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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sin_n good_a law_n transgression_n 4,529 5 10.4346 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29505 A treatise of prayer with several useful occasional observations and some larger digressions, concerning the Judaical observation of the Lord's Day, the external worship of God, &c. / by George Bright ... G. B. (George Bright), d. 1696. 1678 (1678) Wing B4677; ESTC R1010 210,247 475

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of_o and_o for_o sin_n an●_n consequent_o confirm_v it_o and_o our_o resolution_n to_o be_v good_a or_o it_o strengthen_v we_o in_o goodness_n the_o more_o often_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o ugliness_n an●_n unreasonableness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v affect_v wit●_n actual_a hatred_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o the_o more_o shall_v we_o be_v resolve_v against_o it_o earnest_o desire_v to_o prevent_v it_o especial_o what_o we_o ma●_n be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o to_o be_v purify_v an●_n purge_v from_o what_o we_o have_v still_o remain_v in_o we_o to_o have_v it_o quite_o extirpated_a out_o of_o o●_n mind_n never_o to_o have_v it_o come_v near_o ●_o again_o as_o he_o that_o have_v and_o understand_v th●_n danger_n of_o the_o plague_n or_o some_o kill_a insectious_a disease_n moreover_o a_o hearty_a and_o fre●_n confession_n if_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a give_v u●_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o ease_v in_o ourselves_o as_o a_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o goodness_n in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sa●●_n condition_n the_o same_o which_o that_o pious_a soul_n david_n seem_v to_o affirm_v of_o himself_o psal_n 32._o verse_n 3_o 5._o whilst_o i_o keep_v silence_n my_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o my_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n long_o probably_n he_o particular_o refer_v to_o his_o two_o great_a sin_n in_o which_o he_o lie_v for_o some_o time_n conceal_v they_o and_o pass_v they_o over_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v but_o his_o conscience_n can_v not_o always_o be_v quiet_a he_o be_v sometime_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o shame_n and_o sadness_n and_o anxiety_n and_o secret_a complaint_n but_o then_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o iniquity_n he_o do_v not_o hide_v he_o consess_v his_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o as_o the_o other_o cause_v great_a disquiet_n this_o give_v he_o ease_v beside_o it_o beget_v and_o maintain_v in_o we_o some_o branch_n of_o humility_n it_o give_v we_o a_o just_a and_o true_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o of_o our_o imperfection_n as_o well_o as_o perfection_n it_o make_v we_o more_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o make_v we_o less_o fastuous_a and_o unreasonable_o contemptuous_a of_o other_o compare_v with_o ourselves_o it_o make_v we_o more_o to_o observe_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o great_a punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n god_n goodness_n not_o consider_v and_o more_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o sue_v for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n from_o god_n and_o more_o to_o reckon_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o he_o and_o more_o to_o love_v he_o for_o it_o when_o grant_v all_o which_o have_v further_a good_a effect_n still_o the_o example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_a ordinary_a and_o well_o know_v as_o in_o nehemiah_n prayer_n nehem._n 1_o for_o god_n acceptance_n and_o favour_n in_o general_n to_o he_o and_o the_o jew_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o favour_n with_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o he_o may_v go_v and_o build_v jerusalem_n he_o confess_v that_o he_o and_o his_o father_n have_v sin_v have_v deal_v corrupt_o and_o proud_o against_o god_n and_o have_v not_o keep_v his_o commandment_n a_o more_o large_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o the_o levite_n be_v in_o the_o 9th_o chapt._n of_o nehem._n in_o david_n psalm_n be_v every_o where_o example_n especial_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o psalm_n 51._o he_o earnest_o importune_v god_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o two_o great_a sin_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o then_o follow_v i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o and_o more_o general_o the_o corruption_n or_o depravation_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o seem_v the_o most_o probable_a as_o it_o be_v a_o true_a sense_n be_v confess_v by_o he_o behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o and_o psalm_n 79._o verse_n 5._o o_o god_n thou_o know_v my_o foolishness_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o he_o petition_n god_n for_o help_n and_o deliverance_n both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o here_o after_o confession_n it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o ask_v god_n pardon_v for_o the_o same_o fault_n we_o confess_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n in_o grant_v the_o other_o petition_n we_o shall_v make_v to_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sect_n v._o iii_o a_o three_o ingredient_n of_o prayer_n be_v profession_n of_o future_a obedience_n a_o express_a devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n will_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o instance_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n a_o actual_a resolution_n direct_v to_o god_n that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v any_o more_o guilty_a of_o those_o fault_n we_o confess_v nor_o any_o other_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n this_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_a be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o beseech_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o that_o end_n and_o a_o dependency_n upon_o he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o it_o now_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o habitual_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o free_a confession_n do_v which_o sometime_o may_v be_v precede_v also_o by_o some_o actual_a resolution_n but_o here_o it_o be_v more_o express_a here_o be_v excite_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o soul_n herself_o a_o actual_a inclination_n will_n and_o resolution_n determination_n bend_v purpose_n of_o particular_a and_o universal_a obedience_n the_o principal_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o strengthen_v and_o embolden_v our_o petition_n and_o desire_n for_o this_o express_a and_o vigorous_a devote_v ourselves_o to_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v certain_o a_o evident_a sign_n to_o ourselves_o of_o so_o much_o goodness_n in_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o god_n favour_n and_o that_o it_o be_v more_o consistent_a with_o his_o universal_a goodness_n righteousness_n or_o distributive_a justice_n to_o bestow_v good_a thing_n upon_o we_o and_o particular_o this_o which_o we_o now_o ask_v from_o he_o this_o further_a therefore_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o opinion_n or_o faith_n and_o consequent_o trust_v that_o our_o petition_n may_v and_o will_v be_v grant_v which_o as_o i_o before_o say_v confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o desire_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a find_v the_o soul_n backward_o and_o detract_n loath_a and_o withdraw_a itself_o from_o this_o frank_a obedience_n to_o god_n as_o have_v some_o sin_n it_o know_v well_o and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v make_v a_o man_n very_o just_o ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o ask_v of_o god_n any_o thing_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o have_v a_o special_a care_n we_o do_v not_o cozen_v ourselves_o by_o a_o rash_a and_o heedless_a or_o premeditate_a forgetfulness_n and_o non-attendency_a out_o of_o self-flattery_n or_o pride_n and_o think_v and_o protest_v we_o do_v most_o universal_o quit_v our_o love_n to_o every_o sin_n and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o divine_a obedience_n when_o if_o we_o take_v time_n and_o careful_o examine_v we_o may_v find_v something_o for_o the_o present_a it_o may_v be_v many_o lust_n unmortified_a which_o upon_o occasion_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o our_o obedience_n nor_o may_v it_o be_v amiss_o to_o remember_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o lust_n which_o we_o may_v never_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o and_o consequent_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v with_o strict_a examination_n have_v we_o a_o care_n also_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n its_o instance_n and_o degree_n and_o confuse_o fancy_v and_o conceit_n ourselves_o good_a when_o we_o be_v not_o so_o or_o much_o more_o so_o than_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v therefore_o without_o doubt_n very_o dear_a to_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o hear_v we_o a_o thing_n but_o too_o frequent_a wherefore_o much_o care_n and_o much_o modesty_n well_o become_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n who_o perfect_o know_v the_o habitual_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o our_o mind_n after_o our_o own_o best_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o but_o beside_o this_o principal_a and_o most_o proper_a reason_n there_o be_v also_o as_o before_o some_o other_o as_o that_o this_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o goodness_n this_o also_o confirm_v in_o we_o and_o make_v more_o ready_a at_o hand_n the_o opinion_n of_o god_n universal_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o expect_v nothing_o from_o the_o
be_v remember_v of_o their_o wrath_n revenge_n pride_n envy_n conceit_n and_o disobedience_n fraud_n deceit_n injustice_n violence_n sacrilege_n lust_n and_o intemperance_n their_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o nay_o their_o aversation_n from_o hatred_n or_o contempt_n of_o pious_a performance_n they_o will_v either_o deny_v or_o excuse_v or_o justify_v themselves_o therein_o these_o be_v the_o far_o great_a number_n but_o we_o may_v find_v some_o too_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o be_v so_o melancholy_a fearful_a and_o timorous_a or_o angry_a and_o discontent_a with_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o think_v those_o thing_n sin_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o they_o which_o be_v not_o but_o only_a defect_n of_o knowledge_n or_o prudence_n when_o their_o principle_n be_v very_o right_a and_o innocent_a and_o they_o use_v as_o much_o or_o more_o care_n sometime_o to_o do_v what_o they_o intend_v than_o they_o ought_v nay_o some_o there_o may_v be_v who_o may_v think_v those_o thing_n sin_n which_o be_v their_o material_a duty_n or_o they_o ought_v in_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o have_v do_v as_o when_o any_o person_n notwithstanding_o the_o stir_v or_o tumultuate_n of_o any_o lust_n resist_v disapproved_a come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n desirous_a hearty_o to_o be_v better_a and_o strong_a against_o they_o and_o yet_o think_v he_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o come_v before_o his_o heart_n be_v better_a when_o this_o be_v his_o duty_n these_o same_o ●●morous_a and_o discontent_a person_n also_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o some_o fault_n when_o they_o be_v not_o or_o more_o than_o they_o be_v and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v bad_a and_o not_o what_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o frequent_a assault_n of_o their_o excessive_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o lust_n and_o sometime_o of_o their_o be_v overcome_v and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o their_o disapprobation_n dislike_n resistance_n repel_v and_o overcome_v they_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v as_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o encourage_v preserve_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o goodness_n as_o the_o former_a so_o also_o man_n may_v mistake_v in_o their_o confession_n concern_v original_a sin_n if_o not_o right_o inform_v as_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o adam_n personal_a sin_n and_o so_o deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n therefore_o whereas_o the_o utmost_a that_o seem_v to_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o scripture_n reason_n and_o experience_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o sad_a deal_n be_v that_o it_o may_v seem_v just_a to_o god_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a to_o constitute_v such_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o child_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o their_o body_n from_o their_o parent_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n or_o inclination_n or_o with_o inclination_n to_o some_o object_n absolute_o for_o themselves_o and_o strong_a than_o that_o to_o holiness_n or_o righteousness_n in_o which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n these_o inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n or_o inclination_n be_v by_o law_n of_o nature_n from_o certain_a temper_n or_o disposition_n of_o our_o body_n which_o be_v communicate_v from_o our_o parent_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v original_a or_o birth-sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o church-article_n but_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a calamity_n to_o child_n yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o punishment_n because_o no_o sin_n in_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v precede_v but_o it_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o of_o their_o first-parent_n who_o have_v sin_v to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o relate_v as_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o other_o as_o part_v of_o themselves_o and_o who_o their_o evil_a or_o calamity_n see_v or_o foresee_v real_o do_v affect_v nay_o further_o these_o inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n or_o habitual_a lust_n or_o evil_a concupiscence_n do_v certain_o make_v it_o just_a for_o god_n to_o place_v such_o soul_n in_o who_o they_o be_v in_o some_o suitable_a state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o unhappiness_n sometime_o or_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o best_a know_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v not_o remove_v or_o take_v away_o as_o some_o think_v they_o be_v in_o infant_n by_o baptism_n but_o all_o this_o still_o be_v no_o punishment_n to_o child_n either_o for_o adam_n or_o any_o other_n be_v personal_a transgression_n the_o neglect_n of_o a_o judaical_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n have_v be_v and_o i_o suppose_v be_v still_o among_o some_o even_o very_o good_a person_n one_o of_o the_o most_o frequent_o or_o zealous_o confess_v sin_n that_o they_o have_v speak_v their_o own_o word_n and_o think_v their_o own_o thought_n any_o time_n within_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n that_o be_v as_o they_o interpet_n it_o any_o word_n or_o thought_n concern_v any_o worldly_a affair_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o worldly_a and_o religious_a which_o in_o itself_o may_v be_v hight_o useful_a to_o one_o self_n and_o to_o other_o and_o therefore_o lawful_a nay_o command_v on_o another_o day_n and_o this_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n only_o translate_v to_o another_o day_n by_o our_o lord_n or_o his_o apostle_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o commemoration_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n the_o command_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o which_o jewish_n sabbath_n they_o esteem_v moral_a by_o which_o they_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n except_o where_o god_n himself_o have_v alter_v it_o as_o they_o think_v he_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o day_n in_o all_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v many_o mistake_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v forbid_v for_o the_o entire_a space_n of_o twenty_o four_o hour_n of_o their_o sabbath_n all_o thought_n and_o word_n nay_o action_n themselves_o which_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n internal_a or_o external_a or_o very_o near_o relate_v thereunto_o as_o for_o action_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o first_o those_o which_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n in_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o more_o vigour_n and_o fervency_n be_v never_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o those_o which_o be_v for_o the_o best_a refreshment_n of_o the_o body_n with_o food_n and_o those_o which_o be_v for_o diversion_n sometime_o which_o to_o some_o person_n may_v necessary_o take_v up_o a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o time_n such_o as_o walk_v and_o talk_v about_o innocent_a or_o useful_a affair_n of_o life_n and_o interpose_v these_o so_o much_o as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o the_o command_v worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o their_o own_o prudence_n may_v add_v in_o public_a private_a or_o secret_a nor_o 2._o be_v it_o more_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o those_o action_n be_v never_o forbid_v which_o be_v of_o great_a good_a effect_n just_a at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o those_o circumstance_n and_o many_o such_o there_o may_v be_v which_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o man_n sincere_a prudence_n than_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n pull_v his_o neighbour_n or_o his_o own_o ox_n or_o ass_n or_o sheep_n out_o of_o a_o ditch_n where_o they_o will_v certain_o perish_v it_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o instance_n how_o much_o more_o to_o ride_v many_o mile_n post_v more_o than_o many_o of_o their_o sabbath_n day_n journey_n to_o save_v a_o man_n life_n ready_a to_o perish_v by_o some_o disease_n or_o by_o violent_a assault_n of_o wicked_a murderer_n and_o as_o for_o word_n and_o thought_n they_o have_v in_o this_o respect_n still_o more_o liberty_n for_o abundance_n of_o action_n and_o otherwise_o very_o useful_a and_o good_a will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o indispose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o word_n or_o thought_n concern_v which_o for_o a_o small_a time_n may_v not_o but_o clean_o contrary_a convenient_o and_o fit_o divert_v or_o refresh_v a_o man_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o better_a performance_n thereof_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n the_o 58._o which_o have_v be_v usual_o quote_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v if_o thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o foot_n from_o the_o sabbath_n from_o do_v thy_o pleasure_n on_o my_o holy_a day_n an●_n call_v the_o sabbath_n a_o delight_n the_o holy_a of_o the_o lord_n honourable_a and_o shall_v honour_v he_o not_o do_v thy_o own_o way_n nor_o find_v thy_o own_o pleasure_n nor_o speak_v thy_o own_o word_n where_o fir●●_n the_o word_n from_o do_v thy_o pleasure_n on_o my_o holy_a day_n signify_v and_o
l._n 15._o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 152._o l._n 5._o they_o for_o other_o p._n 157._o l._n 12._o u●ndicate_v for_o vindicate_v p._n 165._o l._n 18._o to_o for_o of_o p._n 174._o l._n 1._o of_o what_o ibid._n l._n 27._o tyrannical_a imperious_a p._n 194._o l._n 4._o add_v in_o the_o margin_n tal._n bab._n berinthia_n cap._n 5._o p._n 229._o l._n 21._o read_v immediate_a action_n p._n 230._o l._n 10._o read_v degree_n thereof_o and_o del_o holiness_n as_o may_v be_v particular_o show_v and_o consequent_o of_o universal_a love_n in_o which_o it_o consist_v p._n 257._o l._n 7._o del_o i_o e._n p._n 265._o l._n 29._o add_v but_o only_o a_o just_a consequence_n of_o it_o p._n 315._o l._n 2._o read_v mouth_n full_a p._n 320._o l._n 16._o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 351._o l._n 17._o unacceptable_a for_o acceptable_a p._n 358._o l._n 8._o they_o for_o their_o p._n 368._o l._n 25._o del_o not_o p._n 398._o l._n 17._o unjust_a for_o just_a p._n 402._o l._n 24._o affectation_n for_o affection_n p._n 404._o l._n 16._o condition_n for_o caution_n p._n 407._o l._n 6._o holiness_n for_o happiness_n a_o treatise_n concern_v prayer_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o prayer_n sect_n i._o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v upon_o many_o account_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o most_o true_o and_o perfect_o wife_n and_o good_a man_n that_o be_v one_o who_o best_o discern_v and_o love_v what_o be_v true_a and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a for_o the_o world_n the_o most_o eligible_a thing_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v it_o so_o particular_o it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o have_v make_v know_v or_o confirm_v and_o teach_v with_o ●o_o great_a certainty_n so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o comfort_n solace_n and_o support_v of_o poor_a indigent_a and_o impo●ent_a humane_a nature_n both_o as_o to_o this_o present_a and_o the_o future_a state_n as_o in_o that_o great_a mind_a discourse_n of_o jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n concern_v divine_a providence_n matt._n 6._o where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a concern_v the_o necessity_n or_o conveniency_n of_o this_o present_a life_n when_o there_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o certain_a a_o way_n undoubted_o to_o obtain_v and_o secure_v they_o viz._n by_o be_v first_o the_o faithful_a subject_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o at_o that_o time_n as_o send_v his_o law_n and_o command_n by_o jesus_n himself_o or_o by_o be_v sincere_a christian_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o and_o take_v care_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o those_o respect_n so_o much_o as_o be_v for_o their_o good_n and_o again_o if_o they_o shall_v want_v they_o and_o have_v evil_a thing_n befall_v they_o and_o undergo_v affliction_n even_o this_o shall_v certain_o be_v for_o their_o good_a for_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o love_n god_n and_o as_o to_o the_o future_a life_n the_o state_n after_o death_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o our_o body_n into_o dust_n and_o vapour_n what_o great_a and_o magnificent_a thing_n be_v tell_v and_o assure_v we_o such_o as_o be_v never_o know_v at_o all_o or_o not_o with_o any_o certainty_n comparative_o considerable_a before_o a_o state_n so_o perfect_a and_o happy_a be_v promise_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o glory_n and_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n