that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v use_v where_o the_o other_o can_v as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o even_o when_o there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n of_o use_v a_o form_n or_o premeditation_n but_o only_o to_o person_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o have_v well_o exercise_v themselves_o therein_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o copious_a and_o quick_a invention_n and_o memory_n of_o true_a just_a useful_a thing_n and_o of_o convenient_a speech_n to_o signify_v oâ—_n express_v they_o all_o conveniency_n consider_v possible_o a_o mixture_n of_o public_a and_o private_a form_n and_o of_o premeditate_a prayer_n may_v be_v best_a whereby_o the_o inconvenience_n in_o all_o may_v be_v correct_v or_o remedy_v by_o each_o other_o and_o the_o peculiar_a conveniency_n of_o all_o obtain_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v some_o discreet_a and_o pious_a superior_n frequent_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o to_o hear_v and_o direct_v those_o who_o may_v be_v less_o sufficient_a when_o they_o perform_v this_o duty_n in_o public_a sect_n xvii_o ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o propound_v some_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o direction_n viz._n how_o to_o obtain_v these_o due_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v and_o they_o be_v these_o six_o or_o seven_o among_o other_o 1._o read_v we_o much_o and_o understand_v well_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o true_o and_o useful_o to_o our_o own_o case_n the_o least_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n though_o there_o be_v many_o other_o excellent_a use_n be_v those_o part_n which_o be_v controversial_a or_o historical_a except_o those_o which_o deliver_v the_o action_n but_o especial_o the_o speech_n of_o holy_a person_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n among_o which_o be_v some_o prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o most_o useful_a be_v those_o which_o be_v devotional_a such_o as_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o true_o excellent_a example_n of_o all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n the_o circumstance_n be_v right_o understand_v of_o which_o i_o have_v still_o successive_o make_v use_n also_o those_o part_n which_o be_v preceptive_a which_o contain_v instruction_n for_o our_o duty_n what_o our_o temper_n and_o spirit_n ouâ—_n action_n and_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n our_o saviour_n discourse_n many_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n i_o say_v these_o be_v more_o useful_a for_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o be_v controversial_a as_o most_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n though_o out_o of_o these_o too_o much_o may_v be_v have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o with_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v always_o some_o short_a and_o plain_a paraphrase_n to_o be_v read_v with_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o plain_a may_v not_o be_v use_v ignorant_o confuse_o false_o and_o erroneous_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v we_o may_v think_v we_o pray_v in_o scripture_n when_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o with_o the_o sense_n as_o if_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v mean_v all_o other_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o ourselves_o and_o not_o the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a manner_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v then_o and_o be_v now_o general_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n or_o confess_v our_o very_a best_a do_n be_v pollute_v rag_n we_o shall_v mean_v the_o best_a of_o the_o best_a man_n action_n and_o particular_o his_o sincere_a and_o ardent_a love_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n exert_n which_o sure_o may_v be_v in_o one_o action_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o not_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o nation_n general_o even_o in_o their_o religious_a performance_n or_o the_o best_a of_o their_o action_n formal_a hypocritical_a insincere_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n when_o speak_v and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v use_v or_o such_o like_a instance_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a right_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o through_o vain_a imagination_n rashness_n confidence_n self-conceit_n abuse_v the_o language_n thereof_o and_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v doubtful_a and_o pious_a holy_a and_o wise_a man_n differ_v rather_o to_o abstain_v therefrom_o we_o may_v find_v elsewhere_o expression_n enough_o beside_o for_o our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o scripture-expression_n very_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o their_o sense_n and_o need_v no_o paraphrase_n or_o other_o word_n for_o their_o better_a understanding_n as_o that_o we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o we_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v do_v god_n will_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o be_v love_v without_o dissimulation_n merciful_a with_o cheerfulness_n to_o abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o be_v kind_o affection_a in_o honour_n to_o prefer_v one_o another_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n those_o especial_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n especial_o when_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n with_o the_o persecute_a christian_n give_v to_o hospitality_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o persecute_v etc._n etc._n as_o that_o most_o delicious_o honest_a chapter_n of_o roman_n the_o 12_o go_v on_o and_o rom._n 13._o and_o likewise_o coloss_n 3._o and_o gall._n 5._o further_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o repentance_n unto_o life_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o score_v the_o like_a but_o if_o we_o use_v any_o scripture-phrase_n obscure_a and_o doubtful_a it_o be_v best_o as_o short_a and_o clear_a as_o may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o paraphrase_n they_o or_o express_v they_o in_o our_o most_o know_a and_o therefore_o plain_a language_n as_o have_v be_v before_o brief_o advise_v thus_o by_o use_v ourselves_o to_o read_v much_o and_o right_o understand_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o good_a store_n of_o true_a just_a useful_a and_o important_a matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n though_o we_o ought_v if_o we_o can_v to_o judge_v what_o even_o scripture_n matter_n be_v most_o important_a and_o useful_a for_o we_o in_o particular_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n moreover_o scripture-phrase_n thus_o use_v be_v such_o as_o do_v invite_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o because_o speak_v by_o author_n for_o who_o we_o have_v worthy_o a_o great_a veneration_n and_o we_o judge_v at_o least_o direct_v and_o oversee_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o expression_n scripture-phrase_n likewise_o which_o be_v plain_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o quick_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v more_o common_a and_o use_v which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o any_o other_o i_o say_v just_a now_o where_o scripture-phrase_n be_v obscure_a there_o it_o will_v be_v best_a as_o short_o and_o as_o clear_o as_o we_o can_v to_o paraphrase_n they_o in_o other_o phrase_n most_o use_v and_o therefore_o best_a know_v what_o they_o signify_v as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o shall_v pray_v in_o scripture-language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v christ_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v add_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sincere_a firm_a and_o constant_a believer_n or_o christian_n who_o may_v give_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n send_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o believe_v all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o practise_v according_o not_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n or_o that_o by_o his_o effectual_a procurement_n god_n will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n acquit_v we_o from_o punishment_n
which_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o expression_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n galat._n 1_o verse_n 22._o and_o salute_v andronicus_n and_o junia_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o i_o rom._n 16._o 7._o be_v those_o that_o be_v christian_n so_o also_o if_o we_o pray_v that_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o we_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v put_v on_o christ_n or_o the_o lord_n jesus_n add_v we_o by_o way_n of_o paraphrase_n and_o more_o know_v expression_n that_o we_o may_v firm_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a that_o ourselves_o may_v be_v deep_o and_o constant_o endue_v with_o those_o most_o excellent_a quality_n of_o such_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o or_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o galat._n 3_o verse_n 27._o as_o many_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n that_o be_v at_o least_o have_v believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o of_o rom._n 13._o verse_n 14._o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n hereby_o also_o beside_o the_o sentence_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v convey_v at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v mostwhat_a well_o enough_o know_v to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o among_o we_o as_o it_o seem_v so_o also_o when_o we_o make_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n in_o scripture_n sentence_n in_o prayer_n let_v we_o choose_v rather_o such_o as_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o therefore_o most_o proper_a or_o as_o little_a figurative_a as_o may_v be_v as_o thou_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n act_n 2._o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o tryer_n of_o reins_o thou_o be_v god_n which_o have_v make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n act_n 4._o great_a be_v the_o lord_n and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a