we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n oâ—_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
god_n or_o without_o such_o a_o resolution_n to_o relinquish_v their_o sin_n as_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o perfect_a effect_n in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o life_n when_o they_o do_v not_o smite_v on_o their_o breast_n with_o the_o publican_n but_o either_o conceal_v their_o sin_n as_o david_n do_v sometime_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n or_o justify_v they_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o call_v evil_a good_a for_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whoso_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n pro._n 28.13_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o cherish_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o much_o hate_v be_v to_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o very_a face_n to_o spread_v our_o defile_a garment_n before_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a or_o his_o eye_n can_v now_o behold_v iniquity_n this_o be_v like_o a_o accurse_a traitor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o ask_v preferment_n of_o a_o king_n when_o he_o shall_v beg_v pardon_n with_o a_o halter_n about_o his_o neck_n to_o be_v like_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o kiss_n and_o bold_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o innocence_n of_o our_o face_n must_v incline_v god_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o honest_a man_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o some_o man_n strange_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v conjecture_v that_o he_o will_v overlook_v our_o crime_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v by_o our_o infirmity_n of_o this_o impenitent_a state_n may_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o david_n psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o abomination_n nay_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v neither_o lie_v nor_o equivocate_v say_v of_o such_o man_n that_o they_o offer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n to_o no_o purpose_n i._n e._n if_o they_o present_v they_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o acceptance_n as_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v be_v appease_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o that_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o bring_v any_o more_o vain_a oblation_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v and_o make_v themselves_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n from_o before_o his_o eye_n till_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learned_a to_o do_v well_o otherwise_o say_v he_o incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n isaiah_n 1_o 3._o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o expect_v god_n favourable_a answer_n when_o they_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n the_o concession_n of_o which_o may_v give_v too_o great_a and_o direct_a occasion_n for_o other_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n give_v countenance_n to_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n or_o in_o both_o as_o for_o example_n that_o such_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o support_v their_o sinful_a and_o diabolical_a design_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o when_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v purchase_v the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o own_o disciple_n because_o this_o will_v have_v confirm_v his_o devilish_a doctrine_n among_o the_o people_n and_o that_o sacred_a gift_n and_o authority_n be_v too_o pure_a for_o his_o impious_a and_o defile_a hand_n s._n peter_n make_v a_o reply_n to_o he_o as_o sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o it_o be_v quick_a and_o sudden_a thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v neither_o lot_n nor_o part_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n act_n 8.20_o 21._o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o of_o the_o say_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a john_n 9.31_o now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n for_o we_o find_v the_o jew_n ver_fw-la 24._o exhort_v the_o man_n to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o cure_n but_o none_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o authority_n he_o be_v make_v whole_a who_o have_v not_o sight_n restore_v but_o give_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v say_v they_o meaning_n christ_n that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o work_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o which_o the_o enlighten_v person_n reply_v thus_o to_o confute_v their_o calumny_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n be_v apparent_a now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v god_n will_v not_o attend_v the_o petition_n of_o any_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o impostor_n as_o you_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v who_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o give_v sight_n to_o i_o to_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v harden_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n and_o confirm_v his_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n hear_v none_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o but_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n it_o follow_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o thought_n of_o he_o for_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n nor_o gain_v such_o a_o power_n from_o above_o as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o open_v my_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o now_o though_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o petition_v he_o in_o the_o forementioned_a circumstance_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o obtain_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o alter_v when_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o great_a humility_n of_o soul_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n with_o confession_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o a_o real_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v those_o sin_n that_o have_v hitherto_o separate_v betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o god_n be_v willing_a then_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o to_o adopt_v they_o into_o his_o family_n to_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o his_o care_n and_o more_o especial_a providence_n and_o to_o cause_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o sinner_n that_o repent_v he_o call_v to_o they_o then_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o although_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.18_o god_n cherish_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o amendment_n and_o he_o will_v neither_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o he_o encourage_v the_o first_o motion_n to_o a_o return_n accept_v our_o sincerity_n and_o quicken_v and_o crown_v our_o faithful_a endeavour_n and_o when_o wicked_a man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n address_v themselves_o to_o a_o gracious_a god_n they_o will_v lose_v by_o degree_n their_o former_a denomination_n and_o quick_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o may_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v they_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o god_n with_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o the_o centurion_n clothe_v and_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 8.8_o lord_n i_o be_o unworthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n they_o may_v then_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o pious_o expect_v that_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n have_v no_o soon_o say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n but_o christ_n know_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o now_o discover_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o associate_n present_o reply_v to_o day_n thou_o shall_v
may_v not_o pray_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o now_o in_o this_o i_o fear_v many_o may_v fail_v and_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v a_o idol_n in_o their_o fancy_n when_o yet_o they_o abhor_v one_o that_o be_v sensible_a or_o material_a represent_v to_o their_o bodily_a eye_n for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o abstraction_n a_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o something_o which_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_a join_v of_o many_o of_o these_o object_n together_o but_o this_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o false_a similitude_n which_o we_o just_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o and_o yet_o the_o difference_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o great_a whether_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v represent_v to_o our_o external_a sense_n or_o in_o the_o idea_n and_o image_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o frame_v such_o a_o uncouth_a picture_n 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much_o from_o any_o communication_n with_o exterior_a object_n though_o we_o can_v frame_v proposition_n and_o discourse_n concern_v spirit_n yet_o we_o can_v have_v no_o representation_n of_o they_o or_o figure_n of_o proportion_n as_o we_o can_v make_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n though_o they_o be_v at_o present_a at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o or_o shut_v out_o from_o our_o view_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n or_o a_o closure_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o say_v truth_n can_v a_o spirit_n be_v draw_v by_o we_o under_o a_o similitude_n it_o must_v put_v off_o its_o nature_n and_o become_v material_a whilst_o we_o draw_v a_o image_n of_o it_o &_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o our_o external_a sense_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n confute_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o samaritan_n who_o as_o mr._n mede_n have_v evidence_v worship_v god_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o woman_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o because_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o intention_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o resemblance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o their_o devotion_n when_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o his_o service_n ought_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o under_o that_o notion_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o by_o any_o corporal_a representation_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o draw_v lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o god_n by_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n when_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o himself_o nor_o as_o christ_n say_v have_v any_o man_n see_v the_o father_n 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o frame_v a_o positive_a idea_n or_o any_o adequate_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n because_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o of_o finite_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v finite_a can_v frame_v or_o receive_v a_o idea_n that_o be_v infinite_a for_o what_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o be_v limit_v or_o circumscribe_v than_o a_o infinite_a space_n can_v be_v measure_v or_o draw_v into_o the_o number_n of_o proportion_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v because_o whatever_o a_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o must_v either_o single_o be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o else_o by_o the_o reduplication_n of_o a_o short_a measure_n we_o must_v at_o last_o sum_n up_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n into_o one_o entire_a dimension_n in_o breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n but_o what_o infinite_a measure_n can_v we_o find_v out_o that_o shall_v stretch_v itself_o parallel_a to_o what_o be_v altogether_o infinite_a since_o what_o be_v so_o have_v no_o end_n or_o what_o number_n of_o measure_n can_v possible_o reach_v it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v run_v over_o it_o have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v infinite_a if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o one_o infinite_a can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o another_o and_o no_o penetration_n yet_o admit_v then_o one_o