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a_o treatise_n of_o prayer_n with_o several_a useful_a occasional_a observation_n and_o some_o large_a digression_n concern_v the_o judaical_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o external_n worship_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o george_n bright_a d._n d._n rector_n of_o loughborough_n in_o leicestershire_n london_n print_v for_o john_n wright_n at_o the_o crown_n on_o ludgate-hill_n 1678._o donavit_fw-la rev._n vir_fw-la ra._n perkins_n l._n l._n d._n ecclesiae_fw-la huius_fw-la canonicus_n a._n d._n 1732._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a theophilus_n earl_n of_o huntingdon_n lord_n hastings_n etc._n etc._n and_o lucy_n countess_n dowager_n of_o huntingdon_n right_o honourable_a the_o discourse_n which_o some_o time_n since_o you_o be_v please_v to_o honour_v i_o by_o your_o command_n of_o appear_v before_o you_o with_o be_v but_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o large_a treatise_n concern_v prayer_n not_o long_o before_o dispatch_v it_o be_v then_o far_o from_o any_o design_n of_o 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r._n p._n d._n dec._n 12._o 1676._o hen_n epis_n lond_n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dom._n the_o preface_n after_o all_o the_o vast_a and_o not_o unpleasant_a ramble_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v take_v through_o the_o universe_n it_o must_v at_o last_o set_v down_o content_a and_o well_o it_o may_v with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o plain_a end_n and_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v to_o fear_v and_o honour_n god_n so_o as_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n of_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o ourselves_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o all_o being_n existent_n consider_v together_o as_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o of_o each_o particular_a so_o as_o be_v effective_a of_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o by_o religion_n of_o the_o object_n not_o religion_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o religiousness_n i_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o doctrine_n make_v know_v from_o god_n to_o man_n concern_v their_o duty_n or_o concern_v other_o matter_n which_o may_v be_v any_o way_n mean_n or_o help_v to_o practice_v and_o observe_v it_o these_o doctrine_n may_v be_v make_v know_v either_o by_o our_o natural_a faculty_n of_o invention_n and_o reason_n or_o by_o revelation_n those_o which_o be_v make_v know_v by_o our_o natural_a faculty_n with_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v may_v be_v call_v natural_a religion_n as_o for_o example_n that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v will_v that_o therefore_o a_o great_a good_a be_v to_o be_v will_v more_o than_o a_o less_o and_o the_o great_a most_o of_o all_o that_o be_v the_o great_a good_a as_o to_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n be_v to_o be_v will_v with_o the_o great_a force_n and_o intenseness_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o always_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o
take_v heed_n that_o nothing_o false_a be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o cause_v himself_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v true_a anâ—_n important_a to_o awake_v and_o inflame_v affection_n thereto_o by_o propose_v or_o urge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o by_o upbraid_v his_o infirmity_n dulness_n ignorance_n mistake_v slavery_n in_o his_o senselesness_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n i_o think_v too_o that_o this_o assistance_n be_v principal_o in_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v right_o direct_v and_o moderate_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a object_n and_o in_o their_o due_a degree_n more_o than_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n also_o principal_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o for_o the_o great_a need_n of_o its_o be_v well_o perform_v just_a at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o the_o necessary_a want_n of_o time_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o person_n if_o innocent_a and_o humble_a and_o therefore_o always_o especial_o to_o the_o innocent_a and_o particular_o the_o humble_a and_o modest_a not_o to_o the_o lazy_a negligent_a weak_a yet_o vain_o conceit_v presumptuous_a and_o proud_a person_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o they_o have_v most_o of_o this_o assistance_n who_o least_o pretend_v to_o it_o who_o lest_o therefore_o wilful_o neglect_v their_o own_o endeavour_n trust_v to_o it_o but_o only_o modest_o think_v it_o may_v be_v sometime_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o do_v attribute_v all_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o can_v perform_v ultimate_o to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o natural_a part_n or_o habitual_a gist_n or_o present_a influence_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o holy_a desire_n all_o good_a counsel_n all_o just_a work_n do_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v any_o good_a to_o other_o by_o they_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o please_v too_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o so_o it_o be_v do_v if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o assistance_n to_o do_v good_a this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n i_o suppose_v but_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a thereof_o and_o willing_o receive_v it_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v afford_v to_o the_o world_n in_o great_a degree_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a inclination_n and_o sense_n of_o soul_n call_v grace_n and_o then_o in_o those_o perfection_n of_o our_o understaning_n which_o be_v call_v gift_n before_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o mankind_n here_o on_o earth_n have_v and_o end_v but_o then_o we_o must_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v the_o badness_n the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o many_o person_n their_o self-conceit_n swell_v with_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n contempt_n of_o other_o because_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n want_v of_o humility_n modesty_n charity_n also_o falsehood_n uncertainty_n unintelligibleness_n to_o other_o person_n wise_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o reciter_n nonsense_n or_o great_a confusion_n trivialness_n and_o uselessness_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o the_o pedantry_n or_o childishness_n of_o the_o person_n sometime_o also_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a sign_n in_o their_o degreeâ—_n non-inspiration_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o madness_n and_o contemptibleness_n of_o such_o pretence_n they_o be_v sign_n even_o of_o want_n of_o ordinary_a consideration_n reason_n judgement_n of_o ignorance_n duâ—ness_n confusion_n error_n and_o yet_o rashness_n anâ—_n confidence_n and_o where_o prayer_n and_o person_n be_v bettâ—â—_n and_o the_o clean_a contrary_n yet_o sure_o full_a easy_o may_v all_o that_o we_o now_o see_v be_v by_o the_o goodness_n the_o natural_a part_n before_o mention_v and_o by_o habitual_a gift_n that_o be_v those_o faculty_n endoweâ—_n with_o some_o perfection_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o god_n special_a influence_n some_o time_n or_o timeâ—_n in_o our_o life_n without_o the_o special_a influence_n â—â—_o the_o spirit_n just_o then_o and_o we_o find_v extempâ—râ—_n performance_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o divine_a office_n as_o in_o oration_n in_o common_a discourse_n especial_o when_o warm_v with_o talk_v and_o passion_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v attribute_v only_o to_o natural_a part_n which_o in_o some_o man_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o last_a of_o great_a variety_n conversant_a about_o more_o than_o ordinary_a thing_n and_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v term_v natural_a enthusiasm_n of_o which_o the_o bodily_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o union_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v be_v subtlety_n solidity_n copiousness_n of_o spirit_n a_o well_o constitute_v brain_n organ_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o nervous_a passage_n of_o the_o brain_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v try_v any_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v even_o a_o prpohet_n and_o do_v even_o work_v miracle_n by_o such_o sign_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o they_o may_v reasonable_o in_o some_o degree_n over-weigh_a the_o great_a appear_v miracle_n themselves_o for_o i_o may_v have_v more_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v do_v by_o oâ—_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v then_o that_o any_o effect_n be_v cause_v by_o god_n immediate_a action_n or_o influence_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n teach_v or_o affirm_v and_o not_o by_o some_o natural_a and_o second_o cause_n and_o we_o see_v according_o the_o jew_n be_v admonish_v by_o moses_n that_o even_o if_o one_o shall_v rise_v up_o who_o shall_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o teach_v that_o jehovaâ—_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o shall_v draw_v they_o to_o other_o god_n and_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o all_o truth_n as_o clear_o manifest_v by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o but_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o v._o 1._o as_o for_o those_o poor_a delude_v or_o hypocritical_a man_n who_o sit_v in_o deep_a silence_n a_o great_a while_n and_o of_o a_o sudden_a break_v out_o with_o abundance_n as_o be_v say_v of_o nonsensical_a stuff_n or_o prophetical_a phrase_n clutter_a together_o and_o then_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n most_o probable_o their_o silence_n be_v at_o first_o affect_v or_o if_o not_o their_o bodily_a temper_n be_v only_o dull_a and_o after_o some_o time_n their_o brain_n be_v agitate_a with_o thought_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o passion_n or_o their_o temper_n be_v fortuitous_o change_v as_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v silent_a and_o talkative_a once_o in_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n or_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o