may_v recover_v strength_n and_o retrieve_v their_o vigour_n by_o these_o small_a interruption_n and_o not_o suffer_v too_o great_a a_o weakness_n to_o steal_v insensible_o upon_o they_o by_o be_v always_o bend_v to_o their_o utmost_a power_n therefore_o the_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o import_v continuance_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v design_v in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n which_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v usual_o imply_v but_o they_o must_v admit_v of_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a in_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o the_o like_a 1._o when_o we_o have_v such_o prepare_v and_o ardent_a love_n to_o our_o maker_n ourselves_o and_o the_o fellow_n creature_n of_o our_o own_o species_n that_o the_o exciting_a cause_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v always_o present_a when_o the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o duty_n offer_v themselves_o 2._o when_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o perpetual_a readiness_n and_o aptitude_n for_o devotion_n when_o ever_o we_o have_v time_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o prayer_n return_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o sudden_o it_o may_v assault_v we_o so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v such_o a_o settle_a temper_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o exert_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o any_o emergent_a or_o periodical_a occasion_n 3._o when_o we_o perform_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o our_o devotion_n with_o the_o high_a strain_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n when_o a_o long_a protraction_n or_o a_o seem_a denial_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o our_o petition_n do_v not_o discourage_v we_o to_o a_o relaxation_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o our_o diligence_n be_v renew_v our_o supplication_n double_v and_o we_o add_v force_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o excellent_a parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o importunate_a widow_n to_o the_o end_n say_v the_o text_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_o 18.1_o last_o we_o may_v be_v then_o say_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v to_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n to_o pray_v always_o and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o make_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n frequent_a and_o our_o supplication_n to_o god_n be_v willing_o present_v as_o often_o as_o time_n and_o opportunity_n be_v afford_v we_o at_o least_o it_o can_v come_v short_a of_o this_o to_o make_v prayer_n our_o every_o day_n work_v so_o that_o nullâ_fw-la die_fw-la intermittantur_fw-la certa_fw-la tempora_fw-la orandi_fw-la we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o state_v time_n and_o hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o prayer_n itself_o be_v pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a when_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v dependent_a being_n and_o daily_o need_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o want_n and_o the_o kind_a providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o support_v and_o nourish_v we_o the_o continual_a casualty_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o the_o frequent_a danger_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o our_o own_o inadvertency_n the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n the_o net_n which_o unfaithful_a or_o malicious_a man_n spread_v for_o we_o and_o the_o violence_n or_o insinuation_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o daily_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o the_o daily_a present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o the_o law_n numb_a 28._o at_o the_o beginning_n these_o be_v type_n of_o the_o christian_a service_n which_o be_v perform_v morning_n and_o evening_n become_v our_o solemn_a and_o reasonable_a devotion_n evening_n morning_n and_o at_o noon_n too_o will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o say_v david_n psal_n 55.17_o and_o daniel_n think_v prayer_n so_o indispensable_a a_o duty_n that_o rather_o than_o omit_v it_o he_o will_v endure_v the_o utmost_a severity_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n dan._n 6.10_o this_o be_v enjoin_v in_o that_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o be_v both_o our_o form_n and_o our_o pattern_n where_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o petition_v our_o daily_a bread_n day_n by_o day_n nor_o do_v he_o only_o by_o this_o prohibit_v too_o inordinate_a a_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o injoin_v we_o to_o testify_v our_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o our_o maker_n command_v frequent_a and_o daily_a petition_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v now_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_o 1.75_o of_o which_o comprehensive_a duty_n our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v necessary_a part_n and_o thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o second_o particular_a mention_v in_o the_o scheme_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o intermission_n chap._n iii_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v some_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o determine_v to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o address_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religious_a devotion_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o must_v without_o all_o peradventure_o be_v only_o to_o the_o supreme_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o being_n inferior_a to_o himself_o we_o honour_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o saint_n depart_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o just_a be_v sacred_a to_o we_o we_o admire_v also_o the_o excellency_n of_o angel_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o various_a and_o useful_a workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n nay_o we_o treat_v all_o thing_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o discourse_n with_o that_o esteem_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o being_n or_o that_o order_n which_o they_o possess_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o we_o advance_v our_o contemplation_n when_o we_o think_v of_o angel_n suitable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o their_o being_n and_o their_o honourable_a employment_n of_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v legion_n of_o they_o at_o his_o disposal_n but_o there_o be_v from_o he_o neither_o command_n nor_o argument_n for_o invocation_n of_o they_o nor_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o aid_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v order_v by_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n we_o therefore_o make_v no_o address_n to_o they_o by_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o separate_v devotion_n because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o pay_v such_o service_n to_o a_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o our_o creator_n only_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o pay_v our_o ceremony_n and_o demonstration_n of_o respect_n to_o man_n on_o earth_n suitable_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v dignity_n and_o common_a justice_n command_v our_o internal_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o their_o excellency_n and_o virtue_n but_o we_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v every_o one_o that_o be_v rich_o adorn_v nor_o petition_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o bestow_v nay_o to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v without_o idolatry_n or_o sin_n we_o shall_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v such_o civil_a testimony_n of_o our_o respect_n as_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a give_v either_o to_o glorify_a saint_n or_o innocent_a and_o ever_o bless_a angel_n shall_v they_o at_o any_o time_n assume_v shape_n and_o mix_v themselves_o among_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o negotiate_v any_o affair_n with_o we_o and_o descend_v to_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a conversation_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a time_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apparition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o either_o by_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n nor_o the_o s_o light_n and_o trick_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o any_o false_a appearance_n to_o our_o own_o imagination_n or_o either_o subtle_a or_o roguish_a invention_n of_o other_o man_n but_o may_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o delude_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o act_n of_o religion_n appropriate_v to_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o
secret_n of_o prince_n and_o administer_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o indeed_o aught_o to_o introduce_v who_o undertake_v to_o be_v so_o particular_a and_o nice_a in_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n or_o pray_v for_o the_o thing_n individual_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o to_o proceed_v by_o our_o absolution_n the_o true_a penitent_n be_v only_o encourage_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n leave_v with_o his_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n cease_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v with_o triumph_n to_o his_o father_n joh._n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v furthermore_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n to_o say_v our_o prayer_n day_n by_o day_n that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o cease_v and_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o adoption_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o this_o because_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o give_v we_o both_o a_o pattern_n and_o direction_n for_o when_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n and_o support_v of_o our_o life_n day_n by_o day_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o make_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o admit_v no_o creature_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n be_v such_o as_o include_v our_o general_a want_n we_o always_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o temptation_n and_o evil_n we_o petition_v also_o for_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o it_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a we_o ask_v those_o theological_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v we_o pray_v more_o especial_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v even_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v lead_v godly_a and_o quiet_a life_n nay_o we_o petition_v for_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o none_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o beg_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o our_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n we_o pray_v for_o happy_a season_n of_o the_o year_n for_o prevention_n of_o and_o deliverance_n from_o all_o plague_n that_o may_v hurt_v the_o body_n and_o all_o evil_n that_o may_v assault_v the_o soul_n we_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o bad_a accident_n and_o misfortune_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v escape_v violence_n and_o sudden_a death_n because_o notwithstanding_o the_o notion_n some_o have_v of_o predestination_n death_n may_v be_v too_o surprise_v to_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o prevent_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v advance_v towards_o and_o seize_v we_o too_o before_o we_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o further_a petition_n heaven_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o our_o last_o encounter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v submit_v with_o christian_a comfort_n and_o courage_n to_o and_o have_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o pray_v not_o indeed_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o low_a world_n because_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o as_o death_n find_v we_o so_o will_v judgement_n too_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v and_o how_o can_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v reveal_v of_o any_o middle_a place_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v suffer_v to_o their_o improvement_n and_o be_v purge_v by_o any_o material_a fire_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o operate_v upon_o a_o immaterial_a be_v yet_o we_o pray_v as_o far_o for_o man_n depart_v this_o life_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n ever_o do_v and_o the_o form_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n teach_v we_o in_o that_o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v viz._n that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n god_n will_v bring_v the_o just_a that_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n to_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n that_o so_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v militant_a on_o earth_n may_v final_o become_v triumphant_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o we_o always_o give_v thanks_o for_o the_o example_n and_o triumph_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o they_o who_o joy_n be_v now_o full_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v our_o liturgy_n be_v so_o excellent_o frame_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o petition_n for_o so_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v cast_v into_o but_o the_o whole_a community_n who_o join_v in_o our_o service_n share_n with_o we_o in_o sympathy_n and_o affection_n because_o they_o must_v remember_v we_o in_o our_o common_a church_n prayer_n and_o of_o this_o the_o litany_n be_v so_o full_a and_o expressive_a that_o particular_a collect_v seem_v to_o be_v redundant_fw-la when_o this_o be_v use_v yet_o we_o have_v even_o these_o too_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o any_o that_o will_v desire_v that_o their_o grievance_n may_v be_v express_v to_o almighty_a god_n by_o he_o who_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o far_o as_o modesty_n and_o cleanness_n of_o language_n be_v able_a to_o present_v they_o though_o not_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v former_o pitch_v up_o with_o a_o fork_n to_o load_v a_o pulpit_n and_o the_o minister_n hearty_a wish_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o devout_a affection_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n our_o church_n direct_v and_o her_o true_a obedient_a son_n practice_v what_o the_o apostle_n advise_v the_o philippian_n to_o do_v chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 6._o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n our_o creed_n in_o which_o we_o make_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n contain_v all_o article_n but_o yet_o no_o more_o than_o the_o pure_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o their_o religion_n declare_v they_o be_v neither_o stuff_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o have_v we_o abate_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n or_o any_o that_o bear_v a_o new_a date_n nor_o do_v we_o receive_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o own_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o general_o doubt_v book_n our_o fellowship_n or_o society_n be_v uphold_v as_o all_o other_o must_v be_v by_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o ruler_n we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v yet_o protestant_a in_o that_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o who_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o personal_a failure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o be_v call_v man_n be_v subject_a or_o the_o malicious_a imputation_n of_o any_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n if_o this_o word_n too_o be_v not_o in_o disgrace_n and_o consent_v among_o the_o ancient_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o instead_o of_o it_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v yet_o learn_v all_o the_o three_o seem_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o if_o they_o fall_v they_o must_v be_v ruin_v together_o our_o sacrament_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n institute_v and_o command_v also_o to_o be_v use_v in_o his_o church_n that_o we_o may_v have_v some_o visible_a sign_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o blessing_n may_v
