signify_v the_o spiritual_a cleanness_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o that_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o god_n of_o purity_n and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n explain_v it_o psal_n 26._o 6._o i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n o_o lord_n these_o place_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v if_o we_o have_v commit_v sin_n or_o if_o we_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o guilt_n upon_o we_o no_o we_o must_v pray_v the_o rather_o that_o god_n may_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o go_v to_o our_o prayer_n with_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n about_o we_o or_o with_o purpose_n to_o sin_n on_o still_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v clean_a and_o pure_a from_o wicked_a resolution_n and_o affection_n we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a in_o this_o sense_n void_a of_o all_o sinful_a habit_n and_o intention_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o censer_n and_o it_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o the_o incense_n must_v be_v holy_a which_o come_v out_o of_o it_o if_o any_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n be_v burn_v there_o it_o be_v as_o abominable_a as_o the_o offering_n up_o of_o unhallowed_a fire_n if_o there_o be_v envy_n or_o hatred_n malice_n bitterness_n or_o design_n of_o revenge_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o lift_v up_o hand_n defile_v with_o blood_n for_o in_o the_o construction_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n 1_o jo._n 3._o 15._o if_o there_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v filthiness_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v like_o the_o offering_n of_o swines-flesh_n if_o there_o be_v a_o ravenous_a or_o quarrelsome_a temper_n it_o be_v like_o the_o present_n of_o a_o dog_n neck_n if_o there_o be_v a_o insatiable_a or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v like_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o idol_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a therefore_o at_o our_o devotion_n to_o have_v penitent_a and_o honest_a heart_n pure_a affection_n and_o gracious_a li_n it_o be_v the_o holy_a person_n that_o make_v the_o prayer_n holy_a that_o sanctify_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o savour_n thereof_o sweet_a in_o god_n nostril_n where_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n it_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o prayer_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v successful_a such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o benefit_n either_o by_o his_o own_o prayer_n or_o other_o man_n witness_v the_o story_n of_o achan_n jos_n 7._o achan_n have_v keep_v some_o of_o the_o spoil_n of_o jericho_n which_o be_v consecrate_v unto_o the_o lord_n this_o sin_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o hear_v joshua_n prayer_n for_o they_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o joshua_n get_v thou_o up_o wherefore_o lie_v thou_o thus_o upon_o thy_o face_n israel_n have_v sin_v for_o they_o have_v even_o take_v of_o the_o accurse_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v devote_v unto_o i_o and_o which_o have_v now_o bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o they_o jos_n 7._o 10_o 11._o sin_n unrepented_a of_o hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n ii_o beside_o innocence_n of_o heart_n there_o be_v require_v in_o a_o devout_a person_n constancy_n and_o perservance_n pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thess_n 5._o 17._o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n rom._n 12._o 12._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n ephes_n 6._o 18._o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o with_o thanksgiving_n col._n 4._o 2._o all_o which_o command_n be_v pursuant_n to_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luk._n 18._o 1._o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o employ_v our_o whole_a time_n at_o prayer_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o business_n of_o our_o caling_n and_o impossible_a for_o humane_a nature_n to_o do_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o our_o mind_n must_v always_o be_v devout_o dispose_v that_o some_o portion_n of_o every_o day_n shall_v be_v set_v aside_o for_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v diligent_a and_o frequent_a at_o it_o addict_v to_o it_o and_o intent_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o let_v slip_n any_o set_n or_o convenient_a hour_n of_o devotion_n but_o observe_v they_o constant_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o return_v as_o saint_n chrysostom_n have_v right_o note_v in_o col._n 4._o 2._o the_o devil_n thorough_o know_v what_o a_o good_a thing_n prayer_n be_v and_o therefore_o he_o mighty_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v people_n from_o it_o he_o draw_v they_o into_o his_o own_o snare_n by_o draw_v they_o away_o from_o god_n by_o tempt_v they_o first_o to_o pray_v seldom_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o give_v it_o quite_o over_o by_o this_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v a_o great_a strangeness_n between_o they_o and_o god_n which_o at_o last_o end_v in_o direct_a enmity_n and_o then_o it_o fall_v out_o as_o it_o happen_v usual_o in_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n that_o the_o offender_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wisdom_n to_o renew_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n often_o to_o repair_v to_o he_o as_o frequent_o at_o least_o as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n speak_v of_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noonday_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o ps_n 55._o 17._o by_o this_o mean_v our_o heart_n will_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o a_o high_a key_n our_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n will_v not_o only_o be_v preserve_v but_o increase_v too_o the_o duty_n itself_o will_v become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a our_o life_n will_v resemble_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o by_o it_o for_o the_o service_n of_o eternity_n the_o joy_n above_o will_v be_v our_o portion_n here_o our_o conversation_n will_v be_v every_o day_n in_o heaven_n together_o with_o our_o heart_n our_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n will_v lessen_v our_o irregular_a affection_n will_v be_v the_o better_o conquer_v and_o the_o soon_o transform_v into_o a_o divine_a love_n and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o sinless_a state_n on_o earth_n this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o it_o because_o it_o will_v keep_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n under_o a_o continual_a awe_n and_o dread_a of_o offend_v that_o holy_a just_a and_o omniscient_a be_v in_o who_o presence_n they_o must_v appear_v and_o to_o who_o majesty_n they_o must_v speak_v the_o next_o hour_n beside_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o once_o or_o twice_o speak_v god_n do_v many_o time_n suspend_v the_o answer_v our_o desire_n to_o try_v and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n to_o envigorate_v our_o zeal_n to_o make_v our_o devotion_n the_o more_o fervent_a and_o our_o address_n to_o he_o the_o more_o and_o more_o importunate_a like_o the_o cry_v of_o the_o restless_a widow_n in_o the_o parable_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_n 18._o if_o therefore_o our_o want_n be_v not_o supply_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v not_o so_o constant_a so_o