other_o make_v they_o begin_v to_o talk_v too_o and_o to_o show_v the_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v do_v well_o also_o to_o have_v a_o care_n there_o be_v noâ—_n something_o a_o worse_a cause_n when_o man_n so_o proud_o and_o wilful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o miserable_a sottish_a delusion_n these_o few_o thing_n i_o have_v at_o present_a upon_o the_o mention_v these_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n only_o brief_o suggest_v if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n accurate_o and_o particular_o to_o determine_v in_o this_o matter_n a_o form_n premeditate_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v be_v consider_v first_o absolute_o with_o each_o one_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n good_a or_o bad_a effect_n in_o which_o again_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o extension_n as_o to_o subject_n that_o be_v person_n of_o their_o intention_n of_o their_o duration_n or_o their_o frequency_n in_o three_o word_n their_o degree_n of_o greatness_n as_o to_o extension_n and_o intention_n and_o of_o lastingness_n and_o then_o again_o they_o will_v be_v consider_v comparative_o which_o have_v most_o or_o least_o conveniency_n or_o inconvenience_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v some_o of_o both_o and_o whether_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o all_o of_o they_o will_v be_v best_a to_o obtain_v the_o great_a conveniency_n or_o good_a effect_n with_o the_o least_o bad_a one_o a_o method_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o goodness_n absolute_a or_o comparative_a of_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v which_o to_o any_o good_a effect_n man_n must_v be_v impartial_a and_o indifferent_a to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o debate_v it_o be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v admonish_v and_o dispose_v themselves_o by_o
want_v of_o honour_n to_o any_o person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v or_o from_o whoâ—_n we_o desire_v any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o the_o eastern_a people_n the_o chinese_n and_o turk_n wherefore_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o head_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o except_v in_o some_o rare_a circumstance_n to_o be_v permit_v among_o we_o but_o it_o may_v among_o they_o as_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v have_v be_v universal_o command_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n maâ—_n be_v also_o ill_o use_v and_o constitution_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v such_o and_o so_o many_o as_o to_o hinder_v and_o not_o help_v his_o internal_a worship_n and_o so_o may_v the_o legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n of_o every_o government_n in_o many_o thing_n be_v ill_o apply_v but_o the_o inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n of_o take_v this_o power_n quite_o away_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o those_o of_o the_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n or_o else_o there_o have_v be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o world_n before_o this_o for_o usual_o what_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v better_a than_o its_o omission_n alâ—_n circumstance_n consider_v it_o be_v possible_a too_o that_o constitution_n may_v be_v so_o mischievous_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o then_o only_o they_o be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v great_a mischief_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v of_o separation_n and_o great_a indeed_o must_v they_o then_o be_v which_o can_v only_o be_v determine_v by_o revelation_n god_n prohibit_v they_o or_o by_o our_o own_o prudence_n the_o ignorance_n or_o the_o necessary_a or_o wilful_a prejudices_fw-la of_o some_o man_n be_v strange_o great_a who_o easy_o make_v every_o constitution_n of_o little_a or_o no_o inconvenience_n and_o sometime_o even_o useful_a and_o convenient_a one_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n which_o persuasion_n or_o temper_n tend_v most_o certain_o and_o speedy_o to_o a_o utter_a dissolution_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n or_o church_n a_o true_o great_a instrument_n or_o mean_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n for_o there_o will_v hardly_o ever_o be_v any_o constitution_n which_o will_v long_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o all_o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v only_o moreover_o very_o brief_o mention_v some_o few_o general_a thing_n concern_v these_o constitution_n in_o external_a public_a worship_n with_o all_o due_a deference_n and_o submission_n as_o first_o and_o principal_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v more_o good_a consequence_n than_o bad_a more_o conveniency_n than_o inconvenience_n i_o mean_v universal_o in_o respect_n of_o subject_a degree_n and_o time_n or_o of_o extension_n intention_n and_o duration_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o vast_a and_o unlimited_a extent_n but_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o absolute_o universal_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o know_v what_o be_v so_o viz._n testimony_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o reason_n or_o but_o one_o viz._n our_o reason_n inform_v by_o testimony_n and_o prudence_n that_o be_v by_o other_o or_o our_o own_o perception_n and_o sight_n of_o thing_n if_o god_n have_v universal_o by_o undoubted_a revelation_n to_o other_o or_o ourselves_o command_v or_o forbid_v we_o any_o action_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o always_o to_o do_v or_o abstain_v from_o it_o have_v most_o conveniency_n and_o be_v the_o best_a though_o possible_o to_o our_o prudence_n there_o may_v appear_v sometime_o the_o contrary_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o revelation_n our_o own_o reason_n must_v comprehend_v as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v all_o good_a and_o bad_a effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o any_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o action_n make_v all_o just_a and_o prudent_a use_v herein_o of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o choose_v that_o which_o have_v the_o most_o good_a and_o the_o few_o evil_a one_o there_o be_v no_o action_n whatsoever_o except_o the_o will_n of_o the_o last_o end_n viz._n the_o universal_a good_a in_o which_o alone_a formal_a virtue_n and_o rectitude_n be_v to_o be_v find_v which_o have_v not_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o throw_v away_o a_o constitution_n or_o law_n because_o we_o observe_v some_o one_o or_o more_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o to_o some_o person_n at_o one_o time_n nor_o to_o receive_v it_o because_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o few_o conveniency_n but_o we_o be_v to_o comprehend_v all_o of_o both_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v as_o to_z person_n degree_n and_o time_n and_o according_o determine_v but_o second_o one_o very_o general_a sign_n or_o instance_n yet_o possible_o not_o without_o its_o exception_n as_o sometime_o in_o case_n of_o many_o good_a man_n very_a zealous_a and_o sierce_a opposition_n through_o ignorance_n or_o bad_a man_n through_o perverseness_n and_o of_o compliance_n with_o other_o church_n that_o a_o constitution_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v of_o more_o good_a effect_n than_o if_o it_o be_v omit_v or_o than_o another_o in_o its_o place_n be_v its_o tendency_n the_o most_o in_o those_o present_a circumstance_n to_o beget_v and_o increase_v both_o in_o we_o that_o use_v it_o and_o in_o other_o that_o see_v it_o the_o internal_a worship_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o most_o perfect_a or_o best_a knowledge_n apprehension_n and_o opinion_n concern_v god_n his_o nature_n will_n and_o action_n the_o great_a admiration_n honour_n and_o reverence_n love_n gratitude_n desire_n trust_v joy_n obedience_n and_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o perfect_a inward_a holiness_n righteousness_n virtue_n of_o soul_n in_o all_o particular_a branch_n and_o instance_n in_o four_o word_n the_o most_o sincere_a universal_a vigorous_a and_o constant_a holiness_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v principal_o mean_v by_o their_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o as_o for_o the_o precise_a notion_n of_o decent_a or_o decorous_a it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o useful_a or_o commendable_a quality_n in_o we_o as_o contrariwise_o a_o indecent_a thing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o some_o imperfection_n within_o we_o either_o natural_a or_o moral_a as_o imprudence_n rudeness_n irreligion_n but_o more_o ordinary_o of_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a oâ—_n that_o which_o be_v rather_o only_o contemptible_a than_o hateful_a and_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o order_n to_o edification_n by_o good_a example_n some_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a way_n or_o mean_n how_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v what_o external_a sign_n or_o any_o other_o circumstance_n do_v most_o tend_v to_o this_o effect_n of_o edification_n be_v first_o a_o most_o sincere_a and_o generous_a love_n â—_o this_o internal_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o constituter_n themselves_o and_o a_o hearty_a and_o fervent_a desire_n to_o beget_v and_o propagate_v it_o in_o man_n alâ—_n they_o can_v and_o consequent_o to_o aim_v at_o it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o all_o their_o constitution_n and_o that_o the_o most_o immediate_o they_o can_v and_o the_o short_a way_n i_o say_v the_o most_o immediate_o and_o the_o short_a way_n for_o it_o seemâ—_n to_o have_v be_v a_o frequent_a mistake_n or_o non-attendance_n in_o some_o who_o have_v real_o desire_v and_o intend_v the_o promotion_n of_o this_o internal_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v call_v piety_n thaâ—_n they_o have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o meanâ—_n which_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o in_o small_a degree_n and_o very_o remote_a and_o therefore_o uncertain_a and_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n which_o may_v have_v be_v elsewhere_o better_o employ_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n they_o require_v so_o much_o time_n and_o constancy_n to_o drive_v they_o through_o a_o long_a train_n of_o successive_a cause_n to_o their_o end_n that_o man_n seldom_o have_v the_o patience_n or_o listen_v to_o pursue_v they_o so_o far_o but_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v themselves_o and_o be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o mean_n themselves_o forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v present_o and_o make_v use_n of_o every_o real_a mean_n which_o may_v effect_v our_o propose_a end_n but_o only_o those_o which_o will_v the_o most_o speedy_o and_o full_o do_v it_o and_o even_o of_o those_o the_o sew_a we_o possible_o can_v it_o be_v also_o certain_o