state_n and_o condition_n he_o devout_o beg_v what_o he_o want_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o himself_o alone_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n or_o else_o as_o he_o be_v within_o a_o large_a community_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o that_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o a_o sufficient_a caveat_n to_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o that_o either_o in_o and_z with_o our_o family_n which_o be_v indeed_o small_a congregation_n when_o the_o master_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_z in_o his_o absence_n have_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o intercede_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o become_v the_o mouth_n and_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n that_o altogether_o by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o affection_n and_o unity_n in_o word_n may_v petition_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o those_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o family_n and_o to_o each_o other_o but_o 2._o prayer_n that_o be_v more_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n consign_v to_o these_o public_a office_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n set_v apart_o to_o sacred_a and_o divine_a use_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o special_a regard_n to_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n in_o this_o discourse_n though_o man_n may_v also_o apply_v the_o particular_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n as_o frequent_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o rational_o suit_v and_o in_o this_o i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o disciple_n which_o they_o in_o reason_n may_v refuse_v to_o bear_v now_o public_a prayer_n in_o more_o solemn_a convention_n and_o among_o great_a number_n assemble_v together_o have_v so_o apparent_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n that_o the_o pretention_n to_o a_o proof_n can_v not_o but_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o foolish_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o reason_n and_o assemble_v together_o for_o common_a worship_n be_v a_o duty_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v their_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o require_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o from_o reason_n we_o may_v present_o understand_v that_o by_o this_o god_n honour_n be_v exalt_v when_o we_o joint_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o this_o we_o propagate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o our_o example_n provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o ourselves_o that_o common_a request_n such_o as_o in_o public_a we_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v to_o which_o every_o individual_a may_v say_v amen_o require_v a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v thus_o connect_v with_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o gain_v great_a degree_n of_o power_n like_o a_o twist_a cord_n they_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n they_o offer_v a_o sacred_a violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n draw_v down_o favour_n from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n moreover_o such_o prayer_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o sacred_a place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o present_a at_o least_o by_o his_o disperse_a train_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n cast_v a_o secret_a awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o public_a and_o divine_a worship_n attend_v with_o proper_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o to_o humility_n and_o adoration_n to_o excite_v within_o we_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o their_o object_n make_v our_o passion_n such_o as_o be_v divine_a and_o recall_v those_o swim_n and_o toss_v thought_n which_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v and_o final_o when_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n shall_v be_v offer_v by_o a_o ordain_v or_o consecrate_v person_n sacred_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o employment_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n by_o resignation_n and_o solemnity_n by_o his_o own_o devotion_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o secondary_a intercessor_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o creator_n he_o weep_v betwixt_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o heaven_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n in_o that_o sacred_a language_n spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o service_n must_v sound_v as_o pleasant_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o rapturous_a to_o good_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o gather_v together_o exercise_v the_o most_o exalt_a strain_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v screw_v beyond_o ordinary_a proportion_n christ_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o he_o join_v in_o our_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a angel_n spread_v their_o wing_n over_o we_o to_o adorn_v the_o solemnity_n and_o god_n himself_o behold_v we_o from_o above_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n with_o smile_n upon_o we_o smell_v a_o sweetness_n from_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v look_v far_o dissipate_v all_o intercept_n cloud_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o prayer_n be_v chap._n ii_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n the_o euchites_n of_o old_a be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v such_o precept_n and_o phrase_n as_o pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o man_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v yet_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o both_o as_o christian_n and_o man_n too_o abundant_o refute_v such_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o the_o allotment_n of_o all_o moral_a or_o pious_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o their_o end_n as_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o dose_n of_o physic_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o patient_n vary_v so_o to_o temperament_n and_o season_n as_o may_v best_o expel_v the_o venom_n of_o the_o disease_n resist_v its_o violence_n and_o recover_v health_n to_o he_o that_o want_v it_o now_o a_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o ought_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o due_a order_n and_o sally_n of_o our_o affection_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o s._n austin_n that_o the_o christian_n in_o egypt_n have_v frequent_a prayer_n be_v brief_a ejaculation_n and_o short_a collect_v that_o a_o tedious_a continuation_n may_v not_o weary_a their_o affection_n but_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v intend_v suitable_a to_o the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v either_o flat_a or_o stupid_a lest_o the_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o effusion_n of_o word_n without_o attention_n or_o manifestation_n of_o affection_n from_o whence_o also_o our_o own_o church_n have_v order_v her_o public_a service_n so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o distinct_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o all_o may_v be_v successive_o employ_v and_o none_o at_o once_o too_o long_o burden_v and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v usual_o brief_a give_v intervall_n and_o respite_n both_o to_o priest_n and_o people_n that_o their_o soul_n and_o affection_n
as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o quick_a man_n subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n in_o their_o body_n that_o must_v and_o will_v many_o time_n cloud_n their_o mind_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o a_o previous_a and_o exact_a consideration_n word_n their_o own_o and_o the_o common_a desire_n of_o other_o man_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n invent_v digest_v and_o reduce_v both_o their_o matter_n and_o expression_n into_o a_o well_o study_v and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o adventure_n to_o pray_v extempore_o in_o a_o public_a audience_n be_v so_o selfish_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o petition_n and_o oftentimes_o so_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o expression_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v amen_o to_o several_a thing_n petition_v for_o if_o they_o at_o all_o use_n their_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o implicit_o join_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gift_a person_n but_o you_o will_v find_v more_o of_o this_o in_o a_o place_n of_o this_o discourse_n more_o particular_o reserve_v for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o matter_n and_o word_n may_v present_v themselves_o on_o a_o sudden_a for_o private_a and_o more_o brief_a ejaculation_n or_o intermix_v themselves_o in_o our_o single_a devotion_n beyond_o the_o form_n which_o we_o may_v general_o use_v either_o through_o the_o great_a enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o upon_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a necessity_n or_o by_o recollect_v in_o our_o memory_n something_o that_o be_v either_o before_o omit_v or_o our_o form_n do_v not_o direct_o enough_o or_o in_o particular_n express_v but_o in_o public_a where_o petition_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o general_a that_o all_o present_a may_v say_v amen_o and_o by_o this_o signify_v their_o assent_n and_o wish_n it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a too_o that_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o time_n to_o judge_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o their_o behalf_n before_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o otherwise_o they_o pray_v not_o with_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o ought_v to_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v their_o affection_n and_o not_o permit_v the_o passion_n to_o sally_v forth_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n now_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v without_o a_o form_n which_o those_o that_o join_v in_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o however_o methinks_v to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v several_a argument_n to_o be_v take_v from_o universal_a pratice_fw-la in_o former_a age_n and_o reason_n also_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o affair_n and_o to_o recommend_v this_o method_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o benediction_n wherein_o also_o prayer_n be_v include_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o one_o religion_n supersede_v and_o evacuate_v the_o other_o under_o the_o law_n we_o find_v the_o prescription_n of_o a_o form_n by_o god_n himself_o wherewith_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n by_o invocate_a and_o wish_v that_o god_n blessing_n may_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o authoritative_a instrument_n in_o this_o method_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o they_o numb_a 6._o 22_o 23_o etc._n etc._n nay_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n make_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o same_o god_n for_o those_o to_o rehearse_v who_o have_v pay_v their_o tithe_n every_o three_o year_n as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v both_o the_o form_n and_o the_o command_n to_o use_v it_o deut._n 26._o from_o v._o 12._o onward_o what_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n but_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n deliver_v to_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o several_a quire_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o sing_v together_o by_o course_n in_o praise_v and_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o ezra_n 3.10_o 11._o nay_o and_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o wonder_n these_o very_a psalm_n translate_v into_o english_a metre_n be_v yet_o sing_v in_o those_o dissent_v congregation_n who_o refuse_v otherwise_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o a_o form_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o form_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o according_o practise_v because_o according_a to_o some_o man_n of_o quick_a invention_n and_o volubility_n of_o language_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a and_o a_o heavy_a people_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o in_o a_o dull_a and_o formal_a way_n yet_o unless_o the_o opposer_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o account_v they_o dull_a and_o carnal_a we_o shall_v find_v form_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o only_o compose_v but_o enjoin_v too_o none_o sure_o can_v be_v unacquainted_a that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v they_o a_o form_n not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o for_o use_v man_n do_v not_o i_o hope_v so_o learn_v christ_n it_o be_v true_a s._n matthew_n deliver_v the_o command_n after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o pay_v you_o mat._n 6.9_o yet_o s._n luke_n record_v the_o same_o prayer_n when_o in_o another_o year_n and_o on_o another_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n deliver_v it_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o our_o lord_n prescription_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_o 11.1_o yet_o this_o difference_n can_v only_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o all_o our_o composure_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o we_o enlarge_v the_o word_n