and_o joy_n and_o life_n the_o most_o admire_a and_o esteem_v thing_n among_o we_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v and_o signify_v it_o and_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o it_o by_o those_o holy_a disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n of_o righteousness_n of_o love_n to_o the_o universe_n at_o once_o or_o as_o one_o to_o god_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o perfect_a and_o happy_a as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v best_a know_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o self-denial_n of_o perfect_a mortification_n of_o lust_n that_o be_v of_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o all_o our_o appetite_n and_o yet_o further_o that_o impotent_a man_n may_v obtain_v these_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o our_o other_o promise_a happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o god_n have_v absolute_o promise_v we_o his_o influence_n upon_o we_o for_o our_o assistance_n to_o be_v and_o comfort_n in_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a his_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o illustrious_a merit_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n of_o all_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o fault_n when_o we_o be_v become_v good_a among_o these_o one_o very_o comprehensive_o comfortable_a as_o well_o as_o profitable_a doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v concern_v prayer_n viz._n that_o all_o thing_n both_o those_o of_o the_o future_a and_o of_o this_o life_n too_o if_o good_a for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v particular_o grant_v we_o that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n sustainer_n and_o governor_n and_o to_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o never_o to_o desire_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o be_v our_o own_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o joyous_a and_o delightful_a than_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n of_o unjust-slefishness_a i_o say_v all_o such_o thing_n may_v upon_o our_o request_n such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v obtain_v upon_o which_o account_n we_o be_v not_o only_o advise_v but_o command_v to_o lay_v aside_o every_o where_o all_o solicitude_n all_o anxious_a care_n use_v only_o calm_o and_o cheerful_o the_o just_a prudence_n and_o diligence_n which_o we_o may_v judge_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o deserve_v and_o dutiful_o commend_v our_o desire_n and_o the_o success_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o god_n and_o perfect_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o event_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n so_o be_v the_o apostolical_a precept_n philip._n 4._o v._n 6._o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n whether_o we_o in_o general_n implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o goodwill_n and_o consequent_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o past_a miscarriage_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n or_o whether_o we_o beg_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o his_o bounty_n whether_o more_o particular_o we_o desire_v any_o excellent_a ornament_n or_o qualification_n of_o soul_n of_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n gift_n or_o grace_n as_o usual_o call_v whether_o our_o dull_a and_o confuse_a head_n want_v light_a and_o clearness_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n or_o we_o will_v have_v the_o manifold_a unruly_a disobedient_a motion_n and_o appetite_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v tame_v abate_v and_o at_o our_o due_a command_n and_o our_o breathe_n and_o endeavour_n after_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n excite_v and_o increase_v whether_o there_o we_o will_v have_v our_o lust_n abate_v and_o mortify_a our_o corruption_n subdue_v our_o grace_n and_o virtue_n quicken_v and_o strengthen_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o health_n strength_n peace_n and_o quiet_n plenty_n liberty_n goodname_n friend_n family_n relation_n whether_o with_o the_o solicitous_a merchant_n we_o will_v have_v our_o adventure_n and_o commodity_n come_v safe_a home_o or_o with_o the_o soldier_n escape_v the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o a_o battle_n or_o with_o the_o industrious_a tradesman_n we_o modest_o desire_v competent_a custom_n honest_a faithful_a and_o just_a deal_n good_a commodity_n the_o success_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o skill_n or_o with_o the_o husbandman_n proper_a season_n plentiful_a crop_n and_o harvest_n and_o that_o we_o may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o enjoy_v they_o in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v little_a or_o small_a and_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a as_o not_o be_v below_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o they_o be_v great_a and_o of_o the_o most_o valuable_a consequence_n as_o not_o be_v too_o big_a for_o god_n almighty_a to_o grant_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v but_o make_v know_v humble_o our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o if_o our_o desire_n be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o consistent_a with_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o with_o the_o universal_a good_a and_o we_o be_v mad_a and_o wicked_a man_n if_o we_o put_v not_o in_o that_o exception_n we_o need_v not_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v careful_a or_o solicitous_a but_o
to_o be_v introduce_v and_o admit_v thereinto_o some_o more_o near_o some_o more_o remote_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_n what_o be_v proper_a and_o what_o be_v more_o or_o less_o impertinent_a thereto_o that_o be_v what_o do_v and_o what_o do_v not_o and_o what_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o another_o thing_n in_o its_o place_n obtain_v this_o end_n some_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v pertinent_a part_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v these_o first_o a_o express_a attention_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o attribut●s_n second_o confession_n of_o past_a and_o present_a fault_n and_o sin_n three_o a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o future_a amendment_n and_o obedience_n four_o thanksgiving_n or_o actual_a love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o favour_n already_o confer_v and_o receive_v five_o a_o rehearsal_n proposal_n or_o explication_n of_o one_o want_n what_o a_o man_n will_v have_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o desire_v a_o more_o or_o less_o particular_a declaration_n of_o a_o man_n case_n together_o also_o with_o the_o true_a difficulty_n or_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o this_o not_o for_o god_n sake_n that_o he_o may_v know_v they_o more_o distinct_o or_o the_o like_a but_o for_o our_o own_o that_o we_o may_v more_o adequate_o and_o distinct_o and_o long_o attend_v to_o our_o own_o necessity_n and_o want_n our_o own_o impotent_a and_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n and_o consequent_o more_o earnest_o desire_v relief_n of_o which_o hereafter_o six_o a_o express_a desire_n and_o petition_n that_o god_n in_o these_o case_n will_v relieve_v and_o help_v we_o sect_n iii_o 1._o therefore_o a_o express_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o attention_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n to_o attribute_v and_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v in_o god_n such_o as_o be_v 1._o his_o infinite_a power_n that_o he_o be_v absolute_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n what_o he_o please_v and_o this_o at_o all_o time_n and_o that_o he_o be_v uncontrollable_a none_o be_v superior_a to_o he_o to_o hinder_v or_o restrain_v he_o nor_o that_o he_o need_v any_o other_o thing_n or_o person_n but_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n without_o they_o and_o even_o they_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o he_o all_o perfect_o at_o his_o command_n subject_n to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n even_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a creature_n so_o far_o as_o we_o deny_v or_o doubt_v or_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o this_o or_o do_v not_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v so_o far_o it_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a or_o less_o probable_a that_o our_o desire_n shall_v be_v effect_v and_o this_o will_v either_o quite_o extinguish_v or_o flatten_a our_o desire_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o sure_o desire_n what_o he_o judge_v a_o impossibility_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o judge_v he_o may_v than_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v by_o his_o prayer_n mostwhat_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v himself_o about_o it_o much_o less_o still_o about_o what_o he_o judge_v less_o probable_a or_o if_o he_o may_v venture_v a_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v mostwhat_o very_o cold_o and_o not_o often_o or_o in_o general_a the_o prayer_n will_v be_v such_o who_o pain_n be_v not_o more_o than_o the_o probability_n of_o success_n second_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a all-comprehending_a knowledge_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v possible_a and_o impossible_a be_v always_o present_a to_o his_o infinite_a mind_n &_o understanding_n that_o therefore_o he_o always_o be_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_o to_o be_v do_v or_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a and_o therefore_o just_a and_o that_o when_o any_o desire_n or_o prayer_n be_v propound_v unto_o he_o he_o can_v never_o be_v ignorant_a or_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v or_o not_o and_o how_o far_o and_o therefore_o can_v upon_o that_o account_n refrain_v or_o delay_n as_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n nay_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a of_o finite_a creature_n saint_n and_o angel_n unless_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o god_n will_v always_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o whether_o any_o desire_n which_o be_v propose_v t●_n they_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a h●_n have_v not_o and_o again_o that_o he_o be_v thus_o infinit●_n in_o knowledge_n all_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o hear●_n though_o signify_v by_o no_o external_a sign_n in_o al●_n place_n at_o all_o time_n be_v perfect_o see_v by_o he_o nay_o all_o the_o least_o motion_n and_o operation_n o●_n our_o soul_n as_o of_o all_o other_o spirit_n both_o in_o heave●_n and_o earth_n be_v all_o open_a and_o plain_a to_o this_o omnipresent_v and_o all-pervading_a mind_n and_o spiri●_n god_n the_o most_o imperfect_a unformed_a confused_a desire_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o sigh_n and_o groa●●_n sometime_o express_v be_v not_o hide_v from_o he_o nay_o he_o see_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o and_o knowe●_n what_o they_o will_v be_v as_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v wherefore_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o know●_n our_o desire_n and_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v our_o belief_n and_o confidence_n tha●_n we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v will_v so_o fa●_n fail_v and_o consequent_o our_o prayer_n or_o desire_v so_o far_o sink_v grow_v cold_a and_o flat_a this_o be_v th●_n most_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a use_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i●_n prayer_n but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o by_o the_o by_o an●_n therefore_o still_o make_v it_o the_o more_o reasonable_a a●_n the_o divine_a holiness_n suppose_v it_o engage_v we_o t●_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n in_o our_o prayer_n that_o b●_n sure_o we_o do_v not_o ask_v any_o thing_n with_o any_o mixture_n of_o wicked_a and_o unallowable_a intention_n t●_n gratify_v any_o lust_n or_o unlawful_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v secret_o design_n or_o glance_n at_o only_a and_o not_o open_o or_o long_o attend_v to_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v ask_v of_o god_n riches_n that_o he_o may_v have_v wherewithal_o to_o live_v in_o luxury_n or_o intemperance_n or_o to_o maintain_v other_o sensual_a lust_n or_o to_o be_v equal_a or_o superior_a to_o other_o to_o oppress_v they_o to_o gratify_v his_o envy_n or_o revenge_n or_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o more_o gross_a and_o more_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o duty_n more_o to_o he_o perform_v our_o religious_a duty_n suppose_v of_o prayer_n hear_v read_v that_o we_o may_v be_v a_o holy_a people_n external_o nay_o in_o internal_a action_n too_o though_o so_o far_o as_o we_o do_v this_o we_o clean_a contrary_n render_v all_o bad_a we_o do_v with_o a_o secret_a and_o sly_a intention_n and_o design_n that_o we_o may_v have_v reputation_n for_o our_o sanctity_n be_v think_v well_o of_o by_o such_o and_o such_o and_o consequent_o gain_v riches_n preferment_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o may_v be_v better_o than_o other_o who_o we_o have_v some_o anger_n or_o envy_n against_o for_o some_o difference_n in_o persuasion_n etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o diminish_v their_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o advance_v our_o own_o and_o propagate_v some_o way_n or_o opinion_n because_o we_o not_o because_o we_o sincere_o see_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o please_v to_o god_n when_o we_o express_o acknowledge_v and_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o god_n know_v these_o sly_a and_o conceal_a end_n intention_n and_o design_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o withal_o know_v he_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a this_o deter_v we_o therefrom_o lest_o instead_o of_o be_v hear_v we_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o this_o our_o insincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n for_o man_n know_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o bring_v it_o with_o a_o wicked_a mind_n nay_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o our_o prayer_n engage_v we_o not_o only_o to_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n in_o our_o prayer_n but_o to_o a_o universal_a holiness_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o our_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v good_a so_o much_o more_o be_v our_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o consequent_o our_o desire_n more_o heighten_v but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o indulge_v allow_v approve_a neglect_v to_o be_v reform_v so_o much_o less_o reason_n and_o confidence_n we_o shall_v have_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v we_o or_o be_v good_a
have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n viz._n their_o sickness_n which_o may_v be_v inflict_v and_o just_o continue_v too_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o james_n 5._o verse_n 14._o be_v any_o sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o c●l_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o improbable_o let_v the_o elder_n use_v the_o natural_a mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n also_o add_v their_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o anoint_v with_o oil_n be_v a_o most_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a medicine_n in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o cure_v many_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o jewish_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o st._n james_n and_o put_v syneedochical_o for_o any_o other_o natural_a mean_n or_o medicine_n whatsoever_o apply_v for_o help_n and_o cure_n to_o this_o also_o the_o jew_n add_v enchantment_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n probable_o oppose_v prayer_n as_o the_o disciple_n use_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o god_n as_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v and_o then_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o a_o believer_n or_o of_o a_o true_a and_o hearty_a holy_a christian_n such_o as_o the_o elder_n be_v general_o and_o reasonable_o then_o suppose_v to_o be_v shall_v save_v the_o sick_a that_o be_v shall_v save_v he_o from_o his_o sickness_n or_o deliver_v he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n that_o be_v any_o sin_n which_o may_v particular_o have_v deserve_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o sickness_n yet_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o elder_n righteous_a man_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o that_o be_v this_o punishment_n shall_v not_o be_v further_o inflict_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o follow_v confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o it_o be_v very_o prevalent_a with_o god_n to_o procure_v such_o and_o other_o favour_n and_o blessing_n yea_o and_o sometime_o curse_n and_o evil_a thing_n even_o as_o elias_n who_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v by_o his_o prayer_n procure_v and_o obtain_v from_o god_n both_o drought_n and_o rain_n there_o may_v be_v also_o other_o benefit_n to_o other_o by_o our_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v due_o perform_v they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o excite_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n to_o love_v he_o thank_v he_o desire_v of_o he_o have_v faith_n confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o and_o to_o obtain_v all_o the_o consequent_a good_a effect_n which_o we_o ourselves_o shall_v by_o our_o own_o prayer_n all_o which_o good_a thing_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o our_o example_n they_o will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o or_o mind_v or_o not_o so_o much_o sect_n 1._o but_o second_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n which_o again_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o three_o head_n 1_o our_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n 2_o our_o comfort_n joy_n satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n 3_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v the_o common_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o both_o 1_o prayer_n do_v confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o goodnoss_n they_o tend_v much_o to_o preserve_v we_o therein_o and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o and_o that_o these_o several_a way_n among_o other_o first_o by_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o immediate_a mean_n thereof_o second_o by_o suggestion_n or_o bring_v to_o mind_v our_o duty_n or_o what_o help_v to_o practice_v it_o three_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o imitation_n of_o god_n four_o by_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n particular_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o receive_v all_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n nay_o of_o our_o receive_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o goodness_n itself_o five_o by_o way_n of_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o explicate_v 1_o by_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o immediate_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v easy_o understand_v by_o run_v over_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n we_o have_v former_o mention_v as_o first_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o express_a judgement_n concern_v ourselves_o direct_v to_o god_n that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a former_o or_o be_v still_o of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o a_o hearty_a disapprobation_n dislike_n disalallowance_n thereof_o a_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o too_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a a_o hearty_a sorrow_n that_o we_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o imperfect_a wicked_a or_o unhappy_a and_o a_o cheerful_a free_a and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o have_v be_v faulty_a in_o omit_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o and_o abandon_v what_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o do_v to_o mortify_v and_o extinguish_v all_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o any_o or_o all_o our_o appetite_n that_o be_v all_o our_o lust_n or_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o appetito_n and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o command_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o now_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n thus_o explicate_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o actual_a exercise_n or_o exertion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n or_o of_o grace_n in_o we_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v so_o often_o as_o we_o thus_o pray_v we_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v and_o put_v forth_o into_o action_n our_o habitual_a inclination_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n but_o every_o action_n and_o exercise_n confirm_v the_o habit_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v it_o all_o habit_n may_v be_v thus_o get_v and_o however_o get_v though_o immediate_o by_o god_n influence_n which_o be_v call_v infusion_n yet_o they_o be_v thus_o maintain_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o most_o ordinary_a person_n may_v understand_v this_o by_o experience_n the_o more_o often_o we_o actual_o hate_v or_o be_v grieve_v for_o or_o at_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n the_o more_o we_o be_v incline_v so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o at_o last_o we_o may_v not_o endure_v the_o very_a sight_n or_o mention_v of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o love_n what_o thing_n we_o have_v accustom_v ourselves_o and_o use_v often_o to_o love_n we_o contract_v a_o most_o ready_a firm_a and_o constant_a inclination_n so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o that_o sometime_o we_o can_v be_v for_o any_o time_n without_o they_o in_o the_o very_a like_o manner_n it_o be_v when_o we_o actual_o often_o abominate_a sin_n in_o general_n or_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a when_o we_o hate_v contemn_v be_v grieve_v for_o it_o when_o we_o hearty_o love_v our_o duty_n and_o with_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o our_o soul_n desire_v and_o will_v we_o may_v be_v universal_o or_o in_o any_o particular_a innocent_a or_o good_a we_o shall_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o that_o habitual_a temper_n of_o love_n of_o goodness_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n which_o will_v be_v easy_a strong_a vigorous_a and_o constant_a and_o shall_v not_o endure_v the_o sight_n or_o suspicion_n of_o any_o sin_n in_o ourselves_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o live_v comfortable_o without_o the_o constant_a consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o of_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n innocency_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n attain_v to_o profession_n of_o our_o future_a obedience_n which_o be_v another_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n as_o i_o have_v explicate_v confession_n be_v include_v in_o it_o and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o express_a action_n or_o resolution_n of_o will_n excite_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o direct_v to_o god_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o in_o general_a or_o in_o any_o particular_a where_o she_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o that_o now_o by_o his_o assistance_n and_o strength_n which_o she_o humble_o implore_v she_o will_v observe_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n the_o rule_n of_o which_o be_v his_o will_n make_v know_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n which_o express_a action_n of_o she_o or_o actual_a resolution_n and_o the_o more_o frequent_a the_o better_a must_v needs_o preserve_v and_o increase_v her_o