have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n viz._n their_o sickness_n which_o may_v be_v inflict_v and_o just_o continue_v too_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o james_n 5._o verse_n 14._o be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o câ—l_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o improbable_o let_v the_o elder_n use_v the_o natural_a mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n also_o add_v their_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o anoint_v with_o oil_n be_v a_o most_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a medicine_n in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o cure_v many_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jewish_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n and_o put_v syneedochical_o for_o any_o other_o natural_a mean_n or_o medicine_n whatsoever_o apply_v for_o help_n and_o cure_n to_o this_o also_o the_o jew_n add_v enchantment_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n probable_o oppose_v prayer_n as_o the_o disciple_n use_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o god_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v and_o then_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o a_o believer_n or_o of_o a_o true_a and_o hearty_a holy_a christian_n such_o as_o the_o elder_n be_v general_o and_o reasonable_o then_o suppose_v to_o be_v shall_v save_v the_o sick_a that_o be_v shall_v save_v he_o from_o his_o sickness_n or_o deliver_v he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n that_o be_v any_o sin_n which_o may_v particular_o have_v deserve_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o sickness_n yet_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o elder_n righteous_a man_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o that_o be_v this_o punishment_n shall_v not_o be_v further_o inflict_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o follow_v confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o it_o be_v very_o prevalent_a with_o god_n to_o procure_v such_o and_o other_o favour_n and_o blessing_n yea_o and_o sometime_o curse_n and_o evil_a thing_n even_o as_o elias_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v by_o his_o prayer_n procure_v and_o obtain_v from_o god_n both_o drought_n and_o rain_n there_o may_v be_v also_o other_o benefit_n to_o other_o by_o our_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v due_o perform_v they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o excite_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v he_o thank_v he_o desire_v of_o he_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o and_o to_o obtain_v all_o the_o consequent_a good_a effect_n which_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v by_o our_o own_o prayer_n all_o which_o good_a thing_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o our_o example_n they_o will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o or_o mind_v or_o not_o so_o much_o sect_n 1._o but_o second_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n which_o again_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o three_o head_n 1_o our_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n 2_o our_o comfort_n joy_n satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n 3_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o common_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o both_o 1_o prayer_n do_v confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o goodnoss_n they_o tend_v much_o to_o preserve_v we_o therein_o and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o that_o these_o several_a way_n among_o other_o first_o by_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o immediate_a mean_n thereof_o second_o by_o suggestion_n or_o bring_v to_o mind_v our_o duty_n or_o what_o help_v to_o practice_v it_o three_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n four_o by_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n particular_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o receive_v all_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n nay_o of_o our_o receive_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o goodness_n itself_o five_o by_o way_n of_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o explicate_v 1_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o immediate_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o run_v over_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n we_o have_v former_o mention_v as_o first_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o express_a judgement_n concern_v ourselves_o direct_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a former_o or_o be_v still_o of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o hearty_a disapprobation_n dislike_n disalallowance_n thereof_o a_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o too_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a a_o hearty_a sorrow_n that_o we_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o imperfect_a wicked_a or_o unhappy_a and_o a_o cheerful_a free_a and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o have_v be_v faulty_a in_o omit_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o and_o abandon_v what_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o do_v to_o mortify_v and_o extinguish_v all_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o any_o or_o all_o our_o appetite_n that_o be_v all_o our_o lust_n or_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o appetito_n and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o command_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o now_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n thus_o explicate_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o actual_a exercise_n or_o exertion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n or_o of_o grace_n in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v so_o often_o as_o we_o thus_o pray_v we_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v and_o put_v forth_o into_o action_n our_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n but_o every_o action_n and_o exercise_n confirm_v the_o habit_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v it_o all_o habit_n may_v be_v thus_o get_v and_o however_o get_v though_o immediate_o by_o god_n influence_n which_o be_v call_v infusion_n yet_o they_o be_v thus_o maintain_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o most_o ordinary_a person_n may_v understand_v this_o by_o experience_n the_o more_o often_o we_o actual_o hate_v or_o be_v grieve_v for_o or_o at_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n the_o more_o we_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v not_o endure_v the_o very_a sight_n or_o mention_v of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o love_n what_o thing_n we_o have_v accustom_v ourselves_o and_o use_v often_o to_o love_n we_o contract_v a_o most_o ready_a firm_a and_o constant_a inclination_n so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o we_o can_v be_v for_o any_o time_n without_o they_o in_o the_o very_a like_o manner_n it_o be_v when_o we_o actual_o often_o abominate_a sin_n in_o general_n or_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a when_o we_o hate_v contemn_v be_v grieve_v for_o it_o when_o we_o hearty_o love_v our_o duty_n and_o with_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o our_o soul_n desire_v and_o will_v we_o may_v be_v universal_o or_o in_o any_o particular_a innocent_a or_o good_a we_o shall_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o that_o habitual_a temper_n of_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v easy_a strong_a vigorous_a and_o constant_a and_o shall_v not_o endure_v the_o sight_n or_o suspicion_n of_o any_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o live_v comfortable_o without_o the_o constant_a consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o of_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n innocency_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o profession_n of_o our_o future_a obedience_n which_o be_v another_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n as_o i_o have_v explicate_v confession_n be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o express_a action_n or_o resolution_n of_o will_n excite_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o direct_v to_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o in_o general_a or_o in_o any_o particular_a where_o she_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o that_o now_o by_o his_o assistance_n and_o strength_n which_o she_o humble_o implore_v she_o will_v observe_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n the_o rule_n of_o which_o be_v his_o will_n make_v know_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n which_o express_a action_n of_o she_o or_o actual_a resolution_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_a the_o better_a must_v needs_o preserve_v and_o increase_v her_o
