_o in_o any_o considerable_a affair_n of_o life_n nay_o the_o vulgar_a in_o the_o small_a and_o trifle_v use_v to_o invoke_v or_o by_o some_o rite_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o some_o of_o their_o great_a or_o lesser_a deitys_n again_o let_v our_o petition_n be_v as_o extensive_a as_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o person_n too_o even_o to_o all_o who_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v for_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o â—onsine_n our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n to_o our_o â—elves_n for_o confession_n let_v they_o be_v at_o least_o mostwhat_o very_o comprehensive_a and_o sometime_o as_o â—ften_o as_o be_v meet_v which_o our_o prudence_n must_v determine_v more_o or_o less_o particular_a especial_o of_o frequent_a sin_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n of_o for_o the_o future_a we_o may_v add_v our_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o universal_a in_o the_o most_o general_a term_n and_o sometime_o more_o or_o less_o particular_o and_o these_o be_v some_o direction_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o object_n of_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o they_o sect_n v._o ii_o some_o direction_n concern_v the_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n iâ—_n prayer_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o very_o brief_o to_o recite_v they_o once_o more_o be_v attention_n to_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n consequent_a affection_n anâ—_n motion_n of_o our_o will_n such_o as_o be_v fear_n of_o hâ—_n power_n and_o justice_n if_o we_o do_v offend_v and_o persâ—_n so_o to_o do_v trust_v in_o his_o power_n and_o merâ—â—_n one_o branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o worlâ—_n as_o justice_n strict_o so_o call_v be_v the_o other_o â—â—_o far_o as_o we_o be_v innocent_a or_o repent_v admiration_n honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o he_o for_o aâ—_n his_o perfection_n together_o or_o for_o any_o in_o particular_a unreserved_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o infinitâ—_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n or_o universe_n goodness_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n fit_a and_o just_a to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o universal_a goodness_n love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o universal_a goodness_n thankfulness_n for_o his_o instance_n of_o bounty_n to_o all_o and_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v also_o a_o distinct_a particular_a ingredient_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o these_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o prayer_n before_o mention_v confession_n of_o our_o sin_n profession_n of_o â—ur_n obedience_n thanksgiving_n recital_n of_o â—ur_n case_n or_o condition_n unfeigned_a desire_n â—r_o petition_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n concern_v which_o i_o propound_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o pretend_v only_o but_o â—eally_o in_o thy_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o which_o thou_o use_v the_o fit_a and_o proper_a sign_n â—hat_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o external_n or_o other_o sign_n but_o also_o the_o thing_n signify_v that_o â—here_o be_v not_o only_a word_n with_o their_o loudness_n â—r_o lowness_n quickness_n or_o flowness_n and_o vaâ—ous_a order_n and_o position_n of_o these_o and_o so_o â—ther_o gesture_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n beâ—re_v name_v when_o there_o be_v want_v sense_n â—nd_v understanding_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o atâ—â—tion_n thereto_o and_o all_o other_o those_o inward_a motion_n and_o action_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o mention_v or_o the_o degree_n thereof_o which_o be_v proper_o signify_v by_o they_o when_o thou_o conceive_v or_o utter_v word_n know_v what_o thou_o say_v attend_v to_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v best_a signify_v thereby_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v talk_v not_o like_o a_o parrot_n or_o rather_o like_o young_a child_n at_o school_n when_o they_o say_v their_o lesson_n when_o thy_o voice_n be_v vehement_a or_o loud_a let_v it_o not_o be_v mere_o customary_a or_o because_o thou_o affect_v it_o only_o for_o some_o undue_a end_n for_o some_o undue_a end_n i_o say_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v to_o quicken_v thy_o invention_n or_o memory_n or_o clear_v thy_o conception_n or_o because_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o thing_n thou_o on_o purpose_n excite_a and_o use_v the_o help_n of_o thy_o corporeal_a passion_n to_o affect_v or_o determine_v thy_o soul_n all_o which_o sometime_o be_v and_o may_v appear_v to_o other_o with_o approbation_n to_o be_v no_o unfit_a reason_n let_v thy_o affection_n in_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o convey_v it_o and_o to_o excite_v it_o more_o in_o other_o or_o thyself_o or_o thy_o great_a admiration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o whatever_o passion_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o any_o degree_n be_v proper_o and_o fit_o signify_v by_o thy_o vehemency_n of_o voice_n go_v before_o it_o and_o be_v real_o inherent_a in_o