must_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o and_o then_o neither_o can_v be_v account_v infinite_a because_o one_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o other_o if_o a_o penetration_n through_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v both_o infinite_n will_v be_v but_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o measure_n must_v perish_v so_o that_o for_o a_o finite_a be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a essence_n or_o to_o frame_v a_o idea_n or_o a_o adequate_a representation_n of_o he_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o grasp_v the_o globe_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n to_o carry_v the_o great_a mountain_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n when_o he_o have_v tear_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o ocean_n at_o one_o draught_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o difficult_a there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v finite_a but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a none_o at_o all_o when_o we_o can_v contain_v the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n in_o a_o empty-eggshel_a shoot_v the_o fix_a star_n down_o from_o heaven_n take_v a_o leap_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o moon_n make_v the_o least_o vessel_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o impossible_a then_o may_v we_o attempt_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o accomplish_v it_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o infinite_a be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o notional_a idol_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v a_o substantial_a one_o yet_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o our_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o frame_v similitude_n and_o representation_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o here_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o inform_v you_o what_o as_o i_o conceive_v ought_v to_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a god_n to_o who_o they_o pray_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v rational_o and_o also_o pious_o direct_v in_o this_o important_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o life_n to_o effect_v this_o it_o must_v be_v remark_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n contain_v within_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v include_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o own_o declaration_n have_v
we_o find_v after_o a_o excursion_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n when_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o inadvertency_n or_o diversion_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o a_o unusual_a heaviness_n and_o oppression_n in_o our_o body_n forget_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v conversant_a about_o but_o especial_o in_o our_o public_a devotion_n the_o devout_a gesture_n of_o other_o about_o we_o mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v ourselves_o and_o we_o can_v remain_v cold_a and_o stupid_a when_o we_o see_v other_o express_v the_o affection_n and_o ardour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o those_o action_n in_o which_o we_o common_o represent_v they_o when_o by_o the_o gesture_n of_o their_o body_n they_o seem_v to_o pour_v out_o their_o very_a soul_n in_o prayer_n how_o do_v we_o see_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n sparkle_v with_o zeal_n when_o void_a of_o all_o passion_n or_o hypocrifie_n how_o do_v humility_n and_o some_o man_n low_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o cause_v their_o body_n to_o stoop_v and_o their_o knee_n to_o bend_v how_o do_v faith_n and_o hope_n again_o lift_v up_o the_o most_o feeble_a hand_n at_o once_o to_o beg_v and_o receive_v god_n favour_n and_o such_o devout_a action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o hypocritical_a will_v raise_v and_o evidence_n our_o own_o affection_n however_o must_v certain_o inflame_v other_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a then_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v of_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o inward_a intention_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o poet_n say_v of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n that_o when_o they_o be_v only_o single_a they_o portend_v mischief_n and_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o storm_n but_o when_o they_o appear_v both_o together_o they_o presage_v a_o fortunate_a passage_n to_o the_o church_n declare_v piety_n in_o who_o they_o shine_v and_o a_o solid_a and_o well_o ground_a devotion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o particular_a refer_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o deportment_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o make_v a_o search_n into_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o god_n especial_o in_o our_o joint_n and_o common_a petition_n there_o be_v not_o more_o frequent_a extravagancy_n among_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o other_o than_o what_o usual_o proceed_v from_o the_o slip_n or_o design_v action_n of_o our_o tongue_n these_o be_v so_o nimble_a when_o the_o body_n become_v heat_v and_o chafe_v as_o if_o all_o our_o spirit_n fly_v thither_o that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o some_o warm_a constitution_n to_o afford_v they_o any_o rest_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o talkative_a when_o we_o be_v awake_v that_o they_o be_v tattle_v too_o whilst_o we_o be_v asleep_a therefore_o the_o skilful_a and_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a task_n of_o the_o empire_n within_o ourselves_o and_o needs_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o law_n and_o a_o great_a and_o wary_a caution_n to_o be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o stop_v the_o sally_n of_o it_o that_o our_o word_n may_v be_v guide_v with_o discretion_n the_o tongue_n say_v st._n james_n be_v a_o little_a member_n but_o boast_v great_a thing_n and_o he_o compare_v it_o to_o fire_n a_o spark_n of_o which_o often_o turn_v city_n into_o ash_n such_o be_v this_o among_o our_o member_n that_o it_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o itself_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o able_a to_o bridle_v the_o whole_a