that_o we_o shall_v manage_v they_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n fineness_n be_v not_o expect_v but_o decency_n be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v declaim_v as_o orator_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v we_o speak_v like_o man_n and_o tender_v he_o the_o result_v of_o that_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n that_o essential_o constitute_v a_o rational_a nature_n but_o i_o shall_v brief_o cast_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o particular_a into_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v express_v our_o reverence_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o will_v pass_v for_o irreverence_n towards_o a_o great_a man._n let_v any_o subject_a tender_a his_o prince_n a_o petition_n fraught_v with_o nonsense_n and_o incoherence_n confusion_n and_o impertinence_n and_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o majesty_n shall_v answer_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o deaf_a ear_n a_o frown_a eye_n or_o at_o best_a vouchsafe_v it_o in_o any_o other_o reward_n but_o by_o a_o gracious_a oblivion_n to_o forgive_v the_o person_n and_o to_o forget_v the_o petition_n 2_o lie_n nothing_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a and_o such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v despise_v can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o prayer_n solomon_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o ecclesiaste_n 5._o v_o 4._o that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v the_o scripture_n all_o along_o express_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n and_o therefore_o certain_o folly_n be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o it_o to_o find_v any_o approbation_n from_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o the_o head_n that_o be_v the_o best_a enditer_n of_o our_o petition_n that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o latter_a be_v undoubted_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o god_n be_v never_o more_o weary_a of_o sacrifice_n than_o when_o a_o fool_n be_v the_o priest_n and_o folly_n the_o oblation_n 3_o lie_n and_o last_o nothing_o rude_a slight_a and_o careless_a or_o indeed_o less_o than_o the_o very_o best_a that_o a_o man_n can_v offer_v can_v be_v acceptable_a or_o please_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n malachi_n 1._o 8._o god_n rigid_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o where_o he_o have_v give_v ability_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o act_n proportionable_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o have_v part_n to_o raise_v and_o propagate_v his_o own_o honour_n by_o but_o none_o to_o employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o that_o give_v they_o do_v as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o refuse_v to_o wear_v god_n livery_n in_o his_o own_o service_n add_v sacrilege_n to_o profaneness_n strip_n and_o starve_v his_o devotion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n fall_v direct_o under_o the_o dint_n of_o that_o curse_n denounce_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o malachi_n curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n the_o same_o be_v here_o both_o the_o deceiver_n and_o the_o deceive_v too_o for_o god_n very_o well_o know_v what_o he_o give_v man_n and_o why_o and_o where_o he_o have_v bestwoe_v judgement_n learning_n and_o utterance_n will_v not_o endure_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v accurate_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o devotion_n or_o think_v that_o the_o great_a author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o ramble_n and_o confuse_a talk_n babble_n and_o tautology_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o certain_o require_v precedent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n god_n have_v declare_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v in_o what_o he_o command_v other_o as_o well_o as_o in_o what_o he_o do_v himself_o order_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o art_n by_o which_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o by_o which_o he_o still_o govern_v it_o nay_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o and_o all_o this_o glorious_a system_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o chaos_n put_v into_o order_n and_o how_o then_o can_v god_n who_o have_v so_o eminent_o own_v himself_o concern_v for_o this_o excellent_a thing_n brook_v such_o absurdity_n and_o confusion_n as_o the_o slovenly_a and_o profane_a negligence_n of_o some_o treat_v he_o with_o in_o their_o most_o solemn_a address_n to_o he_o all_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a unavoidable_a consequent_a of_o unpreparedness_n and_o want_v of_o premeditation_n without_o which_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o pray_v can_v be_v so_o proper_o say_v to_o approach_v to_o as_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o god_n and_o sure_o he_o who_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o do_v so_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o success_n which_o follow_v his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o the_o preparation_n that_o go_v before_o they_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v of_o this_o first_o and_o grand_a qualification_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a prayer_n to_o wit_n premeditation_n of_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v so_o natural_o and_o so_o useful_o infer_v as_o the_o high_a expediency_n or_o rather_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n to_o guide_v our_o devotion_n by_o we_o have_v live_v in_o a_o age_n that_o have_v despise_v contradict_v and_o counter-acted_n all_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o their_o behaviour_n both_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a but_o in_o nothing_o more_o scandalous_o than_o in_o their_o vile_a abuse_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n concern_v which_o though_o it_o may_v with_o the_o clear_a truth_n be_v affirm_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o church_n yet_o of_o any_o account_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o have_v govern_v its_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o these_o enthusiastic_a innovator_n the_o bold_a and_o blind_a reformer_n of_o all_o antiquity_n and_o wise_a than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n beside_o introduce_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o a_o saucy_a senseless_a extemporary_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o god_n affirm_v that_o this_o be_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o use_v of_o all_o set-form_n be_v stint_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o pretence_n i_o confess_v popular_a and_o plausible_a enough_o with_o such_o idiot_n as_o take_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o for_o the_o full_a confutation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v do_v both_o easy_o and_o brief_o too_o i_o shall_v advance_v this_o one_o assertion_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o namely_o that_o the_o pray_v by_o a_o set-form_n be_v not_o a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o pray_v extempore_o true_o and_o proper_o be_v so_o for_o the_o prove_v and_o make_v out_o of_o which_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n a_o thing_n much_o talk_v of_o but_o not_o so_o convenient_a for_o the_o talker_n of_o it_o and_o pretender_n to_o it_o to_o have_v it_o right_o state_v and_o understand_v in_o short_a it_o include_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n a_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n or_o inward_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o hypocritical_a lip-devotion_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n do_v not_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n word_n 2_o lie_n it_o include_v in_o it_o also_o a_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o his_o reveal_v word_n which_o word_n be_v both_o dictate_v and_o confirm_v by_o this_o spirit_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o pray_v unlawful_o or_o unwarrantable_o and_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o when_o we_o desire_v of_o god_n such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n warrant_v or_o approve_v of_o so_o that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o to_o pray_v know_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o for_o such_o thing_n and_o in_o such_o
a_o manner_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n either_o command_n or_o allow_v of_o as_o for_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o best_a enquiry_n that_o i_o can_v make_v into_o these_o matter_n i_o can_v find_v none_o and_o if_o some_o say_v as_o i_o know_v they_o both_o impudent_o and_o blasphemous_o do_v that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n immediate_o inspire_v they_o and_o by_o such_o inspiration_n speak_v within_o they_o and_o so_o dictate_v their_o prayer_n to_o they_o let_v they_o either_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n or_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o but_o till_o then_o he_o who_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n these_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v notable_a for_o will_v find_v that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a cause_n to_o father_n their_o prayer_n as_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a and_o i_o do_v particular_o recommend_v they_o to_o your_o observation_n one_o that_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v begin_v and_o first_o bring_v into_o use_n here_o in_o england_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n by_o a_o popish_a priest_n and_o dominican_n friar_n one_o faithful_a commin_n by_o name_n who_o counterfeit_v himself_o a_o protestant_n and_o a_o zealot_n of_o the_o high_a form_n set_v up_o this_o new_a spiritual_a way_n of_o pray_v with_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n first_o to_o a_o contempt_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o disuse_n of_o our_o common-prayer_n which_o he_o still_o revile_v as_o only_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o mass_n thereby_o to_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o divide_v our_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v with_o such_o success_n that_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o hellish_a negotiation_n when_o this_o malicious_a hypocrite_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o give_v the_o pope_n a_o account_n of_o he_o receive_v of_o he_o as_o so_o notable_a a_o service_n well_o deserve_v beside_o a_o thousand_o thanks_o two_o thousand_o ducat_n for_o his_o pain_n so_o that_o now_o you_o see_v here_o the_o original_a of_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v observe_v to_o you_o be_v that_o in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n of_o scotland_n one_o of_o the_o great_a rediviv_n monster_n of_o man_n that_o i_o believe_v ever_o live_v and_o actual_o in_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o the_o most_o excellent_a at_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o any_o man_n in_o his_o time_n none_o be_v able_a to_o come_v near_o he_o or_o to_o compare_v with_o he_o but_o sure_o now_o he_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o ascribe_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o wretch_n make_v up_o of_o adultery_n incest_n witchcraft_n and_o other_o villainy_n not_o to_o be_v name_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v as_o well_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v both_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ought_v not_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o it_o let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o a_o set-form_n or_o this_o extemporary-way_n be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n and_o stinter_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o a_o limit_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o work_n and_o consequent_o can_v supply_v two_o distinct_a faculty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o operation_n 2_o lie_n that_o the_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o the_o invention_n and_o that_o the_o find_v devotion_n and_o affection_n to_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o those_o expression_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o lie_n that_o this_o devotion_n and_o affection_n be_v indispensable_o require_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o do_v most_o proper_o consist_v now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o this_o must_v natural_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o spiritual_a prayer_n or_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n consist_v proper_o in_o that_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o the_o heart_n exercise_n and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o prayer_n so_o whatsoever_o give_v the_o soul_n scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v and_o employ_v this_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o effectual_o help_v and_o enlarge_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whatsoever_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o employ_v such_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o direct_o stint_v and_o hinder_v it_o according_o let_v this_o now_o be_v our_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o set-form_n and_o of_o the_o extempore-way_n in_o the_o present_a business_n as_o for_o a_o set-form_n in_o which_o the_o word_n be_v ready_a prepare_v to_o our_o hand_n the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o devotion_n to_o go_v along_o with_o those_o word_n so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o apply_v the_o heart_n to_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o extempore-prayer_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v off_o from_o deal_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o speaker_n and_o in_o the_o hearer_n both_o in_o he_o who_o make_v and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o first_o for_o the_o minister_n who_o make_v and_o utter_v such_o extempore-prayer_n he_o be_v whole_o employ_v his_o invention_n both_o to_o conceive_v matter_n and_o to_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o work_n which_o take_v up_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o exercise_n and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v with_o the_o same_o vigour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o invention_n and_o that_o of_o raise_v the_o affection_n also_o nor_o measure_v out_o the_o same_o supply_n of_o spirit_n and_o intention_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o head_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heart_n too_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o while_o the_o head_n be_v so_o much_o employ_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v idle_a and_o very_o little_o employ_v and_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o if_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n nay_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o while_o he_o be_v so_o do_v he_o be_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o he_o be_v study_v he_o be_v beat_v his_o brain_n while_o he_o shall_v be_v draw_v out_o his_o affection_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o such_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o not_o know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o minister_n will_v say_v must_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v hear_v he_o present_o busy_a and_o bestir_v their_o mind_n both_o to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o withal_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o so_o that_o the_o people_n also_o be_v by_o this_o course_n put_v to_o study_v and_o to_o employ_v their_o apprehend_n and_o judge_a faculty_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v exert_v their_o affection_n and_o devotion_n and_o consequent_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v stint_v as_o well_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o minister_n who_o first_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n after_o their_o extempore-way_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o indeed_o self-evident_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v need_v any_o further_a argument_n to_o demonstrate_v or_o make_v it_o out_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o