frequent_a so_o importunate_a at_o our_o prayer_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v a_o set_v and_o state_v course_n of_o devotion_n that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o reap_v so_o little_a profit_n by_o all_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o squander_v away_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n upon_o vanity_n or_o upon_o vice_n which_o shall_v be_v devote_v unto_o god_n to_o maintain_v a_o continual_a intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o to_o fetch_v down_o his_o blessing_n upon_o we_o such_o a_o intercourse_n as_o be_v between_o god_n and_o jacob_n when_o the_o angel_n be_v ascend_v and_o descend_v on_o the_o ladder_n iii_o prayer_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o faith_n if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_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 but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n or_o with_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v etc._n etc._n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o we_o must_v always_o confident_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v most_o certain_o receive_v every_o particular_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o we_o can_v confident_o expect_v what_o
employ_v they_o with_o such_o seriousness_n and_o unite_a consideration_n as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v to_o die_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o some_o mountain_n to_o pray_v thereby_o teach_v all_o his_o follower_n to_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o it_o to_o retire_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o heaven_n and_o to_o have_v their_o mind_n there_o and_o there_o only_o to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o let_v our_o thought_n rove_v and_o ramble_v and_o run_v away_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o tell_v god_n that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o pay_v he_o some_o outward_a civility_n but_o care_v not_o for_o the_o business_n we_o come_v to_o he_o about_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v attend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o to_o recollect_v ourselves_o to_o fix_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o fall_v down_o on_o our_o knee_n before_o he_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o we_o shall_v consider_v how_o infinite_o great_a that_o be_v be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o address_n and_o of_o what_o vast_a importance_n the_o thing_n be_v which_o we_o be_v transact_v with_o he_o no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o with_o the_o great_a attention_n because_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o another_o opportunity_n to_o solicit_v god_n about_o it_o at_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o thought_n at_o home_n to_o give_v great_a heed_n to_o what_o be_v utter_v by_o he_o that_o minister_v that_o be_v our_o mouth_n and_o intercessor_n not_o to_o lose_v a_o word_n but_o to_o keep_v a_o even_a pace_n with_o he_o in_o our_o meditation_n and_o as_o he_o go_v along_o to_o mind_n ponder_v and_o weigh_v the_o thing_n speak_v because_o the_o soul_n lodge_v so_o near_o unto_o the_o ear_n that_o if_o the_o door_n be_v open_a to_o let_v in_o the_o voice_n the_o inhabitant_n within_o can_v but_o listen_v and_o be_v attentive_a vi_o if_o we_o careful_o observe_v this_o it_o will_v help_v to_o carry_v we_o on_o to_o that_o which_o be_v another_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n i_o mean_v affection_n and_o fervency_n when_o we_o apprehend_v and_o mind_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o add_v to_o it_o a_o earnestness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o desire_n then_o be_v our_o devotion_n true_o say_v to_o be_v fervent_a and_o affectionate_a and_o this_o be_v one_o sense_n of_o that_o phrase_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o thrice_o in_o the_o epistle_n pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 15._o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n ephes_n 6._o 18._o and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n judas_n 20._o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n it_o signify_v pray_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o in_o those_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v among_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n a_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n wherewith_o some_o of_o the_o church_n be_v divine_o and_o immediate_o inspire_v so_o that_o they_o be_v able_a on_o a_o sudden_a to_o conceive_v and_o utter_v prayer_n which_o be_v apt_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o old_a jewish_a form_n be_v then_o some_o of_o they_o useless_a and_o all_o of_o they_o imperfect_a because_o the_o condition_n of_o church-affair_n be_v now_o change_v upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v then_o great_a need_n of_o a_o exttaordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o christian_a assembly_n but_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n cease_v in_o a_o little_a time_n state_v form_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v provide_v for_o the_o church_n use_v form_n which_o have_v be_v original_o conceive_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v afterward_o preserve_v and_o use_v liturgy_n see_v dr._n hammond_n a_o judas_n the_o 20_o and_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o liturgy_n by_o those_o who_o have_v benefit_v so_o much_o by_o they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n or_o pray_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o in_o truth_n be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o useful_a ancient_a and_o excellent_a form_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v in_o some_o sense_n pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o our_o prayer_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a we_o must_v pray_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o be_v kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardency_n of_o desire_n with_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o heart_n lift_v up_o and_o inflame_v our_o prayer_n must_v not_o be_v spiritless_a nor_o must_v we_o be_v cold_a or_o lukewarm_a at_o they_o god_n hear_v not_o prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o people_n that_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o affection_n nor_o chafe_v their_o desire_n nor_o move_v their_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n but_o pray_v careless_o as_o if_o they_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o god_n hear_v they_o or_o no._n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v the_o heaven_n they_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o way_n they_o drop_v down_o present_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o affection_n and_o fervency_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v their_o wing_n in_o short_a when_o we_o call_v upon_o god_n we_o shall_v employ_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o lay_v out_o our_o whole_a man_n upon_o the_o business_n before_o we_o and_o because_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n attribute_n give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v possess_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o perfection_n and_o especial_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o great_a goodness_n for_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o greatness_n power_n justice_n and_o omnipresence_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o create_v in_o we_o