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 easi●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
his_o blow_n or_o harrow_n or_o in_o his_o shop_n may_v sure_o upon_o these_o occasion_n do_v thus_o as_o easy_o if_o they_o have_v mind_n as_o swear_v and_o curse_v at_o their_o cattle_n or_o fellow-servant_n or_o master_n or_o chapman_n or_o customer_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o man_n general_o have_v when_o they_o mention_v any_o considerable_a benefit_n or_o good_a thing_n receive_v to_o say_v god_n be_v thank_v when_o any_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o to_o say_v god_n forgive_v the●_n when_o any_o calamity_n or_o evil_n which_o they_o f●●_n or_o fear_n to_o say_v god_n have_v mercy_n on_o they_o a●_n these_o be_v ejaculatory_a prayer_n but_o then_o ●●_o they_o be_v customary_a so_o they_o shall_v be_v hea●●_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o care_n to_o live_v as_o they_o s●_n these_o and_z many_o other_o ejaculatory_a praye●_n may_v be_v often_o use_v in_o our_o thought_n tha●_n speak_v for_o fear_v of_o seem_a affectation_n whi●_n may_v offend_v sect_n iv_o iii_o a_o three_o way_n how_o pray_v keep_v ●_o good_a and_o make_v we_o better_o be_v ●●_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o imitation_n ●_o god_n and_o this_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o suggestion_n and_o bring_v god_n and_o his_o excellent_a perfect●ons_n and_o attribute_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o t●●_n exercise_n of_o our_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n of_o he_o as_o one_o powerful_a wise_a holy_a and_o righteous_a of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o as_o o●_n good_a to_o we_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n goodness_n itself_o for_o all_o these_o affection_n in_o we_o t●_n any_o person_n dispose_v we_o effectual_o to_o imitation_n of_o all_o we_o can_v in_o he_o in_o general_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o we_o more_o particular_o admire_v and_o love_v the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a admire_v therefore_o and_o love_v particular_o in_o god_n his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n will_v dispose_v we_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o he_o therein_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v not_o see_v man_n prayer_n do_v they_o this_o way_n any_o great_a good_a though_o i_o think_v they_o rare_o perform_v they_o so_o bad_o but_o they_o will_v be_v worse_o if_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o at_o all_o be_v because_o they_o perform_v their_o prayer_n so_o seldom_o or_o so_o superficial_o cold_o or_o heartles_o sometime_o they_o pray_v only_o with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o what_o they_o do_v they_o be_v cold_a and_o dull_a not_o at_o all_o warm_v or_o touch_v the_o very_a love_a god_n for_o his_o benefit_n only_o in_o particular_a to_o we_o will_v dispose_v we_o to_o imitation_n if_o we_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o or_o remember_v that_o to_o imitate_v he_o will_v certain_o please_v he_o which_o love_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o our_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n in_o our_o prayer_n may_v more_o certain_o have_v this_o excellent_a effect_n of_o imitation_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v holy_a it_o will_v be_v very_o good_a when_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v god_n favour_n to_o ask_v ourselves_o serious_o what_o we_o shall_v return_v he_o again_o how_o we_o shall_v please_v he_o and_o then_o to_o answer_v ourselves_o by_o be_v like_o himself_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o hate_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n we_o see_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o we_o imitate_v those_o with_o who_o we_o much_o and_o frequent_o converse_v and_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o we_o do_v as_o they_o do_v we_o entertain_v our_o self_n with_o the_o same_o thought_n affection_n action_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o mind_n who_o frequent_o and_o hearty_o converse_v with_o god_n that_o be_v have_v he_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o prayer_n and_o have_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o he_o as_o who_o have_v not_o they_o general_o be_v more_o like_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o be_v much_o dispose_v thereto_o experience_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o man_n who_o think_v of_o god_n be_v much_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o he_o as_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o apprehend_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a arbitrary_a angerful_a be_v so_o he_o be_v not_o so_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v but_o secure_a they_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o ofttimes_o actual_o be_v so_o they_o contrariwise_o who_o worship_n god_n principal_o for_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_n as_o his_o principal_a and_o only_a absolute_a perfection_n and_o dear_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o as_o omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a love_n who_o though_o he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v do_v always_o what_o be_v best_a these_o i_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v of_o a_o universal_o generous_o benign_a temper_n to_o all_o not_o arbitrary_a partial_a but_o good_a to_o every_o one_o as_o be_v best_a for_o the_o general_a good_a or_o for_o the_o public_a again_o our_o prayer_n by_o converse_n with_o spiritual_a and_o great_a object_n spiritualize_v and_o widen_v our_o mind_n do_v make_v we_o more_o capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o imitate_v of_o god_n perfection_n especial_o his_o holiness_n or_o universal_a righteousness_n sect_n v._o iv_o a_o four_o way_n how_o our_o prayer_n do_v make_v we_o good_a and_o better_a and_o preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n be_v more_o particular_o by_o bring_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o petition_n be_v grant_v we_o can_v pray_v for_o or_o desire_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o any_o hope_n of_o success_n but_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v good_a the_o degree_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v to_o answer_v the_o degree_n of_o our_o goodness_n and_o this_o way_n be_v proper_a to_o that_o part_n of_o prayer_n call_v petition_n we_o all_o of_o we_o natural_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o that_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o world_n for_o its_o great_a good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o its_o great_a good_a and_o therefore_o one_o of_o his_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o bad_a and_o that_o one_o proper_a way_n of_o punishment_n which_o god_n may_v use_v be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o wicked_a man_n have_v already_o or_o to_o cross_v their_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v or_o succeed_v in_o what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o success_n or_o that_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o speed_v without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n either_o we_o shall_v never_o give_v ourselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o ask_v at_o all_o or_o if_o o●_n necessity_n or_o choice_n put_v we_o upon_o ask_v o●_n conscience_n will_v also_o put_v we_o upon_o reformation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v know_v to_o be_v ami●_n in_o ourselves_o and_o sometime_o if_o we_o be_v i●_n a_o great_a fright_n of_o what_o we_o never_o know_v ●_o suspect_v before_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wicked_a man_n who_o conscience_n fly_v i●_n their_o face_n or_o be_v apt_a to_o whisper_v something_o which_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o or_o amend_v when_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o come_v by_o it_o without_o god_n immediate_a help_n as_o health_n strength_n freedom_n from_o poverty_n prison_n pain_n sickness_n death_n yet_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o prayer_n they_o will_v use_v any_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o difficult_a and_o run_v and_o shift_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o employ_v and_o busy_v their_o invention_n or_o endeavour_n and_o hope_v this_o and_o other_o thing_n will_v effect_v what_o they_o will_v have_v rather_o than_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n when_o that_o hearty_a prayer_n be_v so_o facile_a and_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o obtain_v what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o be_v a_o mean_n which_o be_v use_v with_o all_o other_o will_v make_v they_o more_o successful_a i_o know_v sometime_o conscience_n may_v be_v very_o forgetful_a dull_a partial_a erroneous_a through_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o strength_n in_o goodness_n and_o man_n may_v be_v very_o confident_a in_o their_o petition_n too_o when_o real_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o bad_a and_o that_o even_o in_o their_o very_a prayer_n they_o be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o person_n do_v neither_o suppose_v nor_o make_v they_o good_a but_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v otherwise_o especial_o when_o man_n
of_o their_o desert_n from_o god_n as_o to_o challenge_v he_o with_o injustice_n for_o neglect_v they_o but_o god_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o external_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o pray_v weep_v fast_v look_v sorrowful_o and_o sordid_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o procure_v they_o any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v reform_v themselves_o and_o leave_v all_o the_o abovenamed_a iniquity_n be_v in_o all_o instance_n and_o expression_n universal_o charitable_a to_o their_o neighbour_n not_o oppress_v or_o tyrannize_v be_v tender-hearted_a compassionate_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a shall_v cause_v their_o light_n to_o break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o their_o health_n spring_v forth_o speedy_o that_o be_v shall_v make_v they_o a_o joyous_a and_o happy_a people_n and_o verse_n 9_o express_o then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o i_o be_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o the_o yoke_n that_o be_v oppression_n the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n that_o be_v derision_n and_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v of_o thy_o poor_a unhappy_a neighbour_n and_o speak_v vanity_n that_o be_v lie_v or_o fraud_n for_o by_o vanity_n the_o hebrew_n ordinary_o express_v falsehood_n &c_n &c_n if_o thou_o reform_v and_o mend_v thy_o wicked_a way_n then_o may_v thou_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v according_a to_o god_n own_o promise_n when_o it_o shall_v seem_v fit_a to_o he_o and_o that_o it_o will_v often_o d●_n that_o thy_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v otherwise_o thy_o prayer_n and_o confidence_n too_o be_v but_o presumption_n and_o impudence_n it_o be_v true_a these_o last_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o such_o like_v prove_v that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v viz._n that_o man_n conscience_n may_v sometime_o so_o forget_v themselves_o be_v so_o partial_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o may_v pray_v bold_o and_o confident_o when_o they_o may_v rather_o expect_v the_o taunt_n there_o and_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o face_n that_o be_v their_o prayer_n to_o be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v by_o god_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o prayer_n do_v not_o always_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v or_o make_v man_n good_a but_o then_o they_o inform_v man_n too_o which_o be_v the_o end_n why_o i_o have_v bring_v they_o that_o if_o man_n hope_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o god_n and_o to_o have_v their_o prayer_n grant_v they_o must_v be_v good_a and_o not_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a sin_n or_o through_o hypocrisy_n or_o insincerity_n laziness_n or_o prevalency_n of_o some_o lust_n above_o their_o duty_n wilful_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n or_o no_o or_o slatter_v themselves_o in_o general_n they_o do_v not_o and_o those_o man_n who_o know_v thus_o much_o by_o natural_a conscience_n reason_n the_o scripture_n and_o often_o attend_v to_o it_o which_o be_v most_o man_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o though_o not_o all_o if_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o evil_n or_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o any_o good_a will_v first_o be_v apt_a to_o reslect_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n and_o promise_v unto_o god_n amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n that_o they_o may_v with_o hope_n of_o success_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o effectual_o obtain_v their_o desire_n and_o to_o do_v this_o often_o and_o constant_o sure_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o preserve_a man_n from_o all_o sin_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o more_o sincere_o vigorous_o constant_o and_o universal_o better_a sect_n vi_o the_o five_o way_n how_o our_o pray_v may_v v._o v._o make_v we_o better_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n be_v by_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n that_o be_v god_n almighty_n may_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o reward_v our_o prayer_n even_o in_o general_n be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n may_v reward_v our_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o our_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o according_o our_o admiration_n honour_n love_n thankfulness_n address_v to_o he_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o he_o exercise_v in_o our_o prayer_n with_o the_o great_a blessing_n he_o can_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v with_o increase_n growth_n strength_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n when_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o humble_o and_o in_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o well-doing_n which_o also_o be_v sign_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n even_o for_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n as_o for_o wisdom_n instruction_n deliverance_n from_o bodily_a danger_n plenty_n good_a success_n in_o worldly_a affair_n a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a life_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o may_v seem_v good_a to_o god_n sometime_o to_o reward_v this_o exercise_n of_o our_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o proper_a mean_n thereof_o with_o better_a thing_n than_o what_o we_o ask_v and_o with_o they_o too_o eve●_n this_o principal_a one_o of_o all_o of_o preserve_a a●_n strengthen_v our_o soul_n in_o holiness_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a virtue_n and_o grace_n but_o much_o more_o still_o have_v we_o reason_n t●_n think_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v this_o incomparable_a blessing_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o humbl●_n sincere_o and_o importunate_o beseech_v it_o ●_o his_o hand_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n wh●_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n th●_n he_o will_v but_o make_v we_o sincere_o and_o generous_o good_a holy_a lover_n of_o himself_o and_o ●_o all_o person_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o love_n never_o to_o gratify_v any_o inordinate_a or_o immoderate_a appetite_n an●_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o plain_o be_v indiffere●_n to_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o ma●_n be_v instrument_n hereof_o of_o our_o be_v or_o do_v good_a this_o be_v a_o petition_n that_o argue●_n and_o act_n a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o encourage_v i●_n and_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o long_a it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n that_o god_n will_v heat_v our_o prayer_n grant_v our_o desire_n make_v out_o endeavour_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o time_n or_o other_o successful_a we_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o blind_a man_n opinion_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n god_n hear_v he_o ●nd_v in_o this_o sure_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o ●hing_n our_o saviour_n to_o encourage_v our_o address_n to_o god_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v express_o promise_v success_n when_o it_o seem_v sit_v to_o god_n and_o it_o do_v so_o sometime_o or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v ●●_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d knock_v and_o it_o shall_v ●e_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o asketh●s_v ●s_z he_o aught_o receive_v when_o it_o seem_v fit_a to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v very_o often_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v ●e_v open_v which_o our_o saviour_n illustrate_v ●y_a a_o similitude_n of_o earthly_a parent_n who_o ●ive_a to_o their_o child_n upon_o their_o ask_n necessary_a or_o convenient_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o ●etter_a to_o we_o and_o love_v we_o all_o more_o with_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n than_o our_o earthly_a parent_n can_v do_v give_v they_o unto_o we_o what_o man_n be_v there_o etc._n etc._n matt._n 7._o to_o verse_n 12._o the_o ●ame_n we_o have_v in_o st._n luke_n chap._n 11._o verse_n 13._o where_o it_o be_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o in_o david_n psalm_n be_v many_o place_n to_o this_o purpose_n psalm_n 145._o verse_n 18_o 19_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o disciple_n and_o believer_n th●_n be_v their_o charge_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o be_v strengthen_v in_o holiness_n and_o g●ness_n
in_o all_o grace_n and_o good_a work_n a●_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pray_v so_o ●_o less_o they_o have_v have_v hope_n that_o god_n wo●_n some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n he●_n they_o thus_o only_o for_o example_n st._n pa●_n thessaly_n 1._o 3._o 12._o the_o lord_n make_v you_o to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o an●_n all_o man_n even_o as_o we_o do_v towards_o you_o to_o the_o e●_n he_o may_v establish_v your_o heart_n unblamable_a in_o hol●ness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o comi●_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n and_o thessaly_n 2._o 2._o 16._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_n yo●_n heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n a●_n work_n and_o if_o god_n will_v hear_v their_o a●_n consequent_o our_o prayer_n for_o other_o to_o make_v and_o keep_v they_o good_a and_o make_v they_o better_o than_o sure_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o wi●_n hear_v we_o for_o ourselves_o nay_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v a_o real_a and_o prevalent_a love_n to_o goodness_n whe●_n we_o desire_v it_o for_o ourselves_o but_o the_o desire_v it_o for_o other_o may_v not_o so_o much_o signify_v it_o we_o may_v often_o wish_v other_o to_o be_v good_a as_o bad_a parent_n do_v their_o child_n sometime_o and_o yet_o not_o ourselves_o because_o other_o be_v good_a ●s_n not_o inconsistent_a perhaps_o with_o any_o belove_a ●ust_z of_o our_o own_o but_o our_o own_o be_v good_a ●s_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o real_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o of_o holy_a man_n which_o ●ath_v by_o some_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v habitual_o and_o prevalent_o holy_a and_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v not_o true_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o not_o of_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n thereof_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o of_o pray_v viz._n it_o be_v a_o likely_a mean_n due_o perform_v to_o preserve_v ●s_n in_o goodness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v in_o we_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a instance_n hereof_o and_o that_o by_o these_o several_a way_n i_o have_v mention_v sect_n vii_o i._o a_o second_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n be_v that_o of_o comfort_n joy_n delight_n of_o soul_n satisfaction_n acquiescence_n ease_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o these_o four_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n arise_v immediate_o from_o the_o operation_n or_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n terminate_v upon_o god_n in_o prayer_n very_o natural_o that_o be_v without_o the_o special_a immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n up●_n our_o mind_n for_o example_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o a●tributes_n so_o often_o mention_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o contemplate_v if_o we_o be_v more_o a●_n and_o have_v more_o time_n in_o secret_a especial_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n his_o almighty_a power_n his_o all-comprehending_a knowledge_n his_o universal_a and_o infin●_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o his_o tender_a mercy_n forbear_v for_o give_v bestow_v promise_a reward_v otherwhile_o his_o as_o wholesome_a justice_n in_o control_v chastise_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_o immutable_o infinite_o all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o in_o our_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o attend_v t●_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o