that_o since_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n leave_v the_o soul_n whole_o free_a to_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o devotion_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v most_o proper_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n help_v promote_v and_o enlarge_v and_o since_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o extempore-way_n withdraw_v and_o take_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o engage_v it_o chief_o if_o not_o whole_o about_o the_o use_n of_o its_o invention_n it_o as_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n unavoidable_o cramp_v and_o hinder_v and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n stint_v which_o be_v the_o proposition_n that_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o be_v extreme_o hinder_v and_o stint_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o equal_o further_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o extempore-way_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o former_a be_v so_o much_o decry_v and_o the_o latter_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o man_n who_o we_o be_v now_o plead_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v pride_n and_o ostentation_n the_o other_o faction_n and_o sedition_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o pride_n i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o such_o as_o use_v the_o extempore-way_n be_v to_o amuse_v the_o unthinking_a rabble_n with_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o gift_n their_o whole_a devotion_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o only_o a_o love_n to_o hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v put_v lucifer_n himself_o hard_o to_o it_o to_o outvie_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o of_o those_o fellow_n pour_v out_o his_o extempore-stuff_n among_o his_o ignorant_a whine_a factious_a follower_n listen_v to_o and_o applaud_v his_o copious_a flow_n and_o cant_n with_o the_o ridiculous_a accent_n of_o their_o impertinent_a groan_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v extempore-prayer_n even_o when_o best_o and_o most_o dextrous_o perform_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o business_n of_o invention_n and_o wit_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o require_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o a_o teem_a imagination_n a_o bold_a front_n and_o a_o ready_a expression_n and_o deserve_v much_o the_o same_o commendation_n be_v it_o not_o in_o a_o matter_n too_o serious_a to_o be_v sudden_a upon_o which_o be_v due_a to_o extempore_o verse_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v necessary_a to_o these_o latter_a a_o competent_a measure_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n whereas_o the_o former_a may_v be_v do_v with_o very_o little_a wit_n and_o no_o learning_n at_o all_o and_o now_o can_v any_o sober_a person_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o pert_a empty_a conceit_a holderforth_a who_o chief_a if_o not_o sole_a intent_n be_v to_o vaunt_v his_o spiritual_a clack_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o pray_v prize_n whereas_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o qualification_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o low_a esteem_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o himself_o certain_o the_o extemporize_a faculty_n be_v never_o more_o out_o of_o its_o element_n than_o in_o the_o pulpit_n though_o even_o here_o it_o be_v much_o more_o excusable_a in_o a_o sermon_n than_o in_o a_o prayer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o a_o man_n addresses_z himself_z but_o to_o man_n man_n like_o himself_o who_o he_o may_v therefore_o make_v bold_a with_o as_o no_o doubt_n for_o so_o do_v they_o will_v also_o make_v bold_a with_o he_o beside_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n attend_v all_o such_o sudden_a conception_n that_o as_o they_o be_v quick_o bear_v so_o they_o quick_o die_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v so_o very_o fluent_a a_o invention_n but_o the_o hearer_n also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o as_o fluent_a a_o memory_n 2_o lie_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o little_o befriend_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o very_a much_o by_o the_o extempore-way_n be_v faction_n and_o sedition_n it_o have_v be_v always_o find_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o gird_v at_o the_o government_n in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o we_o all_o know_v the_o common_a dialect_n in_o which_o the_o great_a master_n of_o this_o art_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o which_o may_v just_o pass_v for_o only_o a_o cleanly_a and_o more_o refine_a kind_n of_o libel_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n will_v turn_v his_o heart_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a yet_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n with_o many_o other_o sly_a virulent_a and_o malicious_a insinuation_n which_o we_o may_v every_o day_n hear_v of_o from_o those_o mint_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n their_o conventicle_n and_o for_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o some_o prince_n and_o government_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o eat_v their_o word_n but_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v they_o too_o in_o fine_a let_v all_o their_o extempore_o harangue_n be_v consider_v and_o due_o weigh_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n faction_n and_o sedition_n predominant_a in_o they_o all_o the_o only_a spirit_n which_o those_o impostor_n do_v real_o and_o indeed_o pray_v by_o i_o have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o the_o earnest_a against_o this_o intoxicate_a bewitch_a cheat_n of_o extempore-prayer_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o devil_n masterpiece_n and_o prime_a engine_n to_o overthrow_v our_o church_n by_o for_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o unanswerable_a truth_n that_o whatsoever_o render_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n contemptible_a among_o we_o must_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n weaken_v and_o discredit_v our_o whole_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n altogether_o as_o clear_v that_o this_o extempore-way_n natural_o bring_v all_o the_o contempt_n upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o both_o the_o folly_n and_o faction_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o expose_v it_o to_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n neither_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o true_a purpose_n of_o religion_n nor_o ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n nor_o last_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o every_o sober_a and_o well-ordered_a church_n or_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o throw_v the_o church_n itself_o out_o of_o door_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_n prayer_n which_o be_v premeditation_n of_o thought_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n let_v not_o thy_o mouth_n be_v rash_a nor_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n which_o excellent_a word_n and_o most_o wise_a advice_n of_o solomon_n whosoever_o can_v reconcile_v to_o the_o expediency_n decency_n or_o usefulness_n of_o extempore-prayer_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o a_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o part_n of_o mind_n than_o solomon_n himself_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o a_o reverential_n and_o due_o qualify_v prayer_n be_v a_o pertinent_a brevity_n of_o expression_n mention_v and_o recommend_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o but_o this_o i_o can_v dispatch_v now_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n against_o long_n and_o extempore-prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o text._n eccles_n v._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o i_o former_o begin_v a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n and_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o whosoever_o appear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n aught_o to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n place_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o lie_n
act_v while_o those_o principle_n of_o activity_n flag_n no_o man_n begin_v and_o end_v a_o long_a journey_n with_o the_o same_o pace_n but_o now_o when_o prayer_n have_v lose_v its_o due_a fervour_n and_o attention_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o a_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v loathsome_a and_o offensive_a to_o god_n nay_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v enliven_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o a_o actual_a attention_n yet_o if_o that_o attention_n fail_v to_o enliven_v any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a be_v but_o a_o join_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a together_o for_o which_o conjunction_n the_o dead_a be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o better_a but_o the_o live_n very_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o be_v not_o length_n nor_o copiousness_n of_o language_n that_o be_v devotion_n any_o more_o than_o bulk_n and_o bigness_n be_v valour_n or_o flesh_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o short_a sentence_n may_v be_v oftentimes_o a_o large_a and_o a_o mighty_a prayer_n devotion_n so_o manage_v be_v like_o water_n in_o a_o well_o where_o you_o have_v fullness_n in_o a_o little_a compass_n which_o sure_o be_v much_o noble_a than_o the_o same_o carry_v out_o into_o many_o petit_fw-la creep_a rivulet_n with_o length_n and_o shallowness_n together_o let_v he_o who_o pray_v bestow_v all_o that_o strength_n fervour_n and_o attention_n upon_o shortness_n and_o significance_n that_o will_v otherwise_o run_v out_o and_o lose_v itself_o in_o length_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o speech_n to_o no_o purpose_n let_v not_o his_o tongue_n outstrip_v his_o heart_n nor_o presume_v to_o carry_v a_o message_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n while_o that_o stay_v behind_o let_v he_o not_o think_v to_o support_v so_o hard_o and_o weighty_a a_o duty_n with_o a_o tire_a languish_a and_o be-jaded_n devotion_n to_o avoid_v which_o let_v a_o man_n contract_v his_o expression_n where_o he_o can_v enlarge_v his_o affection_n still_o remember_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a in_o itself_o nor_o more_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n than_o for_o one_o engage_v in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o prayer_n to_o hold_v on_o speak_v after_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o pray_v and_o to_o keep_v the_o lip_n at_o work_n when_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v no_o more_o 4_o lie_n the_o four_o argument_n for_o shortness_n or_o conciseness_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o lively_a way_n of_o express_v the_o utmost_a agony_n and_o outcry_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n upon_o a_o quick_a pungent_a sense_n either_o of_o a_o press_a necessity_n or_o a_o approach_a calamity_n which_o we_o know_v be_v general_o the_o chief_a occasion_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o bring_v man_n upon_o their_o knee_n in_o a_o vigorous_a application_n of_o themselves_o to_o this_o great_a duty_n a_o person_n ready_a to_o sink_v under_o his_o want_n have_v neither_o time_n nor_o heart_n to_o rhetoricate_v or_o make_v flourish_v no_o man_n begin_v a_o long_a grace_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v such_o a_o one_o prayer_n be_v like_o the_o relief_n he_o needs_o quick_a and_o sudden_a short_a and_o immediate_a he_o be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o torture_n upon_o the_o rack_n who_o pain_n be_v too_o acute_a to_o let_v his_o word_n be_v many_o and_o who_o desire_v of_o deliverance_n too_o impatient_a to_o delay_v the_o thing_n he_o beg_v for_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o beg_n it_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_v if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v let_v he_o go_v to_o sea_n and_o that_o will_v teach_v he_o and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n man_n be_v teach_v in_o that_o school_n even_o in_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v and_o the_o