of_o our_o petition_n suitable_a to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v have_v regard_n and_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o this_o pattern_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v use_v also_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o use_v and_o such_o a_o method_n we_o find_v follow_v by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o vanity_n of_o some_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o they_o may_v be_v account_v more_o fanciful_a than_o the_o age_a design_v to_o suit_n their_o expression_n and_o tone_n to_o captivate_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o end_n at_o first_o best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o since_o with_o a_o vengeance_n declare_v to_o other_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o offer_v unto_o god_n fancy_n for_o devotion_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pretend_a wisdom_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n there_o be_v no_o knavery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v also_o intend_v to_o the_o people_n second_o i_o argue_v for_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a because_o the_o minister_n than_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o utter_v all_o by_o their_o consent_n and_o to_o pray_v in_o their_o name_n testify_v their_o unity_n of_o affection_n by_o their_o consent_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o so_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o if_o but_o two_o shall_v agree_v together_o on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o by_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.19_o unity_n of_o affection_n and_o consent_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o render_v our_o public_a devotion_n so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o give_v they_o strength_n and_o virtue_n cause_v our_o prayer_n to_o ascend_v as_o incense_v and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v as_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n now_o there_o can_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v this_o consent_n and_o unity_n of_o affection_n in_o prayer_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o all_o let_v they_o come_v whence_o they_o will_v into_o any_o public_a place_n of_o devotion_n where_o a_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v to_o offer_v their_o joint_a prayer_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o frequent_v the_o church_n be_v before_o acquaint_v with_o the_o service_n and_o prayer_n which_o all_o there_o make_v to_o god_n they_o may_v unite_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o
they_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o testify_v their_o consent_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v pass_v over_o before_o they_o come_v be_v moral_o assure_v from_o the_o continual_a custom_n and_o use_n there_o especial_o the_o minister_n be_v pre-engaged_n both_o by_o a_o oath_n and_o severe_a penalty_n attend_v the_o violation_n to_o use_v no_o other_o form_n of_o worship_n than_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o common_a rubric_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v pass_v over_o by_o unite_n in_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o easy_a recollection_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o utter_v a_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o by_o common_a use_n may_v at_o least_o better_a than_o by_o any_o other_o method_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v in_o extemporary_a effusion_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o obtain_v some_o interest_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o especial_o if_o under_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v hearty_o intent_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o yet_o pray_v with_o some_o good_a understanding_n though_o it_o can_v be_v so_o well_o as_o if_o he_o have_v consent_v from_o part_n to_o part_n with_o all_o and_o he_o may_v not_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wilful_a omission_n and_o neglect_v but_o only_o a_o mistake_n of_o time_n and_o a_o misfortune_n but_o if_o this_o reason_n will_v not_o prevail_v yet_o three_o i_o argue_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expedience_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o great_a example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o certain_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a for_o we_o find_v he_o in_o his_o agony_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o multiply_v misery_n oppress_v and_o torture_v he_o to_o use_v only_o this_o short_a prayer_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v matth._n 26.39_o and_o when_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n he_o return_v again_o to_o his_o devotion_n we_o read_v that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o the_o evangelist_n have_v very_o little_o alter_v the_o phrase_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o to_o change_v at_o all_o for_o when_o be_v inform_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v the_o three_o time_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o however_o if_o this_o instance_n may_v miscarry_v as_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o be_v torture_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o passion_n invocate_v god_n his_o word_n be_v a_o form_n long_o before_o use_v by_o david_n and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o 22._o psalm_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o i_o argue_v for_o let_v form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o probable_o borrow_v it_o as_o mr_n mede_n in_o his_o diatribae_fw-la hint_n from_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o doctor_n of_o israel_n to_o deliver_v some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o their_o disciple_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o discipleship_n however_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o notion_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o baptist_n himself_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n do_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o use_v though_o we_o find_v not_o upon_o record_n what_o it_o be_v yet_o probable_o it_o may_v be_v a_o prayer_n near_o the_o sense_n and_o expression_n of_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n for_o his_o form_n as_o to_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a form_n a_o little_a vary_v and_o therefore_o grotius_n infer_v that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o far_o from_o all_o affectation_n of_o any_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o to_o let_v these_o thing_n pass_v the_o scripture_n itself_o plain_o inform_v we_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v give_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o the_o text_n declare_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n end_v his_o own_o prayer_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n petition_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o our_o saviour_n present_o without_o any_o other_o intervening_a discourse_n reply_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o desire_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11.1_o 2._o so_o that_o either_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o form_n although_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v use_v which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v say_v or_o our_o saviour_n elude_v the_o request_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o answer_v only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o not_o the_o whole_a which_o no_o christian_n will_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v or_o if_o he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n teach_v his_o own_o disciple_n to_o pray_v as_o or_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o john_n also_o teach_v he_o than_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o infer_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o pray_v by_o five_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n but_o great_a advantage_n in_o a_o study_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n when_o extemporary_a and_o unpremeditated_a devotion_n utter_v in_o present_a and_o sudden_a language_n can_v neither_o evade_v the_o one_o nor_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o other_o study_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v often_o and_o receive_v the_o censure_n and_o correction_n of_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o common_a judgement_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o they_o upon_o view_n of_o they_o before_o hand_n may_v be_v able_a to_o suit_v their_o affection_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o mind_n both_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o also_o the_o expression_n which_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n they_o can_v do_v but_o must_v on_o a_o sudden_a be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n word_n and_o expression_n of_o another_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v to_o the_o break_a sense_n extravagant_a phrase_n dark_a metaphor_n frequent_a interruption_n or_o bodily_a infirmity_n distract_n often_o another_o man_n or_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o fear_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o may_v often_o attend_v a_o man_n bewilder_v through_o worldly_a care_n or_o disturb_v with_o the_o thought_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o mind_n form_n of_o prayer_n study_v and_o review_v be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o impertinency_n tautology_n and_o vain_a repetition_n that_o too_o sudden_a effusion_n frequent_o produce_v when_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o matter_n fluency_n of_o language_n or_o apt_a word_n to_o express_v the_o petition_n man_n be_v willing_a to_o present_v nay_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a may_v by_o the_o frequent_a audience_n of_o public_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n by_o the_o due_a intention_n and_o affection_n of_o their_o mind_n when_o these_o be_v devout_o and_o distinct_o pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n or_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n fix_v and_o remember_v some_o thing_n and_o expression_n for_o their_o more_o private_a and_o single_a use_n and_o at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o express_v their_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o the_o private_a relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o in_o this_o the_o public_a language_n of_o the_o church_n when_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v accomplish_v by_o hear_v the_o same_o matter_n various_o phrased_a and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v alter_v and_o diversify_v in_o respect_n of_o order_n and_o position_n of_o word_n and_o intermix_v with_o new_a fancy_n and_o obscurity_n and_o frequent_a jumbling_n and_o interposition_n of_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o word_n that_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n provoke_v man_n to_o act_n of_o adoration_n or_o rapture_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o what_o methodical_o shall_v be_v prayer_n and_o petition_n so_o that_o they_o who_o possess_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a if_o they_o be_v able_a with_o due_a judgement_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v pace_n with_o he_o who_o in_o this_o way_n can_v invent_v and_o utter_v prayer_n with_o neither_o yet_o they_o can_v no_o more_o carry_v away_o what_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o their_o private_a retirement_n than_o the_o gift_a man_n be_v able_a afterward_o to_o remember_v and_o repeat_v his_o own_o prayer_n for_o in_o these_o sudden_a and_o
prohibition_n of_o vain_a repetition_n this_o will_v not_o conclude_v against_o the_o repetition_n of_o some_o prayer_n and_o petition_n in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n because_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o divers_a service_n which_o ancient_o have_v their_o different_a and_o successive_a season_n allow_v they_o or_o in_o the_o same_o upon_o some_o new_a and_o emergent_a occasion_n be_v place_v at_o the_o end_n of_o divers_a reading_n and_o where_o opportunity_n and_o reason_n present_v themselves_o for_o return_v to_o the_o same_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o variation_n of_o phrase_n where_o the_o reason_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v still_o the_o same_o nor_o any_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o show_v our_o copiousness_n of_o language_n or_o to_o tickle_v the_o ear_n of_o a_o waver_a multitude_n which_o be_v always_o too_o much_o give_v to_o change_v these_o divers_a service_n and_o intermix_v reading_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n apart_o and_o be_v deficient_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n we_o supply_v our_o imperfection_n by_o one_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o composure_n which_o be_v more_o complete_a and_o full_a which_o as_o often_o as_o we_o pray_v we_o be_v command_v to_o use_v and_o indeed_o our_o lord_n prayer_n be_v as_o salt_n to_o season_v our_o sacrifice_n lest_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o nostril_n of_o he_o to_o who_o all_o our_o devotion_n be_v direct_v and_o till_o the_o 118th_o and_o 136th_o psalm_n be_v expunge_v from_o the_o sacred_a canon_n the_o force_n of_o a_o objection_n which_o be_v raise_v upon_o no_o strong_a a_o foundation_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o throw_v down_o or_o batter_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o although_o man_n may_v instance_n in_o repetition_n in_o our_o service_n they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n with_o the_o tautology_n of_o the_o heathen_a nor_o such_o vain_a reduplication_n as_o our_o saviour_n prohibit_v no_o nor_o yet_o to_o be_v parallel_v with_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o prayer_n against_o which_o i_o have_v here_o presume_v to_o argue_v because_o we_o be_v make_v with_o judgement_n and_o due_a reason_n for_o they_o the_o matter_n be_v considerable_a and_o the_o return_v not_o more_o frequent_a than_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o praise_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o they_o be_v needless_a because_o they_o admit_v not_o the_o same_o justification_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o barrenness_n and_o want_v of_o invention_n or_o else_o of_o carelessness_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o serve_v only_a to_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o matter_n and_o sense_n with_o airy_a word_n and_o empty_a sound_n and_z in_o the_o place_n of_o true_a and_o substantial_a harmony_n they_o substitute_v indecency_n and_o jar_a discord_n chap._n xv._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o four_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v against_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o extempore_o