body_n james_n 3.2_o 5_o 6._o now_o as_o this_o be_v so_o peccant_a in_o our_o conversation_n with_o man_n so_o be_v it_o apt_a to_o err_v in_o our_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o it_o assume_v too_o much_o familiarity_n with_o he_o become_v pert_a and_o rude_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o some_o man_n who_o a_o prince_n honour_n with_o his_o daily_a converse_v be_v so_o sensible_o blow_v up_o with_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o breath_n that_o their_o former_a acquaintance_n must_v not_o know_v they_o so_o oftentimes_o they_o become_v saucy_a to_o he_o that_o have_v advance_v they_o and_o blow_v his_o breath_n back_o upon_o himself_o when_o they_o have_v first_o poison_v it_o in_o their_o own_o body_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o many_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a god_n that_o make_v they_o utter_v such_o language_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o as_o will_v cause_v man_n to_o scorn_n and_o reject_v their_o petition_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o due_a consideration_n and_o impress_v themselves_o with_o a_o just_a awe_n from_o the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n since_o we_o have_v a_o acceptable_a person_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o heb._n 4.16_o but_o who_o can_v think_v that_o such_o a_o text_n give_v encouragement_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o fly_v against_o the_o face_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o advance_v their_o privilege_n into_o a_o confident_a rudeness_n rather_o sure_o the_o same_o apostle_n sober_a advice_n must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o extravagant_a presumption_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o profound_a reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n because_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12.28_o 29._o to_o manage_v therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n in_o such_o language_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o we_o may_v take_v if_o we_o be_v willing_a these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o that_o our_o word_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a 2._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a 3._o they_o must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a 4._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o they_o must_v be_v premeditate_v and_o fix_v first_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n in_o our_o solemn_a prayer_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v mind_v however_o be_v affect_v with_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o if_o he_o be_v it_o be_v without_o reason_n and_o he_o do_v not_o act_n like_o a_o man_n we_o have_v indeed_o too_o melancholy_a and_o woeful_a experience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v take_v with_o musical_a stroke_n and_o any_o thing_n which_o make_v curious_a and_o grateful_a percussion_n upon_o their_o ear_n be_v extreme_o delight_v with_o such_o sound_n of_o word_n as_o be_v void_a of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n if_o we_o think_v that_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n become_v a_o reasonable_a service_n unto_o god_n prayer_n require_v that_o our_o apprehension_n and_o wish_n keep_v a_o parallel_n with_o our_o word_n in_o which_o we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n we_o may_v otherwise_o beg_v a_o serpent_n when_o we_o intend_v a_o fish_n and_o ask_v for_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n if_o in_o public_a we_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n of_o he_o that_o offer_v service_n in_o our_o behalf_n he_o may_v curse_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o we_o think_v he_o bless_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o can_v at_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o it_o but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o ridiculous_a service_n when_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o his_o bundle_n of_o infirmity_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o either_o to_o his_o quick_a or_o dull_a invention_n as_o his_o body_n or_o his_o mind_n be_v either_o vigorous_a or_o disturb_v so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o any_o tolerable_a knowledge_n or_o due_a consideration_n say_v amen_o to_o what_o be_v utter_v or_o compose_v for_o we_o by_o some_o man_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o ourselves_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o we_o can_v never_o proportion_v our_o affection_n or_o the_o intention_n of_o out_o mind_n suitable_a to_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v prayer_n especial_o what_o be_v public_a shall_v be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o word_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o
they_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o testify_v their_o consent_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v pass_v over_o before_o they_o come_v be_v moral_o assure_v from_o the_o continual_a custom_n and_o use_n there_o especial_o the_o minister_n be_v pre-engaged_n both_o by_o a_o oath_n and_o severe_a penalty_n attend_v the_o violation_n to_o use_v no_o other_o form_n of_o worship_n than_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o common_a rubric_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v pass_v over_o by_o unite_n in_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o easy_a recollection_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o utter_v a_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o by_o common_a use_n may_v at_o least_o better_a than_o by_o any_o other_o method_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v in_o extemporary_a effusion_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o obtain_v some_o interest_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o especial_o if_o under_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v hearty_o intent_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o yet_o pray_v with_o some_o good_a understanding_n though_o it_o can_v be_v so_o well_o as_o if_o he_o have_v consent_v from_o part_n to_o part_n with_o all_o and_o he_o may_v not_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wilful_a omission_n and_o neglect_v