that_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v he_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n over_o all_o his_o work_n psalm_n 145._o that_o he_o be_v our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o we_o use_v those_o expression_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d after_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v best_a to_o add_v at_o least_o sometime_o some_o proper_a word_n or_o phrase_n for_o explication_n and_o prevention_n of_o mistake_n especial_o in_o vulgar_a apprehension_n for_o example_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v thy_o throne_n o_o lord_n be_v in_o heaven_n thy_o eye_n behold_v thy_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n psalm_n 11._o verse_n 4._o it_o may_v follow_v in_o heaven_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a manifestation_n of_o thy_o presence_n of_o thy_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n yet_o thou_o most_o exact_o know_v all_o thing_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o man_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v thou_o lord_n look_v from_o heaven_n and_o behold_v all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n from_o the_o place_n of_o thy_o habitation_n thou_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 33._o verse_n 13._o we_o may_v add_v these_o or_o other_o more_o fit_a expression_n according_a to_o the_o auditory_a thy_o power_n and_o knowledge_n thy_o providence_n be_v extend_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n that_o be_v every_o where_n to_o thou_o the_o effect_n of_o who_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o great_a in_o the_o heavenly_a region_n be_v also_o perfect_o know_v whatsoever_o be_v here_o upon_o this_o earth_n when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o love_v the_o righteous_a we_o may_v add_v punish_v the_o one_o and_o will_v and_o do_v good_a to_o the_o other_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o slow_a to_o anger_n may_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o lord_n do_v plentiful_o and_o frequent_o relieve_v the_o miserable_a distress_a afflict_a and_o delay_v or_o forbear_v to_o punish_v sinner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a and_o useful_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o those_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o proper_o signify_v humane_a passion_n apply_v to_o god_n they_o signify_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o passion_n i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o the_o learned_a &_o unlearned_a but_o especial_o the_o last_o often_o gross_o enough_o and_o false_o conceive_v god_n with_o humane_a passion_n place_n and_o other_o imperfection_n beside_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o such_o proper_a expression_n will_v make_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v the_o true_a spiritual_a and_o perfect_a nature_n of_o god_n sect_n xviii_o 2._o i_o advise_v those_o who_o be_v capable_a thereof_o to_o contemplation_n consideration_n examination_n that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o and_o observe_v particular_o what_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o proper_a matter_n for_o each_o of_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n before_o mention_v that_o they_o may_v judge_v and_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o each_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o when_o it_o be_v most_o so_o or_o its_o seasonableness_n that_o they_o may_v also_o often_o reflect_v upon_o and_o observe_v the_o intention_n purpose_n and_o end_n they_o have_v in_o their_o prayer_n purify_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n that_o they_o may_v quicken_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o those_o affection_n or_o inclination_n which_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a according_a as_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o thing_n upbraid_v and_o reproach_v themselves_o with_o a_o unreasonable_a dulness_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v more_o affect_v withal_o if_o any_o of_o we_o have_v time_n or_o ability_n use_v we_o it_o to_o meditate_v upon_o god_n his_o nature_n his_o attribute_n his_o action_n as_o long_o and_o as_o particular_o as_o we_o can_v to_o consider_v to_o judge_v to_o examine_v what_o he_o true_o and_o real_o be_v and_o do_v and_o according_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o admiration_n honour_n love_n desire_v fear_v faith_n and_o hope_n obedience_n submission_n and_o self-resignation_n in_o confession_n thanksgiving_n and_o petition_n the_o thing_n be_v yet_o more_o easy_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a for_o who_o can_v if_o he_o will_v take_v some_o time_n to_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o life_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o youth_n in_o his_o ripe_a age_n when_o in_o this_o or_o that_o or_o other_o place_n condition_n call_v or_o employment_n what_o be_v well_o what_o be_v ill_o do_v by_o he_o where_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o sincere_a where_o not_o what_o he_o have_v be_v or_o do_v the_o last_o year_n or_o week_n or_o day_n who_o can_v enter_v into_o account_n and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o common_a blessing_n that_o he_o and_o other_o do_v constant_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o moreover_o particular_o many_o favour_n spiritual_a of_o good_a instruction_n wise_a pious_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advise_v good_a example_n from_o his_o minister_n or_o his_o friend_n relation_n and_o neighbour_n many_o good_a suggestion_n and_o motion_n of_o conscience_n that_o have_v keep_v he_o from_o wickedness_n or_o put_v he_o on_o to_o what_o be_v good_a temporal_a one_o also_o of_o prosperity_n health_n deliverance_n plenty_n or_o competency_n or_o at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v reflect_v upon_o god_n goodness_n in_o forbearance_n when_o he_o have_v reflect_v upon_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o gracious_a offer_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o christ_n sake_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n and_o inward_a habitual_a change_n and_o amendment_n of_o temper_n and_o life_n and_o consequent_o of_o heaven_n and_o a_o happy_a life_n after_o we_o here_o expire_v and_o leave_v this_o earthly_a body_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n for_o petition_n the_o mean_a person_n sure_o may_v in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n learn_v to_o know_v much_o of_o what_o he_o will_v have_v and_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v if_o any_o one_o shall_v give_v the_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a person_n notice_n to_o let_v he_o know_v what_o he_o want_v and_o
convey_v and_o express_v truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o thing_n aâ—â—_n call_v substantial_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o ever_o way_n great_a use_n benefit_n or_o profit_n that_o multitude_n variety_n unwontedness_n novety_n and_o all_o elegancy_n of_o sense_n and_o word_n thing_n and_o expression_n and_o we_o deserve_v blame_v and_o undervalue_v this_o childishness_n â—_o want_v of_o judgement_n of_o the_o excellency_n usefulness_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n every_o where_o else_o in_o all_o other_o write_n in_o all_o our_o ordinar_fw-mi conversation_n and_o employment_n thing_n most_o useful_a and_o true_a be_v to_o be_v first_o and_o principal_o mind_v though_o never_o so_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a varien_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v chiesly_a to_o commend_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o more_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o â—â—_o please_v and_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_v these_o substantial_a thing_n be_v like_o bread_n in_o our_o diet_n or_o our_o daily_a food_n other_o variety_n be_v butâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o repair_v our_o appetite_n and_o restore_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o â—uch_n like_o more_o wholesome_a nourishment_n if_o the_o prayer_n be_v diverse_a from_o any_o other_o it_o be_v either_o each_o time_n premeditate_v or_o leave_v to_o extempore_o invention_n judgement_n and_o memory_n and_o that_o natural_a or_o inspire_v a_o prayer_n diverse_a from_o another_o may_v be_v otherwise_o from_o other_o respect_v distinguish_v but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v most_o talk_v of_o and_o very_o useful_a thing_n concern_v they_o may_v indeed_o be_v observe_v i_o shall_v take_v notice_n only_o of_o this_o distinction_n and_o further_o observe_v some_o thing_n not_o intend_v accurate_o to_o disenss_n the_o so_o sierce_o agitate_a a_o controversy_n which_o be_v best_a concern_v each_o of_o they_o some_o therefore_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v pray_v as_o also_o a_o more_o extend_v great_a and_o constant_a goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o have_v be_v allow_v or_o not_o except_v against_o and_o remain_v so_o for_o there_o have_v be_v more_o time_n and_o more_o person_n for_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n thâ—n_v in_o premeditate_a or_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o this_o still_o the_o more_o they_o be_v form_n that_o be_v the_o more_o there_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o word_n in_o they_o and_o the_o often_o they_o have_v be_v repeat_v and_o espccial_o oy_fw-mi a_o great_a variety_n of_o person_n for_o more_o person_n have_v have_v long_a time_n to_o attend_v to_o to_o take_v notice_n examine_v and_o consider_v the_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v and_o to_o remark_n what_o be_v unlawful_a dubious_a false_a of_o little_a or_o of_o no_o good_a effect_n or_o hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a they_o have_v actual_o examine_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a they_o will_v have_v discover_v such_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v be_v there_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a probable_a sign_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v and_o which_o be_v want_v in_o premeditate_a or_o extempore_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v a_o necessary_a one_o for_o many_o thing_n dubious_a uncertain_a