separatist_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o seek_v and_o that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_o long_a and_o tedious_o protract_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o some_o who_o have_v not_o their_o whole_a sermon_n ready_a have_v spend_v the_o sand_n in_o the_o hourglass_n that_o measure_v they_o by_o this_o knack_n of_o enlarge_a their_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n adventure_v to_o speak_v to_o god_n without_o premeditation_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v at_o present_a which_o yet_o i_o know_v to_o have_v be_v too_o true_a we_o usual_o petition_v prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n in_o as_o brief_a and_o compendious_a a_o form_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o desire_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v within_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o significant_a and_o full_a expression_n can_v represent_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a god_n to_o be_v of_o a_o less_o majesty_n than_o a_o earthly_a king_n or_o less_o sagacious_a and_o apprehensive_a or_o not_o to_o merit_v as_o much_o respect_n as_o prince_n and_o governor_n who_o be_v his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n will_v not_o the_o same_o and_o great_a reason_n too_o that_o incline_v we_o to_o make_v brief_a petition_n to_o the_o advance_a and_o understanding_n person_n in_o this_o world_n prevail_v with_o we_o to_o use_v a_o decent_a brevity_n and_o curtness_n in_o our_o language_n when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o god_n especial_o since_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o foresee_v the_o want_n of_o the_o world_n his_o providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n have_v infinite_a knowledge_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v escape_v he_o and_o such_o a_o essential_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n that_o there_o be_v not_o need_v of_o much_o thetorick_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n when_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o hearty_a affection_n they_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n which_o cause_v his_o very_a bowel_n to_o yearn_v he_o that_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n need_v not_o many_o word_n to_o inform_v he_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o want_v and_o what_o will_v be_v most_o convenient_a for_o they_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n urge_v against_o inordinate_a care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n even_o because_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n matth._n 6.32_o and_o solomon_n in_o the_o forementioned_a text_n eccles_n 5._o advise_v man_n that_o because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o themselves_o therefore_o when_o they_o speak_v to_o he_o their_o word_n shall_v be_v few_o and_o he_o back_v his_o counsel_n with_o this_o argumentative_a similitude_n that_o as_o multitude_n of_o business_n make_v man_n subject_a to_o unquietness_n and_o dream_n so_o a_o fool_n voice_n be_v know_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o word_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o inconsiderate_a sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n when_o exuberant_a expression_n make_v up_o the_o oblation_n he_o that_o have_v make_v but_o slender_a observation_n may_v easy_o discern_v that_o the_o most_o glorious_a god_n of_o all_o the_o world_n take_v great_a care_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o difference_n it_o from_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o will_v never_o permit_v their_o grove_n to_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o his_o sanctuary_n now_o it_o be_v a_o common_a custom_n among_o they_o to_o draw_v out_o their_o prayer_n into_o a_o tedious_a as_o well_o as_o unprofitable_a length_n though_o they_o do_v it_o by_o reiterate_v the_o same_o expression_n upon_o no_o new_a reason_n at_o all_o but_o because_o of_o the_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v imbibe_v that_o make_v uncouth_a impression_n on_o their_o understanding_n for_o they_o conjecture_v that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o loud_o their_o voice_n be_v extend_v with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o certainty_n will_v their_o god_n hear_v they_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o the_o name_n of_o their_o god_n and_o their_o petition_n be_v repeat_v so_o much_o the_o deep_a impression_n will_v they_o make_v to_o cause_v their_o attention_n incline_v their_o will_n and_o make_v they_o to_o remember_v to_o return_v down_o supply_n to_o they_o now_o such_o reason_n be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_n god_n who_o understand_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o instantaneous_a intuition_n and_o can_v possible_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a he_o need_v not_o any_o thing_n to_o refresh_v his_o memory_n much_o less_o vain_a and_o prohibit_v repetition_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v very_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n for_o man_n to_o pelt_v he_o with_o a_o long_a tedious_a continue_a prayer_n beyond_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o represent_v our_o want_n inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o a_o decent_a height_n to_o demonstrate_v our_o humility_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n to_o a_o be_v so_o transcendent_o great_a and_o discern_a hence_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v the_o fruitless_a tautology_n of_o the_o heathen_a use_v in_o their_o solemn_a and_o most_o earnest_a devotion_n command_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o be_v like_o they_o as_o well_o because_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v
that_o have_v be_v due_o educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o gaudy_a luxuriance_n of_o a_o orator_n not_o welt_a with_o metaphor_n nor_o darken_v by_o any_o figurative_a allusion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o naked_a as_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o plain_a and_o open_a as_o innocence_n itself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o oracle_n in_o word_n that_o may_v beguile_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o question_n of_o the_o inquirer_n be_v otherwise_o let_v the_o language_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n amuse_v only_o but_o not_o edify_v the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o person_n who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o rational_o pronounce_v amen_n to_o it_o because_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a which_o man_n will_v not_o do_v in_o other_o case_n nay_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o such_o prayer_n s._n paul_n both_o redargues_fw-la and_o condemn_v 1_o cor._n 14._o second_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a not_o intermix_v with_o the_o levities_n of_o a_o stage_n as_o if_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v to_o be_v theatrical_a in_o prayer_n and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o raree_o show_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v our_o devotion_n into_o a_o cant_a burlesque_fw-la nor_o cause_v the_o weighty_a conception_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v breathe_v forth_o in_o air_n and_o fancy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v court_v a_o mistress_n or_o a_o common_a hall_n but_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v wise_a and_o grave_a the_o business_n of_o thought_n and_o careful_a premeditation_n and_o our_o word_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o weight_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n beg_v by_o a_o romance_n and_o to_o adorn_v his_o rag_n with_o joques_fw-la or_o flower_n this_o better_a proclaim_v his_o madness_n than_o his_o want_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o a_o person_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o yet_o rant_v aâ—_n and_o tear_n his_o benefactor_n who_o shall_v be_v stow_v it_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v at_o bethlem_n only_o but_o not_o in_o a_o church_n certain_o therefore_o it_o must_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v bold_a man_n thuâ—_n act_v towards_o god_n almighty_a himself_o to_o find_v person_n rave_v in_o their_o prayerâ—_n as_o if_o they_o will_v hector_n the_o greâ—â—_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o scaâ—â—_n he_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o â—_z by_o a_o loud_a noise_n bold_a word_n 〈◊〉_d too_o confident_a importunity_n woulâ—_n make_v a_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n woâ—der_n where_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o trade_n or_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n ridiculous_o groan_v and_o yelp_a out_o his_o prayer_n in_o tone_n unbecoming_a solemnity_n make_v grimace_n and_o wry_a face_n as_o he_o have_v the_o gripe_n in_o his_o belly_n 〈◊〉_d will_v think_v he_o walk_v the_o field_n oâ—ten_o and_o have_v take_v note_n from_o the_o very_a cripple_n nay_o to_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v both_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o consideration_n to_o guess_v which_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o he_o will_v conclude_v both_o to_o be_v artificial_a but_o neither_o to_o be_v fit_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n almighty_n nay_o though_o we_o pray_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o promise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o urge_v god_n gracious_a and_o free_a promise_n in_o such_o dare_a and_o strange_a language_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o kindness_n to_o make_v they_o or_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o he_o can_v not_o suspend_v the_o favour_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o destroy_v that_o free_a grace_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o little_a or_o no_o duty_n to_o perform_v as_o if_o god_n must_v present_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o when_o we_o please_v answer_v our_o petition_n and_o give_v we_o our_o reward_n strange_a that_o man_n in_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n shall_v no_o better_o consider_v their_o distance_n and_o dependence_n but_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n as_o if_o they_o be_v either_o his_o equal_n or_o superior_n thus_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a cloth_n themselves_o with_o shame_n but_o shall_v the_o potsherd_n fly_v at_o the_o potter_n head_n or_o dust_n and_o ash_n endeavour_v to_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a heaven_n shall_v we_o do_v thus_o who_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n who_o one_o word_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o thus_o rude_o address_v can_v sentence_v to_o a_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o make_v the_o shade_n below_o our_o habitation_n nay_o shall_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v our_o body_n into_o a_o grave_n and_o our_o soul_n into_o most_o horrid_a darkness_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o both_o at_o last_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o shall_v he_o be_v address_v to_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o be_v his_o familiar_a acquaintance_n certain_o the_o most_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n prayer_n seem_v to_o make_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o argue_v with_o such_o rude_a and_o careless_a man_n mal._n 1.6_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o be_v then_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o you_o o_o priest_n that_o despise_v my_o name_n and_o yet_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v it_o the_o psalmist_n give_v excellent_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n nay_o our_o very_a rejoice_v must_v be_v with_o reverence_n psal_n 2.11_o and_o if_o the_o great_a king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o david_n there_o speak_v must_v thus_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a much_o more_o ought_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a allay_n to_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o be_v malepert_a with_o their_o maker_n lest_o instead_o of_o favour_n they_o receive_v vengeance_n and_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o a_o speech_n of_o hailstone_n and_o coal_n of_o fire_n let_v man_n therefore_o use_v such_o expression_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n as_o may_v evidence_n some_o dread_a and_o awe_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o declare_v such_o humility_n and_o reverence_n as_o become_v those_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n saint_n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a bishop_n by_o his_o deportment_n among_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o outward_a agreement_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n act._n 20.19_o and_o since_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o express_v our_o inward_a sentiment_n the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o as_o necessary_a too_o as_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o virtue_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o one_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o sign_n of_o the_o other_o that_o when_o gravity_n and_o humility_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v sprout_v forth_o and_o spread_v their_o branch_n in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n mouth_n and_o deportment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o that_o where_o these_o last_o thing_n be_v want_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v nay_o conclude_v the_o profession_n or_o affirmation_n that_o man_n have_v the_o other_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o pretence_n three_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a because_o otherwise_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o
