child_n kneel_v down_o and_o prayâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d though_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o shore_n â—â—ct_n 21.5_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v possible_o offend_v whilst_o we_o imitate_v such_o holy_a and_o primitive_a example_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n especial_o towards_o the_o period_n of_o their_o oeconomy_n to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o the_o pharisee_n like_o some_o among_o ourselves_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n math._n 6.5_o but_o because_o these_o do_v it_o that_o by_o the_o elevation_n of_o their_o body_n they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n you_o may_v not_o perhaps_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o take_v such_o for_o a_o example_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o certain_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v sometime_o pray_v stand_v on_o their_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v upon_o their_o knee_n for_o beside_o the_o posture_n in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o kneel_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n but_o then_o they_o give_v these_o two_o reason_n in_o excuse_n of_o their_o posture_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v by_o some_o outward_a gesture_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n express_v their_o joy_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o token_n also_o of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o proper_a whilst_o christianity_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o great_a temptation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o proselyte_n to_o this_o religion_n to_o apostatise_v that_o i_o may_v draw_v then_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o particular_a since_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n have_v be_v different_o use_v in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o various_a way_n of_o signify_v respect_n in_o divers_a country_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o church_n to_o who_o custom_n man_n subject_v themselves_o and_o since_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v still_o to_o be_v use_v in_o subordination_n to_o a_o great_a and_o more_o lofty_a end_n the_o raise_n and_o testify_v the_o affection_n and_o faith_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v leave_v you_o to_o practice_v saint_n augustine_n rule_n that_o in_o private_a prayer_n you_o so_o frame_v the_o gesture_n of_o your_o body_n as_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o the_o elevation_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o great_a devotion_n in_o your_o prayer_n but_o in_o public_a that_o you_o conform_v to_o the_o command_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o christian_a church_n which_o impose_v nothing_o sinful_a as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n within_o who_o pale_a you_o be_v enclose_v that_o you_o may_v not_o become_v factious_a and_o 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by_o external_a sign_n and_o the_o kind_a demonstration_n that_o the_o action_n of_o their_o body_n be_v able_a to_o represent_v and_o we_o put_v a_o force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o ourselves_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o manifest_v it_o by_o our_o action_n and_o deportment_n but_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v create_v the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o both_o and_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a man_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o partial_a sacrifice_n we_o must_v worship_v therefore_o and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n our_o redemption_n also_o no_o less_o call_v for_o the_o homage_n of_o our_o body_n than_o it_o do_v for_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o apostle_n say_v you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n 1._o cor._n 6.20_o nay_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o final_a glorification_n of_o both_o it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o they_o shall_v both_o conspire_v in_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n where_o both_o may_v contribute_v their_o several_a part_n that_o so_o since_o their_o interest_n be_v unite_v they_o may_v in_o conjunction_n work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a last_o the_o humble_a and_o decent_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o demonstrate_v the_o internal_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o except_v such_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o make_v the_o experiment_n they_o excite_v and_o continue_v our_o internal_a affection_n recall_v our_o wander_n and_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v about_o if_o
may_v not_o pray_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o now_o in_o this_o i_o fear_v many_o may_v fail_v and_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v a_o idol_n in_o their_o fancy_n when_o yet_o they_o abhor_v one_o that_o be_v sensible_a or_o material_a represent_v to_o their_o bodily_a eye_n for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o abstraction_n a_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o something_o which_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_a join_v of_o many_o of_o these_o object_n together_o but_o this_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o false_a similitude_n which_o we_o just_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o and_o yet_o the_o difference_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o great_a whether_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v represent_v to_o our_o external_a sense_n or_o in_o the_o idea_n and_o image_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o frame_v such_o a_o uncouth_a picture_n 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part_n or_o such_o quantitative_a extension_n as_o body_n have_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v frame_v any_o positive_a and_o proportionate_a notion_n of_o he_o all_o together_o as_o we_o can_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v but_o we_o know_v his_o be_v only_o by_o his_o attribute_n which_o we_o can_v consider_v all_o at_o once_o as_o we_o can_v the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n together_o with_o the_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n belong_v that_o god_n be_v may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o what_o manner_n of_o be_v he_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n be_v fix_v will_n i_o think_v be_v difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v by_o man_n to_o who_o the_o bare_a essence_n of_o thing_n far_o inferior_a be_v so_o latent_fw-la and_o abstruse_a so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a for_o we_o find_v that_o when_o we_o retire_v within_o ourselves_o and_o shut_v up_o our_o soul_n never_o so_o much_o from_o any_o communication_n with_o exterior_a object_n