thy_o soul_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v if_o thou_o compose_v thy_o countenance_n or_o take_v thy_o sense_n from_o other_o object_n let_v there_o real_o be_v great_a and_o serious_a attention_n if_o thou_o lifte_v up_o thy_o eye_n or_o hand_n let_v it_o proceed_v from_o inward_a desire_n address_v to_o god_n and_o approbation_n if_o thou_o bende_v thy_o knee_n or_o body_n or_o erect_a it_o by_o stand_v up_o let_v there_o be_v true_o and_o real_o these_o thing_n in_o thy_o soul_n although_o i_o know_v too_o that_o many_o of_o these_o sign_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_o proper_a to_o these_o affection_n and_o action_n of_o soul_n but_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v do_v from_o and_o sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o in_o some_o circumstance_n than_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v a_o needless_a offence_n and_o a_o certain_a christian_a humanity_n and_o civility_n nay_o not_o only_o word_n and_o gesture_n of_o body_n be_v to_o be_v true_a sign_n of_o inward_a operation_n of_o soul_n but_o also_o some_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n true_o signify_v be_v much_o sign_n again_o of_o other_o
the_o most_o unobserved_a by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o insensible_a of_o they_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o we_o do_v not_o want_v be_v unseasonable_a as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o great_a enemy_n and_o save_v we_o when_o we_o have_v none_o we_o know_v to_o invade_v we_o and_o therefore_o to_o imitate_v those_o which_o have_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v use_v well_o now_o if_o we_o have_v they_o and_o to_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v most_o want_n and_o which_o in_o our_o circumstance_n we_o can_v best_o use_v will_v be_v unseasonable_a but_o contrariwise_o in_o the_o place_n of_o such_o petition_n always_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n we_o want_v and_o can_v then_o best_a use_n be_v to_o petition_v seasonable_o in_o general_n it_o be_v certain_a some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o some_o in_o one_o company_n private_a or_o public_a and_o some_o in_o another_o the_o variety_n be_v infinite_a every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v he_o will_v be_v better_o provide_v so_o to_o do_v if_o he_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n when_o it_o may_v do_v most_o good_a and_o more_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n do_v in_o its_o place_n 4._o let_v our_o prayer_n be_v seasonable_a as_o to_o some_o adjunct_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o vehemency_n or_o intenseness_n and_o length_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o example_n let_v not_o our_o desire_n and_o so_o any_o other_o ingredient_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v so_o vehement_a and_o intense_a in_o thing_n of_o small_a importance_n and_o use_n as_o in_o great_a for_o so_o we_o shall_v make_v no_o difference_n in_o length_n let_v we_o not_o be_v long_o when_o other_o action_n and_o company_n be_v design_v and_o expect_v we_o after_o a_o very_a little_a time_n of_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v instance_n final_o this_o seasonableness_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n experience_n and_o observation_n the_o example_n and_o advice_n of_o discreet_a and_o good_a person_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o action_n if_o a_o man_n do_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o his_o end_n be_v always_o sincere_o to_o do_v the_o best_a he_o understand_v and_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o most_o good_a and_o be_v the_o most_o serviceable_a to_o god_n he_o never_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o person_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o be_v advise_v and_o inform_v for_o the_o best_a it_o be_v manifest_a too_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o prudence_n as_o in_o all_o our_o action_n so_o in_o this_o more_o especial_o of_o prayer_n that_o it_o in_o all_o the_o respect_v mention_v may_v be_v seasonable_o perform_v and_o that_o sometime_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a by_o exclude_v something_o better_a out_o of_o its_o place_n 5._o we_o christian_n who_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o have_v teach_v must_v always_o make_v our_o petition_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o honour_v he_o and_o consequent_o the_o eminent_a and_o illustrious_a merit_n of_o his_o exact_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o spotless_a and_o generous_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o our_o imitation_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 14._o 13._o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o you_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o since_o we_o have_v all_o be_v more_o or_o less_o sinner_n the_o punishment_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v at_o least_o the_o deprivation_n of_o god_n favour_n upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n shall_v be_v remit_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o positive_a instance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n