from_o the_o lord_n who_o do_v not_o ask_v in_o faith_n but_o for_o want_v of_o god_n promise_n must_v waver_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o he_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o success_n james_n 1.6_o 7._o to_o make_v god_n promise_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o petition_n will_v hinder_v our_o prayer_n from_o interfere_v with_o his_o will_n to_o which_o our_o desire_n must_v always_o be_v subject_v by_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o even_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o diversion_n of_o his_o passion_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luk._n 22.42_o and_o this_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o comprehensive_a petition_n in_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o use_v and_o imitate_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o this_o exclude_v three_o thing_n from_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o we_o in_o that_o rank_n and_o station_n in_o which_o we_o live_v or_o if_o it_o may_v be_v better_o express_v according_a to_o the_o figure_n we_o make_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o prayer_n for_o other_o thing_n above_o we_o argue_v nothing_o less_o than_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o then_o we_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v thus_o possess_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v we_o such_o petition_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n the_o thing_n we_o ask_v be_v superfluous_a to_o we_o in_o that_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a our_o prayer_n must_v not_o exceed_v our_o station_n till_o god_n providence_n move_v we_o to_o a_o high_a seat_n 2._o those_o thing_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o our_o prayer_n that_o be_v inconvenient_a for_o god_n to_o grant_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o circumstance_n attend_v may_v yet_o be_v so_o unsuitable_a to_o god_n providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o concession_n of_o they_o may_v thwart_v and_o contradict_v it_o again_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v because_o such_o may_v be_v our_o temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o when_o we_o possess_v they_o we_o may_v prove_v troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o or_o very_o great_a disturber_n of_o other_o for_o some_o man_n that_o may_v be_v quiet_a peaceable_a and_o keep_v in_o order_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v prove_v factious_a and_o turbulent_a when_o mount_v into_o a_o high_a sphere_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o dictator_n draw_v from_o the_o plough_n tail_n who_o yet_o have_v behave_v himself_o excellent_o in_o his_o office_n and_o we_o have_v have_v some_o good_a bishop_n who_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o parish_n priest_n but_o rare_a example_n will_v not_o annul_v general_a observation_n when_o divine_a providence_n make_v man_n leap_v into_o seat_n of_o honour_n god_n overlook_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o order_n the_o part_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a his_o way_n be_v oftentimes_o unsearchable_a and_o his_o path_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o as_o power_n and_o authority_n discover_v the_o disposition_n of_o he_o that_o have_v it_o though_o his_o low_a condition_n may_v hide_v it_o before_o so_o person_n that_o may_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a while_o god_n keep_v they_o in_o a_o inferior_a order_n may_v become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a when_o they_o be_v place_v under_o a_o canopy_n of_o honour_n and_o have_v a_o large_a confluence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o may_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o man_n petition_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v in_o anger_n to_o they_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o other_o or_o for_o many_o design_n hide_v from_o we_o we_o usual_o find_v this_o true_a that_o asperius_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n last_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n the_o support_v the_o wretched_a tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a psal_n 11.7_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o prayer_n wish_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o shall_v find_v any_o acceptance_n with_o god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n or_o bestow_v thing_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o may_v sstrengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o wickedness_n or_o give_v encouragement_n to_o their_o sin_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v why_o god_n many_o time_n suspend_v his_o answer_n or_o deny_v our_o request_n as_o he_o do_v afflict_v his_o people_n in_o faithfulness_n so_o do_v he_o in_o kindness_n reject_v their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o grant_v or_o deny_v some_o in_o wrath_n for_o sometime_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o present_a capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o we_o ask_v and_o most_o earnest_o desire_v we_o frequent_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n when_o yet_o our_o sin_n lay_v at_o the_o door_n and_o most_o abominable_a hypocrisy_n lodge_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v not_o many_o time_n prepare_v our_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o either_o for_o want_v of_o humility_n or_o charity_n we_o must_v leave_v our_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n or_o when_o we_o offer_v it_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v it_o with_o true_a devotion_n and_o a_o suitable_a and_o earnest_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o oftentimes_o pray_v amiss_o and_o so_o lose_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o request_n nay_o we_o fail_v not_o only_o in_o the_o design_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o even_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n we_o be_v not_o like_o the_o importunate_a widow_n which_o parable_n be_v deliver_v to_o this_o end_n to_o encourage_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luk._n 18.1_o or_o else_o we_o do_v not_o as_o cornelius_n do_v join_v alm_n with_o our_o prayer_n for_o these_o be_v a_o admirable_a preparative_n to_o devotion_n or_o a_o excellent_a conclusion_n to_o close_v our_o petition_n with_o they_o help_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o desire_n to_o heaven_n be_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n with_o which_o god_n be_v well_o please_v heb._n 13.16_o or_o else_o we_o come_v before_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n with_o some_o great_a sin_n waste_v our_o conscience_n which_o we_o have_v not_o confess_v and_o repent_v of_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o may_v just_o contract_v our_o heart_n and_o imprison_v our_o spirit_n and_o whilst_o this_o hover_v over_o our_o head_n we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o nor_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o want_v faith_n our_o petition_n can_v neither_o be_v accept_v or_o answer_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o hang_v over_o we_o as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n hinder_v our_o prayer_n from_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n and_o intercept_v the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o recoil_v back_o to_o himself_o nay_o we_o too_o frequent_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o heart_n ungrateful_a for_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o we_o have_v obtain_v what_o divine_a providence_n both_o in_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_n flow_v from_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n have_v hitherto_o think_v fit_v to_o bestow_v we_o instead_o of_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o receipt_n murmur_n and_o repine_v because_o we_o have_v no_o more_o like_a person_n here_o below_o we_o be_v perpetual_o grumble_a at_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o have_v not_o what_o we_o wish_v for_o though_o perhaps_o we_o have_v more_o than_o we_o deserve_v and_o further_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o we_o take_v not_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o ourselves_o so_o we_o be_v extreme_o willing_a that_o god_n thought_n shall_v be_v like_o our_o own_o rather_o than_o our_o wish_n shall_v be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o frequent_o deny_v our_o request_n in_o prayer_n because_o be_v guide_v by_o our_o narrow_a and_o short_a prospect_n of_o thing_n we_o sometime_o ask_v that_o which_o if_o grant_v will_v prove_v our_o ruin_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v rom._n 8.26_o we_o have_v not_o the_o just_a view_n of_o ourselves_o and_o can_v with_o certainty_n see_v what_o be_v future_a and_o
god_n or_o without_o such_o a_o resolution_n to_o relinquish_v their_o sin_n as_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o perfect_a effect_n in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o life_n when_o they_o do_v not_o smite_v on_o their_o breast_n with_o the_o publican_n but_o either_o conceal_v their_o sin_n as_o david_n do_v sometime_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n or_o justify_v they_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o call_v evil_a good_a for_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whoso_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n pro._n 28.13_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o cherish_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o much_o hate_v be_v to_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o very_a face_n to_o spread_v our_o defile_a garment_n before_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a or_o his_o eye_n can_v now_o behold_v iniquity_n this_o be_v like_o a_o accurse_a traitor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o ask_v preferment_n of_o a_o king_n when_o he_o shall_v beg_v pardon_n with_o a_o halter_n about_o his_o neck_n to_o be_v like_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o kiss_n and_o bold_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o innocence_n of_o our_o face_n must_v incline_v god_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o honest_a man_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o some_o man_n strange_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v conjecture_v that_o he_o will_v overlook_v our_o crime_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v by_o our_o infirmity_n of_o this_o impenitent_a state_n may_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o david_n psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o abomination_n nay_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v neither_o lie_v nor_o equivocate_v say_v of_o such_o man_n that_o they_o offer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n to_o no_o purpose_n i._n e._n if_o they_o present_v they_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o acceptance_n as_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v be_v appease_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o that_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o bring_v any_o more_o vain_a oblation_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v and_o make_v themselves_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n from_o before_o his_o eye_n till_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learned_a to_o do_v well_o otherwise_o say_v he_o incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n isaiah_n 1_o 3._o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o expect_v god_n favourable_a answer_n when_o they_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n the_o concession_n of_o which_o may_v give_v too_o great_a and_o direct_a occasion_n for_o other_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n give_v countenance_n to_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n or_o in_o both_o as_o for_o example_n that_o such_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o support_v their_o sinful_a and_o diabolical_a design_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o when_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v purchase_v the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o own_o disciple_n because_o this_o will_v have_v confirm_v his_o devilish_a doctrine_n among_o the_o people_n and_o that_o sacred_a gift_n and_o authority_n be_v too_o pure_a for_o his_o impious_a and_o defile_a hand_n s._n peter_n make_v a_o reply_n to_o he_o as_o sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o it_o be_v quick_a and_o sudden_a thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v neither_o lot_n nor_o part_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n act_n 8.20_o 21._o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o of_o the_o say_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a john_n 9.31_o now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n for_o we_o find_v the_o jew_n ver_fw-la 24._o exhort_v the_o man_n to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o cure_n but_o none_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o authority_n he_o be_v make_v whole_a who_o have_v not_o sight_n restore_v but_o give_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v say_v they_o meaning_n christ_n that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o work_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o which_o the_o enlighten_v person_n reply_v thus_o to_o confute_v their_o calumny_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n be_v apparent_a now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v god_n will_v not_o attend_v the_o petition_n of_o any_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o impostor_n as_o you_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v who_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o give_v sight_n to_o i_o to_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v harden_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n and_o confirm_v his_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n hear_v none_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o but_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n it_o follow_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o thought_n of_o he_o for_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n nor_o gain_v such_o a_o power_n from_o above_o as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o open_v my_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o now_o though_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o petition_v he_o in_o the_o forementioned_a circumstance_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o obtain_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o alter_v when_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o great_a humility_n of_o soul_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n with_o confession_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o a_o real_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v those_o sin_n that_o have_v hitherto_o separate_v betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o god_n be_v willing_a then_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o to_o adopt_v they_o into_o his_o family_n to_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o his_o care_n and_o more_o especial_a providence_n and_o to_o cause_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o sinner_n that_o repent_v he_o call_v to_o they_o then_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o although_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.18_o god_n cherish_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o amendment_n and_o he_o will_v neither_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o he_o encourage_v the_o first_o motion_n to_o a_o return_n accept_v our_o sincerity_n and_o quicken_v and_o crown_v our_o faithful_a endeavour_n and_o when_o wicked_a man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n address_v themselves_o to_o a_o gracious_a god_n they_o will_v lose_v by_o degree_n their_o former_a denomination_n and_o quick_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o may_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v they_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o god_n with_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o the_o centurion_n clothe_v and_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 8.8_o lord_n i_o be_o unworthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n they_o may_v then_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o pious_o expect_v that_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n have_v no_o soon_o say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n but_o christ_n know_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o now_o discover_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o associate_n present_o reply_v to_o day_n thou_o shall_v