sea_n rage_v and_o the_o ship_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v cast_v away_o in_o the_o 8_o the_o of_o matthew_n in_o which_o case_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o fall_v present_o to_o harangue_n it_o about_o sea_n and_o wind_n and_o that_o dismal_a face_n of_o thing_n that_o must_v needs_o appear_v all_o over_o the_o devour_a element_n at_o such_o a_o time_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a might_n no_o doubt_n have_v be_v very_o plentiful_a topic_n of_o eloquence_n to_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v look_v upon_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o shoar_n or_o discourse_v of_o wreck_n and_o tempest_n safe_a and_o warm_a in_o his_o parlour_n but_o these_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v now_o enter_v as_o they_o think_v into_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n and_o struggle_v with_o the_o last_o effort_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o depart_a life_n and_o consequent_o can_v neither_o speak_v nor_o think_v any_o thing_n low_a or_o ordinary_a in_o such_o a_o condition_n present_o rally_v up_o and_o discharge_v the_o whole_a concern_v of_o their_o despond_v soul_n in_o that_o short_a prayer_n of_o but_o three_o word_n though_o much_o full_a and_o more_o forcible_a than_o one_o of_o three_o thousand_o in_o the_o 25_o verse_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n save_v we_o lord_n or_o we_o perish_v death_n make_v short_a work_n when_o it_o come_v and_o will_v teach_v he_o who_o will_v prevent_v it_o to_o make_v short_a for_o sure_o no_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o just_o a_o perish_v can_v be_v at_o leisure_n to_o be_v eloquent_a or_o judge_v it_o either_o sense_n or_o devotion_n to_o begin_v a_o long_a prayer_n when_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o shall_v conclude_v his_o life_n before_o it_o 5_o lie_n the_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v produce_v for_o brevity_n of_o speech_n or_o fewness_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n which_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v remarkable_a for_o brevity_n and_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v note_v for_o prolixity_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o brevity_n to_o omit_v all_o those_o notable_a example_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n afford_v we_o of_o it_o and_o to_o confine_v ourselves_o only_o to_o the_o new_a in_o which_o we_o be_v undoubted_o most_v concern_v be_v not_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o sanctify_v and_o set_v above_o all_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o except_v against_o it_o by_o that_o infinite_o exact_a form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v by_o the_o great_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v even_o christ_n himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o instance_n both_o of_o the_o true_a devotion_n and_o the_o full_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a reason_n that_o ever_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o withal_o the_o short_a and_o most_o succinct_a model_n that_o ever_o grasp_v all_o the_o need_v and_o occasion_n of_o mankind_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a into_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n doubtless_o have_v our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o amplify_v or_o be_v prolix_a he_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n can_v not_o want_v matter_n nor_o he_o who_o be_v himself_o the_o word_n want_v variety_n of_o the_o fit_a to_o have_v express_v his_o mind_n by_o but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o contract_v the_o whole_a concern_v of_o both_o world_n into_o a_o few_o line_n and_o to_o unite_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o his_o prayer_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o copy_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o other_o so_o then_o we_o see_v here_o brevity_n in_o the_o rule_n or_o pattern_n let_v we_o see_v it_o next_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o after_o that_o in_o the_o success_n of_o prayer_n and_o first_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pattern_n of_o it_o in_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o signal_n passage_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n even_o his_o preparation_n for_o his_o approach_a death_n in_o which_o dolorous_a scene_n when_o his_o whole_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o sorrow_n that_o great_a move_a spring_n of_o invention_n and_o elocution_n and_o when_o nature_n be_v put_v to_o its_o last_o and_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o so_o have_v no_o refuge_n or_o relief_n but_o in_o prayer_n yet_o even_o then_o all_o this_o horror_n agony_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n deliver_v itself_o but_o in_o two_o very_a short_a sentence_n in_o matth._n 26._o 39_o 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 and_o
distinct_a petition_n add_v to_o this_o the_o excellent_a contrivance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n into_o alternate_a response_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o people_n be_v put_v to_o bear_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n which_o make_v it_o almost_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v only_o idle_a hearer_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o mere_a looker_n on_o as_o they_o be_v very_o often_o and_o may_v be_v always_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o eye_n open_a at_o the_o long_a tedious_a prayer_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o make_v and_o denominate_v our_o liturgy_n true_o and_o proper_o a_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o avouch_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o common_a or_o joint-prayer_n anywhere_o among_o the_o principal_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o in_o the_o romish_a communion_n the_o priest_n say_v over_o the_o appoint_a prayer_n only_o to_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n not_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o what_o he_o say_v repeat_v also_o their_o own_o particular_a prayer_n to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v go_v their_o way_n not_o all_o at_o once_o as_o neither_o do_v they_o come_v at_o once_o but_o scatter_o one_o after_o another_o according_a as_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o devotion_n and_o then_o for_o the_o nonconformist_n their_o prayer_n be_v all_o extempore_o it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o all_o to_o join_v in_o they_o for_o sure_o people_n can_v join_v in_o a_o prayer_n before_o they_o understand_v it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o capacity_n shall_v present_o and_o immediate_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v when_o possible_o holderforth_a himself_n understand_v not_o what_o he_o say_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o conclude_v that_o that_o excellent_a thing_n common-prayer_n which_o be_v the_o joint_a address_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n with_o unite_a voice_n as_o well_o as_o heart_n send_v up_o their_o devotion_n to_o almighty_a god_n be_v nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o kingdom_n but_o in_o that_o best_a and_o near_a copy_n of_o primitive_a christian_a worship_n the_o divine_a service_n as_o it_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o those_o long_a prayer_n so_o frequent_o use_v by_o some_o before_o their_o sermon_n the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o responsible_a for_o they_o have_v provide_v we_o better_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a wisdom_n appoint_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o before_o their_o sermon_n but_o as_o for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v now_o general_o in_o use_n as_o it_o be_v first_o take_v up_o upon_o a_o humour_n of_o novelty_n and_o popularity_n and_o by_o the_o same_o carry_v on_o till_o it_o have_v pass_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o so_o put_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n first_o out_o of_o use_n and_o then_o out_o of_o countenance_n also_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v it_o will_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v a_o very_a senseless_a and_o absurd_a practice_n for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o sense_n or_o propriety_n in_o beginning_n a_o new_a tedious_a prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n just_a after_o the_o church_n have_v for_o near_o a_o hour_n together_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o office_n suitable_a to_o all_o the_o need_v of_o the_o congregation_n be_v pray_v for_o all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v fit_a for_o christian_n to_o pray_v for_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o irrational_a for_o which_o cause_n among_o many_o more_o that_o old_a sober_a form_n of_o bid_v prayer_n which_o both_o against_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v justle_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o upstart_n puritanical_a encroachment_n aught_o with_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v restore_v by_o authority_n and_o both_o the_o use_n and_o user_n of_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a and_o solemn_a reinforcement_n of_o the_o canon_n upon_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v rescue_v from_o that_o unjust_a scorn_n of_o the_o factious_a and_o ignorant_a which_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o contrary_a usurp_a custom_n will_v otherwise_o expose_v they_o to_o for_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v decency_n nor_o order_n for_o our_o clergy_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o fanatic_n as_o many_o in_o their_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n nowadays_o do_v and_o thus_o have_v account_v for_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o great_a rule_n prescribe_v in_o the_o text_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o let_v we_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o consider_v also_o the_o way_n of_o pray_v so_o much_o use_v and_o applaud_v by_o such_o as_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n and_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v bring_v we_o something_o better_a in_o the_o room_n of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o disdainful_o cast_v off_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o all_o their_o prayer_n exact_o after_o the_o heathenish_a and_o pharisaical_a copy_n always_o notable_a for_o those_o two_o thing_n length_n and_o tautology_n two_o whole_a hour_n for_o one_o prayer_n at_o a_o fast_a use_v to_o be_v reckon_v but_o a_o moderate_a do_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n fraught_v with_o such_o irreverent_a blasphemous_a expression_n that_o to_o repeat_v they_o will_v profane_v the_o place_n i_o be_o speak_v in_o and_o indeed_o they_o seldom_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v but_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n in_o need_n of_o a_o new_a consecration_n add_v to_o this_o the_o incoherence_n and_o confusion_n the_o endless_a repetition_n and_o the_o unsufferable_a nonsense_n that_o never_o fail_v to_o hold_v out_o even_o with_o their_o utmost_a prolixity_n so_o that_o in_o all_o their_o long_a fast_n from_o first_o to_o last_o from_o seven_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o seven_o in_o the_o evening_n which_o be_v their_o measure_n the_o pulpit_n be_v always_o the_o empty_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o i_o never_o know_v such_o a_o fast_o keep_v by_o they_o but_o their_o hearer_n have_v cause_n to_o begin_v a_o thanksgiving_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n so_o full_a of_o ramble_n and_o inconsequence_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n so_o very_a like_o the_o language_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o carriage_n of_o themselves_o in_o prayer_n with_o their_o eye_n for_o the_o most_o part_n shut_z and_o their_o arm_n stretch_v out_o in_o yawn_a posture_n a_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o of_o they_o pray_v might_n by_o a_o very_a pardonable_a error_n be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v all_o the_o time_n hear_v one_o talk_v in_o his_o sleep_n beside_o the_o strange_a virtue_n which_o their_o prayer_n have_v to_o procure_v sleep_n in_o other_o too_o so_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o all_o their_o long_a cant_n will_v show_v a_o great_a ability_n in_o watch_v than_o ever_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o in_o pray_v if_o he_o can_v forbear_v sleep_v have_v so_o strong_a a_o provocation_n to_o it_o and_o so_o fair_a a_o excuse_n for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n such_o be_v their_o prayer_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n that_o can_v any_o one_o true_o and_o exact_o write_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v the_o shrewd_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o write_v against_o they_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v thus_o trouble_v either_o you_o or_o myself_o by_o rake_v into_o the_o dirt_n and_o dunghill_n of_o these_o man_n devotion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n either_o do_v or_o say_v by_o they_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n for_o as_o they_o have_v the_o king_n be_v so_o i_o wish_v they_o god_n pardon_n also_o for_o both_o who_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v offend_v much_o more_o than_o they_o have_v both_o king_n put_v together_o but_o that_o which_o have_v provoke_v i_o thus_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o expose_v to_o you_o their_o nauseous_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_v to_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v that_o intolerable_o rude_a and_o unprovoke_v insolence_n and_o scurrility_n with_o which_o they_o be_v every_o day_n reproach_v and_o scoff_v at_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o user_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n from_o it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o thousand_o be_v draw_v by_o