of_o which_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n be_v a_o very_a comprehensive_a one_o shall_v be_v afford_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o honour_n of_o such_o a_o perfect_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a person_n as_o jesus_n be_v that_o which_o easy_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v more_o distinct_o if_o it_o be_v here_o necessary_a or_o proper_a and_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a for_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n sect_n ix_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sign_n to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o prayer_n the_o sign_n both_o of_o the_o sense_n or_o object_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n conversant_a about_o they_o these_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v be_v either_o speech_n or_o gesture_n among_o gesture_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v all_o other_o quality_n of_o our_o speech_n beside_o the_o articulateness_n of_o it_o call_v word_n by_o which_o our_o conception_n or_o thought_n be_v signify_v such_o as_o be_v acuteness_n and_o gravity_n intenseness_n and_o remissness_n or_o loudness_n and_o lowness_n swiftness_n and_o slowness_n equality_n and_o inequality_n etc._n etc._n to_o observe_v some_o direction_n concern_v these_o especial_o concern_v speech_n may_v not_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o those_o who_o compose_v prayer_n whether_o write_v or_o pronounce_v for_o other_o but_o because_o it_o concern_v many_o such_o who_o may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o they_o those_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v these_o eight_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a one_o be_v that_o the_o sign_n both_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o operation_n of_o soul_n of_o what_o we_o say_v and_o what_o we_o do_v in_o prayer_n may_v the_o best_a convey_v the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v signify_v to_o the_o auditor_n or_o reader_n if_o they_o be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v cause_v they_o the_o most_o perfect_o to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v our_o thought_n passion_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o sign_n and_o all_o their_o goodness_n consist_v in_o this_o sect_n x._o 2._o and_o more_o particular_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o this_o general_a end_n let_v these_o sign_n viz._n speech_n and_o gesture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n either_o of_o he_o who_o recite_v or_o compose_v the_o prayer_n or_o of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o he_o from_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o they_o may_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o too_o much_o please_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o some_o other_o quality_n in_o they_o beside_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v as_o by_o their_o novelty_n modishness_n variety_n etc._n etc._n these_o full_a often_o may_v make_v great_a impression_n upon_o we_o than_o the_o thing_n signify_v such_o ofttimes_o be_v word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a fashion_n and_o use_v by_o person_n who_o acquaintance_n or_o converse_n be_v esteem_v honourable_a such_o be_v style_n with_o a_o very_a careful_a justness_n of_o number_n sound_n position_n of_o syllable_n and_o word_n in_o each_o sentence_n or_o period_n such_o be_v many_o figurative_a speech_n where_o partly_o the_o thing_n themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v as_o that_o they_o be_v sublime_a vast_a unwonted_a strange_a difficult_a partly_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o composer_n of_o which_o they_o be_v sign_n as_o of_o good_a invention_n perception_n and_o judgement_n have_v read_v the_o best_a author_n etc._n etc._n may_v so_o much_o affect_v man_n with_o admiration_n esteem_n or_o delight_n as_o to_o intercept_v and_o detain_v their_o attention_n from_o the_o thing_n first_o design_v to_o be_v signify_v and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o regard_v and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o in_o a_o sermon_n or_o prayer_n the_o language_n and_o expression_n be_v remember_v and_o commend_v when_o the_o sense_n or_o matter_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v practical_a be_v quite_o forget_v as_o a_o thing_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o acceptable_a quality_n and_o ornament_n of_o speech_n be_v laudable_a in_o a_o performance_n where_o it_o be_v design_v to_o entertain_v and_o please_v man_n with_o they_o for_o it_o argue_v a_o good_a judgement_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o end_n as_o in_o poetry_n oration_n and_o feign_a