that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v matth._n 7.7_o 8._o furthermore_o he_o confirm_v this_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o use_v his_o utmost_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o his_o mediatory_a authority_n to_o bestow_v what_o we_o lawful_o pray_v for_o and_o certain_o in_o this_o state_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v full_o depend_v upon_o his_o intercession_n and_o ability_n because_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n see_v therefore_o what_o he_o engage_v for_o john_n 14.13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v and_o double_v the_o promise_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o repeat_v it_o with_o a_o double_a asseveration_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o joh._n 16.23_o 24_o and_o 27._o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prevent_v or_o scatter_v all_o those_o fear_n that_o like_o a_o cloud_n hang_v over_o his_o disciple_n head_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n they_o may_v have_v of_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o send_v the_o comforter_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o in_o any_o strait_n and_o exigency_n of_o affair_n they_o shall_v through_o he_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n they_o shall_v have_v ready_a audience_n and_o a_o quick_a return_n make_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v receive_v that_o their_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a and_o give_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o petition_n and_o embolden_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o father_n himself_o have_v a_o great_a kindness_n for_o all_o those_o who_o evidence_n their_o affection_n to_o the_o son_n of_o his_o bosom_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o soon_o shall_v the_o earth_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o heaven_n melt_v than_o such_o promise_n so_o powerful_o confirm_v fail_v of_o their_o accomplishment_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n possible_o distrust_v they_o when_o he_o be_v himself_o that_o conclude_v god_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o immutable_a and_o do_v not_o think_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o great_a impostor_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o god_n have_v hear_v man_n prayer_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v ask_v even_o when_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v beforehand_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o therefore_o although_o he_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o utter_v and_o make_v they_o public_a by_o open_a address_n yet_o as_o his_o command_n for_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o audience_n take_v off_o that_o objection_n so_o if_o his_o determination_n have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v alter_v upon_o man_n devout_a prayer_n and_o humble_a supplication_n it_o do_v not_o only_o prove_v some_o decree_n conditional_a but_o sufficient_o baffle_v all_o discouragement_n to_o prayer_n which_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o any_o uncouth_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o man_n concern_v absolute_a and_o irrespective_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o being_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o in_o their_o consequence_n render_v prayer_n useless_a and_o justify_v what_o they_o call_v persecution_n since_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o shall_v follow_v or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o providence_n if_o they_o state_n it_o right_o as_o well_o in_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_n misfortune_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v in_o their_o glory_n and_o in_o their_o triumph_n but_o though_o god_n providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o like_o a_o wise_a governor_n he_o superintend_v the_o world_n yet_o since_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n his_o apparent_a command_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n for_o our_o practice_n and_o not_o his_o obscure_a and_o hide_a decree_n which_o mystical_a and_o pretend_v person_n who_o confident_o assume_v the_o monopoly_n of_o dream_n will_v fain_o have_v authority_n to_o soothsay_v upon_o that_o they_o may_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o yet_o these_o will_v willing_o when_o it_o may_v be_v propitious_a to_o their_o design_n resolve_v all_o their_o villainy_n into_o they_o but_o what_o a_o strange_a confusion_n will_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n although_o sincerity_n do_v attend_v opinion_n if_o subject_n shall_v proportion_v their_o action_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o uncertain_a conjecture_n they_o have_v of_o the_o intentention_n and_o design_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o not_o guide_v themselves_o by_o his_o know_a law_n the_o law_n will_v then_o no_o long_o be_v his_o but_o their_o own_o and_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a though_o frightful_a prevision_n they_o will_v rebel_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o instinct_n and_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n whilst_o they_o grave_o make_v providence_n their_o leader_n such_o will_v our_o deportment_n be_v towards_o god_n shall_v we_o measure_v our_o duty_n by_o god_n decree_n which_o we_o can_v never_o know_v and_o leave_v his_o write_a law_n manifest_v in_o his_o word_n by_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o certain_o man_n who_o make_v providence_n to_o be_v their_o conductor_n in_o these_o affair_n though_o they_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n yet_o now_o be_v but_o in_o jest_n with_o we_o since_o it_o seem_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o which_o they_o say_v they_o groan_v under_o and_o cry_v out_o on_o persecution_n from_o those_o who_o have_v gain_v the_o whip_n hand_n exercise_v it_o very_o gentle_o upon_o they_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v it_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n too_o severe_a upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o way_n intolerable_a on_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o true_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o a_o little_a patience_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o take_v country_n air_n to_o preserve_v their_o own_o health_n when_o they_o make_v other_o sick_a in_o the_o town_n by_o stay_v but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o particular_a contriver_n that_o follow_v providence_n whilst_o it_o comport_v with_o their_o own_o interest_n yet_o certain_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o mystical_a conclusion_n of_o any_o enthusiastical_a man_n who_o fancy_n may_v blow_v they_o up_o to_o the_o conceit_n and_o for_o aught_o some_o other_o know_v to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o a_o inspiration_n providence_n which_o be_v always_o dark_a and_o full_a of_o riddle_n be_v never_o design_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n life_n because_o from_o this_o be_v frequent_o deduce_v opposite_a and_o quite_o contrary_a conclusion_n alas_o man_n who_o when_o blow_v up_o like_o a_o bladder_n be_v no_o more_o though_o when_o break_v they_o may_v make_v a_o loud_a crack_n can_v see_v through_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v the_o council_n of_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n nor_o read_v the_o decree_n or_o record_v above_o that_o according_o they_o may_v act_v here_o on_o earth_n mortal_a man_n in_o this_o variable_a state_n below_o be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n whatever_o illumination_n they_o may_v pretend_v it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n within_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o very_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v if_o our_o maker_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o design_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o that_o i_o may_v affirm_v without_o any_o dangerous_a opposition_n that_o his_o secret_a will_n do_v not_o contradict_v his_o reveal_v notwithstanding_o the_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n or_o as_o the_o symbol_n and_o infallible_a test_n of_o one_o party_n renounce_v all_o symbolical_a ceremony_n have_v thus_o too_o large_o prefaced_a that_o which_o i_o promise_v to_o prove_v which_o i_o strive_v to_o check_v my_o pen_n in_o but_o my_o understanding_n will_v dictate_v to_o my_o will_n and_o both_o must_v unavoidable_o guide_v my_o hand_n i_o come_v now_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n where_o prayer_n have_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v petition_n when_o yet_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o fetch_v too_o large_a a_o compass_n but_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o israelite_n when_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n beyond_o their_o expectation_n they_o have_v cause_v a_o melt_a
can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a
we_o may_v know_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o this_o point_n from_o bellarmin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o every_o tome_n of_o his_o controversy_n he_o join_v the_o virgin_n mary_n with_o god_n in_o the_o thanks_o he_o render_v for_o help_v in_o the_o composure_n praise_v be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n nay_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n exceed_v he_o in_o the_o transport_n for_o he_o possible_o as_o he_o think_v from_o good_a manner_n put_v the_o virgin_n before_o her_o son_n in_o the_o close_a of_o some_o of_o his_o book_n and_o say_v laus_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o beatae_fw-la virgini_fw-la mariae_fw-la &_o domino_fw-la jesus_n christo_fw-la praise_n be_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o whether_o his_o meaning_n be_v to_o constitute_v a_o new_a trinity_n by_o discard_n the_o old_a omit_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o change_v that_o sacred_a person_n for_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o the_o conquest_n in_o the_o battle_n at_o lepanto_n be_v plain_o ascribe_v not_o to_o god_n but_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n which_o appear_v by_o their_o festival_n in_o memory_n of_o it_o call_v festum_fw-la sanctae_fw-la mariae_fw-la à _fw-la victoriâ_fw-la celebrate_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o october_n it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o the_o romanist_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v they_o to_o intercedein_a their_o behalf_n when_o intercession_n for_o man_n in_o heaven_n be_v plain_o found_v on_o their_o redemption_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n be_v alone_o capacitate_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o they_o rely_v also_o on_o those_o who_o they_o invoke_v in_o such_o case_n for_o aid_n and_o protection_n nay_o for_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o all_o their_o curious_o invent_a distinction_n will_v never_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o the_o horrid_a guilt_n of_o give_v away_o god_n glory_n to_o another_o since_o by_o their_o petition_n they_o imply_v a_o dependence_n on_o creature_n who_o they_o invoke_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o god_n power_n alone_o to_o give_v what_o ever_o messenger_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o must_v be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o understand_v what_o religion_n mean_v but_o let_v we_o allow_v the_o evasion_n of_o the_o romanist_n in_o these_o point_n to_o be_v as_o cunning_a and_o plausible_a and_o witty_a as_o they_o please_v yet_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v compose_v prayer_n in_o such_o language_n and_o stile_n that_o the_o first_o and_o natural_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v lead_v the_o simple_a into_o error_n and_o idolatry_n unless_o you_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v all_o schoolman_n that_o understand_v how_o to_o split_v a_o hair_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pick_v straw_n well_o that_o have_v the_o artificial_a knack_n of_o nicety_n and_o distinction_n or_o head_n so_o natural_o make_v for_o abstraction_n that_o they_o ken_v a_o dictinction_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v invent_v and_o utter_v by_o another_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o but_o these_o art_n and_o trick_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o edge_n of_o their_o own_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o edge_n as_o be_v fatal_a too_o this_o be_v like_o make_v any_o point_n hard_a that_o be_v before_o easy_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o unridle_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o render_v the_o same_o easy_a again_o and_o so_o end_v where_o he_o first_o begin_v this_o be_v only_o turn_v round_o over_o a_o rope_n to_o bring_v one_o head_n into_o its_o right_a place_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n these_o thing_n be_v let_v the_o first_o inventor_n answer_v themselves_o it_o can_v otherwise_o appear_v to_o i_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n grow_v from_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o be_v design_v only_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n convenient_a for_o this_o world_n but_o no_o way_n procure_v glory_n in_o the_o next_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v with_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o body_n in_o which_o all_o present_a at_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o be_v concern_v and_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o join_v what_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o expression_n in_o this_o service_n so_o word_v that_o they_o be_v right_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o learned_a whilst_o the_o people_n may_v by_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o that_o to_o which_o they_o immediate_o address_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o distinction_n or_o if_o they_o do_v its_o acute_a operation_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o by_o their_o public_a service_n be_v idolater_n in_o practice_n though_o they_o may_v hate_v the_o name_n and_o the_o thing_n too_o if_o once_o they_o have_v it_o explain_v to_o they_o however_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o