attention_n of_o mind_n to_o what_o we_o say_v so_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o benignity_n be_v enough_o to_o charm_v our_o affection_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n let_v we_o think_v of_o the_o wonderful_a kindness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o along_o with_o we_o throughout_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o devotion_n how_o good_a he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n how_o communicative_a and_o beneficent_a to_o his_o poor_a creature_n how_o gracious_a to_o mankind_n how_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n how_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n 2._o we_o shall_v cast_v ourselves_o down_o under_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o vileness_n and_o with_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o happiness_n we_o have_v that_o worm_n dust_n and_o ash_n nothing_o creature_n that_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v worse_o than_o nothing_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o freedom_n to_o speak_v before_o he_o and_o to_o he_o these_o consideration_n be_v good_a inward_a mean_n to_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n into_o a_o warmth_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v 3._o but_o one_o direction_n more_o touch_v outward_a help_n and_o it_o be_v in_o all_o your_o devotion_n to_o use_v some_o wholesome_a and_o affect_a form_n of_o prayer_n whatever_o have_v be_v object_v against_o they_o they_o be_v all_o pious_a and_o unprejudiced_a spirit_n of_o great_a advantage_n for_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v rid_v of_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o thought_n which_o bring_v distraction_n the_o mind_n be_v not_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o word_n nor_o the_o invention_n to_o seek_v for_o matter_n nor_o be_v there_o that_o fear_n upon_o we_o which_o otherwise_o must_v needs_o be_v upon_o all_o humble_a man_n of_o speak_v irreverent_o or_o unbecome_o to_o god_n every_o thing_n else_o be_v prepare_v we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o stir_v our_o affection_n the_o wood_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n our_o only_a business_n be_v to_o bring_v fire_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o burn_v and_o here_o let_v i_o recommend_v unto_o your_o special_a use_n those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o church_n use_v in_o her_o public_a liturgy_n form_n that_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o primitive_a christianity_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o
which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o some_o of_o they_o the_o very_a same_o form_n that_o be_v thorough_o digest_v and_o put_v together_o by_o the_o great_a man_n at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n great_a for_o their_o learning_n great_a for_o their_o wisdom_n great_a for_o their_o eminent_a zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a still_o because_o afterward_o they_o suffer_v for_o this_o work_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o some_o of_o they_o settle_v it_o at_o the_o stake_n with_o their_o last_n blood_n in_o compose_v that_o book_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v gratify_v particular_a fancy_n but_o how_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o necessity_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o real_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o according_o such_o prayer_n be_v after_o much_o deliberation_n pitch_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o profitable_a most_o significant_a and_o most_o move_a and_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o they_o that_o as_o they_o be_v general_o short_a and_o therefore_o easy_a to_o be_v learned_a and_o remember_v so_o they_o be_v very_o full_a too_o and_o so_o comprehensive_a for_o matter_n and_o signification_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o needful_a for_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o what_o there_o be_v petition_n for_o and_o those_o too_o relish_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o piety_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o affect_v and_o move_v the_o dull_a heart_n if_o our_o mind_n do_v but_o go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o without_o that_o all_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o work_v upon_o we_o vii_o in_o all_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v charitable_a when_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o church_n a_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o compose_v he_o direct_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n even_o at_o our_o private_a devotion_n when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o after_o this_o manner_n pray_v you_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n and_o lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n matth._n 6._o 6_o 9_o 11_o 12_o 13._o next_o to_o our_o serve_a god_n all_o our_o business_n in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o do_v ourselves_o and_o other_o all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v and_o because_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o scanty_a and_o weak_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a with_o our_o own_o hand_n therefore_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v that_o he_o may_v supply_v all_o man_n want_n out_o of_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n every_o one_o therefore_o must_v have_v a_o share_n in_o our_o prayer_n because_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v in_o some_o want_n or_o other_o i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n for_o one_o another_o say_v st._n james_n jam._n 5._o 16._o for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o matth._n 5._o 44._o indeed_o this_o last_o direction_n about_o pray_v for_o one_o enemy_n be_v common_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o hard_a say_n but_o the_o only_a reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ill_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o first_o martyr_n st._n stephen_n do_v both_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n pray_v for_o their_o barbarous_a and_o bloodthirsty_a enemy_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o men._n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v as_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o efficacious_a they_o must_v proceed_v from_o sedate_v mind_n from_o heart_n full_a of_o gentleness_n goodness_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o which_o infect_v all_o prayer_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o abomination_n the_o first_o be_v unreasonable_a anger_n when_o man_n passion_n be_v suffer_v either_o to_o start_v without_o just_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n ot_fw-mi to_o rise_v unto_o a_o immoderate_a height_n or_o to_o last_v a_o undue_a time_n such_o heat_n be_v sinful_a and_o consequent_o as_o noisome_a fuel_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n of_o hell_n therefore_o st._n paul_n require_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 9_o and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o that_o other_o command_n ephes_n 4._o 26._o let_v not_o the_o sun_n go_v down_o upon_o your_o wrath_n because_o the_o evening_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v a_o constant_a time_n for_o solemn_a devotion_n anger_n at_o best_a be_v a_o weak_a passion_n in_o we_o a_o argument_n of_o great_a infirmity_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o show_v how_o