and_o not_o right_a may_v escape_v the_o notice_n or_o the_o correction_n of_o many_o age_n in_o a_o prayer_n of_o man_n be_v own_o composition_n the_o often_o hâ—_n have_v use_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a sign_n it_o be_v hereof_o and_o here_o therefore_o public_a prayer_n have_v the_o advantage_n general_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v noâ—_n except_v against_o and_o where_o they_o be_v you_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o if_o most_o meâ—â—_n prayer_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n premeditate_v but_o especial_o extempore_o be_v expose_v as_o long_o to_o public_a censure_n and_o examination_n there_o will_v be_v more_o just_o find_v iâ—_n they_o more_o desect_v and_o fault_n and_o some_o shameful_a enough_o and_o sometime_o so_o many_o and_o so_o very_o bad_a that_o their_o prayer_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o none_o or_o but_o little_a better_o the_o thing_n and_o sense_n be_v uncertain_a false_a trivial_a unlawful_a ill_o express_v of_o which_o more_o present_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o extempore_o premeditate_a or_o private_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o falsehood_n frivolousness_n injustice_n disorder_n of_o more_o of_o what_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o to_o many_o other_o defect_n than_o public_a form_n so_o public_a form_n not_o only_o of_o prayer_n but_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v those_o they_o have_v long_o continue_v for_o first_o sometime_o their_o authority_n make_v they_o less_o suspect_v and_o examine_v and_o then_o when_o any_o defect_n be_v suspect_v or_o know_v they_o be_v not_o so_o ready_o declare_v out_o of_o fear_n or_o a_o just_a modesty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v declare_v they_o be_v more_o prejudiced_o and_o partial_o defend_v and_o that_o general_o by_o person_n of_o the_o choice_a wit_n and_o great_a ability_n and_o when_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o society_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n themselves_o it_o be_v dissicult_a to_o have_v they_o alter_v because_o of_o the_o number_n and_o variety_n of_o person_n both_o governor_n and_o govern_v who_o be_v concern_v to_o agree_v and_o the_o inconvenience_n or_o ill_a effect_n of_o alteration_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n ofttimes_o than_o the_o continuance_n of_o many_o defect_n for_o it_o be_v first_o difficult_a to_o get_v all_o the_o concern_v person_n together_o and_o among_o so_o many_o person_n many_o thing_n be_v object_v and_o debate_v which_o take_v up_o time_n and_o pain_n especial_o if_o some_o be_v as_o there_o always_o be_v passionate_a and_o prejudice_v do_v not_o only_o calm_o propose_v but_o contend_v and_o contrive_v that_o their_o opinion_n may_v be_v retain_v or_o receive_v sometime_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o cause_v a_o new_a constitution_n to_o be_v know_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o govern_v and_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n may_v there_o be_v we_o see_v by_o experience_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v any_o defect_n though_o plain_a enough_o alter_v in_o public_a opinion_n and_o practice_n constitute_v wherefore_o the_o constituter_n of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o of_o opinion_n and_o other_o thing_n have_v the_o more_o need_n of_o be_v wise_a and_o upright_a than_o the_o author_n of_o private_a one_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v compose_v and_o constitute_v in_o a_o ignorant_a hypocritical_a profane_a cunning_o tyrannical_a or_o sensual_a age_n there_o be_v many_o prayer_n constitute_v or_o allow_v of_o by_o that_o no_o less_o boast_v than_o corrupt_a church_n of_o rome_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o falsehood_n or_o uncertainty_n their_o trivialness_n and_o uselessness_n their_o impertinency_n disorder_n and_o confusion_n a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a examination_n and_o understanding_n will_v disdain_v to_o use_v himself_o or_o appoint_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a and_o i_o think_v i_o can_v instance_n in_o some_o as_o contemptible_a as_o any_o fanatical_a mechanic_n among_o we_o have_v blunder_v out_o extempore_o 2._o another_o advantage_n of_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n consequent_a upon_o the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o man_n may_v more_o join_v in_o his_o affection_n with_o all_o that_o be_v pray_v and_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_n to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o have_v often_o hear_v it_o repeat_v for_o he_o be_v more_o reasonable_o satisfy_v partly_o by_o testimony_n partly_o possible_o by_o his_o own_o examination_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o prayer_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o send_v up_o the_o desire_v of_o his_o soul_n or_o to_o raise_v up_o other_o suitable_a passion_n and_o affection_n in_o himself_o whereas_o a_o man_n be_v more_o reasonable_o oblige_v to_o examine_v other_o prayer_n and_o to_o know_v both_o these_o before_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o his_o time_n will_v be_v take_v up_o therein_o and_o little_a or_o none_o leave_v for_o affection_n nay_o he_o may_v be_v so_o long_o in_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n or_o justice_n of_o one_o thing_n speak_v that_o he_o may_v neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o rest_n beside_o that_o examination_n and_o attention_n to_o and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n natural_o indispose_v for_o all_o passion_n but_o most_o especial_o just_a at_o the_o
thing_n discover_v by_o ouâ—_n own_o reason_n and_o observation_n divine_a and_o humane_a testimony_n and_o as_o for_o this_o last_o let_v it_o be_v of_o the_o most_o wise_a sober_a virtuous_a unprejudiced_a honest_a person_n who_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o free_a from_o superstition_n it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o mischievous_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n judge_v thing_n good_a or_o bad_a and_o more_o or_o less_o so_o according_a to_o their_o inclination_n which_o be_v principal_o cause_v by_o passion_n though_o not_o always_o and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a effect_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o ought_v therefore_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o dispose_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o great_a affection_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o ourselves_o affection_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o ourselves_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v the_o great_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v so_o the_o most_o universal_o the_o most_o intensly_n and_o most_o constant_o such_o as_o be_v general_o in_o form_n and_o in_o the_o public_a most_o likely_a if_o compose_v and_o allow_v by_o judicious_a wise_a generous_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n the_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o affect_v man_n we_o may_v observe_v be_v selfish_a sensible_a and_o present_a good_a thing_n sometime_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o all_o these_o such_o as_o be_v our_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n our_o be_v elect_v justify_v pardon_v save_v when_o other_o be_v reprobate_v condemn_a punish_v eternal_o sometime_o riches_n plenty_n health_n good_a relation_n or_o friend_n honour_n or_o the_o like_a all_o which_o ofttimes_o be_v the_o least_o good_a thing_n and_o least_o to_o be_v desire_v compare_v with_o other_o either_o because_o they_o be_v but_o sensible_a or_o present_a or_o selfish_a good_a or_o all_o of_o they_o whereas_o thing_n of_o more_o universal_a and_o public_a good_a effect_n spiritual_a future_a aught_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v though_o common_o they_o be_v much_o less_o such_o as_o to_o be_v perfect_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o holy_a to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o and_o please_v he_o to_o be_v universal_o dispose_v and_o enable_v to_o be_v beneficent_a or_o universal_a charity_n and_o beneficence_n self-denial_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_n because_o always_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a humility_n spirituality_n of_o mind_n mortification_n of_o all_o our_o lust_n or_o inordinate_a selfish_a appetite_n etc._n etc._n afterward_o wisdom_n nay_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n we_o be_v more_o to_o desire_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a good_a than_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o our_o persection_n more_o than_o our_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n more_o than_o our_o own_o felicity_n again_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n more_o than_o sensible_a future_o more_o than_o present_a our_o judgement_n final_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o utility_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v direct_v our_o desire_n and_o all_o our_o affection_n in_o our_o prayer_n which_o judgement_n as_o i_o say_v we_o be_v to_o inform_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v by_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n by_o god_n word_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o wise_a holy_a and_o good_a man_n so_o far_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v reason_n impartial_o to_o think_v they_o so_o and_o we_o must_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v to_o know_v who_o be_v so_o and_o last_o much_o by_o a_o natural_a sense_n &_o consequent_a passion_n god_n have_v make_v our_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o some_o thing_n our_o conscience_n allow_v it_o he_o have_v anticipate_v our_o nature_n with_o such_o impression_n if_o we_o can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o contract_v by_o bodily_a temper_n education_n example_n this_o of_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o we_o judge_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v so_o considerable_a among_o man_n and_o have_v natural_o so_o much_o influence_n that_o few_o person_n be_v determine_v in_o their_o opinion_n by_o any_o other_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o