what_o he_o will_v have_v yet_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a for_o he_o to_o ask_v promise_v he_o withal_o a_o full_a supply_n i_o suppose_v one_o shall_v soon_o have_v a_o good_a long_a petition_n and_o if_o thou_o can_v tell_v a_o charitable_a and_o wise_a man_n what_o thou_o will_v have_v and_o thou_o think_v just_o can_v thou_o not_o tell_v god_n have_v thou_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o he_o or_o desire_n of_o he_o who_o can_v also_o somewhat_o consider_v whether_o what_o he_o ask_v of_o god_n be_v honest_a and_o just_a and_o at_o last_o refer_v all_o free_o without_o grudge_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o humble_a and_o well_o condition_v beggar_n shall_v do_v nay_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o mean_a person_n may_v with_o some_o thought_n know_v much_o what_o to_o ask_v be_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o one_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o sin_n or_o lust_n he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o last_o week_n or_o day_n and_o to_o what_o he_o be_v prone_a and_o from_o what_o he_o can_v abstain_v without_o much_o difficulty_n or_o be_v careless_a whether_o he_o do_v or_o no_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a for_o a_o person_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o or_o prone_a to_o profaneness_n neglect_v of_o god_n swear_v and_o forswear_n foolish_a rash_a false_a and_o fraudulent_a affirmation_n and_o oath_n to_o malice_n hatred_n revenge_n wrath_n pride_n vainglory_n contention_n brawl_v revile_v slander_n drunkenness_n lust_n or_o any_o other_o sensuality_n when_o he_o know_v it_o behold_v matter_n for_o his_o prayer_n this_o may_v be_v do_v before_o secret_a prayer_n and_o upon_o solemn_a occasion_n especial_o as_o for_o other_o either_o sin_n or_o want_v and_o consequent_o in_o prayer_n with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o observe_v and_o mention_v they_o with_o prudence_n but_o those_o who_o can_n may_v make_v use_n of_o their_o consideration_n here_o also_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o one_o to_o understand_v how_o this_o consideration_n and_o reflection_n tend_v to_o the_o furnish_n of_o our_o mind_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o with_o matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o very_o particular_a true_a just_a important_a as_o also_o how_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o sincere_a real_a and_o serious_a more_o fervent_a more_o easy_o frequent_a and_o seasonable_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o so_o also_o if_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o other_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o our_o word_n or_o speech_n and_o gesture_n what_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v consider_v of_o such_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o be_v like_a to_o use_v they_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v so_o many_o miserable_a defect_n in_o the_o due_a qualification_n mention_v and_o in_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n why_o prayer_n both_o alone_a and_o with_o other_o have_v be_v so_o full_a of_o what_o be_v false_a unjust_a absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o god_n to_o give_v trifle_v and_o of_o little_a use_n barren_a and_o contract_v or_o vain_o repeat_v so_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n of_o coldness_n and_o formality_n of_o impertinency_n and_o unseasonableness_n of_o ofsensive_a expression_n and_o deportment_n of_o obscurity_n superfluity_n and_o tautology_n man_n have_v be_v put_v or_o have_v put_v themselves_o upon_o the_o frequent_a performance_n of_o they_o by_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o compose_v without_o any_o consideration_n or_o other_o general_a sufficient_a instruction_n before_o at_o any_o time_n in_o their_o life_n much_o less_o before_o each_o particular_a prayer_n and_o some_o few_o person_n who_o can_v have_v perform_v this_o duty_n especial_o with_o other_o pretty_a well_o themselves_o have_v not_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o have_v be_v that_o can_v do_v likewise_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n in_o religious_a performance_n to_o be_v avoid_v the_o one_o which_o judge_v people_n general_o to_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n and_o capacity_n than_o they_o be_v and_o according_o allow_v they_o less_o liberty_n than_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o another_o which_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o great_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o allow_v they_o too_o much_o of_o the_o one_o the_o romanist_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o second_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o sect_n which_o protest_v against_o and_o separate_v from_o national_a or_o more_o public_a and_o large_a church_n of_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v obvious_a sect_n xix_o 3._o make_v use_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n that_o be_v compose_v by_o they_o let_v we_o serve_v ourselves_o of_o other_o labour_n and_o pain_n in_o this_o kind_n do_v not_o either_o through_o laziness_n neglect_n or_o through_o self-conceit_n vainglory_n affectation_n to_o do_v all_o thyself_o though_o far_o worse_o than_o if_o thou_o have_v follow_v or_o imitate_v another_o disdain_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o help_n and_o mean_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o prayer_n thou_o may_v make_v use_n of_o be_v pronounce_v only_o or_o write_v whether_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v only_o by_o thou_o such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o be_v recite_v in_o public_a by_o minister_n and_o