bow_v down_o and_o oppress_v this_o happy_a soul_n with_o upright_a and_o cheerly_o countenance_n with_o solid_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o steady_o and_o generous_o walk_v through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o be_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n may_v dispose_v he_o into_o who_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v thus_o pray_v and_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n who_o will_v be_v so_o weak_a and_o foolish_a as_o for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o gratification_n of_o some_o pitiful_a mean_a and_o base_a appetite_n for_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o some_o vile_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n or_o sin_n forego_v and_o quit_v all_o his_o faith_n confidence_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o the_o consequent_a delight_n acquiescence_n case_n peace_n and_o joy_n of_o soul_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v ashamed_a ever_o to_o think_v of_o god_n much_o more_o to_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o or_o ask_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o never_o so_o great_a distress_n who_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n for_o what_o can_v never_o make_v the_o least_o part_n of_o recompense_n yes_o let_v atheist_n and_o worldling_n live_v without_o any_o mind_v of_o or_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n if_o they_o please_v the_o good_a man_n know_v too_o well_o the_o sweetness_n the_o profit_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o to_o do_v likewise_o david_n be_v a_o true_o excellent_a example_n of_o this_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v his_o most_o usual_a cordial_n which_o he_o often_o take_v to_o support_v his_o faint_a and_o tire_a soul_n to_o quell_v and_o compose_v his_o vexation_n fear_n disturbance_n to_o alleviate_v and_o remove_v his_o grief_n and_o sadness_n we_o will_v give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o psalm_n 42._o first_o he_o mention_n his_o present_a sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o his_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o country_n it_o be_v likely_a by_o saul_n and_o principal_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o his_o god_n for_o which_o he_o pant_v and_o thirst_v oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4_o 6._o then_o his_o enemy_n contempt_n and_o insult_a over_o he_o and_o especial_o their_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v reject_v he_o or_o mind_v he_o not_o verse_n 3_o 10._o but_o to_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v himself_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o be_v very_o confident_a god_n will_v hear_v he_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n and_o cheerlily_n chide_v himself_o ver._n 8_o 9_o 11._o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o the_o night_n his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o and_o my_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n that_o be_v yet_o i_o will_v pray_v to_o my_o god_n and_o i_o trust_v and_o know_v he_o will_v give_v i_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o praise_v he_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o i_o at_o all_o time_n i_o will_v say_v unto_o god_n my_o rock_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o why_o go_v i_o mourning_n because_o of_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o verse_n 11._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n again_o the_o very_a next_o psalm_n viz._n 43._o he_o pray_v very_o passionate_o to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n from_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v unmerciful_a deceitful_a unjust_a and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o back_o again_o to_o enjoy_v his_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o temple_n from_o which_o he_o seem_v now_o banish_v oh_o send_v out_o say_v he_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n that_o be_v perhaps_o thy_o enlighten_v or_o rejoice_v truth_n in_o perform_v of_o thy_o promise_n thou_o have_v make_v to_o i_o let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o holy_a hill_n zion_n the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n that_o be_v the_o temple_n build_v instead_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n where_o god_n especial_o manifest_v himself_o or_o where_o be_v very_o special_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n then_o he_o vow_v unto_o god_n that_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o thankfulness_n he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v that_o favour_n verse_n 4._o then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o verse_n the_o last_o he_o be_v full_a of_o good_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o joy_n and_o of_o his_o content_n which_o use_v to_o be_v show_v by_o one_o healthful_a aspect_n and_o countenance_n and_o who_o be_v his_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o petition_n at_o last_o viz._n that_o he_o shall_v praise_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o public_o in_o the_o temple_n again_o in_o psalm_n 55._o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a plight_n that_o he_o be_v in_o because_o of_o the_o constant_a machination_n and_o plot_n of_o his_o enemy_n deceitful_a and_o bloody_a man_n as_o it_o be_v v._o 23._o nay_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v his_o friend_n and_o confident_n who_o have_v forsake_v he_o in_o his_o disgrace_n and_o adversity_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a and_o contemn_v he_o verse_n 12._o his_o enemy_n contrive_v even_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n they_o oppress_v he_o with_o accusation_n and_o reproach_n and_o wrathful_o hate_v he_o whence_o he_o be_v full_a of_o complaint_n and_o mourn_a in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o be_v likelihood_n of_o his_o death_n thereby_o which_o though_o another_o sense_n may_v be_v too_o he_o express_v in_o verse_n 4_o 5_o by_o his_o heart_n be_v pain_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n fall_v upon_o he_o and_o fearfulness_n and_o tremble_a come_n upon_o he_o and_o horror_n overwhelm_v he_o but_o then_o the_o course_n he_o take_v be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o by_o these_o he_o reseve_v himself_o from_o this_o sadness_n and_o grief_n of_o soul_n and_o ease_v comfort_n and_o satisfy_v it_o verse_n 16._o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v save_v i_o verse_n 17._o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noonday_n that_o be_v very_o frequent_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o god_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o verse_n 22._o cast_v thy_o burden_n that_o be_v what_o grieve_v thou_o upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v move_v that_o be_v himself_o to_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n sect_n ix_o a_o three_o way_n how_o prayer_n be_v for_o our_o iii_o iii_o ease_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v by_o reflection_n upon_o our_o have_v perform_v our_o most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a good_a quality_n in_o ourselves_o that_o may_v upon_o this_o occasion_n appear_v as_o in_o general_a upon_o our_o ability_n for_o and_o our_o good_a will_n to_o this_o duty_n or_o performance_n that_o we_o be_v able_a and_o dispose_v for_o such_o excellent_a thing_n as_o be_v in_o prayer_n more_o particular_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o able_a to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o future_a yea_o eternal_a and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o action_n our_o own_o soul_n their_o action_n and_o inclination_n the_o state_n after_o death_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o life_n hereafter_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o god_n perfection_n acknowledge_v they_o real_o honour_v he_o love_n and_o resolve_v to_o obey_v he_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o grieve_v sincere_o and_o hearty_o for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o our_o bad_a and_o sinful_a temper_n and_o inclination_n be_v please_v with_o desire_n pray_v for_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o attend_z to_z and_o be_v frequent_o and_o much_o affect_v with_o thing_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o misery_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sensual_a dull_a worldly_a earthlyminded_n person_n who_o can_v mind_v nothing_o but_o sensible_a present_a and_o worldly_a matter_n for_o this_o short_a life_n all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v and_o confuse_o see_v
that_o such_o spiritual_a and_o future_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v mention_v be_v more_o excellent_a more_o perfect_a that_o be_v of_o more_o good_a effect_n than_o sensible_a and_o present_a worldly_a thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n in_o a_o man_n to_o know_v contemplate_v be_v affect_v with_o those_o former_a than_o these_o latter_a to_o have_v his_o mind_n conversant_a with_o and_o employ_v about_o they_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o person_n who_o profess_v and_o real_o live_v or_o seem_v to_o live_v such_o a_o life_n be_v general_o honour_v and_o reverence_v further_o a_o man_n after_o such_o a_o performance_n as_o a_o discreet_a and_o affectionate_a prayer_n may_v reflect_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o ability_n and_o sufficiency_n for_o such_o excellent_a thing_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o love_n to_o they_o and_o good_a will_n to_o they_o his_o esteem_n for_o they_o that_o he_o actual_o be_v so_o affect_v and_o at_o that_o particular_a time_n particular_o after_o a_o understanding_n and_o affectionate_a prayer_n it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o make_v reflection_n that_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n perform_v so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o more_o immediate_o respect_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o careless_a of_o god_n live_v without_o he_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n but_o that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o his_o express_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o humble_o petition_v he_o for_o what_o he_o want_v and_o what_o be_v good_a and_o just_a for_o he_o by_o render_v he_o hearty_a thanks_o and_o actual_o love_v he_o for_o his_o manifold_a favour_n even_o for_o all_o he_o have_v or_o ever_o have_v for_o any_o degree_n of_o holiness_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n part_n gift_n riches_n or_o competency_n reputation_n friend_n security_n from_o enemy_n health_n strength_n power_n opportunity_n or_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a peace_n joy_n satisfaction_n happiness_n here_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n after_o death_n and_o part_n with_o all_o here_o and_o for_o all_o his_o boundless_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o a_o assure_a but_o just_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o by_o a_o free_a submission_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o conform_v of_o it_o cheerful_o thereunto_o to_o do_v all_o he_o command_v he_o and_o to_o be_v in_o any_o condition_n he_o appoint_v or_o dispose_v