premeditate_a prayer_n and_o even_o a_o form_n compose_v by_o a_o private_a person_n and_o recite_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v general_o prefer_v before_o a_o form_n compose_v by_o the_o public_a and_o recite_v by_o a_o private_a person_n viz._n because_o man_n general_o be_v move_v to_o think_v and_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a or_o profitable_a which_o be_v say_v or_o recite_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o example_n of_o he_o that_o say_v and_o recite_v the_o prayer_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n so_o too_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v affect_v now_o man_n judge_v that_o he_o that_o recite_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o himself_o do_v and_o do_v judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o see_v they_o to_o be_v so_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v he_o say_v those_o thing_n rather_o than_o other_o but_o they_o as_o they_o think_v have_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o judge_v so_o of_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o recite_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o another_o for_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o say_v and_o recite_v that_o and_o no_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o when_o it_o may_v be_v he_o attend_v not_o to_o nor_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o recite_v any_o more_o than_o a_o schoolboy_n be_v with_o his_o lesson_n nay_o though_o the_o reciter_n of_o such_o a_o prayer_n shall_v have_v as_o many_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o â—_z as_o he_o that_o recite_v a_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o composition_n yet_o his_o example_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o ordinary_o so_o efficacious_a for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o that_o affection_n may_v come_v from_o custom_n or_o compliance_n or_o the_o like_a but_o here_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_n to_o look_v upon_o such_o public_a form_n as_o compose_v by_o the_o public_a who_o mostwhat_a be_v to_o be_v presume_v wise_a than_o private_a person_n and_o that_o they_o do_v judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o of_o exceed_v great_a profit_n and_o benefit_n or_o else_o they_o may_v have_v choose_v other_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o those_o let_v the_o reciter_n behave_v himself_o as_o he_o will_n and_o then_o second_o that_o some_o and_o sure_o considerable_a man_n who_o recite_v they_o with_o afction_n do_v it_o real_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v and_o because_o they_o do_v judge_v they_o true_a and_o exceed_o profitable_a not_o only_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o compliance_n and_o then_o it_o may_v as_o reasonable_o be_v suspect_v that_o the_o great_a affection_n of_o those_o who_o recite_v their_o own_o prayer_n ofttimes_o especial_o in_o extempore_o be_v force_v lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v can_v ofttimes_o they_o proceed_v more_o from_o their_o be_v their_o own_o and_o invent_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o see_v man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v much_o please_v with_o their_o own_o than_o out_o of_o any_o clear_a sight_n or_o judgement_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o utility_n if_o they_o do_v judge_v they_o be_v true_a and_o profitable_a that_o very_a judgement_n may_v proceed_v from_o that_o self-love_n and_o esteem_n three_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o proportion_n to_o such_o our_o judgement_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o example_n of_o he_o that_o say_v or_o recite_v they_o if_o we_o think_v not_o good_a to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a herein_o we_o shall_v have_v great_a and_o clear_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o such_o modesty_n as_o to_o be_v backward_o to_o signify_v it_o let_v all_o man_n here_o as_o in_o all_o prayer_n do_v what_o they_o can_v what_o they_o see_v and_o assent_v to_o as_o true_a and_o judge_v it_o good_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v so_o let_v they_o join_v in_o that_o and_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v their_o hearty_a affection_n in_o that_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v not_o through_o laziness_n or_o prejudice_n especial_o from_o revenge_n wilful_o neglect_v or_o reject_v it_o we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o sincere_a and_o fervent_a affection_n in_o diversity_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o usual_a or_o general_a but_o not_o constant_a or_o universal_a for_o sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v more_o affectionate_o use_v as_o when_o person_n be_v of_o a_o slow_a and_o staid_a temper_n not_o care_v to_o enlarge_v their_o knowledge_n or_o their_o desire_n but_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
that_o and_o other_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o and_o look_v at_o both_o the_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o good_a or_o bad_a effect_n of_o any_o of_o they_o not_o to_o observe_v and_o regard_v only_o the_o conveniency_n of_o one_o but_o not_o its_o inconvenience_n and_o so_o cry_v it_o up_o and_o contrariwise_o the_o inconveniecy_n of_o avother_n but_o not_o its_o conveniency_n and_o so_o make_v a_o great_a cry_n against_o it_o according_o as_o they_o chance_v to_o be_v affect_v they_o ought_v also_o wâ—ll_n to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o the_o true_a goodness_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o degree_n from_o the_o disâ—inct_a sight_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o â—â—eir_n effect_n in_o which_o last_o they_o be_v to_o be_v especial_o careful_a they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o most_o common_a error_n of_o judge_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o or_o concomitant_a wâ—â—h_n other_o to_o be_v entire_o their_o effect_n when_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o at_o all_o or_o but_o in_o part_n and_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o other_o thing_n altogether_o or_o principal_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o conceit_a hotheaded_a rash_a person_n to_o determine_v the_o constitution_n of_o it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o private_a assembly_n much_o less_o in_o a_o national_a church_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v upright_o virtuous_a godly_a pious_a spiritual_a considerative_a attentive_a of_o good_a knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o humane_a nature_n especial_o both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o or_o in_o two_o word_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a and_o good_a to_o man_n of_o clear_a true_o inform_v and_o comprehensive_a mind_n there_o appear_v sometime_o much_o less_o &_o sometime_o much_o more_o difference_n between_o thing_n than_o to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o generality_n who_o withal_o remember_v how_o short_a their_o comprehension_n be_v and_o sometime_o it_o be_v the_o unhappy_a lot_n of_o those_o who_o see_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v fierce_o contend_v for_o and_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a blind_a passion_n judge_v great_a to_o be_v think_v or_o to_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v think_v cunning_a selfish_a and_o unconsciencious_a man_n their_o calmness_n and_o almost_o indifferency_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o self-interest_n compliance_n desire_v of_o quiet_a or_o ease_n etc._n etc._n when_o it_o be_v true_o one_o of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o self-interest_n be_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o general_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n by_o activity_n and_o fierceness_n though_o ill-governed_n for_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v count_v at_o least_o notable_a instrument_n by_o those_o who_o discern_v more_o but_o be_v cunning_o selfish_a though_o there_o be_v man_n too_o of_o those_o sly_a principle_n who_o may_v mix_v themselves_o with_o true_o wise_a and_o sincere_o honest_a person_n for_o shelter_n and_o defence_n and_o this_o for_o the_o three_o distinction_n sect_n iv_o iv_o a_o four_o be_v common_o into_o public_a private_a and_o secret_a prayer_n which_o may_v better_a be_v thus_o viz._n into_o that_o alone_a and_o that_o with_o other_o that_o with_o other_o may_v either_o be_v with_o some_o select_a small_a company_n as_o that_o with_o family_n the_o often_o the_o better_a daily_o at_o least_o or_o friend_n especial_o sick_a person_n or_o in_o any_o distress_n and_o affliction_n which_o be_v call_v private_a or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a assembly_n or_o company_n as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o he_o who_o must_v recite_v the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o be_v all_o to_o join_v such_o as_o our_o parochial_a congregation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o public_a prayer_n or_o a_o common_a prayer_n that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o of_o that_o congregation_n or_o to_o many_o câ—ngregations_n secret_a prayer_n or_o that_o which_o be_v alone_o in_o one_o clâ—â—et_n or_o chamber_n or_o any_o retire_a place_n be_v usual_o most_o profitable_a to_o each_o particular_a person_n because_o a_o man_n may_v there_o more_o particularize_v his_o want_n his_o sin_n or_o fault_n which_o hâ—_n beg_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o supply_v to_o mend_v in_o he_o to_o prevent_v to_o pardon_v also_o because_o he_o may_v take_v more_o time_n to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o consider_v any_o of_o the_o ingredient_n in_o a_o prayer_n before_o mention_v any_o thing_n he_o pray_v and_o so_o more_o affect_v himself_o also_o because_o he_o need_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o word_n and_o expression_n order_n and_o coherence_n and_o so_o may_v more_o firm_o intend_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o holy_a affection_n of_o soul_n in_o his_o prayer_n and_o that_o to_o one_o or_o as_o few_o thing_n as_o he_o will_v though_o it_o may_v be_v advisable_a for_o he_o especial_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o other_o