preacher_n or_o by_o other_o who_o example_n be_v considerable_a in_o private_a or_o they_o may_v be_v read_v also_o such_o as_o be_v the_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v compoâ—ed_v by_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v on_o purpose_n compose_v for_o family_n and_o for_o closet_n or_o for_o private_a and_o secret_a these_o last_o which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v more_o especial_o choose_v we_o for_o our_o use_n as_o be_v invent_v and_o compose_v with_o more_o care_n attention_n and_o choice_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v all_o those_o due_a qualification_n mention_v which_o write_v or_o print_v thing_n can_v have_v here_o also_o choose_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o most_o know_a person_n those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o most_o understanding_n and_o discreet_a unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a pious_a and_o godly_a person_n for_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n or_o help_v it_o may_v be_v advisable_a to_o commend_v to_o most_o person_n these_o four_o step_n according_a to_o person_n ability_n or_o leisure_n and_o time_n first_o make_v use_v altogether_o of_o some_o prayer_n compose_v by_o other_o and_o of_o variety_n of_o they_o as_o for_o morning_n for_o evening_n for_o the_o lord_n day_n before_o and_o after_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o and_o after_o it_o for_o fast_v time_n or_o time_n of_o thanksgiving_n either_o for_o public_a or_o private_a affliction_n or_o favour_n in_o case_n of_o sickness_n or_o danger_n in_o case_n of_o deliverance_n etc._n etc._n let_v these_o be_v thy_o entire_a prayer_n hereby_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a person_n will_v be_v far_o better_a furnish_v than_o they_o can_v from_o themselves_o with_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a just_a important_a and_o of_o great_a moment_n even_o to_o they_o and_o with_o considerable_a variety_n too_o with_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a thing_n they_o will_v find_v here_o quicken_a and_o stir_v example_n of_o sincerity_n of_o fervency_n they_o will_v also_o be_v instruct_v with_o the_o best_a speech_n and_o expression_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o affection_n of_o thing_n and_o operation_n of_o soul_n the_o most_o proper_a usual_a and_o clear_a one_o and_o with_o such_o profitable_a variety_n thereof_o as_o i_o have_v heretofore_o mention_v those_o who_o can_v read_v the_o number_n of_o which_o will_v be_v every_o day_n few_o i_o hope_v let_v they_o get_v to_o recite_v some_o short_a prayer_n by_o memory_n first_o have_v learn_v they_o from_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o the_o church-catechism_n turn_v â—nto_o a_o prayer_n and_o other_o short_a comprehensive_a form_n more_o or_o few_o according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o let_v parent_n be_v careful_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n such_o as_o these_o before_o it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v read_v and_o when_o they_o can_v read_v direct_v they_o to_o some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o see_v they_o say_v they_o though_o thou_o pray_v thus_o out_o of_o a_o book_n yet_o if_o thou_o pray_v because_o thou_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a just_a necessary_a and_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o thou_o and_o thou_o pray_v with_o a_o sincere_a heart_n that_o thou_o may_v receive_v good_a thing_n from_o god_n to_o please_v and_o serve_v he_o withal_o to_o do_v all_o good_a to_o other_o to_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n
to_o think_v they_o oblige_v the_o divinity_n by_o the_o honour_n they_o do_v it_o by_o their_o prayer_n to_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o desire_v the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n think_v and_o say_v that_o god_n can_v withstand_v their_o prayer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v i_o doubt_v but_o too_o often_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o that_o god_n can_v not_o hold_v out_o against_o a_o pray_a people_n but_o too_o well_o know_v have_v be_v the_o confidence_n of_o many_o private_a person_n that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v answer_v and_o as_o well_o know_v have_v be_v their_o disappointment_n many_o prayer_n also_o may_v be_v stuff_v with_o thing_n very_o trivial_a and_o slight_a comparative_o while_o the_o great_a thing_n be_v neglect_v small_a sin_n and_o other_o sin_n may_v be_v confess_v eager_o but_o great_a and_o their_o own_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o but_o slight_o petition_n may_v be_v make_v for_o worldly_a thing_n importunate_o but_o for_o spiritual_a negligent_o or_o cold_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o gift_n or_o excellent_a quality_n of_o understanding_n more_o than_o for_o grace_n or_o holy_a disposition_n of_o will_n for_o pardon_n more_o than_o for_o goodness_n for_o privilege_n more_o than_o for_o duty_n for_o justification_n more_o than_o for_o sanctification_n for_o peace_n and_o assurance_n before_o and_o more_o than_o for_o regeneration_n renewal_n of_o our_o nature_n mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o excellency_n