near_o of_o kin_n we_o be_v to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v therefore_o amid_o all_o resentment_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o by_o god_n example_n who_o wrath_n move_v with_o a_o very_a slow_a pace_n and_o endure_v but_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n psal_n 30._o 5._o but_o when_o we_o approach_v to_o god_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o brutal_a part_n from_o mingle_v with_o our_o devotion_n to_o bring_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o right_a christian_a temper_n and_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o author_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n without_o coal_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o without_o any_o warmth_n but_o that_o of_o zeal_n and_o charity_n 2._o the_o other_o thing_n which_o corrupt_v all_o prayer_n be_v malice_n when_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o transient_a passion_n settle_v and_o fix_v into_o a_o wicked_a habit_n so_o that_o the_o mind_n become_v implacable_a irreconcilable_a and_o revengeful_a this_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n religion_n which_o command_v we_o to_o forgive_v a_o brother_n that_o sin_v even_o till_o seventy_o time_n seven_o math._n 18._o 22._o that_o be_v as_o often_o as_o he_o sin_v and_o repent_v of_o it_o all_o that_o god_n himself_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v prayer_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o price_n of_o his_o favour_n sure_o we_o sinful_a wretched_a man_n shall_v think_v it_o enough_o to_o purchase_v each_o other_o charity_n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o and_o how_o can_v any_o of_o we_o expect_v mercy_n if_o we_o show_v none_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v with_o our_o cry_n and_o importunity_n to_o move_v the_o bowel_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o bowel_n ourselves_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n none_o but_o what_o we_o shut_v up_o from_o our_o fellow_n creature_n it_o be_v a_o peremptory_a sentence_n matth._n 6._o 15._o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n take_v hold_v of_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o mercifulness_n as_o one_o great_a characteristical_a note_n of_o a_o christian_a indeed_o and_o that_o we_o may_v continual_o remember_v it_o and_o be_v afraid_a to_o neglect_v it_o he_o insert_v it_o into_o that_o prayer_n which_o we_o be_v to_o use_v as_o daily_o as_o we_o need_v our_o bread_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o and_o with_o what_o confidence_n can_v a_o uncompassionate_a and_o uncharitable_a man_n look_v up_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n with_o that_o or_o any_o other_o prayer_n in_o his_o mouth_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o himself_o instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v all_o his_o prayer_n fling_v back_o upon_o his_o face_n with_o indignation_n and_o scorn_n since_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n proceed_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n jam._n 2._o 13._o viii_o to_o all_o these_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n i_o must_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o we_o must_v pray_v with_o reverence_n for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v a_o external_a bodily_a gesture_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v not_o in_o a_o humble_a manner_n it_o look_v as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n we_o be_v about_o a_o cover_a head_n a_o heavy_a eye_n a_o stiff_a neck_n
imprimâ—â—â—â—_fw-la october_n 24._o 1692._o a_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o prayer_n by_o edward_n pell_v d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n and_o rector_n of_o petworth_n in_o sussex_n london_n print_v by_o edw._n jones_n for_o william_n crook_n at_o the_o green-dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n 1693._o a_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o more_o beautiful_a lustre_n or_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o of_o respect_n or_o which_o be_v more_o strict_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o better_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n especial_o by_o the_o most_o holy_a example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o than_o that_o of_o prayer_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o think_v i_o can_v do_v a_o more_o become_v or_o better_a office_n than_o to_o discourse_v upon_o this_o subject_a after_o a_o plain_a practical_a manner_n as_o full_o and_o yet_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v by_o prayer_n i_o mean_v now_o not_o only_a supplication_n to_o god_n or_o the_o ask_v and_o beg_v at_o his_o hand_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o want_v both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o in_o the_o large_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n the_o praise_v and_o blessing_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n also_o and_o the_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o in_o discourse_v upon_o this_o subject_n i_o shall_v proceed_v after_o this_o easy_a instructive_a method_n i._n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o motive_n which_o serve_v to_o kindle_v and_o increase_v in_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n ii_o and_o then_o second_o for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o great_a thing_n i_o shall_v show_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v now_o there_o be_v several_a motive_n unto_o prayer_n which_o may_v be_v take_v 1._o partly_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o work_n and_o 2._o partly_o too_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o prayer_n itself_o i._o first_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a and_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o exalt_v above_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o deserve_v and_o be_v high_o worthy_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o adoration_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o worship_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o real_a or_o at_o least_o suppose_a dignity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o very_o blind_a people_n in_o every_o nation_n pay_v it_o because_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o they_o and_o that_o the_o be_v they_o worship_v be_v better_a and_o great_a than_o themselves_o we_o therefore_o to_o who_o the_o true_a and_o everblessed_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o so_o plain_o from_o heaven_n shall_v never_o fail_v in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o because_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n high_a than_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n exalt_v far_o above_o all_o god_n or_o above_o the_o high_a dignity_n psal_n 97._o 9_o god_n have_v so_o manifest_v himself_o in_o time_n pass_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o bosom_n that_o if_o people_n will_v but_o look_v upon_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o with_o attentive_a mind_n contemplate_v those_o admirable_a glory_n wherewith_o he_o shine_v it_o will_v natural_o move_v they_o to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o devotion_n be_v in_o his_o own_o most_o perfect_a nature_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o discover_v there_o do_v cast_v such_o a_o powerful_a infiveuce_n upon_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o set_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n present_o on_o work_n and_o after_o a_o