or_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o thing_n to_o use_v himself_o to_o clothe_v his_o sense_n and_o affection_n with_o word_n and_o expression_n for_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o reason_n secret_a prayer_n may_v be_v most_o profitable_a to_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n but_o then_o public_a prayer_n be_v most_o extensive_o so_o that_o be_v to_o most_o person_n and_o that_o at_o a_o time_n for_o every_o one_o behave_v themselves_o reverent_o and_o attentive_o and_o with_o those_o fit_a and_o proper_a sign_n of_o their_o sincere_a and_o serious_a inward_a worship_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o testimony_n and_o example_n to_o every_o one_o concern_v the_o worship_n we_o owe_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v to_o that_o all-perfect_a be_v and_o do_v so_o encourage_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a not_o to_o do_v it_o have_v for_o certain_a no_o better_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o they_o see_v it_o the_o general_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o men._n this_o do_v maintain_v a_o general_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ofttimes_o do_v much_o good_a and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v much_o worse_a as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o those_o public_a acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o office_n perform_v to_o he_o beside_o the_o sight_n of_o so_o many_o person_n even_o as_o many_o as_o can_v assemble_v together_o worship_v god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n as_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o command_v sign_n more_o than_o any_o word_n that_o god_n be_v absolute_o supreme_a to_o all_o above_o all_o that_o he_o know_v all_o be_v relative_o good_a to_o all_o the_o common_a parent_n sustainer_n benefactor_n friend_n to_o all_o this_o make_v we_o the_o more_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n perfection_n and_o to_o have_v a_o more_o magnificent_a opinion_n of_o he_o more_o to_o admire_v he_o love_v he_o fear_v he_o obey_v he_o or_o in_o one_o word_n to_o worship_v he_o the_o public_a worship_n therefore_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o suitable_a to_o and_o require_v bâ—_n god_n greatness_n and_o excellent_a majesty_n thâ—_n be_v it_o be_v the_o best_a sign_n of_o our_o opinion_n of_o alâ—_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o his_o infinite_a perâ—â—ctions_n it_o be_v a_o augustness_n and_o magnificent_a he_o â—s_v worthy_a of_o nay_o it_o be_v infinite_o below_o hiâ—_n but_o it_o be_v all_o we_o can_v do_v if_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o eaâ—_n can_v â—eet_v together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o son_n part_n of_o this_o material_a world_n his_o temple_n tâ—_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o worship_n he_o tâ—_n pray_v to_o he_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o hear_v his_o wilâ—_n profess_v obedience_n to_o he_o it_o will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n his_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o eâ—fect_a of_o our_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v all_o â—_o we_o to_o bring_v our_o heart_n well_o dispose_v and_o aâ—fected_v with_o reverence_n honour_n love_v anâ—_n praise_n trust_v in_o he_o obedience_n to_o he_o witâ—_n all_o the_o part_n of_o inward_a worship_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v those_o bâ—_n some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a sign_n eâ—_n speech_n and_o gesture_n such_o as_o be_v composeâ—_n look_v eye_n lift_v up_o or_o fix_v liftedup_a hand_n erect_a body_n bend_a knee_n oâ—_n which_o there_o be_v infinite_a natural_a i_o say_v not_o affect_v these_o sign_n be_v the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o for_o to_o see_v a_o company_n of_o serious_a and_o discreet_a people_n with_o such_o carriage_n and_o demeanour_n be_v a_o very_a please_a sight_n and_o draw_v easy_o to_o
not_o direct_v thereby_o lead_v we_o into_o sometime_o hurtful_a error_n and_o mistake_n and_o dispose_v our_o judgement_n to_o judge_n false_o a_o very_a great_a hatred_n contempt_n and_o grief_n at_o ourselves_o for_o sin_n in_o general_a or_o some_o more_o notorious_a sin_n in_o particular_a may_v make_v we_o judge_v worse_o of_o ourselves_o than_o in_o truth_n we_o deserve_v as_o we_o but_o too_o often_o do_v by_o other_o when_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o passion_n of_o hatred_n anger_n revenge_n against_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a but_o that_o through_o self-love_n and_o flattery_n we_o err_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n therefore_o this_o be_v the_o less_o suspect_v so_o sometime_o some_o very_a great_a passion_n of_o admiration_n honour_n love_n etc._n etc._n for_o some_o one_o attribute_n in_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o magnify_v it_o may_v make_v man_n judge_v that_o to_o be_v in_o god_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o other_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n in_o he_o and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o not_o only_o bare_a falsity_n but_o mysterious_a contradiction_n so_o for_o example_n a_o man_n desire_n to_o advance_v the_o unlimitedness_n of_o god_n power_n may_v lead_v he_o to_o judge_v that_o he_o may_v just_o if_o he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o so_o some_o pious_o but_o unwary_o to_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o our_o redemption_n have_v speak_v and_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o do_v real_o even_o lessen_v and_o abate_v itself_o when_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n it_o do_v extraordinary_o and_o hypostatical_o unite_v itself_o to_o a_o humane_a nature_n but_o this_o be_v a_o little_a digression_n again_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v word_n only_o and_o have_v no_o sense_n hardly_o of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v use_v to_o be_v call_v prayer_n though_o according_a to_o our_o definition_n it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n may_v also_o pray_v and_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v but_o yet_o have_v no_o affection_n stir_v no_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n love_n thankfulness_n to_o god_n no_o desire_n for_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o mention_n with_o his_o lip_n or_o conceive_v with_o his_o mind_n no_o trust_n or_o faith_n in_o god_n not_o one_o jot_n of_o inward_a sorrow_n and_o true_a grief_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o sin_z or_o resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o and_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v say_v word_n and_o understand_v sense_n and_o both_o very_a excellent_a too_o and_o yet_o have_v none_o of_o these_o passion_n and_o affection_n excite_v he_o may_v not_o be_v touch_v therewith_o but_o be_v perfect_o cold_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v usual_o call_v prayer_n which_o as_o it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v some_o tendency_n and_o preparation_n to_o do_v some_o good_a even_o the_o very_a imprint_v such_o word_n and_o sense_n in_o our_o memory_n so_o they_o may_v sometime_o do_v as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n and_o so_o either_o not_o make_v we_o any_o whit_n the_o better_a or_o make_v we_o the_o worse_a for_o they_o may_v by_o use_n make_v we_o formal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v word_n without_o either_o sense_n or_o understanding_n or_o with_o they_o but_o without_o any_o affection_n at_o all_o more_o to_o disjoin_v those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v more_o natural_o conjoin_v and_o to_o be_v well_o content_a herewith_o too_o and_o think_v we_o have_v do_v well_o enough_o and_o make_v we_o look_v no_o further_o if_o we_o have_v but_o after_o any_o manner_n say_v our_o prayer_n though_o never_o so_o ignorant_o and_o cold_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v well_o satisfy_v and_o the_o often_o we_o use_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o content_a and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n the_o easiâ—ler_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o still_o whereas_o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o heed_n understand_v and_o comprehend_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n what_o it_o be_v we_o say_v and_o especial_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o then_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v our_o suitable_a affection_n and_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o dull_a languid_a inapprehensive_a to_o send_v up_o to_o god_n a_o hearty_a ejaculation_n that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n illuminate_v our_o understanding_n quicken_v enliven_v and_o strengthen_v our_o affection_n and_o resolution_n again_o as_o i_o have_v former_o say_v though_o we_o pray_v daily_o and_o it_o may_v be_v indifferent_o well_o with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n yet_o we_o may_v so_o constant_o both_o inordinate_o and_o immoderate_o engage_v our_o affection_n all_o the_o day_n after_o about_o other_o object_n beside_o our_o duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o dispose_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o without_o any_o reference_n of_o they_o to_o their_o due_a end_n and_o without_o any_o government_n or_o moderation_n that_o the_o effect_v of_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v sometime_o quite_o prevent_v or_o extinguish_v and_o our_o affection_n be_v upon_o other_o thing_n and_o our_o inclination_n to_o they_o as_o undue_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v indeed_o general_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n i_o think_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v perform_v with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n have_v some_o tendency_n in_o they_o to_o make_v we_o better_o or_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v worse_o we_o shall_v general_o be_v world_n though_o now_o not_o good_a if_o such_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v altogether_o neglect_v final_o it_o be_v possible_a sometime_o for_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v so_o perform_v as_o that_o they_o may_v many_o other_o