and_o much_o less_o satisfy_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n but_o now_o for_o the_o better_a management_n of_o this_o examination_n of_o our_o past-live_n we_o must_v thorough_o canvas_v they_o with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n as_o for_o instance_n let_v a_o man_n inquire_v what_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o what_o breach_n he_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o two_o great_a stand_a rule_n of_o duty_n the_o decalogue_n and_o our_o saviour_n divine_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n let_v he_o inquire_v also_o what_o particular_a aggravation_n lie_v upon_o his_o sin_n as_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v commit_v against_o strong_a reluctancy_n and_o light_n of_o conscience_n after_o many_o win_a call_n of_o mercy_n to_o reclaim_v and_o many_o terrible_a warning_n of_o judgement_n to_o affright_v he_o whether_o resolution_n vow_n and_o protestation_n have_v not_o be_v make_v against_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v repeat_v frequent_o and_o persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o last_o whether_o the_o same_o appetite_n to_o sin_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o active_a and_o unmortified_a after_o sacrament_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o how_o important_a these_o consideration_n and_o head_n of_o enquiry_n be_v all_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n will_v easy_o perceive_v for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o very_a same_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o stamp_v with_o any_o one_o of_o these_o aggravation_n be_v in_o effect_n not_o the_o same_o and_o he_o who_o have_v sin_v the_o same_o great_a sin_n after_o several_a time_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v he_o under_o ten_o time_n great_a repentance_n and_o contrition_n for_o it_o than_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o to_o that_o duty_n former_o whether_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o rise_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n or_o no_o be_v uncertain_a but_o most_o certain_a that_o both_o his_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o his_o danger_n great_a than_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o the_o first_o second_o when_o a_o man_n have_v by_o such_o a_o close_a and_o rigorous_a examination_n of_o himself_o find_v out_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o discover_v his_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n must_v be_v to_o work_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o utmost_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o it_o for_o self-examination_n have_v first_o present_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n these_o natural_o transmit_v and_o hand_n it_o over_o to_o the_o passion_n and_o this_o introduce_v the_o next_o ingredient_n of_o our_o sacramental_a preparation_n to_o wit_n repentance_n which_o arduous_a work_n i_o will_v suppose_v not_o now_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o be_v renew_v and_o that_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o sin_n not_o repent_v of_o before_o and_o yet_o more_o especial_o to_o those_o new_a score_n which_o we_o still_o have_v run_v ourselves_o upon_o since_o the_o last_o precede_a sacrament_n which_o method_n faithful_o and_o constant_o observe_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o admirable_a and_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o break_v or_o run_v behindhand_o in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n which_o without_o frequent_a accounting_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o such_o high_a consequence_n i_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n warn_v man_n of_o one_o very_o common_a and_o yet_o very_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o take_z of_o mere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o repentance_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o good_a introduction_n to_o it_o but_o the_o porch_n though_o never_o so_o fair_a and_o spacious_a be_v not_o the_o house_n itself_o nothing_o pass_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n for_o repentance_n but_o change_v of_o life_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a be_v the_o two_o great_a integral_a part_n that_o complete_a this_o duty_n for_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a be_v much_o better_a than_o the_o sharp_a sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v it_o and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v better_a and_o more_o valuable_a than_o both_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v out_o sin_n in_o his_o action_n let_v he_o resolute_o arrest_v it_o there_o but_o let_v he_o also_o pursue_v it_o home_o to_o his_o inclination_n and_o dislodge_v it_o thence_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v all_o to_o little_a purpose_n for_o the_o root_n be_v still_o leave_v behind_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o in_o time_n it_o will_v shoot_v out_o again_o man_n befool_v themselves_o infinite_o when_o by_o vent_v a_o few_o sigh_n or_o groan_n put_v the_o finger_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o whimper_v out_o a_o few_o melancholy_a word_n and_o last_o conclude_v all_o with_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v never_o do_v so_o and_o i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o do_v so_o more_o they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v repent_v though_o perhaps_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n their_o heart_n all_o the_o while_n deceive_v they_o and_o they_o neither_o real_o wish_v the_o one_o nor_o resolve_v the_o other_o but_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o no_o all_o true_a penitential_a sorrow_n will_v and_o must_v proceed_v much_o further_o it_o must_v force_v and_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o very_a inmost_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v shake_v all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n produce_v in_o the_o heart_n strong_a and_o last_a aversion_n to_o evil_a and_o equal_a disposition_n to_o good_a which_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v great_a thing_n but_o if_o the_o sorrow_n which_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o carry_v we_o not_o so_o far_o let_v it_o express_v itself_o never_o so_o loud_o and_o passionate_o and_o discharge_v itself_o in_o never_o so_o many_o shour_n of_o tear_n and_o volley_n of_o sigh_n yet_o by_o all_o this_o it_o will_v no_o more_o purge_v a_o man_n heart_n than_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o hand_n can_v cleanse_v the_o rottenness_n of_o his_o bone_n but_o three_o when_o self-examination_n have_v both_o show_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o repentance_n have_v disow_v and_o cast_v it_o out_o the_o next_o thing_n natural_o confequent_a upon_o this_o be_v with_o the_o high_a importunity_n to_o supplicate_v god_n pardon_n for_o the_o gild_n and_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o three_o preparative_n for_o the_o sacrament_n a_o duty_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o both_o world_n be_v entail_v a_o duty_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o great_a conduit_n and_o noble_a instrument_n of_o commerce_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o duty_n found_v on_o man_n essential_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o so_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o indispensable_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o it_o now_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o other_o grace_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o wedding-garment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o prayer_n must_v put_v it_o on_o prayer_n be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n engage_v all_o the_o auxiliary_n of_o omnipotence_n itself_o against_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v so_o utter_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o that_o the_o same_o heart_n can_v long_o hold_v they_o both_o but_o one_o must_v soon_o quit_v possession_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o either_o pray_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v off_o sin_v or_o sin_v force_v he_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v every_o real_a act_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o partial_a mortification_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v hearty_o against_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n hate_v it_o too_o i_o know_v a_o man_n may_v think_v that_o he_o hate_v his_o sin_n when_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o but_o than_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o pray_v against_o it_o whatsoever_o he_o may_v imagine_v beside_o since_o the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o a_o ardent_a vehement_a desire_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o it_o strange_o symbolize_v with_o the_o thing_n it_o mighty_o desire_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v a_o devout_a humble_a sin-abhorring_a self-denying_a frame_n of_o spirit_n he_o can_v take_v a_o more_o efficacious_a course_n to_o attain_v it_o than_o by_o pray_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o so_o close_a a_o connexion_n have_v this_o duty_n with_o the_o sacrament_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o receive_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v proper_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o we_o may_v with_o great_a
guide_v thou_o with_o his_o counsel_n here_o and_o afterward_o receive_v thou_o into_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v etc._n etc._n amen_o a_o discourse_n against_o long_a extemporary_a prayer_n in_o a_o sermon_n on_o ecclesiastes_n v._o 2._o eccles_n v._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o we_o have_v here_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n instruct_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o house_n and_o particular_o when_o we_o address_v to_o he_o in_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o duty_n which_o be_v prayer_n solomon_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o likelihood_n none_o more_o fit_a to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n a_o great_a privilege_n certain_o for_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o manage_v it_o so_o that_o in_o these_o our_o approach_n to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n his_o goodness_n may_v not_o cause_v we_o to_o forget_v his_o greatness_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v but_o too_o usual_a for_o subject_n to_o use_v privilege_n against_o prerogative_n his_o honour_n suffer_v by_o his_o condescension_n in_o the_o word_n we_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n observable_a 1._o that_o whosoever_o appear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n aught_o to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n place_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o vast_a and_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o he_o aught_o to_o create_v in_o he_o all_o imaginable_a awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o such_o his_o address_n to_o god_n 3_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o this_o reverence_n require_v of_o he_o be_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o serious_a preparation_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o sober_a government_n of_o his_o expression_n neither_o be_v his_o mouth_n to_o be_v rash_a nor_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v hasty_o in_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n these_o thing_n be_v evident_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o do_v as_o evident_o contain_v the_o whole_a sense_n of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v gather_v they_o all_o into_o this_o one_o proposition_n namely_o that_o premeditation_n of_o thought_n and_o brevity_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o great_a ingredient_n of_o that_o reverence_n that_o be_v require_v to_o a_o pious_a acceptable_a and_o devout_a prayer_n for_o the_o better_a handle_n of_o which_o we_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v how_o and_o by_o what_o way_n it_o be_v that_o prayer_n work_v upon_o or_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o concern_v which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o the_o way_n by_o which_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n be_v whole_o different_a from_o that_o by_o which_o it_o prevail_v with_o men._n and_o to_o give_v you_o this_o more_o particular_o 1._o first_o of_o all_o it_o prevail_v not_o with_o god_n by_o way_n of_o information_n or_o notification_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o he_o which_o we_o desire_v of_o he_o with_o man_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o common_a and_o with_o wise_a man_n the_o chief_a and_o shall_v be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o obtain_v what_o we_o ask_v of_o they_o we_o represent_v and_o lay_v before_o they_o our_o want_n and_o indigence_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o condition_n which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o the_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o thing_n ask_v for_o and_o of_o the_o person_n who_o ask_v it_o induce_v they_o to_o give_v that_o to_o we_o and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v and_o petition_n for_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n for_o he_o know_v our_o want_n and_o our_o condition_n better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o he_o be_v beforehand_o with_o all_o our_o prayer_n matth._n 6._o 8._o your_o father_n know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o and_o in_o psal._n 139._o 2._o thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o god_n know_v our_o thought_n before_o the_o very_a heart_n that_o conceive_v they_o and_o how_o then_o can_v he_o who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o suggest_v any_o thing_n new_a to_o that_o eternal_a mind_n how_o can_v ignorance_n inform_v omniscience_n 2_o lie_n neither_o do_v prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n or_o work_v upon_o the_o affection_n so_o as_o thereby_o to_o move_v he_o to_o pity_n or_o compassion_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o prevail_v with_o man_n who_o for_o the_o generality_n be_v one_o part_n reason_n and_o nine_o part_n affection_n so_o that_o one_o of_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n and_o a_o dextrous_a insinuation_n may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o