charity_n humility_n spirituality_n in_o prayer_n also_o may_v be_v very_o much_o insincerity_n the_o thing_n desire_v may_v be_v selfish_a to_o gratify_v immoderate_a lust_n of_o revenge_n pride_n superiority_n envy_n covetousness_n sensuality_n luxury_n or_o the_o like_a some_o prayer_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v most_o may_v be_v very_o cold_a formal_a mere_a word_n be_v not_o i_o say_v very_o well_o satisfy_v so_o thou_o have_v but_o pray_v though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o bad_o endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o pray_v well_o and_o as_o thou_o ought_v and_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o direction_n as_o have_v be_v prescribe_v i_o add_v here_o too_o as_o a_o useful_a caution_n by_o the_o by_o be_v not_o content_a and_o satisfy_v with_o thy_o have_v pray_v well_o if_o thy_o prayer_n have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v proceed_v from_o good_a quality_n in_o thou_o and_o tend_v to_o make_v thou_o more_o so_o too_o and_o thou_o feel_v thyself_o very_o much_o delight_v with_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o much_o dispose_v thereby_o to_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o thy_o duty_n think_v not_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v good_a enough_o at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o may_v be_v negligent_a every_o where_n else_o in_o all_o thy_o succeed_a action_n pursue_v thy_o good_a disposition_n begin_v by_o thy_o prayer_n at_o any_o time_n by_o watchfulness_n and_o reflection_n all_o the_o follow_a day_n by_o frequent_a check_n when_o thou_o do_v ill_a and_o encouragement_n and_o joy_n when_o thou_o do_v well_o by_o frequent_a ejaculation_n and_o resolution_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o general_n head_n viz._n direction_n concern_v prayer_n chap._n v._n sect_n i._o vi_o the_o last_o general_n head_n be_v the_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n man_n usual_o make_v why_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v especial_o in_o private_a or_o secret_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v but_o short_a they_o be_v most_o common_o but_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o they_o need_v not_o pray_v 2._o they_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o pray_v 3._o they_o have_v not_o time_n the_o first_o pretence_n some_o man_n have_v for_o not_o pray_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o their_o opinion_n be_v either_o because_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o be_v superior_a to_o themselves_o in_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o hear_v they_o when_o they_o do_v pray_v or_o else_o because_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v will_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n already_o and_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v render_v all_o prayer_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o ridiculous_a indeed_o but_o i_o shall_v return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o these_o monster_n of_o insolency_n and_o dulness_n but_o that_o though_o they_o hereby_o call_v all_o mankind_n except_o one_o or_o two_o of_o themselves_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sot_n and_o fool_n in_o spend_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v have_v better_a demonstration_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o against_o so_o universal_a a_o testimony_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o â—o_o before_o they_o will_v believe_v it_o or_o before_o these_o objector_n themselves_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o moreover_o there_o have_v be_v in_o this_o last_o age_n such_o and_o so_o many_o proof_n of_o god_n and_o spirit_n existence_n both_o high_o probable_a and_o some_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v upon_o the_o long_a consideration_n judge_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o obstinate_a affection_n of_o uncontroulableness_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v they_o or_o a_o pitiable_a dulness_n which_o must_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n as_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o god_n predetermination_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o must_v mean_v more_o particular_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v mean_v all_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n because_o it_o be_v predetermine_v by_o god_n whether_o we_o shall_v or_o no._n or_o else_o second_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o any_o good_a thing_n mean_v by_o prayer_n petition_v only_o because_o he_o have_v predetermine_v whether_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o or_o no._n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n against_o all_o will_n endeavour_n action_n whatsoever_o to_o obtain_v any_o good_a thing_n we_o want_v for_o example_n against_o the_o chew_a and_o swallow_v our_o food_n that_o we_o may_v be_v nourish_v for_o the_o argument_n run_v thus_o god_n have_v determine_v before_o we_o pray_v whether_o we_o shall_v pray_v or_o not_o if_o the_o first_o than_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o without_o our_o will_n or_o endeavour_v if_o the_o second_o