very_a thought_n o●_n which_o so_o vast_a object_n be_v vast_o please_v and_o delightful_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o cast_v but_o some_o glance_n at_o they_o touch_v the_o soul_n with_o ●_o great_a and_o smart_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o i●_n be_v in_o our_o most_o set_v customary_a public_a o●_n private_a prayer_n where_o we_o can_v have_v tim●_n only_o more_o transient_o to_o look_v at_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o secret_a and_o retire_a devotion_n where_o we_o may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o we_o w●_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o to_o admire_v they_o and_o then_o think_v of_o they_o again_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o fit_v for_o this_o employment_n by_o ●_o sober_a and_o refine_a temper_n of_o body_n by_o frequent_a use_n and_o god_n influence_n the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n may_v be_v to_o a_o ravish_a degree_n and_o the_o more_o particular_a distinct_a and_o comprehensive_a our_o knowledge_n be_v the_o great_a our_o admiration_n and_o the_o more_o intense_a our_o pleasure_n still_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o soul_n have_v experience_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o will_v not_o change_v with_o the_o best_a furnish_v sensualist_n or_o worldling_n nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o motion_n without_o the_o high_a contempt_n but_o then_o much_o more_o still_o be_v this_o pleasure_n increase_v by_o the_o passion_n and_o action_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n trust_v and_o hope_n resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o imitation_n which_o the_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n produce_v in_o we_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v fit_v therefore_o by_o spirituality_n to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o by_o a_o habitual_a goodness_n and_o generosity_n of_o temper_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o the_o very_a passion_n of_o love_n itself_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a agreeable_a pleasant_a and_o sweet_a thing_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o who_o be_v there_o except_o very_o unfortunate_a nature_a person_n who_o do_v not_o experience_n it_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o but_o what_o may_v or_o can_v be_v belove_v with_o a_o more_o ardent_a and_o intense_a degree_n of_o it_o than_o god_n '_o than_o god_n i_o say_v when_o we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a love_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v love_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a to_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v eternal_o immutable_o and_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n even_o his_o permission_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n itself_o than_o god_n i_o say_v who_o be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a in_o power_n too_o and_o can_v do_v what_o he_o please_v upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v and_o from_o who_o they_o have_v all_o and_o that_o no_o long_o than_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n what_o can_v or_o may_v be_v more_o belove_v than_o such_o a_o be_v as_o he_o be_v i_o say_v what_o may_v be_v love_v by_o we_o more_o ardent_o than_o god_n not_o what_o be_v so_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v very_o sensual_a and_o dull_a in_o their_o apprehension_n very_o much_o corrupt_v degenerate_a and_o debase_v in_o their_o affection_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o apprehend_v these_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o have_v any_o or_o but_o very_o little_a inclination_n to_o they_o or_o affection_n for_o they_o in_o any_o other_o we_o may_v ourselves_o be_v so_o ill-natured_a as_o not_o much_o to_o be_v take_v or_o please_v with_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o other_o kindness_n and_o good_a nature_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o ourselves_o nor_o then_o neither_o unless_o they_o be_v able_a as_o well_o as_o kind_n and_o can_v do_v something_o for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n power_n more_o than_o his_o goodness_n that_o we_o love_v or_o esteem_v and_o his_o power_n too_o only_o to_o do_v we_o good_a i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v of_o this_o dull_a selfish_a brutish_a nature_n and_o be_v please_v principal_o with_o power_n and_o other_o thing_n not_o at_o all_o or_o little_a with_o love_v or_o good_a nature_n this_o man_n indeed_o in_o his_o prayer_n will_v have_v little_a love_n for_o the_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o have_v little_a pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o his_o prayer_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v soul_n who_o have_v the_o great_a ardency_n and_o pang_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o dear_o embrace_v he_o and_o unite_v themselves_o to_o he_o thus_o consider_v and_o that_o these_o therefore_o find_v in_o their_o prayer_n where_o they_o put_v forth_o this_o their_o affection_n the_o most_o ravish_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o i_o affirm_v that_o even_o
the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o most_o sensual_a carnal_a dull_a and_o ill-natured_a have_v soul_n capable_a of_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a in_o their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o of_o be_v infinite_o in_o love_n with_o the_o boundless_a goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o with_o any_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o proportionable_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v joy_n in_o god_n who_o be_v thus_o infinite_a in_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o hope_v or_o confident_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_a acquiescence_n and_o repose_n of_o soul_n in_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o all_o when_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o immutable_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o solicitous_a or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d self_n but_o acquiesce_v and_o even_o re_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o event_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o full_a appro_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thy_o will_v be_v do_v o_o ●ll_o mighty_a and_o all_o wise_a goodness_n and_o love_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o say_v these_o very_a pas_n 〈◊〉_d affection_n be_v sweet_a and_o delicious_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o be_v excite_v and_o exert_v in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o prepare_a soul_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v prayer_n so_o acceptable_a and_o delightful_a duty_n further_o in_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o only_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n admire_v honour_n love_n rejoice_v hope_v in_o he_o for_o his_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o general_a but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o we_o admire_v his_o great_a goodness_n particular_o to_o ourselves_o and_o love_v he_o for_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o present_a possession_n and_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a perhaps_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o passion_n general_o be_v in_o most_o man_n more_o pierce_a and_o strong_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n and_o especial_o his_o goodness_n refer_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o indeed_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o admiration_n love_n joy_n hope_v of_o god_n goodness_n to_o ourselves_o in_o any_o kind_n express_v not_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o good_a but_o as_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o god_n universal_a goodness_n to_o all_o which_o we_o most_o clear_o apprehend_v for_o be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o we_o in_o particular_a he_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o every_o of_o his_o creature_n as_o much_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o than_o ourselves_o in_o prayer_n we_o i_o say_v thus_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o stir_v up_o our_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o or_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o past_a benefit_n among_o which_o be_v his_o promise_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n we_o rejoice_v in_o he_o for_o the_o present_a and_o we_o hope_v and_o repose_v ourselves_o on_o he_o for_o the_o future_a now_o these_o very_a passion_n and_o affection_n themselves_o in_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a and_o please_a to_o they_o as_o be_v the_o very_o think_v and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o especial_o goodness_n of_o god_n all_o these_o operation_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v very_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o they_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o be_v here_o to_o be_v thus_o employ_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v their_o action_n and_o operation_n to_o god_n sect_n viii_o 2._o but_o a_o second_o more_o particular_a way_n how_o prayer_n be_v for_o our_o comfort_n an●_n delight_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v good_a be_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n an●_n repose_v in_o god_n as_o to_o all_o our_o concern_v whatsoever_o any_o good_a man_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o go●_n habitual_o believe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v always_o bestow_v upo●_n he_o what_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v bestow_v and_o 2._o that_o the_o particular_a thing_n he_o humbl●_n beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v may_v be_v just_o bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d consistent_a with_o or_o rather_o effective_a of_o th●_n great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o ha●●_n be_v often_o say_v and_o this_o latter_a he_o may_v sometime_o believe_v certain_o sometime_o probable_o whence_o arise_v either_o assurance_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o only_o hope_v strict●●_n so_o call_v as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o hi●_n consequent_a favour_n to_o his_o person_n for_o christ_n sake_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n amendment_n an●_n change_v of_o soul_n when_o he_o cry_v with_o th●_n poor_a publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinne●_n which_o most_o man_n be_v so_o careless_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o seldom_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o amendment_n so_o far_o he_o may_v be_v confident_a god_n will_v grant_v this_o his_o prayer_n for_o beside_o that_o even_o by_o reason_n itself_o without_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o may_v be_v very_o probable_a by_o the_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v most_o undoubted_a and_o certain_a even_o reason_n itself_o will_v judge_v it_o more_o probable_a if_o it_o be_v inform_v that_o it_o be_v do_v for_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n sake_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o then_o moreover_o i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o one_o indeed_o of_o the_o principal_a thing_n it_o come_v to_o acquaint_v man_n withal_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o be_v by_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a as_o command_v from_o god_n by_o christ_n man_n may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o again_o if_o any_o man_n desire_n and_o pray_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o general_a to_o repent_v and_o that_o he_o may_v forsake_v at_o last_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n give_v up_o himself_o to_o obey_v god_n be_v afraid_a or_o weary_a of_o a_o sinful_a wicked_a life_n as_o a_o thing_n unaccountable_a unreasonable_a or_o in_o particular_a if_o he_o pray_v for_o strength_n to_o mortify_v any_o lust_n to_o leave_v any_o sin_n to_o obtain_v any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n he_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o shall_v be_v hear_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o some_o time_n or_o other_o perhaps_o god_n may_v not_o hear_v we_o present_o but_o excite_v we_o and_o strengthen_v we_o to_o continue_v our_o prayer_n more_o earnest_o whereby_o we_o gain_v dependence_n upon_o god_n humility_n nay_o a_o great_a thirst_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o ask_v and_o consequent_o indeed_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o i_o say_v for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o unfeigned_o and_o hearty_o ask_v and_o humble_o beg_v of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a we_o shall_v be_v hear_v both_o because_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a and_o because_o god_n have_v more_o express_o promise_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o other_o even_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n as_o natural_a part_n or_o gift_n of_o understanding_n memory_n utterance_n or_o the_o like_a these_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a god_n shall_v bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o as_o for_o external_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o health_n strength_n beauty_n riches_n honour_n or_o good_a name_n plenty_n or_o competency_n deliverance_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v less_o probability_n still_o although_o so_o much_o as_o to_o encourage_v we_o sufficient_o to_o propound_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n too_o and_o therefore_o here_o our_o hope_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o strong_a unless_o god_n have_v express_o by_o certain_a revelation_n promise_v any_o of_o they_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n case_n when_o he_o be_v persecute_v by_o saul_n and_o by_o other_o enemy_n and_o his_o life_n seek_v after_o god_n have_v certain_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o probable_o to_o himself_o by_o inspiration_n promise_v he_o shall_v be_v king_n and_o
succeed_v saul_n now_o see_v how_o this_o faith_n effectual_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n ease_n satisfaction_n repose_v and_o acquiescence_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pleasurable_a and_o delicious_a thing_n whenever_o he_o want_v any_o thing_n he_o propose_v his_o desire_n to_o god_n and_o first_o believe_v that_o if_o it_o be_v just_a for_o god_n to_o give_v and_o he_o to_o receive_v it_o he_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o desire_v nor_o will_v he_o ask_v any_o thing_n upon_o other_o term_n wherefore_o he_o know_v his_o desire_n be_v full_o grant_v he_o have_v what_o he_o will_v have_v always_o which_o sure_o must_v needs_o be_v follow_v with_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n he_o be_v not_o any_o of_o those_o self-willed_a proud_a peevish_a person_n who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a but_o be_v impatient_a if_o god_n do_v not_o give_v they_o every_o particular_a good_a thing_n they_o propound_v or_o think_v of_o whether_o he_o in_o wisdom_n see_v it_o fit_a and_o just_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o or_o no_o as_o he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o careless_a one_o who_o never_o ask_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n at_o all_o but_z muddle_z on_o in_o their_o own_o contrivance_n and_o endeavour_n be_v infinite_o solicitous_a they_o shall_v and_o fret_a themselves_o when_o they_o do_v not_o succeed_v he_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o never_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n the_o universal_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o perfect_a justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a appointment_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v but_o in_o all_o his_o prayer_n especial_o he_o constant_o mind_n he_o firm_o believe_v he_o perfect_o acquiesce_v and_o rejoice_v in_o they_o whereby_o he_o not_o only_o prevent_v all_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n to_o which_o solicitude_n and_o frustration_n expose_v the_o proud_a and_o negligent_a of_o god_n but_o put_v also_o his_o mind_n into_o a_o constant_a state_n of_o repose_n satisfaction_n and_o joy_n but_o then_o further_o for_o some_o thing_n which_o he_o want_v he_o do_v but_o with_o that_o sincerity_n fervency_n and_o assiduity_n that_o he_o ought_v or_o as_o the_o thing_n deserve_v beseech_v they_o from_o god_n and_o he_o be_v firm_o and_o confident_o persuade_v not_o rash_o but_o from_o reason_n and_o divine_a revelation_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v they_o such_o be_v they_o which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v of_o pardon_n for_o christ_n sake_n either_o in_o general_a or_o for_o any_o particular_a sin_n he_o may_v have_v be_v overtake_v with_o upon_o his_o sincere_a disallowance_n thereof_o his_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o and_o of_o god_n grace_n and_o strength_n to_o subdue_v any_o lust_n or_o corruption_n or_o in_o general_a to_o mend_v and_o reform_v himself_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v receive_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o ask_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o be_v confident_a and_o full_o persuade_v and_o whatever_o man_n that_o be_v wicked_a sensual_a worldly_a may_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o desire_v the_o holy_a and_o divine_a as_o well_o as_o wise_a soul_n account_v they_o so_o great_a that_o as_o for_o all_o other_o matter_n before_o mention_v such_o as_o be_v part_n and_o gift_n riches_n plenty_n honour_n health_n strength_n sensual_a pleasure_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v very_o indifferent_a for_o his_o part_n to_o they_o so_o he_o may_v but_o obtain_v the_o former_a of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o firm_o assure_v if_o he_o but_o ask_v they_o as_o he_o ought_v nay_o he_o know_v or_o may_v consider_v and_o attend_v that_o they_o indeed_o so_o far_o as_o he_o shall_v and_o will_v desire_v they_o even_o for_o his_o own_o good_a be_v comprehend_v in_o or_o consequent_a upon_o the_o former_a for_o if_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v good_a what_o may_v we_o not_o expect_v from_o god_n and_o be_v confident_o assure_v of_o if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o it_o be_v just_a we_o know_v with_o god_n by_o reason_n and_o god_n have_v say_v it_o by_o revelation_n that_o god_n shall_v dispose_v of_o such_o portion_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n whatsoever_o to_o good_a man_n as_o may_v be_v most_o even_o for_o their_o good_a god_n do_v take_v the_o care_n of_o they_o that_o upon_o the_o perform_v their_o duty_n they_o shall_v have_v from_o he_o what_o be_v for_o their_o proper_a good_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v their_o wise_a way_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v judge_n now_o how_o full_a of_o repose_n acquiescence_n peace_n ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n do_v this_o faith_n and_o belief_n make_v the_o soul_n if_o a_o man_n sincere_o fervent_o assiduous_o beg_v of_o god_n he_o may_v be_v good_a and_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o shall_v certain_o have_v strength_n so_o to_o be_v and_o so_o to_o do_v and_o then_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v good_a he_o shall_v have_v whatever_o be_v for_o his_o good_a what_o will_v a_o man_n desire_v more_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o he_o desire_v or_o can_v desire_v and_o believe_v and_o hope_n nay_o know_v so_o much_o all_o which_o a_o good_a man_n may_v exercise_v and_o act_n in_o prayer_n wh●●_n perfect_a joy_n delight_n satisfaction_n and_o ease●●_n mind_n must_v he_o so_o often_o as_o he_o do_v this_o b●_n under_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o good_a man_n want_v an●_n of_o the_o inferior_a good_a thing_n to_o virtue_n an●_n grace_n as_o gift_n or_o part_n health_n liberty_n competency_n plenty_n peace_n goodname_n or_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n from_o any_o of_o the_o contrary_a evil_n which_o he_o may_v be_v in_o dange●_n of_o and_o see_v likely_a to_o come_v upon_o he_o be_v i●_n poverty_n sickness_n solitariness_n reproach_v oppression_n contention_n and_o strife_n wit●_n other_o loss_z of_o good_n and_o damage_n nay_o death_n or_o torment_v itself_o he_o humble_o make_v know_v his_o case_n and_o desire_n to_o god_n he_o make_v know_v his_o request_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n an●_n supplication_n he_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o hear_v hi●_n and_o grant_v they_o to_o he_o he_o use_v his_o ow●_n prudence_n and_o industry_n as_o much_o as_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o thing_n be_v as_o much_o as_o he_o think_v an●_n judge_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o examine_v himself_o set_v himself_o to_o find_v and_o mend_v whatever_o he_o know_v amiss_o in_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v accurate_o good_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n th●●_n so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n that_o he_o can_v remove_v and_o then_o he_o lay_v himself_o down_o in_o peace_n and_o sleep_n psalm_n 4._o verse_n 8._o with_o great_a ease_n satisfaction_n acquiescence_n of_o soul_n upon_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o account_n viz._n because_o he_o hope_n and_o judge_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o god_n may_v grant_v and_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o very_a particular_a good_a thing_n that_o he_o ask_v and_o sometime_o he_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v pretty_a confident_a of_o it_o or_o he_o be_v certain_o persuade_v and_o firm_o believe_v that_o whether_o he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o what_o he_o desire_v it_o be_v real_o for_o his_o good_a and_o that_o god_n as_o he_o be_v better_a to_o he_o than_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v much_o wise_a final_o he_o be_v perfect_o assure_v that_o if_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v he_o his_o desire_n it_o be_v most_o just_a or_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a which_o he_o love_v and_o rejoice_v in_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o shall_v not_o and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o in_o his_o power_n to_o mend_v that_o he_o can_v see_v and_o that_o if_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o god_n place_n he_o will_v not_o grant_v the_o thing_n desire_v and_o that_o this_o his_o behaviour_n and_o temper_n render_v he_o the_o most_o capable_a of_o all_o personal_a favour_n he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o be_v in_o the_o best_a condition_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v content_a with_o and_o rejoice_v in_o any_o condition_n which_o god_n shall_v appoint_v because_o he_o be_v certain_a god_n will_n be_v always_o for_o the_o universal_a good_a he_o very_o well_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o wise_a and_o good_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o sometime_o or_o other_o to_o put_v most_o power_n and_o happiness_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o such_o a_o true_o generous_a and_o public_a spirit_n lord_n what_o a_o sweet_a and_o delicious_a life_n do_v the_o man_n live_v that_o constant_o thus_o believe_v and_o practise_v no_o future_a fear_n care_n and_o solicitude_n distract_v nor_o present_v and_o incumbent_a evil_n