vulgar_a mind_n and_o with_o wise_a man_n too_o at_o their_o weak_a time_n but_o god_n who_o be_v as_o void_a of_o passion_n or_o affection_n as_o he_o be_v of_o quantity_n or_o corporeity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o this_o way_n he_o value_v not_o our_o rhetoric_n nor_o our_o pathetical_a harangue_n he_o who_o apply_v to_o god_n apply_v to_o a_o infinite_a almighty_a reason_n a_o pure_a act_n all_o intellect_n the_o first_o mover_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o wrought_v upon_o himself_o in_o all_o passion_n the_o mind_n suffer_v as_o the_o very_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n import_v but_o absolute_a entire_a perfection_n can_v suffer_v it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v immovable_a and_o by_o consequence_n impassable_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n much_o less_o be_v god_n to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o importunity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v weary_v he_o into_o a_o concession_n of_o what_o we_o beg_v of_o he_o though_o with_o man_n we_o know_v this_o also_o be_v not_o unusual_a a_o notable_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o luke_n 18._o v_o 4_o 5._o where_o the_o unjust_a judge_n be_v with_o a_o restless_a vehemence_n sue_v to_o for_o justice_n say_v thus_o within_o himself_o though_o i_o fear_v not_o god_n nor_o regard_v man_n yet_o because_o this_o widow_n trouble_v i_o i_o will_v avenge_v she_o lest_o by_o her_o continual_a come_v she_o weary_a i_o in_o like_a manner_n how_o often_o be_v beggar_n relieve_v only_o for_o their_o eager_a and_o rude_a importunity_n not_o that_o the_o person_n who_o relieve_v they_o be_v thereby_o inform_v or_o satisfy_v of_o their_o real_a want_n nor_o yet_o move_v to_o pity_v they_o by_o all_o their_o cry_n and_o cant_n but_o to_o rid_v himself_o from_o their_o vexatious_a noise_n and_o din_n so_o that_o to_o purchase_v his_o quiet_a by_o a_o little_a alm_n he_o gratify_v the_o beggar_n but_o indeed_o relieve_v himself_o but_o now_o this_o way_n be_v further_o from_o prevail_v with_o god_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o as_o omniscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inform_v so_o neither_o be_v omnipotence_n to_o be_v weary_v we_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o think_v to_o clamour_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n out_o of_o their_o course_n than_o to_o word_n the_o great_a creator_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o steady_a purpose_n of_o his_o own_o will_n by_o all_o the_o vehemence_n and_o loudness_n of_o our_o petition_n man_n may_v tire_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o prayer_n but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tire_v the_o rapid_a motion_n and_o whirl_v of_o thing_n here_o below_o interrupt_v not_o the_o inviolable_a rest_n and_o calmness_n of_o the_o noble_a being_n above_n while_o the_o wind_n roar_v and_o bluster_v here_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o region_n of_o the_o air_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a serenity_n in_o the_o three_o man_n desire_n can_v control_v god_n decree_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o three_o way_n by_o which_o man_n prevail_v with_o man_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o application_n to_o they_o have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o in_o give_v any_o efficacy_n to_o their_o address_n to_o god_n but_o you_o will_v ask_v then_o upon_o what_o account_n be_v it_o that_o prayer_n become_v prevalent_a and_o efficacious_a with_o god_n so_o as_o to_o procure_v we_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o i_o answer_v upon_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v free_o promise_v to_o convey_v his_o blessing_n to_o men._n god_n of_o his_o own_o absolute_a unaccountable_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v and_o fix_v upon_o
this_o as_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o will_v supply_v and_o answer_v the_o want_v of_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v declare_v to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o he_o every_o morning_n in_o his_o bedchamber_n shall_v receive_v of_o he_o a_o thousand_o talent_n we_o must_v not_o here_o imagine_v that_o the_o subject_a by_o make_v this_o appearance_n do_v either_o move_v or_o persuade_v his_o prince_n to_o give_v he_o such_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n no_o he_o only_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o the_o thing_n promise_v he_o do_v indeed_o hereby_o engage_v his_o prince_n to_o give_v he_o this_o sum_n though_o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n persuade_v he_o or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o the_o prince_n own_o justice_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o engagement_n upon_o the_o prince_n himself_o to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o he_o who_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o we_o obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o claim_n of_o justice_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o gift_n as_o a_o free_a result_n of_o his_o bounty_n i_o answer_v that_o both_o these_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a for_o though_o he_o who_o make_v a_o promise_n upon_o a_o certain_a condition_n be_v bind_v in_o justice_n upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o condition_n to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yet_o it_o be_v perfect_o grace_n and_o goodness_n bounty_n and_o free_a mercy_n that_o first_o induce_v he_o to_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o particular_o to_o state_n the_o tenor_n of_o it_o upon_o such_o a_o condition_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v free_a and_o more_o the_o effect_n of_o mere_a grace_n than_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o this_o scripture_n and_o many_o more_o that_o it_o be_v firm_o promise_v we_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o penitent_a hearty_a confession_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o god_n stand_v oblige_v here_o even_o by_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o justice_n to_o make_v good_a this_o his_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n to_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o by_o such_o a_o confession_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o prayer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a thing_n pray_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v for_o a_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o get_v thereby_o a_o right_a to_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o right_n not_o spring_v from_o any_o merit_n or_o condignity_n either_o in_o the_o prayer_n itself_o or_o the_o person_n who_o make_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o from_o god_n veracity_n truth_n and_o justice_n who_o have_v appoint_v prayer_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o blessing_n can_v but_o stand_v to_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v though_o that_o he_o do_v appoint_v it_o be_v the_o free_a result_n and_o determination_n of_o his_o own_o will._n we_o have_v a_o full_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n from_o god_n own_o mouth_n in_o psalm_n 50._o call_v upon_o i_o say_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o these_o be_v evident_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n answer_v prayer_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o deliverance_n be_v still_o of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o prayer_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n also_o that_o without_o such_o a_o previous_a declaration_n make_v on_o god_n part_n a_o person_n so_o in_o trouble_n or_o distress_n may_v pray_v his_o heart_n out_o and_o yet_o god_n not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o oblige_v by_o all_o his_o prayer_n either_o in_o justice_n or_o honour_n or_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o in_o mercy_n to_o deliver_v he_o for_o mercy_n be_v free_a and_o misery_n can_v oblige_v it_o in_o a_o word_n prayer_n procure_v deliverance_n from_o trouble_n just_a as_o naaman_n dip_v himself_o seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n procure_v he_o a_o deliverance_n from_o his_o leprosy_n not_o by_o any_o virtue_n in_o itself_o adequate_a to_o so_o great_a a_o effect_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a but_o from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o recovery_n and_o so_o oblige_v the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o appoint_v it_o to_o give_v force_n and_o virtue_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n beyond_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v otherwise_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o neither_o by_o way_n of_o information_n nor_o yet_o of_o persuasion_n and_o much_o less_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o he_o who_o pray_v and_o least_o of_o all_o by_o any_o worth_n in_o the_o prayer_n itself_o equal_a to_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o but_o it_o prevail_v sole_o and_o entire_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v free_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o state_v allow_v condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v dispense_v his_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o prayer_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o condition_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o though_o god_n sovereign_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o its_o own_o counsel_n and_o determination_n and_o consequent_o a_o more_o than_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o inquiry_n yet_o since_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n still_o adapt_n mean_n to_o end_n and_o never_o appoint_v a_o thing_n to_o any_o use_n but_o what_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o a_o natural_a fitness_n for_o i_o shall_v therefore_o presume_v to_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o prayer_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o this_o noble_a use_n of_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o glorious_a conduit_n whereby_o to_o derive_v the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o men._n and_o it_o be_v this_o because_o prayer_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n do_v most_o peculiar_o qualify_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n by_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n since_o to_o pray_v or_o beg_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o person_n pray_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o some_o good_a which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a by_o any_o power_n of_o his_o own_o to_o procure_v for_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o power_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o that_o which_o man_n call_v to_o depend_v but_o some_o may_v reply_v there_o be_v a_o universal_a dependence_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a fountain_n and_o source_n of_o be_v first_o create_v and_o since_o support_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o dependence_n belong_v indifferent_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o just_a who_o prayer_n nevertheless_o be_v declare_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n but_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o the_o dependence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o moral_a dependence_n the_o first_o be_v necessary_a the_o other_o voluntary_a the_o first_o common_a to_o all_o the_o other_o proper_a to_o the_o pious_a the_o first_o respect_v god_n bare_o as_o a_o creator_n the_o other_o address_n to_o he_o also_o as_o a_o father_n now_o such_o a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v that_o be_v proper_o see_v in_o prayer_n and_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o humble_a reverence_n set_v ourselves_o to_o examine_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n even_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n what_o can_v be_v more_o rational_o think_v of_o for_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o bring_v down_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o world_n than_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o make_v a_o man_n disow_v all_o ability_n in_o himself_o to_o supply_v his_o own_o want_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n own_o a_o transcendent_a fullness_n and_o