my_o knowledge_n to_o know_v how_o they_o can_v god_n deliver_v we_o from_o such_o devotion_n of_o which_o so_o gross_a and_o thick_a ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n which_o yet_o how_o far_o it_o may_v excuse_v the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v invincible_a i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o great_a god_n to_o judge_v together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v that_o their_o hazard_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o themselves_o by_o refuse_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o willing_o permit_v their_o priest_n to_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v easy_o it_o seem_v and_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v much_o more_o pleasant_a to_o be_v always_o blind_a than_o to_o see_v such_o be_v like_o the_o samaritan_n our_o saviour_n rebuke_n joh._n 4.22_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o worship_n in_o the_o mountain_n although_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o worship_v but_o let_v we_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n continue_v to_o offer_v to_o the_o great_a god_n such_o prayer_n as_o we_o understand_v that_o both_o the_o affection_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n may_v bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o our_o expression_n let_v we_o whatever_o other_o do_v devout_o pray_v to_o the_o supreme_a god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n since_o we_o be_v encourage_v thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v help_n in_o time_n of_o need_n i_o have_v prove_v in_o a_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o god_n only_a be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o such_o service_n as_o we_o account_v divine_a be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o another_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_n and_o serious_a that_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n may_v accompany_v and_o guard_v the_o expression_n of_o our_o tongue_n but_o such_o rule_n man_n apparent_o transgress_v who_o pray_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n or_o to_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n when_o they_o adore_v the_o host_n and_o worship_v a_o wafer_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o again_o be_v introduce_v among_o ourselves_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o christ_n may_v find_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o devotion_n too_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n when_o he_o come_v ride_v triumphant_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o resist_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o janissary_n with_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n baffle_v the_o devil_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o this_o example_n and_o text_n together_o methinks_v shall_v abash_v all_o pretend_v and_o deter_v all_o real_a christian_n from_o make_v any_o religious_a address_n to_o immortal_a angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v and_o much_o more_o to_o any_o creature_n
for_o their_o much_o speakinng_a as_o because_o the_o god_n who_o christian_n be_v direct_v to_o worship_n know_v the_o thing_n they_o have_v need_n of_o before_o they_o ask_v he_o and_o then_o he_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o short_a and_o comprehensive_a form_n which_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o use_v and_o imitate_v matth._n 6._o but_o yet_o as_o st._n austin_n say_v vid._n epist_n 86._o &_o 118._o god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v by_o motive_n and_o argument_n and_o overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v encourage_v man_n to_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luke_o 18._o the_o design_n of_o which_o parable_n as_o he_o inform_v we_o be_v to_o encourage_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v also_o command_v to_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n writing_n where_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o to_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o like_a which_o injunction_n and_o exhortation_n must_v at_o least_o obtain_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bear_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o expectation_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o rebuke_v all_o despond_v thought_n that_o so_o when_o we_o petition_v our_o maker_n for_o any_o blessing_n that_o may_v relieve_v our_o necessity_n we_o may_v not_o be_v dishearten_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o or_o his_o most_o wise_a protraction_n nor_o be_v discourage_v or_o discontent_v to_o a_o omission_n of_o our_o devotion_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o sudden_a return_n to_o our_o prayer_n but_o that_o we_o may_v still_o repeat_v our_o duty_n and_o be_v the_o more_o instant_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v deny_v unless_o we_o receive_v a_o apparent_a signal_n of_o god_n displeasure_n either_o at_o the_o matter_n unseasonableness_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o address_n which_o because_o we_o can_v easy_o understand_v especial_o if_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o reason_n ground_n and_o rule_n of_o prayer_n draw_v from_o the_o object_n to_o who_o our_o devotion_n be_v direct_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o ourselves_o who_o be_v petitioner_n or_o from_o precept_n exhortation_n and_o example_n too_o which_o we_o find_v exhibit_v in_o sacred_a writ_n our_o judgement_n correspond_v to_o our_o petition_n and_o upon_o scrutiny_n we_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n in_o they_o nor_o any_o defect_n in_o our_o utterance_n or_o deportment_n there_o be_v no_o way_n therefore_o leave_v but_o in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o best_a composer_n of_o petition_n to_o god_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v even_o jesus_n himself_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o dreadful_a agony_n be_v sensible_a of_o what_o he_o then_o feel_v and_o fear_v also_o what_o he_o must_v endure_v when_o fix_v upon_o the_o cross_n pray_v that_o this_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n which_o he_o then_o signify_v in_o word_n as_o plain_a as_o they_o be_v full_a of_o humility_n nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v matth._n 26.39_o but_o all_o this_o may_v yet_o be_v obey_v without_o any_o long_a and_o tedious_o continue_a prayer_n where_o protraction_n in_o the_o speaker_n too_o frequent_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a and_o bring_v a_o indisposition_n and_o weariness_n to_o most_o of_o the_o devotionist_n for_o man_n may_v bestow_v not_o only_a day_n but_o night_n too_o in_o this_o most_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o by_o obey_v the_o inference_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o religion_n we_o enjoy_v so_o large_a and_o comfortable_a a_o privilege_n by_o run_v through_o a_o short_a course_n of_o devotion_n consist_v of_o many_o collect_v and_o premeditate_a form_n which_o may_v include_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n and_o after_o little_a interval_n of_o refreshment_n return_v with_o earnestness_n to_o the_o same_o again_o for_o prayer_n certain_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n prompt_v we_o to_o it_o more_o to_o demonstrate_v our_o own_o humility_n and_o devout_a reliance_n on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n than_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o our_o necessity_n &_o trouble_n or_o by_o our_o oratory_n to_o incline_v he_o to_o hear_v we_o and_o therefore_o that_o must_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o compendious_a way_n of_o worship_n by_o which_o be_v answer_v the_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o doubt_n when_o our_o intention_n and_o affection_n be_v with_o the_o high_a ardency_n and_o most_o vehement_a desire_n employ_v in_o this_o duty_n it_o best_o demonstrate_v our_o own_o vileness_n and_o a_o modest_a confidence_n in_o and_o love_n to_o god_n now_o this_o be_v more_o vigorous_o accomplish_v when_o we_o use_v such_o method_n as_o may_v least_o weary_a and_o tire_v our_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o short_a ejaculation_n and_o brief_a collect_v intermix_v with_o some_o other_o various_a office_n accompany_v with_o some_o little_a intermission_n that_o give_v breath_n to_o and_o refresh_v the_o intention_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o expediency_n of_o this_o affair_n than_o a_o long_a continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a devotion_n for_o man_n may_v find_v if_o they_o will_v both_o try_v and_o judge_v fair_o that_o this_o latter_a way_n dull_v the_o fancy_n weaken_v the_o invention_n darken_v the_o object_n as_o the_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v with_o gaze_v too_o long_o at_o the_o sun_n and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a to_o sleep_v than_o to_o pray_v but_o in_o the_o former_a method_n where_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v excellent_o and_o orderly_o intermix_v and_o follow_v each_o other_o so_o that_o the_o entrance_n upon_o one_o be_v a_o relaxation_n from_o the_o other_o and_o we_o stay_v not_o too_o long_o at_o a_o time_n on_o either_o and_o these_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o different_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n and_o divers_a affection_n and_o transport_n of_o our_o mind_n here_o we_o receive_v ease_n and_o refreshment_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v better_o fit_v for_o a_o long_a continuance_n without_o distraction_n than_o if_o all_o be_v put_v together_o in_o one_o uninterrupted_a chain_n of_o expression_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n inform_v epist_n 121._o that_o the_o egyptian_a brethren_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v very_o frequent_a prayer_n sed_fw-la eas_fw-la tamen_fw-la brevissimas_fw-la &_o raptim_fw-la quodammodo_fw-la ejaculatas_fw-la but_o they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o dart_v forth_o with_o a_o sudden_a quickness_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v very_o apposite_a to_o my_o present_a argument_n lest_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v now_o vigilant_a and_o lift_v up_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o one_o that_o pray_v shall_v be_v dull_v and_o vanish_v by_o a_o long_a stay_n and_o more_o tedious_a continuance_n nay_o short_a prayer_n be_v compare_v to_o sharp_a dart_n that_o soon_o pierce_v the_o sky_n and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o commend_v these_o st._n chrysostom_n upon_o the_o six_o of_o st._n matthew_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o lord_n in_o prohibit_v vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a seem_v to_o he_o to_o forbid_v long_a prayer_n long_o say_v he_o not_o in_o time_n but_o in_o prolixity_n of_o expression_n and_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o have_v leisure_n to_o consider_v what_o st._n austin_n say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a epistle_n hoc_fw-la negotium_fw-la plus_fw-la gemitibus_fw-la quam_fw-la sermonibus_fw-la agitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o prayer_n be_v make_v more_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n than_o in_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o that_o it_o be_v evidence_v more_o by_o weep_v with_o our_o eye_n than_o by_o breathe_v at_o our_o mouth_n we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o extreme_o fond_a of_o such_o patch_a and_o thereby_o lengthen_a prayer_n to_o a_o continue_a five_o hour_n adventure_v because_o this_o discover_v only_o a_o nimble_a invention_n with_o volubility_n of_o language_n place_v in_o a_o strong_a and_o sturdy_a body_n but_o it_o stifle_v affection_n and_o render_v watchfulness_n itself_o drowsy_a in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o it_o and_o keep_v he_o that_o utter_v it_o only_o awake_v because_o he_o can_v so_o well_o speak_v in_o his_o sleep_n and_o the_o whole_a when_o do_v in_o this_o manner_n demonstrate_v confidence_n but_o not_o devotion_n nay_o it_o seem_v not_o a_o little_a strange_a to_o i_o that_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v
treat_v of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n acacquaint_v the_o world_n that_o by_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o fundamental_a word_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o old_a turn_v into_o mythology_n and_o gentilism_n the_o same_o may_v we_o also_o say_v of_o those_o person_n who_o pretension_n be_v the_o high_a in_o understand_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o cover_v the_o bright_a sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n and_o render_v the_o plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o find_v mystery_n in_o word_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n easy_o represent_v their_o own_o meaning_n so_o that_o to_o discover_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o rubbish_n which_o by_o mystical_a man_n be_v cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o by_o such_o mean_n some_o turn_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o gibberish_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n either_o by_o their_o own_o misapprehension_n or_o a_o industrious_a veiling_n of_o those_o word_n that_o be_v at_o first_o design_v to_o express_v it_o thus_o convert_v a_o plain_a religion_n into_o more_o mystery_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o ephesus_n or_o athens_n such_o word_n as_o these_o be_v prayer_n conscience_n faith_n spirit_n gift_n experience_n predestination_n and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v obscure_a because_o god_n service_n be_v a_o rational_a worship_n rom._n 12.1_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o in_o tully_n haec_fw-la si_fw-la deorum_fw-la signa_fw-la sunt_fw-la cur_n essent_fw-la obscure_v he_o speak_v of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o revelation_n from_o the_o god_n if_o these_o say_v he_o be_v notice_n from_o the_o god_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o dark_a and_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n he_o prove_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_a want_v both_o grace_n and_o majesty_n indeed_o it_o render_v any_o the_o most_o holy_a system_v of_o religion_n extreme_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v accuse_v for_o cheat_v and_o imposture_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v two_o face_n may_v easy_o carry_v a_o double_a name_n and_o be_v uâ—iled_v under_o equivocal_a or_o obscure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n be_v mist_v and_o dusky_a if_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o dark_a as_o if_o the_o preserver_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n intend_v to_o keep_v they_o all_o unto_o themselves_o thus_o theodoret_n hist_o lib._n 2._o report_v of_o leontius_n stain_v with_o the_o arrian_n blasphemy_n that_o he_o endeavour_v with_o subtlety_n to_o hide_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o