bow_v down_o and_o oppress_v this_o happy_a soul_n with_o upright_a and_o cheerly_o countenance_n with_o solid_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o steady_o and_o generous_o walk_v through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o be_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n may_v dispose_v he_o into_o who_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v thus_o pray_v and_o who_o will_v not_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n who_o will_v be_v so_o weak_a and_o foolish_a as_o for_o the_o indulgence_n and_o gratification_n of_o some_o pitiful_a mean_a and_o base_a appetite_n for_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o some_o vile_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n or_o sin_n forego_v and_o quit_v all_o his_o faith_n confidence_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n and_o the_o consequent_a delight_n acquiescence_n case_n peace_n and_o joy_n of_o soul_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v ashamed_a ever_o to_o think_v of_o god_n much_o more_o to_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o or_o ask_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o never_o so_o great_a distress_n who_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n for_o what_o can_v never_o make_v the_o least_o part_n of_o recompense_n yes_o let_v atheist_n and_o worldling_n live_v without_o any_o mind_v of_o or_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n if_o they_o please_v the_o good_a man_n know_v too_o well_o the_o sweetness_n the_o profit_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o to_o do_v likewise_o david_n be_v a_o true_o excellent_a example_n of_o this_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v his_o most_o usual_a cordial_n which_o he_o often_o take_v to_o support_v his_o faint_a and_o tire_a soul_n to_o quell_v and_o compose_v his_o vexation_n fear_n disturbance_n to_o alleviate_v and_o remove_v his_o grief_n and_o sadness_n we_o will_v give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o psalm_n 42._o first_o he_o mention_n his_o present_a sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n in_o many_o respect_n as_o his_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o country_n it_o be_v likely_a by_o saul_n and_o principal_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o his_o god_n for_o which_o he_o pant_v and_o thirst_v oh_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 4_o 6._o then_o his_o enemy_n contempt_n and_o insult_a over_o he_o and_o especial_o their_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v reject_v he_o or_o mind_v he_o not_o verse_n 3_o 10._o but_o to_o comfort_v and_o cheer_v himself_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o be_v very_o confident_a god_n will_v hear_v he_o as_o he_o have_v reason_n and_o cheerlily_n chide_v himself_o ver._n 8_o 9_o 11._o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v his_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o the_o night_n his_o song_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o and_o my_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n that_o be_v yet_o i_o will_v pray_v to_o my_o god_n and_o i_o trust_v and_o know_v he_o will_v give_v i_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o praise_v he_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o i_o at_o all_o time_n i_o will_v say_v unto_o god_n my_o rock_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o why_o go_v i_o mourning_n because_o of_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o verse_n 11._o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n again_o the_o very_a next_o psalm_n viz._n 43._o he_o pray_v very_o passionate_o to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n from_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v unmerciful_a deceitful_a unjust_a and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o back_o again_o to_o enjoy_v his_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o temple_n from_o which_o he_o seem_v now_o banish_v oh_o send_v out_o say_v he_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n that_o be_v perhaps_o thy_o enlighten_v or_o rejoice_v truth_n in_o perform_v of_o thy_o promise_n thou_o have_v make_v to_o i_o let_v they_o lead_v i_o let_v they_o bring_v i_o unto_o thy_o holy_a hill_n zion_n the_o place_n where_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v and_o to_o thy_o tabernacle_n that_o be_v the_o temple_n build_v instead_o of_o the_o tabernacle_n where_o god_n especial_o manifest_v himself_o or_o where_o be_v very_o special_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n then_o he_o vow_v unto_o god_n that_o with_o exceed_a joy_n and_o thankfulness_n he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v that_o favour_n verse_n 4._o then_o will_v i_o go_v unto_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n unto_o god_n my_o exceed_a joy_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o verse_n the_o last_o he_o be_v full_a of_o good_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o joy_n and_o of_o his_o content_n which_o use_v to_o be_v show_v by_o one_o healthful_a aspect_n and_o countenance_n and_o who_o be_v his_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o petition_n at_o last_o viz._n that_o he_o shall_v praise_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o public_o in_o the_o temple_n again_o in_o psalm_n 55._o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a plight_n that_o he_o be_v in_o because_o of_o the_o constant_a machination_n and_o plot_n of_o his_o enemy_n deceitful_a and_o bloody_a man_n as_o it_o be_v v._o 23._o nay_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v his_o friend_n and_o confident_n who_o have_v forsake_v he_o in_o his_o disgrace_n and_o adversity_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a and_o contemn_v he_o verse_n 12._o his_o enemy_n contrive_v even_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n they_o oppress_v he_o with_o accusation_n and_o reproach_n and_o wrathful_o hate_v he_o whence_o he_o be_v full_a of_o complaint_n and_o mourn_a in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o be_v likelihood_n of_o his_o death_n thereby_o which_o though_o another_o sense_n may_v be_v too_o he_o express_v in_o verse_n 4_o 5_o by_o his_o heart_n be_v pain_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n fall_v upon_o he_o and_o fearfulness_n and_o tremble_a come_n upon_o he_o and_o horror_n overwhelm_v he_o but_o then_o the_o course_n he_o take_v be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o by_o these_o he_o reseve_v himself_o from_o this_o sadness_n and_o grief_n of_o soul_n and_o ease_v comfort_n and_o satisfy_v it_o verse_n 16._o as_o for_o i_o i_o will_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v save_v i_o verse_n 17._o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noonday_n that_o be_v very_o frequent_o he_o will_v pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o and_o god_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o verse_n 22._o cast_v thy_o burden_n that_o be_v what_o grieve_v thou_o upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v move_v that_o be_v himself_o to_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n sect_n ix_o a_o three_o way_n how_o prayer_n be_v for_o our_o iii_o iii_o ease_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v by_o reflection_n upon_o our_o have_v perform_v our_o most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a good_a quality_n in_o ourselves_o that_o may_v upon_o this_o occasion_n appear_v as_o in_o general_a upon_o our_o ability_n for_o and_o our_o good_a will_n to_o this_o duty_n or_o performance_n that_o we_o be_v able_a and_o dispose_v for_o such_o excellent_a thing_n as_o be_v in_o prayer_n more_o particular_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o able_a to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o future_a yea_o eternal_a and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o action_n our_o own_o soul_n their_o action_n and_o inclination_n the_o state_n after_o death_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o life_n hereafter_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o god_n perfection_n acknowledge_v they_o real_o honour_v he_o love_n and_o resolve_v to_o obey_v he_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o we_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o grieve_v sincere_o and_o hearty_o for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o our_o bad_a and_o sinful_a temper_n and_o inclination_n be_v please_v with_o desire_n pray_v for_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o attend_z to_z and_o be_v frequent_o and_o much_o affect_v with_o thing_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o misery_n heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o we_o be_v not_o sensual_a dull_a worldly_a earthlyminded_n person_n who_o can_v mind_v nothing_o but_o sensible_a present_a and_o worldly_a matter_n for_o this_o short_a life_n all_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v and_o confuse_o see_v
this_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a few_o man_n do_v so_o much_o most_o man_n quite_o neglect_v god_n take_v little_a notice_n of_o he_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o and_o hence_o further_o may_v they_o believe_v themselves_o in_o general_a very_o extraordinary_a excellent_a person_n and_o that_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n most_o precious_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o his_o pray_a people_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o and_o for_o their_o sake_n these_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v i_o have_v mention_v that_o they_o may_v be_v prevent_v be_v it_o sure_o that_o when_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o have_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o please_v therewith_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v real_o good_a that_o please_v he_o not_o for_o example_n his_o singularity_n or_o superiority_n to_o other_o man_n but_o the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o well-disposedness_a of_o his_o soul_n his_o true_a love_n to_o goodness_n universal_o hatred_n of_o sin_n love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n honour_n reverence_n obedience_n faith_n dependence_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o these_o and_z ●_o temper_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o to_o which_o they_o tend_v let_v he_o be_v sure_a also_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o pray_n to_o god_n not_o in_o general_a high_o please_v himself_o in_o have_v pray_v when_o there_o be_v little_a of_o they_o but_o indeed_o much_o more_o of_o such_o worthless_a or_o wicked_a thing_n i_o have_v above_o mention_v the_o be_v thus_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o it_o will_v in_o good_a man_n mind_n raise_v up_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n so_o also_o it_o ought_v that_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v still_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o duty_n whereby_o we_o shall_v still_o be_v render_v better_a more_o able_a and_o dispose_v by_o be_v good_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v as_o to_o be_v please_v and_o delight_v with_o such_o thing_n sect_n x._o iv_o pray_v procure_v delight_n joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n by_o god_n special_a immediate_a influence_n god_n may_v no_o doubt_n in_o our_o pray_n to_o he_o some_o way_n perfect_a all_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o may_v bring_v thing_n either_o unknown_a or_o know_v before_o to_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v reveal_z or_o suggest_v he_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o perceive_v and_o understand_v thing_n more_o clear_o and_o strong_o that_o be_v illuminate_v our_o mind_n he_o may_v also_o excite_v and_o strengthen_v our_o love_n to_o our_o duty_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n love_n to_o any_o particular_a duty_n love_n to_o himself_o honour_n reverence_n humble_a address_n and_o dependence_n faith_n submissive_a and_o obediential_a resolution_n so_o likewise_o sure_o he_o may_v excite_v and_o diffuse_v through_o our_o soul_n joy_n delight_n satisfaction_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o these_o immediate_o more_o than_o will_v otherwise_o be_v without_o this_o his_o especial_a immediate_a action_n or_o influence_n and_o that_o god_n do_v do_v thus_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o reason_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o will_v conclude_v it_o probable_a cicero_n xenoph._n sen._n cicero_n as_o well_o for_o other_o reason_n as_o particular_o to_o draw_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o more_o frequent_a and_o vivid_v exercise_n of_o these_o excellent_a operation_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v that_o which_o be_v call_v communion_n or_o rather_o union_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n complete_a for_o to_o have_v god_n the_o object_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o direct_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o then_o for_o god_n again_o to_o make_v our_o soul_n the_o object_n of_o his_o action_n or_o influence_n and_o the_o more_o of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o more_o especial_a and_o immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n the_o more_o the_o communion_n be_v or_o may_v very_o proper_o be_v call_v union_n or_o conversation_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o be_v a_o thing_n easy_o understand_v by_o all_o but_o more_o feel_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v true_o call_v godly_a and_o holy_a man_n the_o union_n between_o two_o spiritual_a substance_n can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o by_o the_o mutual_a intercourse_n of_o operation_n and_o be_v much_o more_o real_o so_o than_o that_o which_o be_v between_o two_o body_n and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v that_o this_o conversation_n with_o god_n be_v not_o only_o confine_v to_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o our_o life_n in_o any_o part_n of_o which_o we_o may_v direct_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o as_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o he_o may_v again_o have_v immediate_a influence_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o suggest_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o obedience_n any_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v and_o the_o frequenter_a and_o more_o vigorous_a these_o thing_n be_v in_o man_n life_n the_o more_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v communion_n or_o union_n with_o god_n in_o his_o life_n or_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o benefit_n of_o pray_v sect_n xi_o iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o general_a good_a effect_n or_o benefit_n of_o pray_v be_v those_o which_o be_v help_n and_o mean_n both_o of_o our_o goodness_n and_o comfort_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a name_n but_o two_o viz._n spirituality_n and_o enlargedness_n of_o soul_n 1._o spirituality_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o temper_n of_o soul_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o intellectual_a or_o spiritual_a object_n whether_o absolute_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o all_o spiritual_a being_n such_o as_o our_o own_o soul_n angel_n god_n himself_o or_o relative_n as_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o habitude_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o such_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_v contrariety_n similitude_n connexion_n and_o repugnancy_n etc._n etc._n the_o successive_a apprehension_n of_o which_o two_o last_n be_v call_v reason_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o object_n about_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v conversant_a in_o prayer_n be_v chief_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n god_n and_o his_o attribute_n our_o soul_n and_o their_o several_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n as_o ignorance_n and_o knowledge_n error_n and_o truth_n vice_n and_o virtue_n or_o sin_n and_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n and_o usage_n of_o ourselves_o to_o prayer_n these_o object_n become_v familiar_a to_o we_o and_o such_o as_o we_o ready_o and_o clear_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v and_o which_o real_o and_o strong_o affect_v we_o whereas_o those_o man_n who_o never_o pray_v or_o otherwise_o use_v their_o mind_n to_o they_o be_v only_o sensual_a and_o corporeal_a or_o carnal_o mind_v that_o be_v such_o who_o can_v only_o conceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o sensible_a thing_n and_o somewhat_o of_o reason_v sometime_o dull_o enough_o too_o about_o they_o but_o strange_o inept_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n blind_a and_o senseless_a in_o they_o but_o further_a this_o spirituality_n of_o mind_n be_v manifest_o a_o great_a preparation_n of_o soul_n for_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n it_o fit_v our_o soul_n to_o apprehend_v their_o nature_n to_o see_v their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n the_o natural_a necessary_a efficiency_n or_o causality_n that_o be_v in_o they_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o no_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o real_o to_o approve_v honour_n admire_v and_o love_v they_o moreover_o the_o very_a same_o temper_n of_o soul_n whether_o from_o the_o subtlety_n and_o calmness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n which_o dispose_v to_o spirituality_n dispose_v also_o to_o benignity_n or_o love_n which_o when_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a be_v the_o only_a instance_n and_o subject_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n final_o the_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o soul_n perceive_v from_o her_o conversation_n with_o spiritual_a object_n be_v far_o more_o profound_a and_o pierce_a more_o last_a and_o more_o frequent_a be_v more_o in_o our_o own_o power_n than_o that_o from_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a one_o be_v that_o which_o beside_o revelation_n the_o experience_n not_o only_o of_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a soul_n but_o
even_o of_o contemplative_a person_n who_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o both_o with_o equal_a advantage_n have_v always_o confirm_v and_o sincere_o declare_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sensual_a world_n the_o first_o of_o which_o do_v very_o hearty_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_n under_o the_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o this_o fleshly_a life_n which_o so_o much_o hinder_v they_o from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o noble_a and_o sweet_a delight_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n among_o other_o great_a full_a often_o breath_n out_o their_o thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o discovery_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n hereafter_o and_o their_o secret_a welcome_n of_o the_o approach_a time_n thereof_o whither_o steal_v from_o they_o many_o a_o privy_a glance_n where_o be_v fix_v many_o a_o yearning_n look_v ii_o the_o second_o good_a effect_n or_o benefit_n of_o this_o last_o sort_n from_o prayer_n be_v a_o enlargedness_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o temper_n of_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o fit_v to_o apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o great_a object_n to_o understand_v contemplate_v will_n desire_n love_n be_v please_v with_o pursue_v and_o endeavour_v after_o they_o or_o in_o one_o word_n to_o converse_v with_o they_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o object_n i_o mean_v their_o have_v great_a good_a effect_n or_o a_o capacity_n and_o sufficiency_n or_o some_o causality_n for_o such_o all_o which_o good_a effect_n indeed_o be_v either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o nothing_o but_o happiness_n they_o be_v either_o that_o in_o the_o end_n immediate_o or_o the_o same_o in_o the_o mean_v mediate_o all_o goodness_n be_v either_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o end_n which_o be_v pleasurable_a good_a or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v that_o end_n which_o be_v profitable_a good_a and_o indeed_o this_o last_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o first_o in_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o so_o that_o all_o good_a be_v nothing_o but_o happiness_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o small_a but_o very_o important_a digression_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o object_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o which_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n be_v measure_v only_o by_o three_o thing_n viz._n its_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n those_o object_n therefore_o be_v the_o great_a which_o be_v or_o be_v most_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o most_o intense_a the_o most_o universal_a or_o extend_v as_o to_o subject_n and_o the_o most_o during_o happiness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v infinite_a degree_n the_o high_a of_o which_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n which_o we_o call_v god_n who_o formal_o or_o causal_o contain_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o this_o good_a which_o each_o man_n mind_n pursue_v and_o converse_v withal_o be_v his_o greatness_n nobleness_n excellency_n or_o what_o word_n be_v usual_a among_o man_n to_o express_v the_o confuse_a notion_n hereof_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o esteem_v he_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o great_a soul_n of_o all_o who_o mind_n and_o pursue_v perpetual_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a universe_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n of_o intention_n extension_n duration_n that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n or_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o part_n or_o more_o general_o