sufficiency_n in_o god_n to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o all_o principle_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n than_o that_o a_o creature_n endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o will_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o dependence_n upon_o his_o maker_n by_o a_o free_a act_n of_o choice_n which_o other_o creature_n have_v upon_o he_o only_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n but_o still_o there_o be_v one_o objection_n more_o against_o our_o forego_n assertion_n viz._n that_o prayer_n obtain_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o only_o as_o a_o condition_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o importunity_n or_o persuasion_n for_o be_v not_o prayer_n say_v to_o prevail_v by_o frequency_n luke_n 18._o 7._o and_o by_o fervency_n or_o earnestness_n in_o james_n 5._o v_o 16._o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v importune_v and_o persuade_v into_o a_o grant_n of_o our_o petition_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o wheresoever_o god_n be_v say_v to_o answer_v prayer_n either_o for_o their_o frequency_n or_o fervency_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o effect_n or_o issue_n of_o such_o prayer_n in_o the_o success_n certain_o attend_v they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o efficiency_n that_o it_o be_v by_o persuade_v or_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v frequent_a fervent_a and_o importunate_a prayer_n be_v as_o certain_o follow_v with_o god_n grant_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o as_o man_n use_v to_o grant_v that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o excessive_a importunity_n and_o persuasion_n they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o deny_v 2_o lie_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o frequency_n and_o fervency_n of_o prayer_n prove_v effectual_a to_o procure_v of_o god_n the_o thing_n pray_v for_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o dependence_n we_o have_v already_o prove_v to_o be_v that_o thing_n essential_o include_v in_o prayer_n for_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v prayer_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o determine_v to_o grant_v man_n such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v and_o due_o apply_v to_o he_o for_o so_o that_o still_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o case_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v and_o i_o hope_v full_o and_o clear_o how_o prayer_n operate_v towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n namely_o as_o a_o condition_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o withal_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v single_v out_o of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n to_o be_v this_o condition_n namely_o because_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a instance_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o shall_v now_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n infer_v also_o upon_o what_o account_n the_o high_a reverence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o indispensable_o require_v of_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o irreverence_n so_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v upon_o this_o thaâ—_n in_o what_o degree_n any_o one_o lay_n aside_o his_o reverence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o he_o also_o quit_v his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o every_o irreverent_a act_n a_o man_n treat_v god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o he_o and_o behave_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n absolute_a and_o self-sufficient_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n the_o true_a signification_n and_o import_n of_o all_o irreverence_n now_o in_o all_o address_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n by_o speech_n our_o reverence_n to_o they_o must_v consist_v of_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o careful_a regulation_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o dictate_v and_o to_o govern_v our_o word_n which_o be_v do_v by_o premeditation_n and_o second_o a_o due_a order_n of_o our_o word_n that_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o and_o to_o express_v our_o thought_n which_o be_v do_v by_o pertinence_n and_o brevity_n of_o expression_n david_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o god_n join_v these_o two_o together_o as_o the_o two_o great_a integral_a part_n of_o it_o in_o psalm_n 19_o 14._o let_v the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v his_o prayer_n adequate_o and_o entire_o consist_v of_o those_o two_o thing_n meditation_n and_o expression_n as_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o noble_a composure_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o distortion_n of_o face_n sanctify_a grimace_n solemn_a wink_v or_o foam_v at_o the_o mouth_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v circumstance_n of_o prayer_n of_o a_o late_a date_n and_o bring_v into_o request_n by_o those_o fantastic_a zealot_n who_o have_v a_o way_n of_o pray_v as_o astonish_v to_o the_o eye_n as_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o well_o then_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_a prayer_n be_v a_o previous_a regulation_n of_o the_o thought_n as_o the_o text_n express_v it_o most_o emphatical_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n let_v it_o not_o venture_v to_o throw_v out_o its_o crude_a extemporary_a sudden_a and_o misshape_a conception_n in_o the_o face_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n let_v not_o thy_o heart_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o together_o this_o be_v monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a all_o abortion_n be_v from_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o time_n be_v require_v to_o form_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o the_o first_o thought_n can_v be_v judge_v of_o but_o by_o reflection_n of_o the_o second_o and_o be_v the_o invention_n never_o so_o fruitful_a yet_o in_o the_o mind_n as_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o which_o be_v cast_v into_o it_o must_v lie_v hide_v and_o cover_v for_o a_o while_n before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o shoot_v forth_o these_o be_v the_o method_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n conform_v to_o they_o he_o who_o be_v to_o pray_v will_v he_o serious_o judge_v of_o the_o work_n that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v more_o to_o consider_v of_o than_o either_o his_o heart_n can_v hold_v or_o his_o head_n well_o turn_v itself_o to_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o the_o hard_a work_n that_o a_o man_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ever_o any_o thing_n difficult_a or_o glorious_a achieve_v by_o a_o sudden_a cast_n of_o a_o thought_n a_o fly_a stricture_n of_o the_o imagination_n presence_n of_o mind_n be_v indeed_o good_a but_o have_v be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v conclude_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n to_o pretend_v to_o reverence_n when_o there_o be_v no_o premeditation_n be_v both_o impudence_n and_o contradiction_n now_o this_o premeditation_n ought_v to_o respect_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o 3_o lie_n the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o they_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o be_v to_o employ_v who_o must_v needs_o also_o nonplus_n and_o astonish_v thy_o meditation_n and_o be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o thought_n who_o infinite_o transcend_v they_o for_o all_o the_o know_v and_o reason_v faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o baffle_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o offer_v at_o any_o idea_n of_o the_o great_a god_n nevertheless_o since_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o imprint_v a_o awe_n upon_o the_o affection_n without_o suitable_a notion_n first_o form_v in_o the_o apprehension_n we_o must_v in_o our_o prayer_n endeavour_v at_o least_o to_o bring_v these_o as_o near_o to_o god_n as_o we_o can_v by_o consider_v such_o of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o have_v by_o their_o effect_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o much_o great_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o first_o consider_v with_o thyself_o how_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o raise_v so_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a a_o fabric_n as_o this_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o can_v and_o will_v with_o the_o same_o reduce_v it_o to_o nothing_o again_o and_o
then_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v that_o high_a amaze_a incomprehensible_a be_v who_o thou_o addresse_v thy_o pitiful_a self_n to_o in_o prayer_n consider_v next_o his_o infinite_a all-searching_a knowledge_n which_o look_v through_o and_o through_o the_o most_o secret_a of_o our_o thought_n ransack_v every_o corner_n of_o the_o heart_n ponder_v the_o most_o inward_a design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n and_o then_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o god_n who_o thou_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o prayer_n the_o god_n who_o observe_v the_o posture_n the_o frame_n and_o motion_n of_o thy_o mind_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o who_o pierce_a eye_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o elude_v or_o escape_v by_o all_o the_o trick_n and_o art_n of_o the_o subtle_a and_o most_o refine_a hypocrisy_n and_o last_o consider_v the_o great_a the_o fiery_a and_o the_o implacable_a jealousy_n that_o he_o have_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o above_o all_o that_o he_o will_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v honour_v of_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o affront_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v worship_v nor_o endure_v that_o a_o wretched_a contemptible_a sinful_a creature_n who_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o live_a dirt_n at_o best_a shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n bend_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o spit_v in_o his_o face_n and_o now_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o god_n who_o thou_o pray_v to_o and_o who_o thou_o use_v with_o such_o intolerable_a indignity_n in_o every_o unworthy_a prayer_n thou_o put_v up_o to_o he_o every_o bold_a saucy_a and_o familiar_a word_n that_o upon_o confidence_n of_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_n thou_o presume_v to_o debase_v so_o great_a a_o majesty_n with_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o dare_a irreverence_n consider_v how_o god_n use_v nadab_n and_o abihu_n for_o venture_v to_o offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o he_o and_o then_o know_v that_o every_o unhallowed_a unfitting_a prayer_n be_v a_o strange_a fire_n a_o fire_n that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o destroy_v the_o offer_n though_o mercy_n shall_v spare_v the_o offerer_n consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o deep_o and_o severe_o till_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o affect_v thy_o heart_n and_o humble_v thy_o spirit_n with_o such_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o maker_n and_o such_o abject_a reflection_n upon_o thyself_o as_o may_v lay_v thou_o in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o and_o know_v that_o the_o low_a thou_o fall_v the_o high_a will_v thy_o prayer_n rebound_v and_o that_o thou_o be_v never_o so_o fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o when_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n make_v thou_o ashamed_a even_o to_o speak_v to_o he_o 2_o lie_n the_o second_o object_n of_o our_o premeditation_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v who_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o so_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v also_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o require_v no_o ordinary_a application_n of_o thought_n to_o distinguish_v or_o judge_v of_o man_n prayer_n be_v general_o dictate_v by_o their_o desire_n and_o their_o desire_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o their_o affection_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n influence_v by_o their_o corruption_n the_o first_o constituent_a principle_n of_o a_o well-conceived_n prayer_n be_v to_o know_v what_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o which_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o some_o do_v not_o while_o they_o pray_v for_o what_o they_o may_v spend_v upon_o their_o lust_n james_n 4._o 3._o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v a_o contumely_n to_o god_n to_o hear_v and_o damnation_n to_o themselves_o to_o receive_v no_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n either_o sinful_a or_o direct_o tend_v to_o sin_n no_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o temptation_n and_o much_o less_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o be_v his_o tempter_n which_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v shall_v he_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o any_o man_n prayer_n administer_v fuel_n to_o his_o sinful_a or_o absurd_a appetite_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n thing_n mean_v and_o trivial_a and_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v concern_v about_o or_o solemn_o address_v to_o for_o nor_o last_o be_v any_o one_o to_o admit_v into_o his_o petition_n thing_n superfluous_a or_o extravagant_a such_o as_o wealth_n greatness_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v warrant_v to_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v his_o grace_n to_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v they_o and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n both_o of_o our_o self-denial_n and_o of_o our_o prayer_n too_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o solicit_v the_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoin_v to_o endeavour_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o same_o desire_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v either_o 1_o st_z thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o 2_o lie_n thing_n of_o unquestionable_a charity_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v all_o spiritual_a grace_n require_v in_o we_o as_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n such_o as_o be_v repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n temperance_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v either_o the_o part_n or_o principle_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n these_o be_v to_o be_v the_o prime_n subject_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o nothing_o come_v this_o way_n so_o easy_o from_o heaven_n as_o those_o thing_n that_o will_v assure_o bring_v we_o to_o it_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v all_o such_o petition_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v first_o the_o author_n and_o then_o the_o fulfiller_n of_o they_o own_v and_o accept_v they_o both_o as_o our_o duty_n and_o his_o own_o production_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v allowable_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v thing_n of_o manifest_a unquestionable_a charity_n such_o as_o be_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o the_o innocent_a comfort_n of_o life_n as_o health_n peace_n maintenance_n and_o a_o success_n of_o our_o honest_a labour_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o but_o conditional_o and_o with_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o who_o if_o he_o find_v it_o more_o for_o his_o honour_n to_o have_v we_o serve_v he_o with_o sick_a crazy_a languish_a body_n with_o poverty_n and_o extreme_a want_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o last_o with_o our_o country_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n about_o our_o ear_n ought_v in_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o to_o over-rule_v our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o absolute_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o alwise_a disposal_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v sometime_o best_o answer_v when_o our_o desire_n be_v most_o oppose_v in_o fine_a to_z state_z the_o whole_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o one_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o honourable_a for_o our_o great_a mediator_n and_o master_n of_o request_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o to_o intercede_v for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o unchangeable_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n and_o then_o if_o christ_n be_v to_o convey_v these_o our_o petition_n to_o his_o father_n can_v any_o one_o dare_v to_o make_v he_o who_o be_v holiness_n and_o purity_n itself_o and_o advocate_n and_o solicitor_n for_o his_o lust_n him_n who_o be_v nothing_o but_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n his_o providetore_fw-it for_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v only_o feed_v his_o pride_n and_o flush_v his_o ambition_n no_o certain_o when_o we_o come_v as_o suppliant_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n where_o christ_n sit_v as_o intercessor_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n nothing_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o proceed_v out_o of_o our_o mouth_n but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o pass_v through_o his._n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thinng_a that_o call_v for_o a_o previous_a meditation_n to_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o they_o for_o though_o god_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o set_v off_o our_o prayer_n with_o dress_n and_o artifice_n to_o flourish_v it_o in_o trope_n and_o metaphor_n to_o beg_v our_o daily_a bread_n in_o blank_a verse_n or_o to_o show_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o poet_n in_o our_o devotion_n but_o indigence_n and_o want_n i_o say_v though_o god_n be_v far_o from_o require_v such_o thing_n of_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n yet_o he_o require_v