than_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o may_v argue_v god_n have_v determine_v before_o we_o chew_v and_o swallow_v our_o food_n to_o nourish_v we_o whether_o we_o shall_v do_v those_o action_n or_o no._n if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o without_o our_o will_n and_o endeavour_v if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o though_o we_o do_v will_v and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v man_n in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n abstain_v from_o their_o will_n and_o endeavour_v for_o such_o a_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o but_o they_o always_o use_v both_o where_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o condition_n of_o their_o obtain_v any_o good_a thing_n they_o desire_v and_o indeed_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v answer_v for_o brief_o and_o not_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n here_o in_o these_o subtlety_n since_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n will_v and_o endeavour_v after_o something_o or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o be_v not_o predetermine_v they_o shall_v will_n and_o endeavour_v or_o not_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n sure_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v that_o part_n of_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o the_o best_a effect_n and_o consequence_n but_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o there_o do_v appear_v better_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o willing_a and_o endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o caution_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n than_o of_o omit_v so_o to_o do_v or_o lie_a idle_a because_o god_n have_v predetermine_v we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o the_o two_o viz._n either_o we_o shall_v will_n and_o endeavour_n or_o not_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n of_o this_o objection_n here_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o controversy_n which_o have_v fill_v many_o volume_n to_o the_o second_o therefore_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o petition_n god_n for_o any_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v predetermine_v whether_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o or_o no_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v reply_v as_o 1._o let_v
it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o objection_n lie_v only_o against_o that_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v petition_n but_o not_o against_o the_o other_o which_o we_o have_v often_o mention_v viz._n acknowledgement_n of_o god_n perfection_n with_o suitable_a affection_n thanksgiving_n confession_n profession_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n explication_n of_o our_o want_n all_o which_o have_v many_o excellent_a use_n beside_o their_o subserviency_n to_o petition_v as_o have_v be_v before_o particular_o show_v 2._o may_v be_v reply_v that_o which_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v at_o least_o against_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o good_a which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o their_o end_n to_o repeat_v it_o very_o brief_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v or_o pray_v for_o if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o pray_v if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o with_o pray_v in_o like_a manner_n god_n have_v praedetermine_v we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v nourish_v without_o our_o chew_v or_o swallow_v our_o food_n if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v with_o they_o wherefore_o chew_v and_o swallow_v our_o food_n be_v a_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v omit_v but_o man_n neither_o do_v nor_o aught_o to_o infer_v and_o practice_v thus_o in_o this_o last_o case_n for_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o for_o another_o which_o shall_v be_v present_o mention_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o in_o very_a truth_n they_o be_v some_o other_o conceal_v cause_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o pray_v when_o this_o of_o god_n praedetermination_n be_v pretend_v viz._n either_o wickedness_n or_o ineptness_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n either_o badness_n or_o materiality_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v 3._o i_o answer_v that_o suppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o god_n absolute_a praedetermination_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o inference_n too_o viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v grant_v we_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o due_o qualify_a prayer_n shall_v seem_v to_o we_o more_o probable_a yet_o suppose_v also_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n viz._n that_o god_n do_v not_o so_o predetermine_v all_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o give_v some_o good_a thing_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o many_o excellent_a use_n and_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o averse_a from_o or_o more_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v both_o the_o opinion_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o