mean_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o spiritual_a good_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v be_v the_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o intention_n universal_a good_a or_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o extension_n and_o the_o most_o public_a indeed_o eternal_a good_a last_o as_o the_o great_a in_o respect_n of_o duration_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v the_o mean_a and_o base_a soul_n who_o mind_n and_o pursue_v only_o personal_a sensible_a and_o present_a good_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v before_o describe_v the_o object_n with_o which_o the_o soul_n converse_v be_v of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a sort_n and_o that_o by_o frequent_a usage_n of_o herself_o to_o such_o conversation_n she_o get_v a_o habit_n thereof_o so_o that_o she_o do_v with_o ease_n and_o delight_v so_o employ_v herself_o and_o if_o this_o fleshly_a life_n will_v permit_v she_o she_o will_v soon_o make_v it_o her_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a entertainment_n further_o it_o be_v alike_o plain_a and_o evident_a how_o this_o greatness_n of_o soul_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n or_o goodness_n and_o of_o comfort_n or_o joy_n for_o goodness_n righteousness_n holiness_n virtue_n all_o signify_v the_o same_o principal_a thing_n with_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o its_o great_a degree_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o sincere_a strong_a constant_a habitual_a inclination_n and_o bent_n of_o will_n to_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o will_n or_o action_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o have_v the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a universe_n take_v in_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o ultimate_a object_n or_o end_n of_o our_o will_n and_o renounce_v and_o quit_v that_o of_o any_o part_n and_o therefore_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o preference_n of_o the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a good_a before_o that_o of_o any_o part_n and_o therefore_o before_o our_o own_o and_o contrariwise_o vice_n and_o sin_n be_v the_o preference_n of_o the_o good_a of_o any_o part_n and_o almost_o always_o our_o own_o personal_a good_a before_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v the_o most_o universal_a and_o public_a it_o be_v the_o have_v that_o the_o ultimate_a object_n and_o end_n of_o all_o our_o will_n and_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v this_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o be_v great_a and_o noble_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o if_o compare_v they_o be_v as_o much_o great_a than_o sin_n or_o vice_n as_o infinite_a extension_n if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o single_a atom_n the_o soul_n consequent_o which_o be_v incline_v to_o and_o aspire_v after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o noble_a object_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o far_o prepare_v to_o have_v the_o high_a honour_n the_o ardent_a love_n the_o keen_a desire_n the_o most_o intense_a and_o ravish_a joy_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o most_o sincere_a generous_a and_o constant_a virtue_n and_o must_v perfect_o both_o contemn_v and_o hate_v all_o vice_n and_o sin_n as_o the_o most_o mean_a base_a and_o sordid_a thing_n the_o same_o greatness_n or_o largeness_n of_o soul_n dispose_v we_o infinite_o to_o prefer_v one_o sort_n of_o our_o own_o personal_a good_a viz._n the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o our_o most_o comprehensive_a good_a and_o particular_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n before_o another_o sort_n thereof_o viz._n the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o vice_n at_o long_a the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o utter_o to_o despise_v they_o in_o compare_n with_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o endeavour_v and_o pursue_v after_o virtue_n and_o to_o slight_a and_o scorn_v all_o vice_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n or_o a_o pityable_a and_o contemptible_a littleness_n and_o stinginess_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o great_a huff_v of_o the_o age_n whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o generosity_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o make_v they_o so_o easy_o to_o neglect_v or_o despise_v all_o the_o law_n and_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n either_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v thing_n beyond_o the_o mud-wall_n of_o their_o own_o cottage_n or_o they_o be_v so_o stuff_v and_o dry_v with_o its_o reek_n and_o smoke_v as_o never_o to_o desire_v they_o nay_o when_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a felicity_n be_v propose_v and_o proffer_v to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o it_o than_o a_o bedlam-sot_n be_v with_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o sometime_o they_o laugh_v at_o it_o like_o one_o of_o those_o poor_a merry_a fool_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o nasty_a cell_n before_o it_o one_o will_v think_v the_o dull_a soul_n shall_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a or_o at_o least_o without_o any_o prejudice_n against_o it_o endeavour_v to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no._n last_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a the_o object_n be_v with_o which_o our_o mind_n converse_v the_o full_a and_o mighty_a be_v our_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n sure_o we_o can_v think_v that_o boy_n have_v as_o great_a pleasure_n in_o conquer_a at_o cob-nutt_n as_o a_o great_a captain_n have_v in_o subdue_a a_o kingdom_n or_o which_o be_v better_o that_o a_o fond_a child_n have_v
as_o great_a a_o joy_n and_o delight_n in_o save_v the_o life_n of_o its_o little_a animal_n playfellow_n as_o abraham_n will_v have_v have_v in_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n from_o a_o miserable_a destruction_n if_o there_o have_v be_v find_v therein_o but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n there_o be_v infinite_a more_o difference_n between_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n ordinary_o entertain_v their_o thought_n and_o pursuit_n withal_o and_o those_o which_o the_o soul_n converse_v withal_o in_o such_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v and_o so_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o good_a effect_n or_o benefit_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o prove_v by_o reason_n and_o testimony_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o now_o i_o desire_v man_n will_v prove_v it_o one_o way_n more_o and_o that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n or_o else_o disprove_v it_o make_v we_o trial_n of_o it_o ourselves_o and_o that_o for_o some_o time_n together_o for_o the_o effect_n may_v not_o present_o follow_v take_v we_o some_o time_n begin_v now_o to_o do_v it_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n discreet_o and_o affectionate_o with_o a_o holy_a pure_a and_o innocent_a heart_n in_o public_a private_a secret_a see_v whether_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v better_o upon_o it_o pray_v to_o he_o hearty_o and_o assiduous_o in_o secret_a for_o strength_n to_o mortify_v any_o lust_n thy_o pride_n thy_o revenge_n thy_o envy_n thy_o wrath_n thy_o injustice_n thy_o covetousness_n thy_o vainglory_n thy_o uncleanness_n or_o lasciviousness_n thy_o intemperance_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o lust_n which_o may_v be_v troublesome_a and_o importunate_a to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v good_a or_o to_o the_o divine_a and_o regenerate_v nature_n within_o we_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o universal_a holiness_n love_n to_o himself_o charity_n humility_n purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o mind_n for_o his_o forbearance_n for_o his_o pardon_n make_v thy_o report_n after_o some_o time_n i_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o temptation_n to_o boast_v too_o much_o of_o thy_o success_n and_o as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o step_z sometimes_o into_o thy_o closet_n or_o any_o retire_a place_n desire_v of_o god_n first_o to_o dispose_v thy_o mind_n that_o the_o meditation_n and_o action_n of_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o set_v thyself_o to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o the_o instance_n thereof_o to_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o thyself_o in_o make_v preserve_a provide_v for_o thou_o and_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n such_o as_o knowledge_n especial_o of_o himself_o and_o thyself_o of_o thy_o present_a and_o future_a state_n and_o condition_n any_o goodness_n or_o virtue_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o most_o villainous_a and_o wicked_a person_n devoid_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o thy_o duty_n give_v up_o to_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o mean_n afford_v still_o of_o be_v yet_o wise_a and_o better_a god_n forbearance_n forgiveness_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n present_a peace_n comfort_n joy_n in_o well-doing_n the_o provision_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o when_o thy_o eye_n be_v close_v and_o thou_o be_v no_o more_o a_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o world_n thy_o health_n strength_n plenty_n of_o food_n raiment_n habitation_n all_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a and_o happy_a life_n here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o not_o only_o make_v bare_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o hearty_o love_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o honour_n and_o admire_v he_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n and_o understanding_n firm_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v be_v to_o be_v now_o and_o that_o he_o always_o will_v be_v thy_o best_a friend_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o thy_o own_o hindrance_n ask_v hearty_o god_n pardon_n for_o offend_v he_o and_o sin_v against_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n drop_v a_o unfeigned_a tear_n breath_n out_o a_o unconstrained_a sigh_n chide_v thyself_o beseech_v god_n grace_n more_o than_o thy_o life_n never_o to_o do_v so_o any_o more_o resolve_v to_o use_v all_o the_o inherent_a strength_n thou_o have_v come_v then_o and_o tell_v what_o thou_o find_v how_o thou_o like_v once_o more_o when_o thou_o will_v have_v any_o thing_n make_v thy_o case_n know_v propound_v it_o to_o god_n beseech_v he_o to_o give_v it_o thou_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v just_o only_o leave_v thyself_o and_o thy_o request_n with_o god_n because_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a examine_v and_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v not_o just_a for_o god_n to_o give_v it_o thou_o let_v we_o know_v how_o this_o relish_v and_o what_o follow_v say_v sometime_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o with_o the_o devout_a and_o holy_a psalmist_n i_o love_v the_o lord_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o my_o supplication_n or_o because_o he_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n that_o be_v he_o have_v save_v my_o life_n in_o such_o a_o danger_n or_o sickness_n suppose_v my_o eye_n from_o tear_n that_o be_v he_o have_v remove_v from_o i_o or_o prevent_v those_o evil_n which_o will_v have_v sore_o grieve_v i_o and_o my_o foot_n from_o fall_v that_o be_v he_o have_v keep_v my_o mind_n upright_o and_o cheerful_a from_o dejectedness_n and_o despondency_n or_o he_o have_v keep_v i_o in_o that_o good_a condition_n of_o life_n from_o which_o i_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o have_v fall_v or_o of_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n towards_o i_o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n the_o usual_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n i_o will_v show_v myself_o public_o thankful_a and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o worship_v he_o o_o lord_n true_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n i_o be_o thy_o servant_n psal_n 116._o say_v further_o sometime_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 the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n all_o thy_o work_n shall_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n and_o thy_o saint_n shall_v bless_v thou_o oh_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o have_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n for_o his_o help_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o jehovah_n the_o lord_n his_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o see_v and_o all_o that_o therein_o be_v he_o who_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o their_o name_n who_o be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a psalm_n 145_o 146_o 147._o make_v we_o trial_n i_o say_v ourselves_o see_v we_o thing_n with_o our_o own_o eye_n confirm_v or_o confute_v all_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n let_v we_o not_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o worthy_a our_o trouble_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o for_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o great_a pain_n either_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o excellent_a uses_n of_o pray_v or_o we_o do_v not_o if_o we_o do_v not_o as_o i_o say_v try_v we_o ourselves_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a thereof_o and_o god_n will_v not_o assist_v we_o for_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o proof_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o without_o try_v then_o do_v we_o according_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o be_v both_o bad_a and_o foolish_a that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v make_v good_a or_o better_a no_o nor_o lift_v through_o laziness_n or_o slavery_n to_o be_v make_v happy_a or_o because_o we_o can_v have_v the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o pray_v without_o the_o profit_n of_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v good_a we_o will_v part_v with_o that_o rather_o than_o be_v good_a and_o leave_v our_o bad_a course_n or_o any_o sin_n we_o love_v in_o which_o as_o we_o be_v wicked_a so_o we_o be_v such_o fool_n for_o ourselves_o as_o if_o when_o we_o have_v a_o decrepit_a and_o infirm_a body_n we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a it_o shall_v be_v make_v more_o sound_a and_o strong_a whereby_o we_o may_v be_v more_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o constant_a pleasure_n of_o a_o clear_a health_n and_o so_o i_o have_v perfect_v this_o four_o head_n namely_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 es●_n saint_n or_o the_o like_a these_o word_n do_v not_o o●_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 grie●_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
and_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n be_v well_o choose_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v by_o christian_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v the_o weekly_a celebration_n of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ascension_n if_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n can_v bear_v it_o which_o be_v also_o a_o most_o magnificent_a and_o strange_a thing_n though_o happen_v to_o two_o other_o before_o and_o necessary_o infer_v his_o resurrection_n 3._o upon_o the_o same_o day_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o secret_a too_o more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o our_o bodily_a temper_n and_o necessary_a affair_n will_v permit_v which_o every_a one_o sincere_a prudence_n must_v determine_v particular_o to_o entertain_v one_o self_n with_o such_o action_n and_o thought_n before_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o will_v prepare_v a_o man_n to_o perform_v it_o better_o more_o to_o apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o do_v occur_v therein_o and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v indispose_v and_o unfit_a a_o man_n for_o that_o performance_n and_o so_o afterward_o to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o impress_v upon_o our_o memory_n examine_v inculcate_v upon_o our_o affection_n what_o may_v have_v occur_v and_o moreover_o to_o think_v of_o contemplate_v and_o affect_v ourselves_o with_o any_o other_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o the_o existence_n nature_n action_n of_o god_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n what_o we_o be_v be_v shall_v be_v shall_v be_v our_o imperfection_n perfection_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o which_o we_o be_v fit_a by_o freedom_n from_o bodily_a action_n and_o calmness_n this_o very_a day_n be_v also_o a_o very_a fit_a season_n for_o instruct_v of_o family_n and_o perform_v office_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n with_o they_o also_o for_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n both_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a to_o our_o neighbour_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v in_o one_o of_o her_o canon_n very_o pious_o describe_v how_o she_o will_v have_v holy_a day_n to_o be_v observe_v which_o be_v it_o careful_o obey_v will_v be_v a_o very_a grave_a ornament_n to_o she_o nor_o can_v it_o therefore_o be_v expedient_a for_o such_o a_o end_n to_o encourage_v play_n pastime_n recreation_n worldly_a affair_n but_o bare_o to_o tolerate_v some_o lesser_a matter_n which_o prudence_n may_v not_o think_v sit_v to_o exact_v rigid_o but_o to_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o liberty_n and_o as_o for_o time_n of_o necessary_a diversion_n or_o recreation_n which_o usual_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o folly_n and_o debauchery_n other_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o purpose_n and_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o holy_a day_n be_v thus_o observe_v there_o will_v be_v far_o more_o of_o spiritual_a employment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o more_o effectual_a for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o make_v we_o better_a than_o there_o be_v ever_o among_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o strict_a observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n a_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o bare_a external_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o honour_n as_o in_o the_o care_n of_o their_o best_a apparel_n and_o well_o provide_v table_n their_o gate_n their_o voice_n and_o other_o such_o unprofitable_a and_o trivial_a matter_n as_o r_n d_o kimchi_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n before_o quote_v what_o a_o ridiculous_a observation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n be_v the_o abstain_v from_o twist_v once_o whisker_n or_o run_v a_o needle_n twice_o through_o a_o clout_n or_o write_v two_o letter_n because_o these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o work_n of_o this_o enough_o every_o where_n in_o their_o author_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o talmudical_a tract_n of_o the_o sabbath_n most_o of_o which_o be_v only_o a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a application_n of_o god_n general_a command_n as_o it_o seem_v of_o which_o some_o christian_n have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v soon_o too_o much_o guilty_a it_o may_v be_v here_o advise_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n as_o to_o person_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o constant_a employment_n or_o leisure_n may_v give_v they_o such_o advantage_n of_o spend_v much_o time_n upon_o other_o day_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o needful_a nor_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n on_o these_o and_o that_o ofttimes_o the_o principal_a reason_n especial_o of_o their_o public_a observation_n be_v the_o give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o those_o who_o else_o will_v take_v too_o much_o liberty_n but_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n if_o these_o fix_a and_o set_v time_n be_v not_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o spiritual_a employment_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v quite_o neglect_v but_o so_o much_o for_o this_o digression_n which_o i_o intend_v no_o other_o than_o only_o in_o general_a to_o suggest_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v concern_v this_o matter_n not_o particular_o to_o discuss_v they_o and_o therefore_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o other_o of_o other_o persuasion_n have_v say_v or_o may_v have_v object_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v they_o mistake_v who_o confess_v that_o the_o best_a action_n the_o best_a man_n do_v be_v sin_n and_o even_o deserve_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o pardon_v in_o christ_n from_o that_o place_n in_o the_o prophet_n misunderstand_v viz._n all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n speak_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v very_o bad_a isaiah_n 64._o verse_n 6._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v that_o many_o and_o many_o a_o good_a man_n have_v do_v many_o and_o many_o a_o action_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o which_o deserve_v no_o punishment_n for_o he_o who_o have_v in_o any_o action_n with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o then_o have_v propound_v intend_a and_o will_v his_o duty_n right_a just_a and_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o most_o universal_a good_a the_o great_a good_a he_o can_v know_v viz._n in_o please_v of_o god_n and_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o the_o world_n he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o most_o perfect_a and_o make_v happy_a himself_o in_o so_o be_v and_o do_v i_o say_v this_o person_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v do_v some_o action_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o desert_n of_o punishment_n and_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o such_o a_o action_n do_v it_o be_v true_a righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n god_n our_o neighbour_n ourselves_o and_o god_n alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o intenseness_n than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o even_o with_o the_o infinite_a one_o of_o god_n himself_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o necessary_a imperfection_n of_o all_o create_a nature_n even_o of_o the_o high_a angel_n and_o will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n in_o give_v thanks_o likewise_o we_o must_v use_v the_o same_o care_n for_o as_o man_n may_v confess_v sin_n when_o they_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o they_o so_o also_o they_o may_v thank_v god_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v certain_a favour_n and_o benefit_n from_o his_o hand_n when_o either_o they_o be_v no_o benefit_n nor_o instance_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o if_o they_o be_v they_o have_v not_o receive_v they_o so_o man_n may_v thank_v god_n that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o some_o great_a truth_n as_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o other_o persuasion_n or_o party_n and_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o now_o sure_a to_o be_v save_v when_o their_o truth_n be_v some_o trifle_n or_o hurtful_a error_n and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o and_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n or_o another_o way_n and_o even_o of_o that_o from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v thank_v god_n they_o be_v deliver_v thus_o man_n may_v also_o thank_v god_n and_o be_v high_o ravish_v with_o the_o distinguish_a love_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o elect_v justify_v seal_v glorify_v and_o save_v they_o and_o secure_v they_o certain_o from_o eternal_a misery_n or_o hell_n when_o all_o this_o may_v be_v only_o a_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o cause_v by_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o real_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a person_n have_v many_o and_o great_a lust_n unmortified_a know_v even_o to_o themselves_o but_o yet_o as_o they_o think_v to_o be_v over-looked_n by_o god_n because_o they_o be_v and_o will_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v his_o elect_a child_n and_o more_o yet_o unknown_a