direct_a design_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o enjoin_v this_o also_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v ability_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o the_o necessity_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n whereas_o for_o long_o prolix_a prayer_n no_o such_o precept_n can_v be_v produce_v and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a omniscience_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o conclude_v nothing_o simple_o or_o absolute_o against_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o allege_v bare_a command_n unseconded_a by_o reason_n which_o yet_o in_o the_o divine_a command_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v there_o be_v this_o great_a reason_n for_o and_o use_v of_o word_n in_o prayer_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o inform_v the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o and_o that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v those_o want_n before_o god_n that_o we_o supplicate_v for_o a_o relief_n of_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o rational_a to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v a_o thing_n even_o to_o he_o who_o know_v it_o before_o for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offer_v to_o communicate_v or_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o thing_n so_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o rather_o presupposes_a in_o he_o a_o antecedent_n knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o come_v in_o only_a as_o a_o subsequent_a assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o reality_n and_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n for_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n signify_v a_o design_n of_o notifying_n that_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o man_n pass_a sentence_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v relieve_v and_o supply_v those_o want_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o own_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o more_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o confess_v and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a sense_n do_v or_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n be_v inform_v or_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o sin_n by_o any_o such_o confession_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o first_o argument_n produce_v by_o we_o for_o brevity_n and_o against_o prolixity_n of_o prayer_n namely_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v for_o prolixity_n of_o speech_n in_o our_o converse_n with_o man_n cease_z and_o become_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o at_o all_o when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n 2_o lie_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o paucity_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o paucity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v pray_v for_o and_o sure_o where_o few_o thing_n be_v necessary_a few_o word_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o word_n all_o speak_v be_v but_o tautology_n that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o tautology_n where_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v repeat_v though_o under_o never_o so_o much_o variety_n of_o expression_n as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o man_n still_o though_o he_o appear_v every_o day_n or_o every_o hour_n in_o a_o new_a and_o different_a suit_n of_o clothes_n the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n i_o show_v at_o first_o comprehend_v in_o it_o thing_n of_o necessity_n and_o thing_n of_o charity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o know_v nothing_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 8._o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o be_v therewith_o content_a nature_n be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a and_o grace_n with_o less_o and_o now_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n lie_v within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n why_o shall_v the_o dress_n and_o outside_n of_o they_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o so_o wide_a and_o disproportion_v a_o largeness_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o our_o word_n will_v be_v force_v to_o hang_v loose_a and_o light_n without_o any_o matter_n to_o support_v they_o much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o transubstantiation_n where_o accident_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o lurch_n by_o their_o proper_a subject_n that_o give_v they_o the_o slip_n and_o so_o leave_v those_o poor_a slender_a being_n to_o uphold_v and_o shift_v for_o themselves_o in_o brevity_n of_o speech_n a_o man_n do_v not_o so_o much_o speak_v word_n as_o thing_n thing_n in_o their_o precise_a and_o naked_a truth_n and_o strip_v of_o their_o rhetorical_a mask_n and_o their_o fallacious_a gloss_n and_o therefore_o in_o athens_n they_o circumscribe_v the_o plead_n of_o their_o orator_n by_o a_o strict_a law_n cut_v off_o prologue_n and_o epilogue_n and_o command_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a representation_n of_o the_o case_n by_o a_o impartial_a and_o succinct_a declaration_n of_o mere_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o speak_v thing_n fit_a for_o a_o judge_n to_o hear_v because_o it_o argue_v the_o pleader_n also_o a_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v and_o now_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v both_o decency_n and_o devotion_n too_o when_o we_o come_v to_o plead_v for_o our_o poor_a soul_n before_o the_o great_a tribunal_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o solomon_n a_o word_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o if_o so_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o many_o word_n to_o he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o for_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o god_n delight_v to_o hear_v he_o make_v speech_n and_o to_o show_v his_o part_n as_o the_o word_n be_v or_o to_o jumble_v a_o multitude_n of_o misapply_v scripture-sentence_n together_o interlard_v with_o a_o frequent_a nauseous_a repetition_n of_o ah_o lord_n which_o some_o call_v exercise_v their_o gift_n but_o with_o a_o great_a exercise_n of_o their_o hearer_n patience_n nay_o do_v not_o he_o present_v his_o maker_n not_o only_o with_o a_o more_o decent_a but_o also_o a_o more_o free_a and_o liberal_a oblation_n who_o tender_v he_o much_o in_o a_o little_a and_o bring_v he_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o soul_n wrap_v up_o in_o three_o or_o four_o word_n than_o he_o who_o with_o full_a mouth_n and_o loud_a lung_n send_v up_o whole_a volley_n of_o articulate_v breath_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o neither_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n or_o man_n ought_v multitude_n of_o word_n to_o pass_v for_o any_o more_o in_o the_o present_a case_n no_o doubt_n god_n account_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o former_a as_o infinite_o a_o more_o valuable_a offer_n than_o the_o latter_a as_o that_o subject_a pay_v his_o prince_n a_o much_o noble_a and_o more_o acceptable_a tribute_n who_o tender_v he_o a_o purse_n of_o gold_n than_o he_o who_o bring_v he_o a_o whole_a cartload_n of_o farthing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v weight_n without_o worth_n and_o number_n without_o account_n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o brevity_n or_o contractedness_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pray_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o attention_n in_o a_o long_a prayer_n that_o he_o may_v in_o a_o short_a for_o as_o i_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o vigour_n attend_v two_o several_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o earnestness_n exert_v itself_o upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o object_n for_o any_o long_a time_n great_a intention_n of_o mind_n spend_v the_o spirit_n too_o fast_o to_o continue_v its_o first_o freshness_n and_o agility_n long_o for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o retainer_n to_o the_o element_n and_o a_o sojourner_n in_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v content_a to_o submit_v its_o own_o quickness_n and_o spirituality_n to_o the_o dullness_n of_o its_o vehicle_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o pace_n of_o its_o inferior_a companion_n just_o like_o a_o man_n shut_v up_o in_o a_o coach_n who_o while_o he_o be_v so_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o go_v no_o fast_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o coach_n will_v carry_v he_o he_o who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o subtle_a refine_a part_n of_o matter_n call_v spirit_n must_v not_o think_v to_o persevere_v at_o the_o same_o pitch_n of_o
again_o the_o second_o time_n with_o the_o like_a brevity_n and_o the_o like_a word_n o_o my_o father_n if_o this_o cup_n may_v not_o pass_v from_o i_o except_o i_o drink_v it_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v and_o last_o the_o three_o time_n also_o he_o use_v the_o same_o short_a form_n again_o and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o he_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v without_o a_o metaphor_n even_o pray_v for_o life_n so_o far_o as_o the_o great_a business_n he_o be_v then_o about_o to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o all_o which_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o of_o like_a brevity_n be_v proper_o such_o as_o we_o call_v ejaculation_n a_o elegant_a similitude_n from_o a_o dart_n or_o arrow_n shot_n or_o throw_v out_o and_o such_o a_o one_o we_o know_v of_o a_o yard_n long_o will_v fly_v far_o and_o strike_v deep_o than_o one_o of_o twenty_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o the_o success_n of_o such_o brief_a prayer_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o but_o three_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o person_n pray_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o as_o great_a misery_n as_o humane_a nature_n can_v well_o be_v afflict_v with_o and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o leper_n matth._n 8._o 2._o or_o as_o st._n luke_n describe_v he_o a_o man_n full_a of_o leprosy_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o as_o st._n luke_n again_o have_v it_o more_o particular_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n before_o he_o which_o be_v the_o low_a and_o most_o devout_a of_o all_o posture_n of_o worship_n say_v lord_n if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o this_o be_v all_o his_o prayer_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o cleanse_v the_o next_o instance_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o poor_a blind_a man_n in_o luke_n 18._o 28._o follow_v our_o saviour_n with_o this_o earnest_a prayer_n jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o his_o whole_a prayer_n be_v no_o more_o for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o he_o go_v on_o repeat_v it_o again_o and_o again_o jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o and_o the_o answer_v he_o receive_v be_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o his_o sight_n restore_v the_o three_o and_o last_o instance_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n pray_v under_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o as_o great_a a_o leprosy_n and_o blindness_n of_o soul_n as_o the_o other_o two_o can_v have_v of_o body_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o speak_v no_o more_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n that_o he_o go_v solemn_o and_o purposely_o up_o to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v that_o he_o go_v home_o justify_v before_o one_o of_o those_o who_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n revere_v as_o absolute_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o most_o belove_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o now_o if_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o these_o short_a prayer_n can_v rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o cleanse_v a_o leper_n to_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o justify_v a_o publican_n and_o if_o the_o worth_a of_o a_o prayer_n may_v at_o all_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o success_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v no_o prayer_n whatsoever_o can_v do_v more_o and_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o long_a prayer_n that_o do_v so_o much_o which_o bring_v on_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o our_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n for_o prolixity_n or_o length_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v only_o