that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o a_o ready_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o and_o pierce_v hearty_a grief_n for_o and_o inward_a detestation_n of_o all_o his_o unreasonable_a violation_n of_o his_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n make_v know_v either_o by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n by_o natural_a conscience_n or_o god_n word_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o ask_v from_o he_o as_o the_o only_a supreme_a just_a and_o yet_o propitious_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o christ_n sake_n that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o but_o most_o of_o all_o by_o importunate_o beg_v his_o supervenient_a grace_n strength_n and_o influence_n his_o assistance_n one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o duty_n any_o more_o in_o any_o kind_n i_o say_v when_o a_o man_n have_v perform_v so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o god_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o make_v he_o divine_a and_o perfect_a it_o will_v not_o soon_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n he_o will_v be_v rereflect_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o can_v be_v without_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n and_o he_o will_v humble_o give_v unfeigned_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o noble_a and_o excellent_a employment_n so_o ravish_v and_o delicious_a to_o himself_o but_o especial_o which_o will_v render_v he_o so_o benign_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o world_n and_o please_v to_o god_n for_o give_v he_o the_o mean_n of_o and_o effectual_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o use_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a life_n and_o he_o will_v wish_v all_o man_n may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v and_o partake_v thereof_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n among_o other_o which_o make_v a_o man_n very_o sensible_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o perceive_v from_o thence_o more_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n the_o first_o be_v its_o compare_n with_o other_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n respect_v our_o neighbour_n it_o seem_v more_o excellent_a than_o that_o to_o love_v one_o neighbour_n that_o be_v any_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o any_o good_a from_o we_o to_o wish_v well_o hearty_o to_o he_o to_o be_v charitable_a just_a grateful_a compassionate_a or_o to_o show_v any_o other_o instance_n of_o love_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v excellent_a yet_o seem_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o our_o absolute_a love_n to_o god_n not_o as_o only_o good_a to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o universe_n as_o our_o neighbour_n nay_o all_o the_o world_n be_v inferior_a to_o god_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o or_o desire_v any_o good_a thing_n for_o god_n we_o may_v not_o because_o it_o suppose_v some_o good_a thing_n absent_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v absent_a from_o he_o a_o absent_a good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o desire_n but_o we_o may_v will_n and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o actual_o possess_v we_o may_v will_v a_o present_a good_a and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o esteem_a if_o we_o compare_v they_o than_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n than_o all_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v infinite_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o little_a thing_n a_o nothing_o to_o he_o and_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n consequent_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o all_o his_o creature_n if_o they_o can_v be_v oppose_v beside_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v infinite_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o therefore_o that_o love_v god_n as_o such_o must_v needs_o love_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v too_o god_n be_v and_o happiness_n infer'_v that_o of_o his_o creature_n necessary_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a wherefore_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o have_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a effect_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o distinct_a and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v inconsistent_a one_o with_o another_o which_o they_o never_o can_v be_v but_o much_o more_o before_o the_o love_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n and_o although_o we_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o will_v but_o to_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o not_o to_o god_n yet_o in_o truth_n our_o proper_a action_n be_v to_o will_v it_o the_o outward_a effect_n consequent_a upon_o our_o will_n be_v only_o by_o god_n power_n and_o action_n and_o we_o can_v will_v it_o as_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v equal_o to_o both_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n above_o all_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o persuasion_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o that_o to_o love_v he_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o universe_n i._n e._n god_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v together_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n distinct_o consider_v as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n viz._n honour_n admiration_n dependence_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v but_o instrumental_a duty_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o practice_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n universal_a love_n love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a one_o than_o many_o other_o and_o ingenerate_a in_o we_o more_o immediate_o a_o great_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o might_n be_v particular_o show_v and_o consequent_o of_o universal_a love_n in_o which_o it_o consist_v some_o of_o those_o person_n who_o magnify_v and_o commend_v those_o duty_n which_o respect_v our_o neighbour_n especial_o such_o as_o beneficence_n justice_n and_o honesty_n in_o deal_n and_o conversation_n peaceableness_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n may_v
1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o that_o which_o be_v capable_a thereof_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o petition_n or_o desire_n may_v be_v false_a or_o true_a the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n indeed_o can_v because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o so_o consider_v simple_a not_o complex_fw-la thing_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o proposition_n be_v in_o which_o only_o there_o be_v that_o truth_n i_o now_o mean_v for_o example_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o what_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o god_n be_v real_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o imply_v necessary_o no_o imperfection_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o least_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v real_o in_o he_o thus_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o please_v we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o think_v he_o can_v by_o his_o own_o intrinsic_a power_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n to_o determine_v himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n or_o universal_a goodness_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o he_o can_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o capacity_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a nature_n to_o will_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o make_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n nay_o or_o to_o will_v any_o number_n of_o they_o nay_o any_o one_o of_o they_o absolute_o and_o ultimate_o to_o be_v so_o nay_o or_o the_o least_o evil_n to_o any_o of_o they_o without_o any_o further_a respect_n to_o any_o other_o good_a but_o only_o that_o he_o please_v himself_o therein_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o reason_n and_o express_v revelation_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o superior_a cause_n to_o god_n will_n or_o his_o active_a power_n that_o make_v he_o to_o be_v good_a or_o restrain_v he_o from_o make_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n unhappy_a or_o miserable_a we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v again_o if_o we_o think_v so_o but_o we_o neither_o ought_v nor_o can_v conceive_v if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o for_o he_o to_o will_v absolute_o and_o ultimate_o the_o least_o evil_a or_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n his_o will_n can_v never_o be_v so_o dispose_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o nature_n to_o will_v so_o can_v please_v he_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o best_a dispose_v man_n mean_v confuse_o and_o be_v not_o offend_v with_o when_o they_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n so_o unlimited_o as_o that_o he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o innocent_a creature_n and_o either_o immediate_o though_o such_o or_o mediate_o first_o contrive_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v throw_v they_o into_o hell_n if_o he_o please_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o will_n why_o he_o do_v not_o so_o which_o be_v true_a not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o ever_o so_o to_o will_n or_o to_o be_v please_v therewith_o that_o even_o the_o due_a relation_n of_o our_o action_n to_o their_o object_n or_o their_o justice_n or_o righteousness_n be_v something_o and_o therefore_o make_v by_o god_n or_o dependent_a upon_o his_o will_n for_o all_o thing_n must_v have_v his_o will_n or_o active_a power_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n but_o then_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n such_o as_o ever_o to_o have_v will_v contrary_a or_o not_o to_o have_v will_v these_o relation_n not_o to_o have_v will_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_o there_o have_v be_v both_o of_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o of_o the_o great_a religionist_n but_o mistake_v who_o have_v i_o think_v entertain_v these_o false_a and_o most_o mischievous_a opinion_n concern_v god_n so_o on_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n man_n may_v have_v a_o