most_o kindly_a manner_n excite_v we_o to_o such_o act_n of_o adoration_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o those_o apprehension_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o for_o instance_n the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v eternal_a self-existent_a absolute_o perfect_a infinite_o happy_a full_a of_o majesty_n glorious_a in_o holiness_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n and_o if_o we_o will_v right_o consider_v this_o and_o consider_v withal_o what_o our_o own_o condition_n be_v what_o needy_a frail_a despicable_a and_o wretched_a thing_n we_o be_v this_o alone_a will_v powerful_o move_v we_o to_o fall_v down_o upon_o our_o knee_n before_o he_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n to_o extol_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o all_o suitable_a awe_n and_o reverence_n again_o we_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v about_o our_o path_n and_o about_o our_o bed_n and_o understand_v all_o our_o way_n that_o he_o see_v in_o secret_a that_o he_o make_v manifest_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o how_o natural_o do_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n move_v we_o to_o pray_v every_o where_o unto_o he_o to_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n before_o he_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n and_o circumstance_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o speak_v to_o he_o with_o that_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n with_o that_o attention_n of_o mind_n with_o that_o fervency_n of_o affection_n and_o with_o that_o modest_a humble_a and_o reverend_a behaviour_n which_o become_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o hear_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o search_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o reins_n this_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n too_o that_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v that_o he_o do_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o spiritual_a or_o in_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a respect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o do_v not_o this_o lie_v very_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o seek_v his_o face_n evermore_o to_o be_v constant_a supplicant_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o give_v the_o lord_n most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o again_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n signify_v a_o be_v infinite_o wise_a that_o know_v all_o our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o convenient_a for_o we_o infinite_o powerful_a that_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o our_o necessity_n and_o infinite_o good_a that_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o all_o his_o work_n and_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o and_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o we_o depend_v upon_o his_o good_a providence_n every_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n it_o will_v powerful_o move_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o he_o continual_o to_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o to_o lay_v our_o necessity_n before_o he_o importunate_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v we_o under_o his_o care_n and_o to_o supply_v we_o with_o all_o thing_n needful_a both_o for_o soul_n and_o body_n above_o all_o it_o will_v charm_v we_o into_o devotion_n do_v we_o but_o consider_v how_o god_n love_v every_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v create_v that_o as_o he_o be_v happy_a in_o himself_o so_o he_o desire_v that_o we_o too_o may_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o he_o that_o all_o his_o dipensation_n be_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n that_o the_o very_a duty_n he_o exact_v at_o our_o hand_n be_v intend_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o that_o the_o very_a affliction_n he_o lay_v upon_o we_o be_v to_o discipline_n we_o for_o heaven_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o these_o consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n towards_o he_o and_o where_o affection_n be_v there_o will_v be_v all_o cheerful_a obedience_n and_o there_o our_o love_n of_o god_n will_v make_v we_o with_o readiness_n and_o zeal_n and_o pleasure_n of_o mind_n express_v the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o his_o great_a goodness_n by_o the_o most_o devout_a adoration_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o
thing_n carry_v their_o own_o light_n with_o they_o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a stupidity_n to_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o a_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o strict_a and_o weighty_a obligation_n 3._o beside_o these_o work_n of_o providence_n which_o relate_v most_o to_o this_o life_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o stupendous_a work_n of_o redemption_n whereby_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o soul_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v on_o his_o part_n to_o do_v to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o life_n eternal_a and_o one_o will_v think_v this_o to_o be_v work_n enough_o for_o we_o all_o our_o day_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_v and_o adore_v god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o infinite_a love_n to_o lose_a mankind_n in_o send_v the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lord_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o christ_n life_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n his_o send_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o render_v their_o ministry_n successful_a and_o to_o be_v with_o the_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n these_o be_v glorious_a method_n whereby_o god_n carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o most_o devout_a heart_n to_o offer_v unto_o god_n daily_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n for_o these_o inestimable_a blessing_n so_o shall_v we_o beg_v the_o continual_a assistance_n and_o increment_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o they_o lest_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o gospel_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a to_o we_o and_o lest_o we_o make_v ourselves_o reprobate_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n at_o the_o last_o in_o the_o next_o life_n there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o christ_n oeconomy_n he_o will_v deliver_v up_o this_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o father_n and_o then_o the_o state_n of_o every_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o bliss_n or_o in_o misery_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v of_o another_o world_n and_o not_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o deliver_v we_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o can_v be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o think_v we_o shall_v live_v here_o for_o ever_o all_o of_o we_o must_v die_v in_o our_o turn_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o put_v the_o day_n of_o their_o dissolution_n far_o from_o they_o yet_o soon_o or_o late_a it_o will_v certain_o come_v for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o to_o be_v judge_v heb._n 9_o 27._o and_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v any_o happiness_n another_o day_n if_o either_o we_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o prayer_n it_o will_v be_v most_o just_a for_o god_n to_o deny_v we_o that_o which_o we_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v