but_o only_o a_o mistake_n of_o time_n and_o a_o misfortune_n but_o if_o this_o reason_n will_v not_o prevail_v yet_o three_o i_o argue_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expedience_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o great_a example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o certain_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a for_o we_o find_v he_o in_o his_o agony_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o multiply_v misery_n oppress_v and_o torture_v he_o to_o use_v only_o this_o short_a prayer_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v matth._n 26.39_o and_o when_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n he_o return_v again_o to_o his_o devotion_n we_o read_v that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o the_o evangelist_n have_v very_o little_o alter_v the_o phrase_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o to_o change_v at_o all_o for_o when_o be_v inform_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v the_o three_o time_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o however_o if_o this_o instance_n may_v miscarry_v as_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o be_v torture_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o passion_n invocate_v god_n his_o word_n be_v a_o form_n long_o before_o use_v by_o david_n and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o 22._o psalm_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o i_o argue_v for_o let_v form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o probable_o borrow_v it_o as_o mr_n mede_n in_o his_o diatribae_fw-la hint_n from_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o doctor_n of_o israel_n to_o deliver_v some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o their_o disciple_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o discipleship_n however_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o notion_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o baptist_n himself_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n do_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o use_v though_o we_o find_v not_o upon_o record_n what_o it_o be_v yet_o probable_o it_o may_v be_v a_o prayer_n near_o the_o sense_n and_o expression_n of_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n for_o his_o form_n as_o to_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a form_n a_o little_a vary_v and_o therefore_o grotius_n infer_v that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o far_o from_o all_o affectation_n of_o any_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o to_o let_v these_o thing_n pass_v the_o scripture_n itself_o plain_o inform_v we_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v give_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o the_o text_n declare_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n end_v his_o own_o prayer_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n petition_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o our_o saviour_n present_o without_o any_o other_o intervening_a discourse_n reply_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o desire_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11.1_o 2._o so_o that_o either_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o form_n although_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v use_v which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v say_v or_o our_o saviour_n elude_v the_o request_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o answer_v only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o not_o the_o whole_a which_o no_o christian_n will_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v or_o if_o he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n teach_v his_o own_o disciple_n to_o pray_v as_o or_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o john_n also_o teach_v he_o than_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o infer_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o pray_v by_o five_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n but_o great_a advantage_n in_o a_o study_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n when_o extemporary_a and_o unpremeditated_a devotion_n utter_v in_o present_a and_o sudden_a language_n can_v neither_o evade_v the_o one_o nor_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o other_o study_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v often_o and_o receive_v the_o censure_n and_o correction_n of_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o common_a judgement_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o they_o upon_o view_n of_o they_o before_o hand_n may_v be_v able_a to_o suit_v their_o affection_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o mind_n both_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o also_o the_o expression_n which_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n they_o can_v do_v but_o must_v on_o a_o sudden_a be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n word_n and_o expression_n of_o another_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v to_o the_o break_a sense_n extravagant_a phrase_n dark_a metaphor_n frequent_a interruption_n or_o bodily_a infirmity_n distract_n often_o another_o man_n or_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o fear_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o may_v often_o attend_v a_o man_n bewilder_v through_o worldly_a care_n or_o disturb_v with_o the_o thought_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o mind_n form_n of_o prayer_n study_v and_o review_v be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o impertinency_n tautology_n and_o vain_a repetition_n that_o too_o sudden_a effusion_n frequent_o produce_v when_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o matter_n fluency_n of_o language_n or_o apt_a word_n to_o express_v the_o petition_n man_n be_v willing_a to_o present_v nay_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a may_v by_o the_o frequent_a audience_n of_o public_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n by_o the_o due_a intention_n and_o affection_n of_o their_o mind_n when_o these_o be_v devout_o and_o distinct_o pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n or_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n fix_v and_o remember_v some_o thing_n and_o expression_n for_o