conceit_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v make_v all_o man_n happy_a and_o therefore_o pass_v over_o all_o their_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a numerous_a and_o many_o that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o neither_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o and_o this_o though_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o their_o mind_n and_o nature_n be_v not_o change_v at_o all_o or_o very_o slight_o they_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n but_o god_n they_o hope_v will_v forgive_v they_o for_o god_n be_v merciful_a as_o they_o use_v to_o express_v it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a mischievous_a falsehood_n and_o imply_v he_o even_o not_o to_o be_v universal_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creation_n not_o to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o it_o for_o he_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o restrain_v sometime_o wickedness_n and_o sinful_a mischievous_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o will_n and_o put_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o happiness_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a sometime_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n or_o other_o according_a as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o also_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o express_v reveal_v will_n of_o god_n so_o again_o those_o who_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a tenderness_n and_o peculiar_a love_n to_o they_o and_o to_o some_o certain_a other_o that_o he_o will_v not_o see_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o the_o least_o for_o it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o destine_v to_o a_o unconceivable_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o another_o world_n notwithstanding_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v no_o better_o than_o other_o and_o be_v very_o well_o content_a so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v who_o say_v further_a that_o god_n have_v provide_v and_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o excuse_v they_o from_o actual_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o from_o punishment_n in_o case_n of_o constant_a failure_n without_o any_o amendment_n that_o they_o indeed_o have_v very_o corrupt_a heart_n but_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v pardon_v all_o these_o person_n make_v god_n and_o christ_n the_o worst_a patron_n of_o sin_n the_o most_o unrighteous_a the_o most_o partial_a to_o bear_v with_o and_o pardon_v it_o in_o a_o few_o who_o he_o please_v but_o to_o punish_v it_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n nothing_o more_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n in_o rom._n 2._o in_o confession_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o must_v have_v the_o like_a care_n and_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v certain_o true_a wherefore_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o we_o deserve_v punishment_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o sin_n nor_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v sin_n when_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o on_o the_o contrary_a perhaps_o excuse_v ourselves_o or_o think_v ourselves_o innocent_a or_o good_a when_o we_o be_v bad_a think_v those_o thing_n no_o sin_n nay_o very_o good_a action_n which_o be_v bad_a one_o that_o which_o may_v often_o be_v in_o those_o which_o be_v do_v with_o pretend_a or_o some_o little_a real_a zeal_n confuse_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o much_o more_o or_o other_o undue_a selfish_a end_n and_o unlawful_a appetite_n nor_o must_v we_o acquit_v slatter_v connive_v at_o ourselves_o and_o think_v ourselves_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n and_o it_o may_v be_v thank_v god_n for_o it_o too_o when_o we_o be_v be_v either_o ignorant_a and_o forgetful_a of_o ourselves_o or_o wilful_o vain_o conceit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o presumptuous_a and_o conceit_a general_o of_o their_o own_o innocency_n though_o they_o may_v sometime_o in_o word_n only_o or_o very_o slight_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n insomuch_o that_o if_o you_o shall_v inquire_v of_o they_o what_o they_o have_v be_v or_o how_o they_o have_v live_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v say_v any_o harm_n by_o they_o and_o they_o know_v nothing_o amiss_o they_o thank_v god_n by_o themselves_o they_o hardly_o know_v one_o sin_n by_o themselves_o or_o one_o bad_a action_n to_o confess_v or_o they_o must_v study_v upon_o it_o or_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o something_o or_o other_o whence_o they_o conclude_v themselves_o very_o innocent_a and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o act_v according_o as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o god_n know_v as_o little_a by_o they_o as_o they_o do_v by_o themselves_o when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v rare_o do_v any_o good_a action_n and_o they_o have_v little_a good_a in_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v
and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o too_o in_o which_o we_o may_v mention_v in_o our_o prayer_n many_o lesser_a thing_n thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o use_n must_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o concernment_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o less_o be_v more_o and_o more_o frequent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n as_o in_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a the_o most_o comprehensive_a and_o general_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a perfection_n iâ—_n god_n that_o we_o make_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o principal_o and_o chief_o as_o that_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o general_a goodness_n to_o all_o more_o than_o his_o particular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o so_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n justice_n let_v we_o take_v those_o chief_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o large_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o be_v god_n creation_n of_o all_o thing_n preservation_n providence_n throughout_o the_o whole_a universe_n that_o towards_o mankind_n and_o especial_o the_o make_n of_o we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o faculty_n aid_n sufficiency_n opportunity_n help_v to_o improve_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n also_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o especial_a messenger_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o last_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o beloved_a son_n in_o confession_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bewail_v most_o our_o great_a sin_n that_o have_v most_o of_o iniquity_n in_o they_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o depravedness_n inordinacy_n of_o our_o will_n include_v the_o great_a aversation_n from_o righteousness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o mischievous_a self-love_n in_o a_o usual_a phrase_n our_o most_o aggravate_v sin_n consequent_o let_v we_o confess_v our_o dear_a most_o please_a and_o delightful_a sin_n for_o our_o great_a degree_n of_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o our_o duty_n argue_v a_o degree_n of_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o depravedness_n of_o our_o will_n as_o to_o intenseness_n those_o also_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_a contrariwise_o let_v we_o not_o confess_v little_a sin_n much_o and_o neglect_v great_a one_o or_o more_o than_o those_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o can_v more_o easy_o forsake_v and_o neglect_v those_o which_o be_v most_o sweet_a pass_v over_o they_o or_o slight_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o commit_v rare_o and_o neglect_v those_o which_o we_o do_v frequent_o when_o this_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o confession_n pure_o through_o ignorance_n through_o want_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o will_n which_o i_o scarce_o believe_v it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o superstition_n that_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o some_o action_n be_v more_o or_o less_o displease_v to_o god_n than_o indeed_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o do_v some_o of_o they_o and_o of_o god_n anger_n or_o punishment_n for_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o other_o again_o less_o which_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a effect_n and_o do_v much_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v as_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o render_v we_o less_o capable_a of_o any_o happy_a condition_n till_o we_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o they_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o conscientious_a and_o love_n that_o which_o we_o judge_v right_a and_o our_o duty_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o most_o ignorant_a superstition_n proceed_v from_o unconscientiousness_n but_o when_o this_o fault_n proceed_v out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o sin_n both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v extreme_o bad_a if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o confess_v national_a sin_n or_o those_o which_o be_v most_o practise_v frequent_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v we_o a_o care_n to_o confess_v those_o principal_o and_o most_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a both_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o effect_n those_o that_o argue_v and_o include_v the_o great_a degree_n and_o neglect_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n thereof_o compare_v with_o other_o object_n or_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ultimate_a self-love_n compare_v with_o or_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a or_o do_v the_o great_a hurt_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v some_o the_o more_o colourable_a and_o undiscerned_a sin_n of_o malice_n pride_n envy_n ambition_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n equality_n liberty_n add_v tyranny_n disobedience_n revenge_n oppression_n covetousness_n fraud_n hypocrisei_n or_o want_v of_o integrity_n and_o other_o more_o notorious_a of_o profaneness_n irreligion_n atheism_n unbelief_n disbelief_n