and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o too_o in_o which_o we_o may_v mention_v in_o our_o prayer_n many_o lesser_a thing_n thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o use_n must_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o concernment_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o less_o be_v more_o and_o more_o frequent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n as_o in_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a the_o most_o comprehensive_a and_o general_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a perfection_n i●_n god_n that_o we_o make_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o principal_o and_o chief_o as_o that_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o general_a goodness_n to_o all_o more_o than_o his_o particular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o so_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n justice_n let_v we_o take_v those_o chief_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o large_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o be_v god_n creation_n of_o all_o thing_n preservation_n providence_n throughout_o the_o whole_a universe_n that_o towards_o mankind_n and_o especial_o the_o make_n of_o we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o faculty_n aid_n sufficiency_n opportunity_n help_v to_o improve_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n also_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o especial_a messenger_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o last_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o beloved_a son_n in_o confession_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bewail_v most_o our_o great_a sin_n that_o have_v most_o of_o iniquity_n in_o they_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o depravedness_n inordinacy_n of_o our_o will_n include_v the_o great_a aversation_n from_o righteousness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o mischievous_a self-love_n in_o a_o usual_a phrase_n our_o most_o aggravate_v sin_n consequent_o let_v we_o confess_v our_o dear_a most_o please_a and_o delightful_a sin_n for_o our_o great_a degree_n of_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o our_o duty_n argue_v a_o degree_n of_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o depravedness_n of_o our_o will_n as_o to_o intenseness_n those_o also_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_a contrariwise_o let_v we_o not_o confess_v little_a sin_n much_o and_o neglect_v great_a one_o or_o more_o than_o those_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o can_v more_o easy_o forsake_v and_o neglect_v those_o which_o be_v most_o sweet_a pass_v over_o they_o or_o slight_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o commit_v rare_o and_o neglect_v those_o which_o we_o do_v frequent_o when_o this_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o confession_n pure_o through_o ignorance_n through_o want_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o will_n which_o i_o scarce_o believe_v it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o superstition_n that_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o some_o action_n be_v more_o or_o less_o displease_v to_o god_n than_o indeed_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o do_v some_o of_o they_o and_o of_o god_n anger_n or_o punishment_n for_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o other_o again_o less_o which_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a effect_n and_o do_v much_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v as_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o render_v we_o less_o capable_a of_o any_o happy_a condition_n till_o we_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o they_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o conscientious_a and_o love_n that_o which_o we_o judge_v right_a and_o our_o duty_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o most_o ignorant_a superstition_n proceed_v from_o unconscientiousness_n but_o when_o this_o fault_n proceed_v out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o sin_n both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v extreme_o bad_a if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o confess_v national_a sin_n or_o those_o which_o be_v most_o practise_v frequent_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v we_o a_o care_n to_o confess_v those_o principal_o and_o most_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a both_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o effect_n those_o that_o argue_v and_o include_v the_o great_a degree_n and_o neglect_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n thereof_o compare_v with_o other_o object_n or_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ultimate_a self-love_n compare_v with_o or_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a or_o do_v the_o great_a hurt_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v some_o the_o more_o colourable_a and_o undiscerned_a sin_n of_o malice_n pride_n envy_n ambition_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n equality_n liberty_n add_v tyranny_n disobedience_n revenge_n oppression_n covetousness_n fraud_n hypocrisei_n or_o want_v of_o integrity_n and_o other_o more_o notorious_a of_o profaneness_n irreligion_n atheism_n unbelief_n disbelief_n of_o christian_a religion_n sensuality_n lasciviousness_n intemperance_n etc._n etc._n those_o sin_n also_o which_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o continual_a in_o several_a or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v to_o be_v principal_o confess_v in_o thankfulness_n likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o most_o frequent_o and_o most_o ardent_o for_o the_o great_a favour_n those_o that_o be_v most_o public_a diffuse_v and_o general_a those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a those_o that_o appertain_v more_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n those_o among_o spiritual_a one_o which_o concern_v our_o will_n or_o inclination_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o our_o affection_n call_v general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o sanctification_n or_o regeneration_n purify_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o one_o word_n usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n then_o afterward_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o quick_a and_o plentiful_a suggestion_n revelation_n illumination_n in_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a excellency_n use_v and_o good_a effect_n for_o ability_n to_o signify_v convey_v or_o propagate_v these_o such_o as_o ready_a invention_n memory_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o gift_n then_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o body_n or_o in_o it_o as_o the_o subject_n as_o strength_n health_n comeliness_n plenty_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o food_n and_o diet_n raiment_n habitation_n with_o their_o ornament_n etc._n etc._n which_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o corporeal_a pain_n which_o the_o most_o necessary_o affect_v we_o and_o consequent_o from_o necessary_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v it_o etc._n etc._n then_o for_o the_o external_n good_a thing_n without_o we_o of_o riches_n reputation_n liberty_n magistracy_n friend_n relation_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o personal_a than_o public_a benefit_n as_o it_o do_v usual_o proceed_v from_o so_o it_o will_v increase_v a_o particular_a and_o selfish_a spirit_n to_o thank_v he_o more_o for_o bodily_a or_o external_a sensible_a good_a thing_n than_o for_o spiritual_a be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o cause_n of_o sensuality_n in_o we_o i_o e._n it_o do_v proceed_v from_o and_o confirm_v our_o excessive_a love_n to_o corporeal_a and_o sensible_a good_a in_o compare_n with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v ordinary_o observe_v viz._n that_o man_n be_v usual_o much_o more_o sensible_a of_o and_o grateful_a to_o god_n for_o bodily_a good_a and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o for_o spirtual_a or_o intellectual_a and_o so_o likewise_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o gift_n than_o grace_n though_o both_o spiritual_a thing_n confirm_v one_o in_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o love_n for_o gift_n compare_v with_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v incomparable_o inferior_a to_o they_o gift_n sometime_o may_v be_v ●ill_o use_v be_v mischievous_a and_o hurtful_a which_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o grace_n can_v never_o in_o the_o least_o be_v knowledge_n puff_v up_o without_o charity_n and_o be_v contentious_a affect_v contemptuous_a but_o charity_n edifi_v say_v the_o apostle_n charity_n even_o without_o knowledge_n can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_o tend_v to_o do_v good_a now_o although_o this_o be_v better_o than_o not_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n at_o all_o than_o to_o thank_v he_o
deliverance_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o their_o enemy_n all_o of_o they_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n especial_o consider_v god_n honour_n concern_v too_o and_o consequent_o also_o the_o good_a of_o man_n sometime_o in_o vindication_n of_o his_o greatness_n in_o opposition_n to_o false_a god_n because_o the_o heathen_a will_v think_v their_o god_n the_o mighty_a if_o they_o shall_v prevail_v sometime_o in_o vindication_n of_o his_o providence_n both_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v very_o wicked_a person_n his_o most_o unjust_a enemy_n and_o his_o mercy_n in_o be_v kind_n and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o true_a lover_n of_o himself_o such_o as_o he_o be_v and_o some_o with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n i_o have_v before_o instance_a in_o the_o 51_o psal_n where_o david_n so_o vehement_o and_o earnest_o beg_v for_o purification_n pardon_v peace_n indeed_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o heinous_a and_o much_o aggravate_v and_o so_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o imitate_v he_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v be_v of_o as_o great_a concernment_n our_o degree_n of_o earnestness_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v proportion_v always_o to_o the_o importance_n or_o good_a effect_n of_o the_o action_n most_o what_o depend_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o object_n thereof_o but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v but_o too_o ordinary_a for_o christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o more_o and_o more_o heinous_a sin_n than_o david_n be_v and_o yet_o not_o to_o use_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o importunity_n that_o david_n here_o do_v for_o forgiuness_n if_o they_o do_v desire_v it_o at_o all_o and_o make_v not_o a_o sport_n at_o it_o and_o so_o of_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o betake_v not_o themselves_o too_o god_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o or_o the_o active_a prayer_n that_o in_o which_o there_o be_v much_o of_o activity_n and_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o earnestness_n or_o fervour_n be_v principal_o mean_v there_o by_o those_o word_n seem_v from_o what_o follow_v of_o elias_n pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ordinary_a hebraism_n to_o express_v earnestness_n james_n 1._o 16._o 17._o our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v give_v his_o disciple_n a_o example_n of_o prayer_n he_o add_v a_o advisement_n of_o great_a importunity_n in_o petition_n sometime_o and_o for_o some_o thing_n when_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o intimate_v that_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o our_o receive_n what_o we_o ask_v luke_n 11._o verse_n 5._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o which_o of_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o friend_n and_o shall_v go_v unto_o he_o at_o midnight_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n lend_v i_o three_o loaf_n for_o a_o friend_n of_o i_o in_o his_o journey_n be_v come_v to_o i_o and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o set_v before_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 8._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o though_o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o his_o impudence_n proper_o that_o be_v importunity_n so_o great_a as_o it_o may_v seem_v near_o to_o that_o or_o as_o man_n impudent_a use_n to_o do_v who_o without_o the_o restraint_n of_o fear_n or_o shame_n do_v thing_n and_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o ferventness_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v and_o very_o it_o may_v sometime_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o god_n to_o withhold_v any_o benefit_n ask_v especial_o if_o a_o great_a one_o on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v the_o eagerness_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o desire_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o be_v more_o thankful_a when_o we_o do_v receive_v after_o such_o long_a importunity_n and_o it_o may_v reasonable_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n net_n to_o give_v the_o thing_n at_o first_o or_o with_o only_a cold_a and_o lukewarm_a wish_n and_o desire_n nay_o never_o to_o give_v it_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o continue_v and_o invigorate_v inlve_v our_o supplication_n and_o entreaty_n and_o this_o may_v often_o actual_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o namely_o because_o we_o ask_v so_o rare_o and_o seldom_o so_o weak_o languid_o and_o remiss_o and_o consequent_o so_o unbecom_o to_o the_o great_a and_o good_a god_n so_o infinite_o superior_a to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o least_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v give_v to_o such_o idle_a and_o heartless_a petitioner_n indeed_o a_o man_n may_v reasonable_o think_v that_o rather_o than_o such_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v they_o shall_v often_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o denial_n or_o shall_v even_o as_o little_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v as_o none_o at_o all_o if_o not_o less_o god_n may_v give_v we_o benefit_n indeed_o but_o not_o on_o condition_n of_o such_o prayer_n as_o he_o often_o do_v when_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o ungrateful_a creature_n sect_n vii_o iii_o a_o three_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n or_o rather_o of_o prayer_n in_o general_n be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o frequent_a as_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o this_o our_o prudence_n must_v determine_v for_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n they_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n all_o company_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o we_o be_v always_o to_o keep_v our_o mind_n in_o such_o temper_n and_o so_o true_o innocent_a as_o that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o beginning_n especial_o of_o any_o considerable_a action_n send_v up_o to_o god_n a_o smart_a desire_n for_o wisdom_n discretion_n and_o prudence_n sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n in_o our_o intention_n and_o design_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n best_o for_o the_o great_a good_a and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n for_o courage_n and_o strength_n and_o constancy_n or_o vigour_n and_o perseverance_n that_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o for_o success_n or_o deliverance_n he_o also_o who_o much_o addict_v himself_o to_o and_o frequent_o use_v this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n may_v pray_v much_o more_o in_o the_o sum_n and_o mostwhat_a do_v pray_v more_o fervent_o and_o more_o seasonable_o than_o he_o that_o pray_v many_o long_a continue_a prayer_n his_o acknowledgement_n confession_n profession_n thanksgiving_n petition_n be_v when_o he_o be_v under_o a_o strong_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o conceive_v in_o his_o short_a prayer_n as_o for_o public_a prayer_n they_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o public_a and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o most_o man_n general_o may_v if_o they_o please_v be_v there_o as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v appoint_v many_o more_o than_o there_o be_v sure_o but_o especial_o those_o who_o affair_n be_v not_o so_o much_o abroad_o who_o time_n and_o garb_n and_o other_o circumstance_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o fit_v thereto_o who_o affair_n be_v more_o regular_a as_o to_o time_n and_o more_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o if_o all_o those_o be_v but_o present_v who_o stand_v still_o look_v about_o or_o who_o purposely_o find_v themselves_o very_o little_a business_n as_o well_o to_o be_v do_v at_o another_o time_n all_o those_o who_o be_v either_o idle_a or_o do_v business_n of_o far_o less_o if_o of_o any_o concernment_n to_o be_v do_v just_a at_o that_o time_n the_o number_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v will_v be_v very_o considerable_o increase_v and_o as_o for_o private_a and_o secret_a prayer_n sure_o must_v person_n may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o perform_v they_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n in_o some_o length_n or_o other_o or_o some_o part_n of_o the_o day_n or_o other_o i_o confine_v they_o not_o to_o time_n nor_o length_n though_o it_o may_v be_v best_a for_o man_n who_o can_v to_o fix_v some_o time_n and_o to_o use_v to_o order_v their_o affair_n so_o as_o not_o to_o interrupt_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o they_o as_o possible_o before_o they_o all_o and_o after_o they_o be_v all_o dispatch_v better_o too_o they_o be_v short_a than_o none_o at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v but_o some_o short_a and_o pithy_a comprehensive_a form_n with_o the_o lord_n prayer_n of_o which_o some_o learned_a judicious_a pious_a and_o devout_a man_n have_v be_v so_o deserve_v of_o the_o public_a as_o to_o give_v great_a variety_n which_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o they_o have_v