their_o more_o private_a and_o single_a use_n and_o at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o express_v their_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o the_o private_a relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o in_o this_o the_o public_a language_n of_o the_o church_n when_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v accomplish_v by_o hear_v the_o same_o matter_n various_o phrased_a and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v alter_v and_o diversify_v in_o respect_n of_o order_n and_o position_n of_o word_n and_o intermix_v with_o new_a fancy_n and_o obscurity_n and_o frequent_a jumbling_n and_o interposition_n of_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o word_n that_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n provoke_v man_n to_o act_n of_o adoration_n or_o rapture_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o what_o methodical_o shall_v be_v prayer_n and_o petition_n so_o that_o they_o who_o possess_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a if_o they_o be_v able_a with_o due_a judgement_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v pace_n with_o he_o who_o in_o this_o way_n can_v invent_v and_o utter_v prayer_n with_o neither_o yet_o they_o can_v no_o more_o carry_v away_o what_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o their_o private_a retirement_n than_o the_o gift_a man_n be_v able_a afterward_o to_o remember_v and_o repeat_v his_o own_o prayer_n for_o in_o these_o sudden_a and_o
and_o divine_a prayer_n '_o that_o prayer_n among_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o change_v the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o we_o pray_v but_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v not_o change_v he_o but_o only_o fit_v we_o for_o receive_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o yet_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o some_o grain_n of_o salt_n by_o distinguish_v betwixt_o god_n essence_n and_o his_o will_n his_o essence_n indeed_o can_v be_v change_v by_o our_o prayer_n but_o his_o will_n may_v again_o before_o the_o former_a assertion_n can_v be_v account_v true_a god_n decree_n must_v be_v distinguish_v into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a his_o absolute_a decree_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o his_o conditional_a may_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o however_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o one_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o one_o design_n of_o god_n command_v it_o though_o this_o can_v be_v all_o next_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o natural_a subjection_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o produce_v the_o growth_n and_o action_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o favour_n for_o which_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o some_o thoughtfulness_n consider_v what_o a_o direct_a influence_n our_o prayer_n have_v to_o the_o accomplish_v such_o glorious_a design_n we_o can_v deny_v even_o this_o argument_n to_o conclude_v our_o duty_n for_o how_o effectual_o do_v our_o prayer_n move_v we_o to_o those_o virtue_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o we_o implore_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n if_o we_o be_v at_o all_o hearty_a in_o our_o address_n and_o how_o direct_o do_v they_o check_v those_o vice_n which_o we_o both_o lament_v a_o former_a and_o pray_v against_o a_o future_a commission_n of_o our_o confession_n bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o those_o expression_n by_o which_o we_o aggravate_v they_o with_o truth_n cause_v we_o to_o abominate_a those_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o thus_o with_o horror_n most_o dreadful_o decipher_v our_o petition_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o obtain_v relief_n and_o our_o very_a thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v impress_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n can_v but_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o so_o good_a a_o benefactor_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o cause_n return_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o large_a dependence_n and_o from_o who_o as_o often_o as_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v renew_v obligation_n so_o that_o be_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n frequent_o practise_v with_o due_a humility_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v those_o sin_n with_o industry_n and_o delight_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v confess_v with_o sorrow_n and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o with_o seriousness_n and_o repentance_n and_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n give_v man_n assurance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v more_o frequent_o pray_v they_o will_v sin_v less_o and_o the_o rational_a and_o humble_a management_n of_o their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n far_o beyond_o what_o those_o can_v expect_v by_o another_o method_n who_o do_v not_o frequent_o and_o serious_o adventure_v the_o experiment_n for_o as_o according_a to_o plato_n philosophy_n the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o so_o by_o often_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o which_o we_o adore_v and_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v what_o we_o admire_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o rational_a man_n to_o imitate_v in_o themselves_o that_o which_o they_o commend_v and_o praise_n in_o another_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n which_o in_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o habitual_a possession_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v call_v communicable_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o best_o distinguish_v we_o from_o beast_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o converse_v only_o with_o sensual_a object_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o tincture_n themselves_o by_o their_o conversation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o rational_a they_o become_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o grillus_n in_o plutarch_n phaed._n reason_n and_o assert_n well_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o if_o religion_n be_v once_o take_v