way_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v a_o little_a before_o mention_v do_v we_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o render_v we_o worse_o than_o if_o we_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o vain_o conceit_v of_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o very_o good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n let_v our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v all_o the_o day_n after_o what_o they_o will_v and_o that_o our_o prayer_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o particular_o that_o it_o be_v attainment_n enough_o whine_o to_o confess_v they_o in_o general_a or_o particular_a term_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o weakness_n and_o badness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o so_o to_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o be_v always_o weak_a and_o sinful_a too_o and_o think_v it_o far_o better_a to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o live_v well_o and_o conscientious_o in_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o frequent_a action_n of_o life_n than_o to_o live_v conscientious_o righteous_o and_o honest_o and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n too_o as_o please_v he_o but_o not_o to_o pray_v though_o very_o erroneous_o and_o indiscreet_o nay_o insincere_o and_o hypocritical_o as_o be_v before_o say_v and_o therefore_o wicked_o whereas_o this_o last_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o the_o former_a and_o in_o it_o do_v its_o chief_a and_o principal_a though_o not_o only_o use_v and_o benefit_n consist_v as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v but_o yet_o by_o no_o mean_n will_v i_o because_o of_o this_o or_o such_o like_a ineffectual_a use_n or_o abuses_n which_o may_v be_v of_o prayer_n have_v man_n think_v of_o neglect_v or_o throw_v it_o quite_o away_o but_o rather_o to_o betake_v themselves_o serious_o to_o use_v and_o perform_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o all_o formality_n conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o follow_v they_o with_o their_o constant_a care_n diligence_n watchfulness_n endeavour_v to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o or_o according_a to_o all_o good_a conscience_n all_o the_o day_n after_o in_o all_o their_o action_n final_o to_o perform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n hereafter_o this_o for_o the_o first_o way_n how_o our_o prayer_n tend_v to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o still_o in_o what_o goodness_n we_o have_v obtain_v that_o we_o do_v not_o go_v backward_o and_o relapse_n but_o go_v forward_o and_o make_v progress_n in_o goodness_n viz._n by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o proper_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n sect_n iii_o ii_o our_o pray_v will_v preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n and_o make_v we_o better_o by_o suggestion_n that_o be_v by_o bring_v to_o our_o mind_n either_o our_o duty_n in_o general_n or_o any_o particular_a duty_n to_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o or_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v mean_n to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o thereto_o such_o as_o be_v the_o
the_o great_a benefit_n and_o excellent_a uses_n and_o effect_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n chap._n v._n sect_n i._o v._o the_o five_o general_a head_n be_v direction_n for_o pray_v these_o shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o to_o inform_v or_o remember_v ourselves_o of_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o prayer_n what_o they_o be_v 2._o to_o suggest_v some_o mean_n to_o obtain_v these_o say_a qualification_n again_o the_o first_o sort_n or_o the_o due_a qualification_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n likewise_o 1._o those_o concern_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o a_o prayer_n 2._o those_o concern_v the_o sign_n of_o those_o thing_n those_o qualification_n again_o concern_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o a_o prayer_n be_v only_o likewise_o of_o two_o sort_n 1._o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o the_o object_n or_o sense_n of_o a_o prayer_n 2._o those_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o action_n or_o to_o use_v the_o most_o fit_a general_a term_n i_o know_v any_o affection_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o passion_n of_o soul_n use_v in_o a_o prayer_n such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o reckon_v up_o and_o large_o discourse_v of_o and_o which_o brief_o only_o to_o rehearse_v they_o be_v 1._o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n excellent_a attribute_n his_o infinite_a perfection_n together_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o soul_n consequent_a such_o as_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n fear_v love_n faith_n hope_n or_o confidence_n obediential_a resolution_n etc._n etc._n 2._o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n 3._o profession_n of_o our_o future_a obedience_n in_o which_o two_o be_v include_v many_o more_o particular_a action_n as_o reflection_n compare_v our_o action_n with_o our_o duty_n acknowledgement_n or_o confession_n strict_o so_o call_v accusation_n condemnation_n grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n watchfulness_n against_o it_o resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o 4._o thankfulness_n or_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o we_o 5._o a_o proposal_n recital_n explication_n of_o our_o want_n their_o number_n their_o greatness_n as_o also_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o desire_n of_o their_o importunateness_n i._n e._n of_o their_o earnestness_n and_o frequency_n and_o then_o 6._o our_o express_a petition_n and_o desire_n again_o and_o last_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sign_n use_v in_o so_o pray_v both_o of_o the_o object_n and_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v 1._o those_o of_o word_n or_o speech_n which_o be_v always_o use_v as_o sign_n of_o our_o immediate_a conception_n and_o action_n of_o soul_n when_o we_o pray_v with_o other_o in_o their_o name_n and_o so_o as_o they_o may_v join_v with_o we_o they_o may_v also_o be_v use_v in_o secret_a prayer_n for_o the_o more_o strong_a and_o express_a excitation_n in_o ourselves_o both_o of_o sense_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n perception_n affection_n resolution_n i_o say_v they_o may_v where_o there_o be_v no_o worse_a consequence_n than_o that_o be_v a_o good_a one_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v or_o a_o temptation_n to_o be_v vainglorious_a be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o secret_a or_o retire_a prayer_n but_o even_o when_o we_o do_v not_o in_o our_o secret_a prayer_n pronounce_v they_o with_o our_o lip_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o our_o imagination_n and_o we_o near_o always_o signify_v by_o they_o unto_o ourselves_o our_o conceit_n of_o thing_n or_o idea_n at_o least_o if_o not_o our_o affection_n further_o these_o word_n or_o speech_n be_v sometime_o the_o sign_n only_o of_o thing_n or_o sense_n or_o idea_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o any_o other_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o in_o mathematics_n so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o knowledge_n where_o man_n write_v and_o speak_v pure_o to_o teach_v and_o inform_v sometime_o again_o especial_o with_o some_o property_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o their_o gravity_n acuteness_n lowdness_n lowness_n swiftness_n slowness_n equality_n inequality_n position_n and_o site_n they_o only_o signify_v other_o operation_n or_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n especial_o our_o passion_n and_o not_o our_o idea_n or_o conceit_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n both_o when_o write_v and_o pronounce_v they_o signify_v both_o together_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a but_o that_o they_o indicate_v and_o signify_v together_o with_o the_o sense_n some_o quality_n or_o action_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o writer_n or_o speaker_n and_o especial_o the_o passion_n as_o in_o sentence_n of_o admiration_n yea_o and_o of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o desire_n etc._n etc._n frequent_a in_o the_o psalm_n nor_o indeed_o be_v any_o discourse_n acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n without_o they_o for_o example_n where_o be_v thy_o love_a kindness_n of_o old_a have_v thou_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a have_v thou_o cast_v we_o off_o for_o ever_o great_a desire_n be_v here_o signify_v as_o well_o as_o sense_n oh_o that_o the_o salvation_n of_o israel_n be_v come_v out_o of_o zion_n psalm_n 14._o verse_n 7._o ardent_a and_o earnest_a desire_n be_v here_o signify_v by_o word_n and_o their_o order_n and_o position_n oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n psalm_n 7._o verse_n 9_o and_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n psalm_n 107._o verse_n 8._o be_v the_o same_o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n psalm_n 119._o verse_n 97._o signify_v admiration_n at_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n or_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v love_n god_n law_n repetition_n of_o word_n signify_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o word_n but_o also_o some_o passion_n or_o some_o great_a degree_n thereof_o as_o psalm_n 116._o verse_n 16._o o_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n etc._n etc._n signify_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o psalmist_n be_v god_n servant_n but_o also_o the_o passion_n of_o joy_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o of_o hope_n because_o he_o be_v so_o and_o save_v now_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o send_v now_o prosperity_n psalm_n 118._o verse_n 25._o earnestness_n and_o greatness_n of_o desire_n be_v here_o signify_v so_o again_o for_o example_n when_o a_o man_n confess_v that_o he_o have_v be_v or_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n or_o the_o least_o esâ—_n saint_n or_o the_o like_a these_o word_n do_v not_o oâ—_n ought_v not_o to_o signify_v the_o superlative_a degree_n as_o other_o word_n may_v sometime_o do_v but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v be_v once_o great_a sinner_n and_o be_v