dubious_a and_o equivocal_a language_n alter_v the_o sense_n of_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la by_o change_v and_o interpose_v some_o little_a preposition_n and_o conjunction_n and_o by_o rehearse_v a_o part_n soft_o to_o himself_o or_o what_o be_v more_o probable_a total_o omit_v it_o and_o another_o part_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n that_o so_o he_o may_v although_o it_o be_v discover_v avoid_v accusation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n and_o though_o he_o lose_v his_o faith_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o lose_v the_o bishopric_n of_o antioch_n i_o wish_v our_o sectary_n be_v free_a from_o such_o left-handed_a design_n though_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o their_o advance_n to_o bishopric_n unless_o we_o shall_v conclude_v those_o to_o be_v distract_v who_o yet_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v very_o wise_a and_o then_o their_o simplicity_n may_v a_o little_a stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o idiot_n and_o either_o excuse_v they_o for_o mangle_v and_o spoil_v religious_a worship_n by_o make_v mystery_n where_o they_o can_v find_v they_o or_o for_o invent_v folly_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o excuse_v they_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o say_v amen_o to_o all_o the_o mystery_n produce_v by_o other_o we_o be_v all_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o pray_v with_o we_o though_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o this_o great_a family_n and_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o he_o to_o pray_v unto_o himself_o but_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o this_o too_o however_o strange_a word_n and_o uncouth_a phrase_n strike_v terror_n and_o amazement_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o proselyte_n that_o they_o may_v by_o this_o method_n be_v soften_v and_o prepare_v the_o more_o easy_o to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o otherwise_o upon_o retirement_n and_o consideration_n their_o free_a reason_n will_v never_o embrace_v and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o honest_a plea_n because_o it_o be_v open_a and_o without_o reserve_v though_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v a_o little_a knavery_n in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v eusebius_n inform_v we_o hist_o lib._n 4._o that_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o marcus_n the_o magician_n utter_v many_o hebrew_n name_n that_o they_o may_v affect_v those_o that_o be_v new_o enter_v into_o their_o study_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o great_a admiration_n and_o amazement_n in_o a_o word_n our_o most_o exalt_a and_o obstinate_a separatist_n be_v much_o of_o the_o temper_n and_o design_n too_o of_o those_o who_o s._n austin_n blame_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n who_o endeavour_v to_o transcend_v all_o that_o be_v create_v but_o be_v keep_v down_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o mortality_n when_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o can_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v by_o their_o bold_a and_o resolute_a affirmation_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o bar_v themselves_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n choose_v rather_o not_o to_o correct_v their_o own_o perverse_a opinion_n than_o to_o change_v that_o which_o they_o have_v assume_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o defend_v what_o shall_v i_o trouble_v any_o reader_n with_o what_o they_o prop_n and_o support_v what_o our_o schismatic_n call_v their_o church_n for_o since_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o own_o succession_n they_o bold_o deny_v any_o to_o be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o tertullian_n the_o prescript_n haeret._n cap._n 32._o send_v this_o challenge_n to_o the_o heretic_n then_o edant_fw-la ergo_fw-la origines_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v they_o put_v forth_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o their_o church_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o catalogue_n of_o their_o bishop_n that_o so_o descend_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o beginning_n they_o may_v find_v that_o their_o first_o bishop_n have_v have_v one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n who_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n his_o author_n and_o antecessor_n for_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o in_o this_o method_n do_v the_o apostolic_a church_n deduce_v and_o declare_v their_o original_a i_o may_v to_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n also_o instance_n in_o many_o of_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o separatist_n that_o be_v as_o currant_n as_o they_o be_v common_a among_o they_o which_o yet_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o endear_n word_n and_o scripture_n proof_n wound_v the_o deity_n in_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n disturb_v that_o bless_a harmony_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o politic_a government_n of_o mankind_n which_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v very_o much_o help_v and_o conduce_v to_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n recommend_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v these_o thing_n at_o present_a and_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o testimony_n that_o s._n cyprian_n bear_v to_o borrow_v a_o expression_n from_o the_o spawn_n of_o these_o man_n against_o all_o prayer_n that_o be_v rude_a and_o indigested_a more_o full_a of_o word_n than_o of_o sense_n and_o more_o abound_v with_o long_a period_n than_o matter_n that_o may_v promote_v hearty_a devotion_n for_o the_o father_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v abundant_o condemn_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o give_v a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o after_o he_o have_v give_v this_o advertisement_n that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n at_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n hide_v himself_o he_o certain_o discern_v he_o because_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o see_v both_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a this_o holy_a father_n acquaint_v man_n that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v congregat_v to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o
god_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v mindful_a both_o of_o modesty_n and_o discipline_n non_fw-la passim_fw-la ventilare_fw-la preces_fw-la nostras_fw-la inconditis_fw-la vocibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n not_o to_o brethe_o out_o our_o prayer_n in_o insipid_a word_n nor_o throw_v out_o our_o petition_n which_o be_v modest_o to_o be_v commend_v unto_o god_n with_o a_o tumultuous_a speech_n because_o god_n be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o voice_n but_o the_o heart_n nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o any_o thing_n by_o clamour_n and_o outcry_n who_o see_v and_o understand_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o now_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n which_o i_o both_o write_v for_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o i_o have_v as_o i_o ought_v fair_o dedicate_v it_o and_o if_o other_o only_o to_o exercise_v their_o censure_a talon_n shall_v find_v fault_n with_o it_o let_v they_o in_o charity_n honest_o mend_v it_o or_o else_o they_o may_v as_o assure_o they_o will_v turn_v the_o buckle_n of_o their_o girdle_n behind_o they_o finis_fw-la i_o desire_v here_o to_o recommend_v to_o the_o parish_n to_o which_o the_o former_a discourse_n be_v dedicate_v a_o few_o collection_n out_o of_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o vindidication_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n november_n the_o 2._o 1649._o they_o complain_v that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n some_o be_v arrive_v that_o they_o be_v labour_v for_o a_o odious_a toleration_n of_o all_o abominable_a opinion_n as_o can_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pag._n 103._o and_o that_o those_o error_n which_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o prelate_n time_n be_v now_o many_o in_o they_o their_o note_n on_o rom._n 16.17_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o require_v to_o avoid_v their_o doctrine_n but_o their_o person_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o be_v quote_v 1_o tim._n 6._o ch_n 3_o 4_o 5._o pag._n 104._o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o godliness_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o libertinism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o that_o all_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v that_o hold_v forth_o a_o strictness_n above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o therefore_o their_o advice_n be_v that_o man_n must_v be_v candidate_n of_o a_o canonical_a not_o a_o apocryphal_a strictness_n and_o where_o god_n have_v not_o a_o mouth_n to_o speak_v man_n must_v not_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o a_o heart_n to_o believe_v pag._n 105._o that_o doctrine_n which_o cry_v up_o purity_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o unity_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o conclude_v with_o this_o affirmation_n that_o certain_o the_o government_n that_o carry_v in_o the_o front_n of_o it_o a_o toleration_n of_o different_a religion_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o keep_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o unity_n and_o purity_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o again_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n or_o to_o any_o petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v pag._n 107._o nay_o they_o complain_v that_o then_o they_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o the_o people_n of_o god_n wrath_n because_o they_o have_v be_v truce-breaker_n self-lover_n traitor_n false_a accuser_n and_o all_o under_o the_o specious_a form_n of_o godliness_n nay_o if_o any_o will_v read_v over_o the_o book_n they_o will_v by_o their_o own_o confession_n prove_v some_o of_o the_o wicked_a people_n under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v say_v they_o proud_a secure_a liar_n swearer_n and_o forswearer_n murderer_n drunkard_n adulterer_n and_o oppressor_n we_o have_v not_o learned_a righteousness_n but_o unrighteousness_n by_o all_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n we_o be_v worse_o and_o worse_o by_o all_o our_o deliverance_n we_o have_v spill_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o our_o unworthy_a receive_v nay_o after_o all_o this_o long_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o reckon_v all_o the_o particular_a relative_a iniquity_n of_o the_o party_n of_o magistrate_n minister_n husband_n wife_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o conclude_v this_o with_o those_o expression_n isai_n 1._o from_o the_o 5_o verse_n onward_o ah_o sinful_a people_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n etc._n etc._n vid._n pag._n 109_o etc._n etc._n let_v god_n and_o other_o man_n now_o judge_v out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o judge_v any_o man_n but_o to_o go_v on_o a_o little_a more_o with_o that_o orthodox_n doctrine_n which_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n there_o exhibit_v they_o say_v far_o pag._n 119._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a because_o the_o scripture_n call_v to_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o purity_n and_o verity_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o for_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v serve_v he_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o way_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n and_o for_o this_o they_o quote_v the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n predict_v the_o glorious_a flourish_a of_o the_o gospel_n jer._n 32.39_o zeph._n 3.9_o zech._n 14.9_o as_o also_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prayer_n that_o we_o may_v all_o be_v one_o as_o the_o father_n be_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o the_o father_n joh._n 17.21_o that_o so_o from_o the_o unity_n and_o love_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o therefore_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n conclude_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o much_o as_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n of_o gospel_n professor_n nay_o they_o far_o say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n can_v come_v up_o in_o all_o particular_n to_o the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n together_o in_o what_o they_o agree_v and_o to_o prove_v this_o they_o quote_v the_o text_n which_o that_o very_a worthy_a and_o reverend_a person_n dr._n stillingfleet_n the_o present_a dean_n of_o st._n paul_n church_n choose_v to_o preach_v his_o most_o excellent_a sermon_n from_o before_o the_o lord_n major_a of_o this_o honourable_a city_n against_o which_o so_o many_o pen_n have_v be_v sharpen_v and_o blunt_v too_o phil._n 3.16_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n nay_o they_o add_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o the_o reverend_a dean_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o yet_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o these_o provincial_a divine_n either_o as_o plain_o endeavour_v to_o deny_v such_o thing_n or_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o pharisee_n &_o jesuit_n attempt_v to_o evade_v they_o by_o face_n or_o distinction_n the_o lord_n help_v i_o who_o be_o a_o poor_a simple_a man_n when_o person_n of_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a education_n and_o learning_n thus_o talk_v in_o and_o out_o nay_o far_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o forbearance_n the_o provincial_a divine_n desire_v only_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v tolerate_v that_o consist_v with_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o with_o that_o peace_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n but_o to_o preach_v up_o or_o practice_v that_o which_o make_v rupture_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o use_v here_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o divide_v church_n from_o church_n and_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n and_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o true_a church_n and_o to_o hold_v communion_n in_o nothing_o this_o say_v they_o we_o think_v have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o will_v introduce_v all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n in_o church_n and_o family_n and_o not_o only_o disturb_v but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n destroy_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n purity_n of_o religion_n peace_n of_o christian_n nay_o set_v open_a a_o wide_a gap_n to_o bring_v in_o atheism_n popery_n heresy_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o this_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n conclude_v pag._n 121._o with_o that_o description_n which_o dr._n ames_n give_v