from_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o better_a than_o brute_n but_o more_o miserable_a for_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o evil_n their_o trouble_n be_v accent_v and_o their_o disquietment_n enlarge_v beyond_o the_o perception_n of_o other_o creature_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o insensible_a nature_n it_o be_v religion_n therefore_o that_o perfect_v and_o consummate_v the_o being_n of_o man_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o aspire_v to_o glory_n through_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o endless_a immortality_n and_o in_o this_o it_o render_v they_o far_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a brute_n who_o live_v some_o time_n and_o then_o die_v and_o perish_v now_o such_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v with_o and_o be_v bear_v upon_o our_o prayer_n to_o which_o religion_n have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n that_o whenever_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a offspring_n and_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n rise_v up_o at_o last_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o consideration_n can_v but_o convince_v we_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o either_o regard_n god_n or_o ourselves_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n or_o our_o uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o great_a god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o we_o invert_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n when_o we_o expect_v the_o conveyance_n in_o another_o way_n for_o though_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a know_v our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v not_o present_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a although_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o resolution_n nor_o can_v we_o prescribe_v method_n to_o he_o or_o with_o modest_a devotion_n desire_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o grant_v yet_o in_o prayer_n direct_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n he_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtainment_n of_o what_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o desire_n vuit_fw-la deus_fw-la rogavi_fw-la vult_fw-la cogi_fw-la vult_fw-la quâdam_fw-la importunitate_fw-la vinci_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n bona_fw-la est_fw-la haec_fw-la violentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v compel_v he_o will_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n when_o in_o prayer_n we_o wrestle_v with_o almighty_a god_n and_o like_o jacob_n we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o blessing_n behind_o he_o he_o love_v in_o our_o devotion_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o with_o due_a humility_n importune_v he_o with_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o without_o faint_v we_o express_v our_o want_n he_o will_v neither_o withhold_v grace_n nor_o glory_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o these_o and_o certain_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v such_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o who_o resolve_v not_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o happiness_n by_o miss_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v both_o gain_v and_o exercise_v in_o it_o who_o love_n communion_n with_o god_n here_o respect_v their_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o so_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o as_o for_o ever_o to_o abandon_v the_o
reader_n that_o there_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n that_o coster_n the_o jesuit_n in_o euchrid_n controv_fw-mi cap._n 8._o sect._n 10._o say_v can_v escape_v this_o charge_n upon_o it_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o true_a substantial_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o that_o sacrament_n but_o what_o we_o receive_v be_v in_o substance_n only_a bread_n and_o wine_n christ_n deal_v unworthy_o with_o his_o church_n who_o by_o occasion_n of_o his_o own_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n leave_v it_o for_o 1500_o year_n together_o in_o so_o great_a a_o error_n and_o such_o idolatry_n as_o be_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o moreover_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o last_o assertion_n that_o their_o error_n be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a who_o worship_v a_o gold_n or_o silver_n statue_n or_o any_o image_n of_o other_o matter_n for_o god_n as_o the_o gentile_n in_o time_n pass_v worship_v they_o or_o such_o as_o worship_v a_o piece_n of_o red_a cloth_n lift_v up_o on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o spear_n as_o be_v report_v of_o the_o laplander_n or_o live_a creature_n as_o ancient_o the_o egyptian_n do_v than_o the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o worship_n a_o bit_n of_o bread_n which_o hitherto_o say_v he_o but_o very_o false_o the_o christian_n have_v do_v suppose_v transubstantiation_n not_o true_a so_o that_o according_a to_o their_o own_o confession_n if_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o doctor_n render_v his_o own_o opinion_n probable_a if_o our_o saviour_n substantial_a and_o corporeal_a flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o christ_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v figurative_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n use_v before_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o which_o protestant_n have_v a_o apparent_a advantage_n in_o their_o proof_n and_o argument_n then_o any_o man_n may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v idolater_n when_o they_o worship_v a_o wafer_n instead_o of_o god_n nay_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o idolater_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o jesuit_n say_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n and_o this_o deserve_v not_o in_o reason_n any_o severe_a censure_n among_o themselves_o because_o upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n the_o opinion_n of_o any_o one_o allow_v doctor_n among_o they_o may_v be_v safe_o follow_v without_o peril_n of_o damnation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o may_v be_v very_o lawful_a to_o shift_v opinion_n when_o these_o doctor_n contradict_v one_o