but_o little_a good_a in_o the_o positive_a degree_n and_o moreover_o the_o great_a passion_n of_o grieâ—_n and_o hatred_n for_o and_o of_o sin_n and_o of_o undervalue_v and_o contempt_n of_o themselves_o for_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a or_o little_a good_a many_o other_o expression_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o performance_n when_o man_n be_v hot_a and_o affectionate_a may_v true_o be_v so_o interpret_v though_o ofttimes_o the_o person_n themselves_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o but_o will_v defend_v the_o precise_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n when_o speak_v without_o passion_n to_o be_v always_o true_a but_o 2._o these_o sign_n either_o of_o sense_n or_o object_n or_o of_o operation_n or_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v other_o posture_n or_o gesture_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o head_n as_o shake_v it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o desire_n or_o sadness_n of_o the_o whole_a countenance_n as_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v compose_v and_o steady_a i._n e._n which_o usual_o signify_v attention_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o eye_n particular_o who_o lift_v up_o usual_o signify_v desire_v thankfulness_n approbation_n admiration_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o standing_z up_o which_o may_v signify_v approbation_n more_o usual_o attention_n the_o sign_n which_o signify_v approbation_n and_o attention_n usual_o signify_v too_o respect_n esteem_v reverence_n the_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n ordinary_o signify_v desire_v kneel_v usual_o signify_v reverence_n respect_n submission_n some_o certain_a posture_n of_o the_o countenance_n signify_v grief_n and_o sadness_n some_o joy_n some_o trust_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v infinite_a variety_n posture_n and_o gesture_n may_v be_v also_o the_o sign_n of_o sense_n too_o or_o of_o our_o meaning_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o dumb_a person_n but_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v the_o use_n of_o word_n and_o speech_n very_o rare_o use_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o object_n or_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v conversant_a in_o prayer_n some_o of_o which_o be_v these_o
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
the_o most_o unobserved_a by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o insensible_a of_o they_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o we_o do_v not_o want_v be_v unseasonable_a as_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o great_a enemy_n and_o save_v we_o when_o we_o have_v none_o we_o know_v to_o invade_v we_o and_o therefore_o to_o imitate_v those_o which_o have_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v use_v well_o now_o if_o we_o have_v they_o and_o to_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v most_o want_n and_o which_o in_o our_o circumstance_n we_o can_v best_o use_v will_v be_v unseasonable_a but_o contrariwise_o in_o the_o place_n of_o such_o petition_n always_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n we_o want_v and_o can_v then_o best_a use_n be_v to_o petition_v seasonable_o in_o general_n it_o be_v certain_a some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o some_o in_o one_o company_n private_a or_o public_a and_o some_o in_o another_o the_o variety_n be_v infinite_a every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v he_o will_v be_v better_o provide_v so_o to_o do_v if_o he_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n when_o it_o may_v do_v most_o good_a and_o more_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n do_v in_o its_o place_n 4._o let_v our_o prayer_n be_v seasonable_a as_o to_o some_o adjunct_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o vehemency_n or_o intenseness_n and_o length_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o example_n let_v not_o our_o desire_n and_o so_o any_o other_o ingredient_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v so_o vehement_a and_o intense_a in_o thing_n of_o small_a importance_n and_o use_n as_o in_o great_a for_o so_o we_o shall_v make_v no_o difference_n in_o length_n let_v we_o not_o be_v long_o when_o other_o action_n and_o company_n be_v design_v and_o expect_v we_o after_o a_o very_a little_a time_n of_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v instance_n final_o this_o seasonableness_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n experience_n and_o observation_n the_o example_n and_o advice_n of_o discreet_a and_o good_a person_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o action_n if_o a_o man_n do_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o his_o end_n be_v always_o sincere_o to_o do_v the_o best_a he_o understand_v and_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o most_o good_a and_o be_v the_o most_o serviceable_a to_o god_n he_o never_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o person_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o be_v advise_v and_o inform_v for_o the_o best_a it_o be_v manifest_a too_o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o prudence_n as_o in_o all_o our_o action_n so_o in_o this_o more_o especial_o of_o prayer_n that_o it_o in_o all_o the_o respect_v mention_v may_v be_v seasonable_o perform_v and_o that_o sometime_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a by_o exclude_v something_o better_a out_o of_o its_o place_n 5._o we_o christian_n who_o know_v and_o believe_v what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o have_v teach_v must_v always_o make_v our_o petition_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o honour_v he_o and_o consequent_o the_o eminent_a and_o illustrious_a merit_n of_o his_o exact_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o spotless_a and_o generous_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o our_o imitation_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 14._o 13._o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o i_o will_v do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o you_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o since_o we_o have_v all_o be_v more_o or_o less_o sinner_n the_o punishment_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v at_o least_o the_o deprivation_n of_o god_n favour_n upon_o our_o true_a repentance_n shall_v be_v remit_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o positive_a instance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n of_o which_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n be_v a_o very_a comprehensive_a one_o shall_v be_v afford_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o honour_n of_o such_o a_o perfect_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a person_n as_o jesus_n be_v that_o which_o easy_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v more_o distinct_o if_o it_o be_v here_o necessary_a or_o proper_a and_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a for_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n sect_n ix_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sign_n to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o prayer_n the_o sign_n both_o of_o the_o sense_n or_o object_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n conversant_a about_o they_o these_o as_o have_v be_v before_o say_v be_v either_o speech_n or_o gesture_n among_o gesture_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v all_o other_o quality_n of_o our_o speech_n beside_o the_o articulateness_n of_o it_o call_v word_n by_o which_o our_o conception_n or_o thought_n be_v signify_v such_o as_o be_v acuteness_n and_o gravity_n intenseness_n and_o remissness_n or_o loudness_n and_o lowness_n swiftness_n and_o slowness_n equality_n and_o inequality_n etc._n etc._n to_o observe_v some_o direction_n concern_v these_o especial_o concern_v speech_n may_v not_o be_v altogether_o useless_a to_o those_o who_o compose_v prayer_n whether_o write_v or_o pronounce_v for_o other_o but_o because_o it_o concern_v many_o such_o who_o may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o direct_v themselves_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o they_o those_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v these_o eight_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a one_o be_v that_o the_o sign_n both_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o operation_n of_o soul_n of_o what_o we_o say_v and_o what_o we_o do_v in_o prayer_n may_v the_o best_a convey_v the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v signify_v to_o the_o auditor_n or_o reader_n if_o they_o be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v cause_v they_o the_o most_o perfect_o to_o conceive_v and_o understand_v our_o thought_n passion_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o only_a use_n of_o sign_n and_o all_o their_o goodness_n consist_v in_o this_o sect_n x._o 2._o and_o more_o particular_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o this_o general_a end_n let_v these_o sign_n viz._n speech_n and_o gesture_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n either_o of_o he_o who_o recite_v or_o compose_v the_o prayer_n or_o of_o other_o who_o join_v with_o he_o from_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o they_o may_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o too_o much_o please_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o some_o other_o quality_n in_o they_o beside_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v as_o by_o their_o novelty_n modishness_n variety_n etc._n etc._n these_o full_a often_o may_v make_v great_a impression_n upon_o we_o than_o the_o thing_n signify_v such_o ofttimes_o be_v word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a fashion_n and_o use_v by_o person_n who_o acquaintance_n or_o converse_n be_v esteem_v honourable_a such_o be_v style_n with_o a_o very_a careful_a justness_n of_o number_n sound_n position_n of_o syllable_n and_o word_n in_o each_o sentence_n or_o period_n such_o be_v many_o figurative_a speech_n where_o partly_o the_o thing_n themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v as_o that_o they_o be_v sublime_a vast_a unwonted_a strange_a difficult_a partly_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o composer_n of_o which_o they_o be_v sign_n as_o of_o good_a invention_n perception_n and_o judgement_n have_v read_v the_o best_a author_n etc._n etc._n may_v so_o much_o affect_v man_n with_o admiration_n esteem_n or_o delight_n as_o to_o intercept_v and_o detain_v their_o attention_n from_o the_o thing_n first_o design_v to_o be_v signify_v and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o regard_v and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o in_o a_o sermon_n or_o prayer_n the_o language_n and_o expression_n be_v remember_v and_o commend_v when_o the_o sense_n or_o matter_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v practical_a be_v quite_o forget_v as_o a_o thing_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o acceptable_a quality_n and_o ornament_n of_o speech_n be_v laudable_a in_o a_o performance_n where_o it_o be_v design_v to_o entertain_v and_o please_v man_n with_o they_o for_o it_o argue_v a_o good_a judgement_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o end_n as_o in_o poetry_n oration_n and_o feign_a