equal_o uncertain_a or_o probable_a we_o ought_v i_o think_v in_o this_o and_o every_o other_o such_o case_n to_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_n on_o that_o side_n which_o have_v apparent_o the_o best_a consequence_n or_o be_v of_o most_o good_a effect_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o receive_a thing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n be_v of_o infinite_a better_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o the_o leave_v quite_o off_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o bring_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o he_o the_o constant_a remembrance_n of_o and_o attention_n to_o the_o only_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n from_o he_o as_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n viz._n happiness_n a_o dispose_a soul_n to_o use_v all_o thing_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o with_o and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v or_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o how_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o quality_n of_o soul_n be_v whence_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o strong_o engage_v to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o capable_a of_o all_o instance_n of_o his_o favour_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o our_o very_a short_a reason_n and_o imperfect_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a system_v of_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n as_o to_o extension_n intention_n and_o duration_n result_v there_o from_o that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o god_n upon_o condition_n of_o the_o certain_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o faculty_n of_o self-determination_n and_o particular_o the_o give_v we_o some_o good_a thing_n upon_o our_o apply_v ourselves_o due_o to_o request_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v so_o of_o which_o i_o say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n 5._o and_o last_o to_o take_v away_o all_o cavel_n and_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n to_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v therein_o express_o affirm_v that_o our_o due_a petition_n be_v such_o condition_n of_o god_n give_v we_o good_a thing_n with_o which_o sometime_o at_o least_o he_o will_v and_o without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o to_o we_o some_o thing_n he_o will_v always_o certain_o give_v we_o upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n such_o as_o grace_n and_o pardon_n or_o inward_a strength_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o to_o repent_v and_o become_v good_a and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n when_o we_o do_v repent_v other_o thing_n also_o he_o will_v certain_o give_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o very_o probable_o we_o may_v which_o nor_o when_o because_o we_o can_v tell_v neither_o by_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o consistent_a with_o the_o universal_a good_a that_o he_o shall_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11._o 9_o 10._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o 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 and_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n it_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o similitude_n that_o god_n will_v not_o sometime_o give_v without_o our_o importunity_n in_o ask_v but_o with_o it_o he_o will_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o he_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v st._n james_n tell_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o do_v fight_v and_o war_n i._n e._n probable_o they_o use_v violent_a endeavour_n and_o that_o by_o contention_n and_o strife_n to_o obtain_v thing_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o ask_v nay_o they_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o james_n 4._o ver._n 2_o 3._o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o our_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a from_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a by_o reason_n that_o whether_o god_n have_v or_o have_v not_o praedetermine_v we_o shall_v have_v some_o thing_n he_o have_v determine_v that_o with_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v and_o without_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o connexion_n of_o our_o have_v and_o pray_v whensoever_o they_o be_v whether_o he_o have_v determine_v our_o have_v and_o our_o pray_v or_o not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o answer_n further_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o we_o or_o a_o good_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v or_o desire_v thing_n from_o god_n for_o if_o we_o do_v at_o all_o will_v any_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o action_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o whether_o this_o our_o willing_a be_v praedetermine_v or_o not_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o perfection_n or_o best_a use_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v before_o intimate_v to_o will_n that_o of_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o we_o the_o best_a consequence_n and_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v as_o