for_o that_o certain_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o least_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v and_o if_o our_o salvation_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n that_o we_o must_v work_v it_o out_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v it_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v no_o not_o such_o little_a pain_n for_o it_o as_o the_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o one_o lip_n amount_n to_o 2._o have_v thus_o consider_v those_o motive_n unto_o prayer_n which_o be_v take_v from_o god_n perfection_n and_o work_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o those_o which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o all_o he_o know_v all_o our_o necessity_n whether_o we_o ask_v he_o or_o no_o he_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n though_o we_o pour_v not_o out_o our_o complaint_n before_o he_o he_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o our_o supplication_n he_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v admire_v he_o the_o lord_n paramount_n and_o that_o we_o may_v testify_v our_o inward_a sense_n that_o our_o whole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o he_o that_o whatever_o we_o have_v we_o receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a propriety_n in_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v he_o homage_n all_o people_n must_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n must_v pay_v he_o service_n prayer_n be_v the_o great_a privilege_n we_o poor_a creature_n have_v in_o this_o world_n that_o dust_n and_o ash_n can_v speak_v free_o to_o the_o god_n of_o comfort_n that_o we_o can_v repair_v to_o he_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o most_o melancholy_a circumstance_n that_o we_o can_v with_o confidence_n and_o safety_n open_v our_o very_a heart_n to_o he_o and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o our_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o we_o can_v beg_v of_o god_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v of_o he_o what_o we_o will_v have_v or_o that_o which_o be_v much_o better_a prayer_n be_v a_o direct_a instrument_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n when_o we_o be_v at_o our_o prayer_n we_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o many_o serious_a thought_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v in_o touch_v death_n and_o judgement_n touch_v heaven_n and_o hell_n touch_v the_o purity_n and_o omniscience_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o touch_v the_o vain_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n of_o this_o world_n by_o this_o mean_v our_o heart_n by_o degree_n come_v to_o be_v wean_v from_o this_o world_n and_o to_o long_o for_o a_o better_a our_o mind_n be_v keep_v in_o continual_a awe_n lest_o we_o offend_v god_n who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o it_o our_o lust_n cool_v and_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o folly_n become_v bitter_a humility_n charity_n and_o meekness_n take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o learn_v to_o be_v patient_n to_o resign_v ourselves_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n in_o all_o case_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a motive_n unto_o prayer_n than_o the_o power_n and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o return_v it_o make_v we_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o jam._n 5._o 16._o it_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v long_o ago_o yet_o god_n hear_v still_o and_o never_o do_v we_o go_v away_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n empty_a if_o we_o pray_v as_o we_o shall_v many_o time_n god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o present_o receive_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o desire_v but_o the_o request_n be_v grant_v though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v actual_o fulfil_v at_o our_o own_o time_n and_o in_o our_o own_o way_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n god_n do_v defer_v the_o bestow_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o crave_v for_o and_o sometime_o exchange_v it_o and_o give_v we_o a_o better_a thing_n in_o lieu_n of_o it_o no_o prayer_n miscarry_v if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v or_o if_o they_o who_o offer_v they_o be_v right_o dispose_v two_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n viz._n after_o what_o way_n and_o manner_n this_o great_a and_o soâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v perâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 1._o and_o first_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o go_v with_o soul_n purify_v from_o sin_n by_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n john_n 9_o 31._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 psal_n 66._o 18._o he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v abomination_n prov._n 28._o 9_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o where_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n institute_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o observe_v ancient_o by_o most_o nation_n of_o wash_v before_o prayer_n exod._n 40._o 32._o a_o mystical_a rite_n
god_n have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n or_o other_o promise_v and_o though_o he_o have_v absolute_o promise_v we_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o godliness_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o this_o present_a life_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v with_o some_o limitation_n that_o be_v if_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v necessary_a or_o profitable_a or_o convenient_a for_o we_o see_v then_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o see_v one_o faith_n can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o promise_n go_v we_o can_v firm_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v every_o particular_a thing_n grant_v we_o because_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o this_o or_o that_o in_o particular_a will_v be_v beneficial_a or_o proper_a for_o we_o whatever_o we_o may_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v in_o our_o own_o thought_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o know_v that_o infallible_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v give_v it_o we_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o matter_n thus_o then_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o must_v be_v firm_o persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o god_n know_v how_o to_o grant_v the_o thing_n we_o beg_v of_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o if_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a or_o good_a for_o we_o there_o must_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n nor_o of_o his_o care_n for_o we_o he_o that_o come_v to_o he_o must_v believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o when_o therefore_o we_o be_v prepare_v ourselves_o for_o prayer_n that_o we_o may_v prepare_v our_o heart_n aright_o we_o shall_v entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o his_o mercy_n reach_v over_o all_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v the_o faithful_a god_n that_o he_o can_v lie_v that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n that_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o that_o he_o be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o who_o call_v upon_o he_o faithful_o and_o that_o he_o will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o will_v enliven_v and_o envigorate_v our_o prayer_n with_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o