of_o christian_a religion_n sensuality_n lasciviousness_n intemperance_n etc._n etc._n those_o sin_n also_o which_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o continual_a in_o several_a or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v to_o be_v principal_o confess_v in_o thankfulness_n likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o most_o frequent_o and_o most_o ardent_o for_o the_o great_a favour_n those_o that_o be_v most_o public_a diffuse_v and_o general_a those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a those_o that_o appertain_v more_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n those_o among_o spiritual_a one_o which_o concern_v our_o will_n or_o inclination_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o our_o affection_n call_v general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o sanctification_n or_o regeneration_n purify_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o one_o word_n usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n then_o afterward_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o quick_a and_o plentiful_a suggestion_n revelation_n illumination_n in_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a excellency_n use_v and_o good_a effect_n for_o ability_n to_o signify_v convey_v or_o propagate_v these_o such_o as_o ready_a invention_n memory_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o gift_n then_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o body_n or_o in_o it_o as_o the_o subject_n as_o strength_n health_n comeliness_n plenty_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o food_n and_o diet_n raiment_n habitation_n with_o their_o ornament_n etc._n etc._n which_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o corporeal_a pain_n which_o the_o most_o necessary_o affect_v we_o and_o consequent_o from_o necessary_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v it_o etc._n etc._n then_o for_o the_o external_n good_a thing_n without_o we_o of_o riches_n reputation_n liberty_n magistracy_n friend_n relation_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o personal_a than_o public_a benefit_n as_o it_o do_v usual_o proceed_v from_o so_o it_o will_v increase_v a_o particular_a and_o selfish_a spirit_n to_o thank_v he_o more_o for_o bodily_a or_o external_a sensible_a good_a thing_n than_o for_o spiritual_a be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o cause_n of_o sensuality_n in_o we_o i_o e._n it_o do_v proceed_v from_o and_o confirm_v our_o excessive_a love_n to_o corporeal_a and_o sensible_a good_a in_o compare_n with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v ordinary_o observe_v viz._n that_o man_n be_v usual_o much_o more_o sensible_a of_o and_o grateful_a to_o god_n for_o bodily_a good_a and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o for_o spirtual_a or_o intellectual_a and_o so_o likewise_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o gift_n than_o grace_n though_o both_o spiritual_a thing_n confirm_v one_o in_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o love_n for_o gift_n compare_v with_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v incomparable_o inferior_a to_o they_o gift_n sometime_o may_v be_v â—ill_o use_v be_v mischievous_a and_o hurtful_a which_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o grace_n can_v never_o in_o the_o least_o be_v knowledge_n puff_v up_o without_o charity_n and_o be_v contentious_a affect_v contemptuous_a but_o charity_n edifi_v say_v the_o apostle_n charity_n even_o without_o knowledge_n can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_o tend_v to_o do_v good_a now_o although_o this_o be_v better_o than_o not_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n at_o all_o than_o to_o thank_v he_o
to_o think_v they_o oblige_v the_o divinity_n by_o the_o honour_n they_o do_v it_o by_o their_o prayer_n to_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o desire_v the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n think_v and_o say_v that_o god_n can_v withstand_v their_o prayer_n it_o have_v be_v say_v i_o doubt_v but_o too_o often_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o that_o god_n can_v not_o hold_v out_o against_o a_o pray_a people_n but_o too_o well_o know_v have_v be_v the_o confidence_n of_o many_o private_a person_n that_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v answer_v and_o as_o well_o know_v have_v be_v their_o disappointment_n many_o prayer_n also_o may_v be_v stuff_v with_o thing_n very_o trivial_a and_o slight_a comparative_o while_o the_o great_a thing_n be_v neglect_v small_a sin_n and_o other_o sin_n may_v be_v confess_v eager_o but_o great_a and_o their_o own_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o but_o slight_o petition_n may_v be_v make_v for_o worldly_a thing_n importunate_o but_o for_o spiritual_a negligent_o or_o cold_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o gift_n or_o excellent_a quality_n of_o understanding_n more_o than_o for_o grace_n or_o holy_a disposition_n of_o will_n for_o pardon_n more_o than_o for_o goodness_n for_o privilege_n more_o than_o for_o duty_n for_o justification_n more_o than_o for_o sanctification_n for_o peace_n and_o assurance_n before_o and_o more_o than_o for_o regeneration_n renewal_n of_o our_o nature_n mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o excellency_n charity_n humility_n spirituality_n in_o prayer_n also_o may_v be_v very_o much_o insincerity_n the_o thing_n desire_v may_v be_v selfish_a to_o gratify_v immoderate_a lust_n of_o revenge_n pride_n superiority_n envy_n covetousness_n sensuality_n luxury_n or_o the_o like_a some_o prayer_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v most_o may_v be_v very_o cold_a formal_a mere_a word_n be_v not_o i_o say_v very_o well_o satisfy_v so_o thou_o have_v but_o pray_v though_o it_o may_v be_v very_o bad_o endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o pray_v well_o and_o as_o thou_o ought_v and_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o direction_n as_o have_v be_v prescribe_v i_o add_v here_o too_o as_o a_o useful_a caution_n by_o the_o by_o be_v not_o content_a and_o satisfy_v with_o thy_o have_v pray_v well_o if_o thy_o prayer_n have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v proceed_v from_o good_a quality_n in_o thou_o and_o tend_v to_o make_v thou_o more_o so_o too_o and_o thou_o feel_v thyself_o very_o much_o delight_v with_o the_o performance_n thereof_o and_o much_o dispose_v thereby_o to_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o thy_o duty_n think_v not_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v good_a enough_o at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o may_v be_v negligent_a every_o where_n else_o in_o all_o thy_o succeed_a action_n pursue_v thy_o good_a disposition_n begin_v by_o thy_o prayer_n at_o any_o time_n by_o watchfulness_n and_o reflection_n all_o the_o follow_a day_n by_o frequent_a check_n when_o thou_o do_v ill_a and_o encouragement_n and_o joy_n when_o thou_o do_v well_o by_o frequent_a ejaculation_n and_o resolution_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o general_n head_n viz._n direction_n concern_v prayer_n chap._n v._n sect_n i._o vi_o the_o last_o general_n head_n be_v the_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n man_n usual_o make_v why_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v especial_o in_o private_a or_o secret_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v but_o short_a they_o be_v most_o common_o but_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o they_o need_v not_o pray_v 2._o they_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o pray_v 3._o they_o have_v not_o time_n the_o first_o pretence_n some_o man_n have_v for_o not_o pray_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o their_o opinion_n be_v either_o because_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o be_v superior_a to_o themselves_o in_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n who_o hear_v they_o when_o they_o do_v pray_v or_o else_o because_o all_o future_a thing_n be_v will_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n already_o and_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v render_v all_o prayer_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o ridiculous_a indeed_o but_o i_o shall_v return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o these_o monster_n of_o insolency_n and_o dulness_n but_o that_o though_o they_o hereby_o call_v all_o mankind_n except_o one_o or_o two_o of_o themselves_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sot_n and_o fool_n in_o spend_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v have_v better_a demonstration_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o less_o against_o so_o universal_a a_o testimony_n than_o ever_o they_o have_v bring_v to_o prove_v they_o â—o_o before_o they_o will_v believe_v it_o or_o before_o these_o objector_n themselves_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o moreover_o there_o have_v be_v in_o this_o last_o age_n such_o and_o so_o many_o proof_n of_o god_n and_o spirit_n existence_n both_o high_o probable_a and_o some_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v upon_o the_o long_a consideration_n judge_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o obstinate_a affection_n of_o uncontroulableness_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v they_o or_o a_o pitiable_a dulness_n which_o must_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n as_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o god_n predetermination_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o must_v mean_v more_o particular_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v mean_v all_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n because_o it_o be_v predetermine_v by_o god_n whether_o we_o shall_v or_o no._n or_o else_o second_o that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o any_o good_a thing_n mean_v by_o prayer_n petition_v only_o because_o he_o have_v predetermine_v whether_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o or_o no._n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n against_o all_o will_n endeavour_n action_n whatsoever_o to_o obtain_v any_o good_a thing_n we_o want_v for_o example_n against_o the_o chew_a and_o swallow_v our_o food_n that_o we_o may_v be_v nourish_v for_o the_o argument_n run_v thus_o god_n have_v determine_v before_o we_o pray_v whether_o we_o shall_v pray_v or_o not_o if_o the_o first_o than_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o without_o our_o will_n or_o