two_o mention_v the_o heathen_n and_o the_o pharisee_n the_o first_o the_o grand_a instance_n of_o idolatry_n the_o other_o of_o hypocrisy_n but_o christ_n forbid_v we_o the_o imitation_n of_o both_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o 6_o of_o matthew_n be_v you_o not_o like_o the_o heathen_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o this_o that_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n that_o prevail_v in_o army_n and_o much_o less_o in_o word_n and_o then_o for_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o the_o very_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o the_o great_a of_o cheat_n we_o have_v they_o amuse_v the_o world_n with_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a devotion_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v all_o that_o time_n in_o their_o neighbour_n coffer_n for_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o luke_n 20._o and_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n that_o the_o great_a tool_n the_o hook_n or_o engine_n by_o which_o they_o compass_v their_o worst_a their_o wicked_a and_o most_o rapacious_a design_n be_v long_a prayer_n prayer_n make_v only_o for_o a_o show_n or_o colour_n and_o that_o to_o the_o base_a and_o most_o degenerous_a sort_n of_o villainy_n even_o the_o rob_v the_o hospital_n and_o devour_v the_o house_n of_o poor_a helpless_a forlorn_a widow_n their_o devotion_n serve_v all_o along_o but_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o their_o avarice_n as_o a_o factor_n or_o under-agent_n to_o their_o extortion_n a_o practice_n which_o due_o see_v into_o and_o strip_v of_o its_o hypocritical_a blind_v can_v not_o but_o look_v very_o odious_o and_o ill-favoured_o and_o therefore_o in_o come_v their_o long_a robe_n and_o their_o long_a prayer_n together_o and_o cover_v all_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v neither_o the_o length_n of_o one_o nor_o of_o the_o other_o be_v ever_o find_v so_o useful_a as_o when_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o will_v not_o be_v see_v this_o be_v the_o gainful_a godliness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o i_o believe_v upon_o good_a observation_n you_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o like_o the_o pharisee_n for_o their_o long_a prayer_n who_o be_v not_o also_o extreme_o like_o they_o for_o something_o else_o and_o thus_o have_v give_v you_o five_o argument_n for_o brevity_n and_o against_o prolixity_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o now_o make_v this_o our_o other_o great_a rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o dissent_n and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o first_o for_o that_o excellent_a body_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o both_o compile_v and_o enjoin_v by_o public_a authority_n have_v we_o not_o here_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o brevity_n and_o fullness_n together_o cast_v into_o several_a short_a significant_a collect_v each_o contain_v a_o distinct_a entire_a and_o well-managed_n petition_n the_o whole_a sett_n of_o they_o be_v like_o a_o string_n of_o pearl_n exceed_v rich_a in_o conjunction_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o small_a price_n or_o value_n even_o single_a and_o by_o themselves_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v compose_v with_o great_a judgement_n every_o prayer_n be_v so_o short_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v weary_v and_o withal_o so_o pertinent_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v cloy_v the_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o so_o admirable_o fit_v be_v they_o all_o to_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o a_o christian_a society_n that_o when_o the_o rubric_n enjoin_v but_o the_o use_n of_o some_o of_o they_o our_o worship_n be_v not_o imperfect_a and_o when_o we_o use_v they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o superfluous_a and_o the_o reason_n assign_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n for_o the_o preference_n of_o many_o short_a prayer_n before_o a_o continue_a long_a one_o be_v unanswerable_a namely_o that_o by_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o more_o frequent_o repeat_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n and_o some_o great_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o the_o encourage_v ground_n of_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o withal_o of_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v promise_v we_o success_n in_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o every_o distinct_a petition_n beginning_n with_o the_o former_a and_o end_v with_o the_o latter_a by_o thus_o annex_v of_o which_o to_o each_o particular_a thing_n that_o we_o ask_v for_o we_o do_v manifest_o confess_v and_o declare_v that_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o obtain_v any_o one_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o with_o a_o particular_a renew_a respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o withal_o re-mind_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o same_o by_o make_v it_o their_o part_n to_o renew_v a_o distinct_a amen_o to_o every_o
assurance_n conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o frequent_o upon_o his_o knee_n before_o he_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n kneel_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o he_o be_v there_o but_o then_o four_o because_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o high_a and_o hard_a duty_n in_o itself_o but_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o servant_n and_o vigorous_a before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v the_o body_n be_v also_o call_v in_o as_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v add_v to_o promote_v and_o heighten_v her_o devotion_n prayer_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o he_o who_o will_v win_v the_o prize_n at_o that_o exercise_n must_v be_v severe_o diet_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o truth_n be_v fast_v be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o a_o singular_a instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o particular_a preparative_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o hardly_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o thing_n great_a or_o heroick_n either_o do_v or_o attempt_v in_o religion_n without_o it_o thus_o when_o moses_n receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n it_o be_v with_o fast_v deut._n 9_o 9_o when_o christ_n enter_v upon_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o mediatorship_n it_o be_v with_o fast_v matth._n 4._o 2._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v separate_v to_o that_o high_a and_o difficult_a charge_n of_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n act_n 13._o 2._o still_o it_o be_v manage_v with_o fast_v and_o we_o know_v the_o rubric_n of_o our_o own_o church_n always_o almost_o enjoin_v a_o fast_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o festival_n bodily_a abstinence_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a help_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o find_v it_o so_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n be_v vast_o different_a good_a man_n themselves_o be_v never_o so_o surprise_v as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o jollity_n nor_o so_o fatal_o over-taken_a and_o catch_v as_o when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v the_o snare_n even_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v themselves_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o iob_n child_n junket_v and_o feast_v together_o often_o but_o the_o reckon_a cost_n they_o dear_a at_o last_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a say_v solomon_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v and_o the_o house_n of_o fast_v adjoin_v to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n fast_v be_v the_o diet_n of_o angel_n the_o food_n and_o refection_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a aliment_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o who_o fast_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n without_o a_o metaphor_n five_o since_o every_o devout_a prayer_n be_v design_v to_o ascend_v and_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n as_o fast_v according_a to_o st._n augustine_n allusion_n have_v give_v it_o one_o wing_n so_o let_v almsgiving_n to_o the_o poor_a supply_n it_o with_o another_o and_o both_o these_o together_o will_v not_o only_o carry_v it_o up_o triumphant_a to_o heaven_n but_o if_o need_v require_v bring_v heaven_n itself_o down_o to_o the_o devout_a person_n who_o send_v it_o thither_o as_o while_o cornelius_n be_v fast_v and_o pray_v to_o which_o he_o still_o join_v give_v alm_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v dispatch_v to_o he_o with_o this_o happy_a message_n act_v 10._o 4._o thy_o prayer_n and_o thy_o alm_n be_v come_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v give_v a_o great_a efficacy_n to_o prayer_n and_o a_o more_o peculiar_a fitness_n for_o the_o sacrament_n than_o a_o hearty_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o which_o all_o that_o have_v be_v mention_v hitherto_o be_v nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o air_n pageantry_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a measure_n of_o a_o man_n than_o by_o what_o he_o do_v it_o must_v be_v by_o what_o he_o give_v he_o who_o be_v true_o pious_a will_v account_v it_o a_o wedding-supper_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o a_o wedding-garment_n to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o god_n and_o man_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a unfit_a garment_n for_o such_o a_o purpose_n which_o have_v not_o in_o it_o a_o purse_n or_o pocket_n for_o the_o poor_a but_o so_o far_o be_v some_o from_o consider_v the_o poor_a before_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o poor_a even_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o such_o that_o if_o rich_a clothes_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o wedding-garment_n none_o can_v appear_v better_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o solemnity_n than_o themselves_o yet_o some_o such_o i_o say_v i_o myself_o have_v see_v at_o a_o communion_n drop_v nothing_o into_o the_o poor_n basin_n but_o good_a god_n what_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o worldling_n make_v of_o and_o what_o a_o mind_n do_v they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n a_o ordinance_n in_o which_o none_o can_v be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o serve_v they_o also_o to_o give_v from_o such_o indeed_o as_o have_v nothing_o god_n expect_v nothing_o but_o where_o god_n have_v give_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o both_o hand_n and_o man_n return_v with_o none_o such_o must_v know_v that_o the_o poor_a have_v a_o action_n of_o debt_n against_o they_o and_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v undertake_v and_o prosecute_v their_o suit_n for_o they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v since_o they_o can_v not_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o proportion_v their_o charity_n to_o their_o estate_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o god_n to_o proportion_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o charity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o can_v well_o give_v they_o a_o shrewd_a and_o a_o short_a cut._n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v such_o know_v further_o that_o whosoever_o dare_v upon_o so_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n approach_v the_o altar_n with_o bowel_n so_o shut_v up_o as_o to_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o he_o there_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v sure_a to_o carry_v something_o away_o with_o he_o from_o thence_o which_o will_v do_v he_o but_o little_a good_a six_o since_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o hand_n signify_v but_o little_a unless_o it_o spring_v form_v the_o heart_n and_o flow_v through_o the_o mouth_n let_v the_o pious_a communicant_a both_o in_o heart_n and_o tongue_n thought_n and_o speech_n put_v on_o a_o charitable_a friendly_a christian_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o carriage_n towards_o all_o wrath_n and_o envy_n malice_n and_o backbiting_a and_o the_o like_a be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o sacrament_n just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o stomach_n over-flowed_n with_o gall_n will_v help_v he_o to_o digest_v his_o meat_n st._n paul_n often_o rebuke_n and_o school_n such_o disturber_n of_o the_o world_n very_o sharp_o correct_v a_o base_a humour_n by_o a_o very_a generous_a rule_n phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v each_o say_v he_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o no_o man_n doubtless_o shall_v ever_o be_v condemn_v of_o god_n for_o not_o judge_v his_o brother_n for_o be_v thy_o brother_n or_o neighbour_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a satisfy_v thyself_o with_o this_o that_o another_o wickedness_n shall_v never_o damn_v thou_o but_o thy_o own_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n may_v and_o continue_v in_o certain_o will_n rather_o let_v his_o want_n of_o grace_n give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o in_o think_v and_o speak_v better_a of_o he_o than_o he_o deserve_v and_o if_o thy_o charity_n prove_v mistake_v assure_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o charity_n and_o overlook_a the_o mistake_n but_o if_o in_o judge_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o chance_a to_o judge_v one_o way_n and_o god_n and_o truth_n to_o judge_v another_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o i_o think_v this_o or_o i_o hear_v that_o and_o where_o no_o man_n mistake_n will_v be_v able_a to_o warrant_v a_o unjust_a surmise_n and_o much_o less_o justify_v a_o false_a censure_n such_o will_v find_v it_o much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o retreat_v inward_o and_o view_v themselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o will_v tell_v they_o their_o own_o impartial_o that_o will_v fetch_v off_o all_o their_o paint_n and_o show_v they_o a_o foul_a face_n in_o a_o true_a glass_n let_v they_o read_v over_o their_o catechism_n and_o lay_v aside_o spite_n and_o virulence_n gossip_v and_o meddle_v calumny_n and_o detraction_n and_o let_v not_o all_o about_o they_o be_v villain_n and_o reprobate_n because_o they_o themselves_o be_v envious_a