a_o mind_n to_o know_v it_o be_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v advise_v here_o that_o those_o who_o educate_v and_o look_v after_o child_n especial_o mother_n than_o which_o they_o can_v do_v a_o more_o tender_a office_n of_o love_n and_o care_n do_v cause_n their_o child_n after_o rise_v and_o before_o go_v to_o bed_n to_o utter_v some_o short_a sentence_n of_o petition_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o it_o will_v do_v well_o to_o add_v the_o paraphrase_n upon_o it_o in_o the_o public_a catechism_n and_o to_o learn_v they_o betimes_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v their_o maker_n and_o can_v then_o they_o do_v at_o least_o so_o much_o and_o it_o be_v like_o somewhat_o more_o themselves_o and_o may_v not_o all_o other_o find_v as_o much_o time_n as_o that_o will_v come_v to_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o but_o this_o especial_o as_o i_o above_o say_v may_v they_o do_v who_o affair_n be_v know_v to_o be_v at_o certain_a time_n who_o affair_n be_v more_o in_o their_o disposal_n and_o less_o indispose_v they_o and_o such_o especial_o may_v they_o be_v who_o affair_n be_v most_o within_o door_n and_o domestic_a who_o be_v not_o weary_v and_o tire_v with_o bodily_a labour_n though_o person_n oft_o do_v this_o too_o more_o than_o they_o need_v and_o when_o they_o need_v not_o what_o shall_v hinder_v most_o person_n every_o day_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o rise_v from_o retire_v a_o little_a by_o themselves_o and_o also_o with_o their_o family_n so_o many_o as_o their_o affair_n will_v spare_v and_o let_v they_o not_o be_v spare_v without_o considerable_a necessity_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o danger_n that_o day_n and_o all_o their_o life_n to_o give_v they_o grace_n and_o peace_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o body_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v live_v well_o discreet_o innocent_o beneficient_o profitable_o to_o their_o neighbour_n pleas_o to_o god_n comfortable_o to_o themselves_o here_o with_o peace_n and_o well-grounded_n repose_v and_o joy_n be_v prepare_v for_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o happy_a life_n in_o heaven_n further_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v true_a repentance_n for_o they_o instill_v obedience_n and_o holy_a resolution_n excite_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v love_v god_n be_v grateful_a to_o their_o friend_n forbear_v and_o forgive_v and_o do_v good_a to_o their_o enemy_n even_o to_o all_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n check_n and_o restrain_v vice_n and_o ill-doing_n prudent_o in_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o with_o all_o sincerity_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v not_o that_o day_n be_v malicious_a uncharitable_a selfish_a proud_a ambitious_a envious_a revengeful_a vainglorious_a wrathful_a sensual_a lascivious_a intemperate_a drunken_a profane_a by_o lewd_a swear_n irreverent_a towards_o god_n or_o commit_v any_o other_o sin_n they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o particular_o in_o danger_n of_o that_o they_o may_v be_v prosper_v in_o worldly_a affair_n and_o deliver_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o body_n name_n estate_n as_o shall_v seem_v most_o fit_a to_o god_n and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o give_v thanks_o for_o any_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n they_o have_v receive_v i_o say_v what_o shall_v hinder_v most_o man_n general_o in_o some_o length_n or_o other_o from_o do_v this_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o so_o likewise_o again_o at_o night_n if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o why_o may_v we_o not_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o morning_n first_o except_o upon_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o lascivious_a object_n or_o worldly_a affair_n or_o the_o contrivance_n it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o sin_n some_o evil_a action_n or_o other_o my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v or_o hear_v thou_o in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n or_o myself_o unto_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o psalm_n 5._o 3._o and_o psalm_n 55._o verse_n 17._o say_v david_n these_o place_n indeed_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o do_v this_o always_o or_o constant_o use_v these_o state_v time_n but_o the_o first_o of_o they_o prove_v plain_o at_o least_o that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o the_o morning_n sometime_o and_o the_o second_o more_o probable_o evening_n morning_n and_o noon_n may_v be_v also_o a_o synechdochical_a expression_n for_o pray_v to_o god_n very_o frequent_o and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o may_v be_v mean_v only_o very_o often_o and_o that_o it_o be_v likely_a by_o ejaculatory_a praise_n too_o or_o that_o upon_o some_o day_n he_o may_v solemn_o perform_v it_o just_a so_o many_o time_n and_o so_o that_o in_o the_o thessalonian_o ist_fw-ge epist_n 5_o chap._n 17_o verse_n pray_v without_o cease_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v either_o mean_v of_o pray_v for_o every_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o and_o philip._n 4._o verse_n 6._o in_o every_o thing_n etc._n etc._n or_o pray_v very_o frequent_o especial_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n or_o pray_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o will_v never_o here_o be_v needless_a or_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o to_o do_v thus_o constant_o and_o frequent_o will_v much_o keep_v man_n sober_a discreet_a conscientious_a upright_o the_o follow_a day_n and_o consequent_o also_o fit_v they_o for_o god_n blessing_n in_o all_o their_o other_o affair_n and_o consequent_o make_v they_o be_v joyous_a and_o cheerful_a and_o benign_o dispose_v whereas_o pop_v in_o now_o and_o then_o a_o prayer_n especial_o before_o a_o sacrament_n or_o on_o a_o lord_n day_n time_n which_o none_o that_o be_v so_o much_o engage_v in_o worldly_a affair_n shall_v omit_v by_o any_o mean_n will_v do_v much_o less_o good_a and_o the_o influence_n soon_o wear_v out_o and_o be_v forget_v and_o then_o most_o of_o the_o interval_n they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o ever_o and_o never_o the_o better_a final_o we_o may_v all_o take_v this_o advisement_n and_o remember_v it_o that_o whatever_o our_o affair_n be_v and_o how_o muchsoev_a they_o necessary_o hinder_v our_o thus_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n this_o be_v not_o with_o our_o consent_n that_o we_o be_v not_o content_a there_o with_o so_o as_o not_o to_o watch_v for_o a_o opportunity_n otherwise_o to_o dispose_v they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unhappiness_n let_v it_o not_o be_v want_n of_o goodwill_n in_o we_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o let_v we_o be_v so_o dispose_v that_o we_o will_v do_v it_o withal_o our_o heart_n and_o much_o often_o if_o we_o can_v we_o believe_v it_o manifest_o our_o perfection_n to_o be_v more_o immediate_o employ_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o i_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o that_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v soon_o find_v sometime_o or_o other_o to_o perform_v this_o his_o reasonable_a duty_n to_o god_n we_o be_v to_o do_v this_o too_o as_o often_o as_o other_o affair_n which_o be_v not_o of_o great_a concernment_n may_v permit_v and_o in_o this_o bodily_a life_n in_o which_o we_o be_v suppose_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v many_o call_v little_a affair_n consider_v without_o their_o consequence_n consider_v with_o they_o be_v great_a matter_n as_o due_a time_n and_o quality_n and_o quantity_n of_o meat_n drink_n habitation_n sleep_n etc._n etc._n for_o without_o these_o no_o live_n our_o body_n will_v not_o be_v uphold_v nor_o sit_v for_o prayer_n nor_o any_o thing_n either_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a to_o do_v it_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n and_o we_o may_v contract_v by_o ill_a use_n of_o these_o or_o want_v of_o these_o many_o evil_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o morosity_n discontent_n too_o much_o serupulosity_n superstition_n suspicion_n of_o ourselves_o and_o other_o a_o belief_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v bad_a never_o look_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o or_o think_v it_o be_v not_o so_o fearfulness_n unactiveness_n peevishness_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o full_a oft_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mind_v these_o ordinary_a affair_n necessity_n or_o conveniency_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n than_o direct_o to_o pray_v and_o if_o we_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n with_o discretion_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o fit_v to_o serve_v and_o please_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
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
it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o objection_n lie_v only_o against_o that_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v petition_n but_o not_o against_o the_o other_o which_o we_o have_v often_o mention_v viz._n acknowledgement_n of_o god_n perfection_n with_o suitable_a affection_n thanksgiving_n confession_n profession_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n explication_n of_o our_o want_n all_o which_o have_v many_o excellent_a use_n beside_o their_o subserviency_n to_o petition_v as_o have_v be_v before_o particular_o show_v 2._o may_v be_v reply_v that_o which_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v hold_v at_o least_o against_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o obtain_v any_o good_a which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o their_o end_n to_o repeat_v it_o very_o brief_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v or_o pray_v for_o if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o pray_v if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v it_o with_o pray_v in_o like_a manner_n god_n have_v praedetermine_v we_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v if_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v nourish_v without_o our_o chew_v or_o swallow_v our_o food_n if_o the_o second_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v nourish_v with_o they_o wherefore_o chew_v and_o swallow_v our_o food_n be_v a_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v omit_v but_o man_n neither_o do_v nor_o aught_o to_o infer_v and_o practice_v thus_o in_o this_o last_o case_n for_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o for_o another_o which_o shall_v be_v present_o mention_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o in_o very_a truth_n they_o be_v some_o other_o conceal_v cause_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o pray_v when_o this_o of_o god_n praedetermination_n be_v pretend_v viz._n either_o wickedness_n or_o ineptness_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n either_o badness_n or_o materiality_n of_o mind_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v 3._o i_o answer_v that_o suppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o god_n absolute_a praedetermination_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o inference_n too_o viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v grant_v we_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o due_o qualify_a prayer_n shall_v seem_v to_o we_o more_o probable_a yet_o suppose_v also_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n viz._n that_o god_n do_v not_o so_o predetermine_v all_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o give_v some_o good_a thing_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o of_o many_o excellent_a use_n and_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o averse_a from_o or_o more_o incline_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v both_o the_o opinion_n to_o appear_v to_o we_o equal_o uncertain_a or_o probable_a we_o ought_v i_o think_v in_o this_o and_o every_o other_o such_o case_n to_o believe_v and_o according_o practice_n on_o that_o side_n which_o have_v apparent_o the_o best_a consequence_n or_o be_v of_o most_o good_a effect_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o receive_a thing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n and_o the_o consequent_a practice_n be_v of_o infinite_a better_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o the_o leave_v quite_o off_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o bring_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o he_o the_o constant_a remembrance_n of_o and_o attention_n to_o the_o only_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a a_o favour_n from_o he_o as_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n viz._n happiness_n a_o dispose_a soul_n to_o use_v all_o thing_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o with_o and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v or_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o how_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o such_o quality_n of_o soul_n be_v whence_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o strong_o engage_v to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o capable_a of_o all_o instance_n of_o his_o favour_n 4._o i_o answer_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o our_o very_a short_a reason_n and_o imperfect_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a system_v of_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n as_o to_o extension_n intention_n and_o duration_n result_v there_o from_o that_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o god_n upon_o condition_n of_o the_o certain_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o faculty_n of_o self-determination_n and_o particular_o the_o give_v we_o some_o good_a thing_n upon_o our_o apply_v ourselves_o due_o to_o request_v they_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a to_o be_v so_o of_o which_o i_o say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n 5._o and_o last_o to_o take_v away_o all_o cavel_n and_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n to_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v therein_o express_o affirm_v that_o our_o due_a petition_n be_v such_o condition_n of_o god_n give_v we_o good_a thing_n with_o which_o sometime_o at_o least_o he_o will_v and_o without_o which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v they_o to_o we_o some_o thing_n he_o will_v always_o certain_o give_v we_o upon_o our_o due_a prayer_n such_o as_o grace_n and_o pardon_n or_o inward_a strength_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o to_o repent_v and_o become_v good_a and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n when_o we_o do_v repent_v other_o thing_n also_o he_o will_v certain_o give_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o our_o prayer_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o very_o probable_o we_o may_v which_o nor_o when_o because_o we_o can_v tell_v neither_o by_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o consistent_a with_o the_o universal_a good_a that_o he_o shall_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11._o 9_o 10._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v and_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n it_o be_v teach_v we_o by_o similitude_n that_o god_n will_v not_o sometime_o give_v without_o our_o importunity_n in_o ask_v but_o with_o it_o he_o will_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o he_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v st._n james_n tell_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o do_v fight_v and_o war_n i._n e._n probable_o they_o use_v violent_a endeavour_n and_o that_o by_o contention_n and_o strife_n to_o obtain_v thing_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o ask_v nay_o they_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o james_n 4._o ver._n 2_o 3._o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n have_v praedetermine_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o without_o our_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a from_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a by_o reason_n that_o whether_o god_n have_v or_o have_v not_o praedetermine_v we_o shall_v have_v some_o thing_n he_o have_v determine_v that_o with_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v and_o without_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o connexion_n of_o our_o have_v and_o pray_v whensoever_o they_o be_v whether_o he_o have_v determine_v our_o have_v and_o our_o pray_v or_o not_o but_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o answer_n further_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o we_o or_o a_o good_a use_n of_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v or_o desire_v thing_n from_o god_n for_o if_o we_o do_v at_o all_o will_v any_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o action_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o whether_o this_o our_o willing_a be_v praedetermine_v or_o not_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o the_o perfection_n or_o best_a use_n thereof_o as_o have_v be_v before_o intimate_v to_o will_n that_o of_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o we_o the_o best_a consequence_n and_o effect_n but_o it_o be_v as_o
sin_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o manifest_a and_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o or_o fear_v be_v very_o great_a and_o seem_v no_o other_o way_n remediable_a but_o by_o god_n help_n then_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v awaken_v to_o a_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o to_o reflection_n examination_n and_o confession_n and_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o promise_n or_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o will_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o address_v any_o desire_n to_o god_n they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a without_o something_o at_o least_o of_o repentance_n and_o beg_n of_o god_n pardon_n to_o request_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o who_o most_o just_a law_n they_o have_v negligent_o or_o contemptuous_o violate_v and_o who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o no_o more_o to_o approve_v and_o acquit_v the_o guilty_a without_o repentance_n then_o to_o neglect_v or_o condemn_v the_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v general_o very_o bad_a man_n but_o probable_o do_v not_o always_o know_v their_o own_o badness_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o make_v frequent_a and_o long_a prayer_n in_o place_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v they_o use_v some_o of_o they_o to_o stand_v fix_v in_o contemplation_n a●_n hour_n that_o they_o may_v dispose_v their_o heart_n to_o prayer_n as_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a author_n and_o yet_o under_o pretence_n o●_n colour_n hereof_o though_o they_o may_v not_o attend_v to_o their_o insincerity_n at_o that_o time_n devou●red_v widow_n house_n and_o be_v ambitious_a covetous_a proud_a vainglorious_a fraudulent_a oppressive_a envious_a as_o we_o read_v matt._n 2d_o it_o appear_v also_o from_o our_o saviour_n parable_n ●_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o publican_n who_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v that_o some_o m●_n may_v pray_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n who_o be_v bad_a enough_o but_o yet_o be_v wondrous_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o sanctity_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n namely_o because_o they_o pray_v and_o fast_o whic●_n be_v but_o fallible_a sign_n luke_n 18._o verse_n 10_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi indeed_o do_v not_o there_o petition_v but_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o without_o doubt_n he_o that_o think_v s●_n well_o of_o himself_o will_v have_v ask_v too_o wi●_n confidence_n enough_o moreover_o we_o that_o be_v christian_n not_o o●ly_o know_v by_o natural_a light_n that_o we_o have_v n●_n reason_n to_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v we_o o●●_n petition_n and_o desire_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v wicked_a person_n and_o that_o obedience_n be_v a_o condition_n of_o acceptance_n but_o we_o be_v express_o inform_v as_o much_o also_o by_o the_o scripture_n g●_n hear_v not_o sinner_n say_v the_o blind_a man_n be_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n him_z he_o hear_v john_n 9_o verse_n 31._o and_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o he_o say_v reprove_v offer_v unto_o god_n thanksgiving_n and_o pay_v thy_o vow_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v worship_n love_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o then_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n of_o which_o one_o part_n sure_a on_o god_n side_n be_v to_o be_v a_o god_n and_o father_n and_o to_o give_v all_o good_a thing_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o psalm_n 50._o verse_n 14._o whoso_o osfer_v praise_n glorisi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n verse_n 23._o so_o psalm_n 5._o verse_n 3._o etc._n etc._n my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v or_o hear_v thou_o in_o the_o morning_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n or_o my_o soul_n unto_o thou_o and_o will_v look_v up_o and_o then_o follow_v for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v indeed_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o do_v approve_v wickedness_n and_o hear_v such_o person_n who_o be_v wicked_a but_o contrariwise_o thou_o hate_v such_o and_o will_v destroy_v they_o but_o i_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o house_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o a_o person_n who_o worship_n and_o fear_v thou_o and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v unto_o thou_o to_o hear_v i_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o rightcousness_n that_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a command_v by_o god_n or_o be_v righteous_a obey_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o best_a sacrifice_n or_o oft_o sacrifice_n from_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a mind_n and_o then_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n psalm_n 4._o verse_n 5._o and_o so_o verse_n 3_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v when_o i_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o take_v notice_n o_o you_o son_n of_o man_n that_o god_n especial_o favour_v godly_a man_n and_o will_v hear_v their_o prayer_n psalm_n 66._o verse_n 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o we_o have_v many_o place_n too_o in_o the_o prophet_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o effect_n as_o in_o isaiah_n 1_o where_o when_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v affectionate_o complain_v of_o the_o universal_a and_o exceed_o great_a wickedness_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v so_o good_a a_o father_n he_o take_v notice_n verse_n 11._o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o their_o wickedness_n they_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v join_v with_o acknowledgement_n petition_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v likely_o express_v with_o word_n however_o they_o be_v sign_n of_o they_o viz._n of_o thanks_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n of_o desire_n of_o pardon_n or_o other_o good_a thing_n i_o say_v they_o bring_v their_o sacrifice_n punctual_o enough_o though_o he_o utter_o reject_v they_o and_o require_v they_o not_o at_o their_o hand_n persist_v in_o their_o wicked_a practice_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 11._o and_o verse_n 12._o when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n and_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o 15._o verse_n where_o he_o plain_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o stread_v forth_o their_o hand_n he_o will_v hide_v his_o eye_n and_o when_o they_o make_v many_o prayer_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v so_o long_o as_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o so_o of_o other_o sin_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v but_o if_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v pardon_v to_o have_v his_o favour_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v hear_v they_o must_v repent_v put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o etc._n etc._n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n verse_n 16._o etc._n etc._n now_o he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o to_o sacrifice_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o etc._n etc._n likewise_o in_o isaiah_n 58._o though_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v general_o guilty_a of_o many_o and_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o god_n law_n such_o as_o be_v oppression_n contention_n cruelty_n one_o to_o another_o tyranny_n hardheartedness_n uncharitableness_n fraud_n and_o lie_v profanation_n of_o their_o sabbath_n or_o convert_v that_o day_n which_o be_v appoint_v and_o command_v by_o god_n unto_o they_o express_o for_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o servant_n and_o cattle_n to_o the_o use_v of_o their_o ordinary_a labour_n and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v neglect_v the_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o use_v appoint_v though_o i_o say_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v general_o guilty_a of_o these_o great_a transgression_n against_o god_n law_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o whole_a chapter_n yet_o they_o seek_v god_n daily_o verse_n 2._o and_o delight_v to_o know_v his_o way_n that_o be_v appear_v so_o to_o do_v or_o real_o do_v delight_n and_o be_v well_o please_v in_o some_o of_o the_o external_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n sacrifice_n prayer_n fast_n and_o afflict_v their_o soul_n like_v as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v every_o where_o good_a and_o forsake_v not_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v so_o confident_a