another_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a when_o urge_v home_o by_o one_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n in_o controversy_n than_o i_o will_v take_v off_o that_o by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o charge_v those_o protestant_n with_o great_a uncharitableness_n who_o draw_v this_o impeachment_n high_a against_o they_o when_o they_o accuse_v they_o of_o idolatry_n in_o their_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o invalidate_v the_o best_a answer_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v true_a to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o another_o of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o crime_n because_o they_o worship_v not_o the_o bread_n which_o they_o believe_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n to_o be_v absent_a but_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v present_a together_o with_o his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o after_o they_o have_v conjure_v he_o into_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n so_o that_o these_o hide_v he_o from_o any_o discovery_n by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n of_o mankind_n they_o seem_v first_o to_o make_v he_o present_a then_o adore_v what_o they_o have_v so_o make_v and_o at_o last_o eat_v up_o and_o devour_v he_o unless_o they_o can_v again_o slip_v he_o away_o betwixt_o their_o finger_n and_o their_o tooth_n together_o yet_o if_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o this_o be_v false_a than_o we_o may_v still_o charge_v the_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n according_a to_o the_o probable_a opinion_n of_o the_o jesuit_n but_o what_o have_v we_o dull_a protestant_n to_o do_v with_o this_o or_o their_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n by_o which_o they_o only_o innocent_o design_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n to_o enter_v upon_o such_o point_n too_o far_o will_v overdo_v my_o present_a purpose_n and_o i_o may_v in_o the_o wind_a up_o of_o the_o bottom_n be_v accuse_v for_o charge_v the_o romish_a church_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o conclusion_n of_o particular_a man_n and_o cause_v all_o the_o excellent_a order_n among_o they_o to_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o some_o papist_n for_o design_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o will_v ready_o and_o not_o without_o cause_n consider_v all_o thing_n confess_v to_o be_v the_o most_o pernicious_a order_n or_o rather_o sect_n that_o ever_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n i._n e._n the_o worst_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n let_v we_o leave_v this_o then_o and_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o meddle_v no_o long_o with_o the_o nice_a affair_n of_o particular_a society_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n if_o from_o my_o precedent_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n i_o may_v just_o and_o by_o due_a consequence_n infer_v that_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v such_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o god_n reveal_v will_n that_o it_o may_v just_o be_v brand_v with_o superstition_n according_a to_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v common_o present_a at_o it_o can_v accompany_v with_o due_a and_o proper_a intention_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o hear_v and_o their_o method_n of_o address_n such_o as_o christianity_n never_o prescribe_v nor_o be_v by_o any_o church_n in_o the_o first_o time_n ever_o practise_v nay_o not_o by_o their_o own_o till_o they_o have_v debauch_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o advance_v themselves_o corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o cause_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o truckle_n to_o their_o fancy_n and_o begin_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o own_o net_n and_o make_v st._n peter_n successor_n at_o rome_n such_o cunning_a fisherman_n as_o catch_v only_o such_o fish_n as_o bring_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n make_v merchandise_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o the_o traffic_n these_o be_v head_n sufficient_a for_o a_o protestant_n to_o discourse_n upon_o but_o i_o must_v omit_v such_o and_o many_o more_o if_o i_o dilate_v coherent_o to_o what_o i_o have_v confine_v myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o make_v discovery_n of_o that_o apparent_a sacrilege_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v the_o people_n nay_o the_o priest_n too_o unless_o they_o consecrate_v of_o half_a their_o communion_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whilst_o they_o think_v a_o pretty_a invention_n of_o concomitancy_n will_v excuse_v their_o theft_n when_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o give_v the_o sign_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o that_o his_o real_a death_n may_v be_v the_o better_o signify_v since_o his_o blood_n be_v actual_o separate_v from_o his_o body_n nor_o shall_v i_o write_v at_o this_o time_n concern_v the_o villainy_n of_o their_o confession_n and_o absolution_n which_o as_o they_o use_v they_o to_o base_a and_o bloody_a and_o secular_a advantage_n be_v most_o intolerable_a nor_o of_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a indefensible_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n with_o which_o they_o usual_o so_o load_v their_o devotion_n that_o baffle_v all_o true_a evangelical_n worship_n confound_v the_o intention_n of_o man_n mind_n turn_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o their_o body_n into_o pageanty_n and_o stage_n play_v make_v their_o prayer_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v nothing_o but_o a_o external_a show_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n and_o outside_n devotion_n turn_v their_o priesthood_n into_o such_o a_o trade_n that_o all_o the_o preparation_n of_o learning_n and_o divinity_n can_v enter_v they_o but_o novice_n into_o the_o school_n of_o exercise_n and_o they_o have_v need_n serve_v another_o apprenticeship_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o posture_n and_o giggombob_n of_o action_n though_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n as_o vain_a and_o bad_a be_v prescribe_v and_o command_v in_o their_o book_n of_o office_n