strength_n thereof_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o and_o fall_v low_a in_o full_a assurance_n that_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a and_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o give_v we_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o long_v for_o or_o something_o else_o which_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o know_v to_o be_v better_o for_o we_o iv_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v with_o all_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n evermore_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o form_v for_o our_o daily_a use_n and_o though_o those_o word_n do_v primary_o mean_v such_o a_o active_a cheerful_a and_o universal_a obedience_n ro_o god_n command_n as_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n express_v yet_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o signify_v too_o such_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n providence_n as_o be_v so_o eminent_a in_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n who_o in_o his_o last_o agony_n resign_v up_o himself_o into_o his_o father_n hand_n with_o this_o holy_a request_n not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v because_o we_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v real_o for_o our_o good_a it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o god_n to_o determine_v for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v for_o good_a reason_n that_o he_o do_v sometime_o deny_v even_o his_o faithful_a servant_n the_o request_n of_o their_o li_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o thing_n they_o desire_v to_o have_v may_v be_v lawful_a enough_o in_o itself_o yet_o accidental_o and_o in_o the_o consequence_n it_o may_v be_v hurtful_a or_o very_o dangerous_a though_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v a_o favour_n and_o kindness_n if_o god_n give_v they_o such_o a_o denial_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v james_n and_o john_n when_o they_o put_v their_o mother_n upon_o ask_v that_o they_o may_v sit_v the_o one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o ask_v say_v our_o saviour_n matth._n 20._o 22._o or_o perhaps_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v against_o may_v be_v indeed_o for_o their_o good_a though_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a and_o than_o god_n be_v their_o friend_n in_o suffer_v they_o to_o labour_v under_o it_o especial_o if_o he_o grant_v their_o desire_n another_o way_n as_o he_o never_o fail_v to_o do_v in_o such_o case_n you_o know_v st._n paul_n complain_v of_o a_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n send_v to_o buffet_v he_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 7._o divine_v not_o certain_o tell_v what_o the_o particular_a thing_n be_v which_o he_o compare_v to_o a_o thorn_n whether_o it_o be_v some_o acute_a disease_n in_o his_o body_n or_o some_o persecution_n outward_o questionless_a it_o be_v some_o sharp_a affliction_n or_o other_o which_o touch_v he_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o st._n chrysostom_n opinion_n be_v very_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v some_o very_a harsh_a usage_n he_o receive_v from_o some_o opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o imprison_v beat_v and_o scourge_v the_o apostle_n whatever_o that_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n be_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o draw_v out_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o be_v often_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o but_o his_o prayer_n can_v not_o prevail_v because_o whatever_o the_o devil_n instrument_n intend_v god_n intend_v it_o in_o mercy_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o revelation_n however_o his_o prayer_n do_v not_o return_v empty_a instead_o of_o deliverance_n from_o pain_n he_o receive_v divine_a assistance_n and_o support_v from_o above_o my_o grace_n say_v god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o for_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n and_o that_o be_v far_o better_a than_o if_o he_o have_v have_v his_o prayer_n answer_v in_o kind_n and_o from_o this_o single_a instance_n we_o learn_v whatever_o our_o condition_n and_o whatever_o our_o own_o desire_n may_v be_v still_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o best_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o yet_o god_n will_v give_v we_o that_o which_o will_v do_v we_o more_o good_a if_o we_o be_v but_o mindful_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o though_o he_o let_v we_o go_v about_o with_o thorn_n in_o our_o flesh_n yet_o his_o grace_n be_v as_o sufficient_a for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v for_o st._n paul_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o receive_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o humility_n patience_n and_o meekness_n together_o with_o a_o mortify_v temper_n and_o a_o christian_a frame_n of_o heart_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o such_o a_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a return_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o adore_v his_o goodness_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o deserve_v and_o much_o better_a thing_n than_o we_o desire_v v._o prayer_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o great_a attention_n i_o mean_v a_o settle_a and_o compose_v temper_n a_o stay_a mind_n with_o our_o thought_n gather_v together_o into_o a_o centre_n and_o all_o of_o they_o fix_v upon_o the_o solemn_a business_n we_o be_v about_o man_n can_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v mind_v those_o prayer_n which_o they_o do_v not_o mind_v themselves_o or_o that_o he_o will_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o serious_a before_o he_o and_o with_o he_o the_o text_n bear_v a_o far_a construction_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 15._o but_o yet_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n to_o consider_v and_o mind_n well_o what_o be_v utter_v in_o time_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n who_o run_v by_o rote_n and_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o with_o recollect_v thought_n to_o ponder_v and_o attend_v to_o what_o we_o say_v unto_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n when_o we_o be_v at_o prayer_n we_o shall_v call_v home_o our_o fugitive_n thought_n and_o
and_o a_o unbended_a knee_n be_v far_o from_o be_v expression_n of_o that_o great_a sense_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n majesty_n and_o of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o infinite_a distance_n from_o he_o and_o beside_o the_o decency_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o bowing_n and_o prostration_n and_o such_o outward_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a right_n or_o else_o the_o second_o commandment_n will_v not_o have_v it_o unlawful_a to_o give_v they_o away_o to_o other_o thing_n indeed_o as_o to_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n man_n shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o fly_v out_o into_o vanity_n fantasticalness_n or_o superstition_n but_o contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o reasonable_a service_n when_o decency_n and_o prudence_n be_v observe_v reverent_a gesture_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o heighten_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v exemplary_a too_o and_o by_o consequence_n good_a mean_n in_o their_o kind_n to_o provoke_v assist_v and_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o all_o i_o have_v now_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o