endeavour_v if_o the_o second_o than_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o may_v argue_v god_n have_v determine_v before_o we_o chew_v and_o swallow_v our_o food_n to_o nourish_v we_o whether_o we_o shall_v do_v those_o action_n or_o no._n if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o without_o our_o will_n and_o endeavour_v if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o though_o we_o do_v will_v and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v they_o but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v man_n in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n abstain_v from_o their_o will_n and_o endeavour_v for_o such_o a_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o but_o they_o always_o use_v both_o where_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o condition_n of_o their_o obtain_v any_o good_a thing_n they_o desire_v and_o indeed_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v answer_v for_o brief_o and_o not_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n here_o in_o these_o subtlety_n since_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n will_v and_o endeavour_v after_o something_o or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o be_v not_o predetermine_v they_o shall_v will_n and_o endeavour_v or_o not_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n sure_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v that_o part_n of_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o the_o best_a effect_n and_o consequence_n but_o it_o be_v as_o manifest_v that_o there_o do_v appear_v better_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o willing_a and_o endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o caution_n of_o any_o good_a thing_n than_o of_o omit_v so_o to_o do_v or_o lie_a idle_a because_o god_n have_v predetermine_v we_o know_v not_o which_o of_o the_o two_o viz._n either_o we_o shall_v will_n and_o endeavour_n or_o not_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a sense_n of_o this_o objection_n here_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o controversy_n which_o have_v fill_v many_o volume_n to_o the_o second_o therefore_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o petition_n god_n for_o any_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v predetermine_v whether_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o or_o no_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v reply_v as_o 1._o let_v
it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o objection_n lie_v only_o against_o that_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v petition_n but_o not_o against_o the_o other_o which_o we_o have_v often_o mention_v viz._n acknowledgement_n of_o god_n perfection_n with_o suitable_a affection_n thanksgiving_n confession_n profession_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n explication_n of_o our_o want_n all_o which_o have_v many_o excellent_a use_n beside_o their_o subserviency_n to_o petition_v as_o have_v be_v before_o particular_o show_v 2._o may_v be_v reply_v that_o which_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v at_o least_o against_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o good_a which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o their_o end_n to_o repeat_v it_o very_o brief_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v or_o pray_v for_o if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o pray_v if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o with_o pray_v in_o like_a manner_n god_n have_v praedetermine_v we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v nourish_v without_o our_o chew_v or_o swallow_v our_o food_n if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v with_o they_o wherefore_o chew_v and_o swallow_v our_o food_n be_v a_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v omit_v but_o man_n neither_o do_v nor_o aught_o to_o infer_v and_o practice_v thus_o in_o this_o last_o case_n for_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o for_o another_o which_o shall_v be_v present_o mention_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o in_o very_a truth_n they_o be_v some_o other_o conceal_v cause_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o pray_v when_o this_o of_o god_n praedetermination_n be_v pretend_v viz._n either_o wickedness_n or_o ineptness_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n either_o badness_n or_o materiality_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v 3._o i_o answer_v that_o suppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o god_n absolute_a praedetermination_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o inference_n too_o viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v grant_v we_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o due_o qualify_a prayer_n shall_v seem_v to_o we_o more_o probable_a yet_o suppose_v also_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n viz._n that_o god_n do_v not_o so_o predetermine_v all_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o give_v some_o good_a thing_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o many_o excellent_a use_n and_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o averse_a from_o or_o more_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v both_o the_o opinion_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o equal_o uncertain_a or_o probable_a we_o ought_v i_o think_v in_o this_o and_o every_o other_o such_o case_n to_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_n on_o that_o side_n which_o have_v apparent_o the_o best_a consequence_n or_o be_v of_o most_o good_a effect_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o receive_a thing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n be_v of_o infinite_a better_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o the_o leave_v quite_o off_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o bring_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o he_o the_o constant_a remembrance_n of_o and_o attention_n to_o the_o only_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n from_o he_o as_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n viz._n happiness_n a_o dispose_a soul_n to_o use_v all_o thing_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o with_o and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v or_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o how_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o quality_n of_o soul_n be_v whence_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o strong_o engage_v to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o capable_a of_o all_o instance_n of_o his_o favour_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o our_o very_a short_a reason_n and_o imperfect_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a system_v of_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n as_o to_o extension_n intention_n and_o duration_n result_v there_o from_o that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o god_n upon_o condition_n of_o the_o certain_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o faculty_n of_o self-determination_n and_o particular_o the_o give_v we_o some_o good_a thing_n upon_o our_o apply_v ourselves_o due_o to_o request_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v so_o of_o which_o i_o say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n 5._o and_o last_o to_o take_v away_o all_o cavel_n and_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n to_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v therein_o express_o affirm_v that_o our_o due_a petition_n be_v such_o condition_n of_o god_n give_v we_o good_a thing_n with_o which_o sometime_o at_o least_o he_o will_v and_o without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o to_o we_o some_o thing_n he_o will_v always_o certain_o give_v we_o upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n such_o as_o grace_n and_o pardon_n or_o inward_a strength_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o to_o repent_v and_o become_v good_a and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n when_o we_o do_v repent_v other_o thing_n also_o he_o will_v certain_o give_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o very_o probable_o we_o may_v which_o nor_o when_o because_o we_o can_v tell_v neither_o by_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o consistent_a with_o the_o universal_a good_a that_o he_o shall_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11._o 9_o 10._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n it_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o similitude_n that_o god_n will_v not_o sometime_o give_v without_o our_o importunity_n in_o ask_v but_o with_o it_o he_o will_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o he_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v st._n james_n tell_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o do_v fight_v and_o war_n i._n e._n probable_o they_o use_v violent_a endeavour_n and_o that_o by_o contention_n and_o strife_n to_o obtain_v thing_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o ask_v nay_o they_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o james_n 4._o ver._n 2_o 3._o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o our_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a from_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a by_o reason_n that_o whether_o god_n have_v or_o have_v not_o praedetermine_v we_o shall_v have_v some_o thing_n he_o have_v determine_v that_o with_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v and_o without_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o connexion_n of_o our_o have_v and_o pray_v whensoever_o they_o be_v whether_o he_o have_v determine_v our_o have_v and_o our_o pray_v or_o not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o answer_n further_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o we_o or_o a_o good_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v or_o desire_v thing_n from_o god_n for_o if_o we_o do_v at_o all_o will_v any_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o action_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o whether_o this_o our_o willing_a be_v praedetermine_v or_o not_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o perfection_n or_o best_a use_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v before_o intimate_v to_o will_n that_o of_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o we_o the_o best_a consequence_n and_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v as_o