by_o thy_o tempor_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o thou_o can_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a thyself_o here_o and_o hereafter_o if_o thou_o pray_v with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n according_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n thou_o pray_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o as_o if_o thou_o have_v invent_v all_o thyself_o and_o possible_o a_o hundred_o time_n better_o than_o many_o conceit_a person_n but_o ignorant_a and_o vainglorious_a do_v who_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o compose_v may_v be_v stuff_v with_o untrue_a unjust_a and_o trifle_a thing_n and_o either_o they_o be_v cold_a and_o formal_a in_o they_o or_o else_o much_o hypocritical_a or_o superstitious_a that_o be_v either_o they_o have_v the_o sign_n of_o great_a affection_n to_o thing_n when_o they_o have_v not_o those_o affection_n real_o in_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o judgement_n and_o sense_n that_o thing_n do_v deserve_v they_o as_o out_o of_o vainglory_n or_o their_o great_a affection_n be_v to_o trifle_a thing_n man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o attempt_v to_o run_v and_o fly_v too_o before_o they_o can_v go_v to_o attempt_v great_a thing_n before_o they_o can_v do_v less_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v thing_n before_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o quality_n which_o if_o they_o want_v they_o have_v better_a not_o do_v they_o at_o all_o or_o may_v have_v do_v they_o much_o better_a another_o way_n than_o that_o which_o they_o use_v this_o be_v the_o first_o step_n and_o may_v be_v use_v for_o some_o time_n only_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o sufficient_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v carelessness_n and_o sluggishness_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o advance_v further_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o all_o beginner_n to_o learn_v do_v they_o first_o read_v good_a author_n more_o or_o less_o who_o treat_v concern_v the_o matter_n they_o will_v learn_v the_o second_o step_n may_v be_v for_o person_n to_o take_v part_n of_o several_a prayer_n and_o to_o attempt_v to_o put_v they_o together_o and_o compose_v they_o and_o then_o commit_v they_o to_o memory_n to_o take_v such_o thing_n out_o of_o they_o which_o they_o best_o understand_v and_o apprehend_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o which_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o for_o their_o temper_n employment_n or_o call_v which_o they_o may_v be_v most_o affect_v withal_o thus_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o what_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o always_o with_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a mind_n ready_a to_o be_v more_o inform_v a_o three_o step_v may_v be_v to_o add_v and_o interpose_v something_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o observation_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a occasion_n as_o for_o example_n if_o thou_o shall_v find_v any_o sin_n or_o lust_n more_o troublesome_a to_o thou_o and_o be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v overcome_v thereby_o if_o thou_o shall_v fear_v any_o particular_a approach_a evil_a or_o be_v under_o it_o either_o thou_o or_o thy_o family_n if_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v overcome_v any_o temptation_n or_o to_o have_v receive_v any_o especial_a favour_n if_o thou_o shall_v find_v thyself_o upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n very_o sensible_a of_o some_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o goodness_n his_o power_n his_o omniscience_n his_o justice_n etc._n etc._n thou_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o thou_o find_v the_o thing_n or_o the_o expression_n in_o thy_o book_n in_o order_n hereto_o therefore_o use_v thyself_o before_o thy_o prayer_n to_o reflect_v and_o consider_v this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v secret_a prayer_n where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v more_o free_o though_o it_o be_v imperfect_o and_o break_o either_o conceive_v or_o express_v four_o and_o last_o proceed_v to_o imitation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v that_o be_v to_o consider_v invent_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o matter_n or_o sense_n of_o thy_o prayer_n thyself_o what_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o important_a great_a just_a true_a useful_a for_o thou_o and_o to_o affect_v thyself_o according_o and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v they_o well_o and_o so_o to_o compose_v and_o make_v entire_a one_o of_o thy_o own_o which_o may_v be_v often_o vary_v by_o insist_v now_o upon_o one_o now_o upon_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o some_o advice_n i_o have_v heretofore_o give_v that_o be_v what_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a best_a apprehend_v most_o affect_v i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n ability_n and_o employment_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v do_v more_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o imitate_v and_o exceed_v the_o best_a pattern_n i_o wish_v to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v more_o spiritual_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o their_o will_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o i_o wish_v they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o what_o time_n and_o ability_n they_o have_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o use_v i_o wish_v they_o have_v more_o of_o those_o quality_n which_o may_v fiâ—_n they_o for_o the_o best_a performance_n thereof_o the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v as_o of_o all_o other_o charity_n and_o humility_n final_o will_v god_n that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v hâ—s_a spirit_n upon_o they_o sect_n xx._n 4._o pray_v we_o to_o god_n sometime_o that_o he_o will_v help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o of_o all_o those_o due_a qualification_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v to_o pray_v well_o this_o prayer_n itself_o suppose_v some_o already_o for_o that_o once_o or_o â—o_o often_o as_o we_o make_v it_o which_o may_v be_v often_o ejaculatory_a whatever_o kind_n of_o prayer_n we_o think_v best_a and_o we_o desire_v to_o use_v there_o may_v be_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o forenamed_a qualification_n which_o may_v be_v pray_v for_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v pray_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o another_o he_o may_v praâ—_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n in_o that_o his_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o vainglory_n formality_n coldness_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o all_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n as_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v and_o keep_v he_o good_a and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o dispose_v both_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o and_o by_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v receive_v upon_o his_o ask_n to_o serve_v god_n by_o do_v good_a that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o have_v word_n in_o his_o tongue_n and_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n or_o any_o other_o posture_n signify_v devotion_n but_o that_o he_o may_v also_o well_o understand_v and_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o say_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o have_v proportionable_a degree_n of_o affection_n and_o motion_n of_o soul_n of_o honour_n love_n reverence_n faith_n joy_n desire_v resignation_n and_o submission_n towards_o coâ—_n of_o grief_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o benefit_n receive_v of_o ardent_a desire_n for_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n especial_o and_o hearty_a one_o for_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o frequency_n that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v excite_v and_o dispose_v his_o mind_n to_o pray_v in_o secret_n and_o private_a as_o often_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o averse_a therefrom_o so_o dull_a and_o inept_v thereto_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o more_o opportunity_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v he_o shall_v want_v they_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o though_o he_o always_o pray_v a_o form_n and_o he_o can_v not_o pray_v that_o what_o he_o pray_v may_v be_v just_a true_a important_a seasonable_a etc._n etc._n because_o all_o this_o be_v do_v already_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o the_o other_o step_v of_o prayer_n if_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o ascend_v to_o they_o such_o as_o compose_v out_o of_o more_o prayer_n or_o out_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n and_o invention_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o other_o qualification_n also_o as_o that_o god_n will_v excite_v he_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n foremention_v of_o read_v meditate_v hear_v or_o otherwise_o to_o pray_v what_o be_v true_a just_a important_a with_o sincerity_n fervency_n prudent_a seasonableness_n and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o other_o most_o apt_o and_o convenient_o that_o god_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o