be_v desirous_a to_o discourse_v of_o in_o their_o due_a order_n to_o form_v in_o your_o heart_n a_o devout_a temper_n and_o to_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o way_n how_o you_o be_v to_o offer_v unto_o god_n your_o daily_a sacrifice_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o and_o to_o order_v our_o life_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o great_a concernment_n excellence_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o than_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n hereby_o we_o become_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o custom_n be_v not_o only_o to_o repair_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n there_o to_o join_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o to_o retire_v also_o into_o solitude_n and_o desert_n for_o private_a commerce_n with_o his_o father_n and_o sometime_o to_o continue_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o walk_v as_o we_o shall_v but_o by_o tread_v in_o some_o fair_a measure_n in_o those_o step_n of_o he_o and_o by_o lead_v as_o he_o do_v a_o life_n of_o piety_n hereby_o we_o resemble_v too_o those_o first_o disciple_n of_o he_o on_o who_o heart_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o warm_a and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a fervour_n and_o zeal_n that_o they_o be_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o blessing_n god_n and_o divide_v their_o hour_n between_o the_o public_a sanctuary_n and_o that_o private_a house_n or_o oratory_n by_o it_o whither_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o go_v for_o those_o solemn_a office_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christianity_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n we_o have_v our_o heart_n daily_o there_o where_o our_o only_a true_a treasure_n be_v we_o be_v take_v every_o hour_n a_o new_a step_n out_o of_o this_o vexatious_a and_o vain_a world_n we_o exercise_v the_o faith_n patience_n and_o humility_n of_o saint_n we_o learn_v to_o be_v meek_a charitable_a and_o holy_a we_o be_v full_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o amid_o those_o thistle_n and_o bramble_n which_o we_o be_v to_o go_v through_o towards_o god_n kingdom_n we_o lie_v down_o with_o pleasure_n sleep_n in_o peace_n and_o rise_v again_o under_o the_o covert_n of_o the_o divine_a protection_n we_o have_v god_n always_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o live_v daily_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o present_a goodness_n and_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o power_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o future_a replenish_v with_o those_o hope_n which_o will_v never_o make_v we_o ashamed_a we_o think_v every_o day_n of_o our_o latter_a end_n and_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lay_v up_o before_o hand_n a_o inestimable_a treasure_n against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n on_o our_o deathbed_n when_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n like_o sand_n and_o slide_v away_o from_o we_o like_o a_o shadow_n this_o and_o much_o more_o come_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o that_o that_o which_o will_v return_v you_o your_o last_o and_o rich_a crop_n when_o you_o have_v do_v with_o all_o your_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n now_o for_o the_o kindle_v and_o cherish_v of_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o heart_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o propose_v these_o follow_a mean_n i._o that_o we_o never_o neglect_v private_a prayer_n our_o bless_a saviour_n send_v we_o into_o our_o closet_n there_o to_o shut_v our_o door_n after_o we_o matth._n 6._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o man_n have_v some_o particular_a sin_n to_o beg_v god_n forgiveness_n for_o some_o particular_a mercy_n to_o be_v implore_v some_o particular_a want_v to_o be_v supply_v some_o particular_a grace_n to_o be_v desire_v god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v nor_o be_v it_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o proclaim_v all_o our_o necessity_n from_o the_o housetop_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o who_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o to_o who_o we_o may_v unbosom_v ourselves_o with_o freedom_n and_o safety_n this_o will_v not_o only_o breed_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o hearty_a affection_n to_o that_o divine_a beiug_n we_o familiar_o speak_v to_o in_o private_a but_o it_o will_v also_o make_v we_o in_o love_n with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o familiarity_n so_o that_o by_o pray_v often_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pray_v still_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o venture_v either_o to_o begin_v any_o business_n without_o beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o protection_n over_o we_o or_o to_o close_v up_o the_o day_n without_o give_v he_o thanks_o and_o praise_n for_o the_o mercy_n of_o it_o ii_o where_o man_n have_v the_o care_n of_o family_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o devout_a temper_n too_o by_o their_o own_o example_n remember_v the_o pious_a resolution_n of_o josuah_n jo._n 24._o 15._o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n when_o a_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n influence_v a_o whole_a household_n every_o one_o zeal_n be_v keep_v warm_a and_o increase_v by_o it_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o all_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v teach_v our_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o pray_v as_o our_o lord_n teach_v his_o family_n and_o by_o his_o give_v they_o a_o form_n he_o have_v show_v we_o which_o be_v a_o effectual_a way_n of_o breed_v up_o our_o respective_a charge_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n viz._n by_o put_v some_o short_a and_o wholesome_a prayer_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o memory_n and_o this_o advantage_n every_o private_a family_n may_v easy_o get_v by_o our_o public_a service_n book_n if_o people_n will_v but_o apply_v their_o mind_n in_o diligence_n to_o use_v it_o as_o they_o shall_v there_o be_v in_o it_o great_a variety_n and_o store_n of_o choice_a form_n which_o may_v be_v digest_v and_o remember_v with_o the_o more_o facility_n because_o they_o be_v concise_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o we_o may_v pick_v out_o some_o form_n which_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o suitable_a to_o our_o circumstance_n especial_o as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o if_o people_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o learn_v they_o and_o imprint_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v devout_o dispose_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o secular_a affair_n but_o be_v furnish_v too_o with_o matter_n to_o offer_v continual_o up_o to_o god_n at_o lose_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o thought_n for_o even_o at_o the_o work_n of_o their_o calling_n man_n may_v meditate_v they_o may_v think_v often_o upon_o god_n and_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o godliness_n without_o any_o loss_n of_o time_n or_o hindrance_n to_o their_o worldly_a employment_n by_o the_o very_a lift_v up_o of_o the_o eye_n a_o thought_n of_o heaven_n may_v fall_v in_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o get_v thither_o any_o the_o least_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n nay_o the_o very_a work_n of_o our_o own_o hand_n may_v help_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n above_o all_o thing_n if_o