though_o we_o can_v frame_v proposition_n and_o discourse_n concern_v spirit_n yet_o we_o can_v have_v no_o representation_n of_o they_o or_o figure_n of_o proportion_n as_o we_o can_v make_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n though_o they_o be_v at_o present_a at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o or_o shut_v out_o from_o our_o view_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n or_o a_o closure_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o say_v truth_n can_v a_o spirit_n be_v draw_v by_o we_o under_o a_o similitude_n it_o must_v put_v off_o its_o nature_n and_o become_v material_a whilst_o we_o draw_v a_o image_n of_o it_o &_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o our_o external_a sense_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n confute_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o samaritan_n who_o as_o mr._n mede_n have_v evidence_v worship_v god_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o woman_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o because_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o intention_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o resemblance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o their_o devotion_n when_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o his_o service_n ought_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o under_o that_o notion_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o by_o any_o corporal_a representation_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o draw_v lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o god_n by_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n when_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o himself_o nor_o as_o christ_n say_v have_v any_o man_n see_v the_o father_n 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o frame_v a_o positive_a idea_n or_o any_o adequate_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n because_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o of_o finite_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v finite_a can_v frame_v or_o receive_v a_o idea_n that_o be_v infinite_a for_o what_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o be_v limit_v or_o circumscribe_v than_o a_o infinite_a space_n can_v be_v measure_v or_o draw_v into_o the_o number_n of_o proportion_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v because_o whatever_o a_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o must_v either_o single_o be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o else_o by_o the_o reduplication_n of_o a_o short_a measure_n we_o must_v at_o last_o sum_n up_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n into_o one_o entire_a dimension_n in_o breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n but_o what_o infinite_a measure_n can_v we_o find_v out_o that_o shall_v stretch_v itself_o parallel_a to_o what_o be_v altogether_o infinite_a since_o what_o be_v so_o have_v no_o end_n or_o what_o number_n of_o measure_n can_v possible_o reach_v it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v run_v over_o it_o have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v infinite_a if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o one_o infinite_a can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o another_o and_o no_o penetration_n yet_o admit_v then_o one_o must_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o and_o then_o neither_o can_v be_v account_v infinite_a because_o one_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o other_o if_o a_o penetration_n through_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v both_o infinite_n will_v be_v but_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o measure_n must_v perish_v so_o that_o for_o a_o finite_a be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a essence_n or_o to_o frame_v a_o idea_n or_o a_o adequate_a representation_n of_o he_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o grasp_v the_o globe_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n to_o carry_v the_o great_a mountain_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n when_o he_o have_v tear_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o ocean_n at_o one_o draught_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o difficult_a there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v finite_a but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a none_o at_o all_o when_o we_o can_v contain_v the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n in_o a_o empty-eggshel_a shoot_v the_o fix_a star_n down_o from_o heaven_n take_v a_o leap_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o moon_n make_v the_o least_o vessel_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o impossible_a then_o may_v we_o attempt_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o accomplish_v it_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o infinite_a be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o notional_a idol_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v a_o substantial_a one_o yet_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o our_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o frame_v similitude_n and_o representation_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o here_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o inform_v you_o what_o as_o i_o conceive_v ought_v to_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a god_n to_o who_o they_o pray_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v rational_o and_o also_o pious_o direct_v in_o this_o important_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o life_n to_o effect_v this_o it_o must_v be_v remark_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n contain_v within_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v include_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o own_o declaration_n have_v
we_o find_v after_o a_o excursion_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n when_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o inadvertency_n or_o diversion_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o a_o unusual_a heaviness_n and_o oppression_n in_o our_o body_n forget_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v conversant_a about_o but_o especial_o in_o our_o public_a devotion_n the_o devout_a gesture_n of_o other_o about_o we_o mind_v we_o of_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v ourselves_o and_o we_o can_v remain_v cold_a and_o stupid_a when_o we_o see_v other_o express_v the_o affection_n and_o ardour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o those_o action_n in_o which_o we_o common_o represent_v they_o when_o by_o the_o gesture_n of_o their_o body_n they_o seem_v to_o pour_v out_o their_o very_a soul_n in_o prayer_n how_o do_v we_o see_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n sparkle_v with_o zeal_n when_o void_a of_o all_o passion_n or_o hypocrifie_n how_o do_v humility_n and_o some_o man_n low_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o cause_v their_o body_n to_o stoop_v and_o their_o knee_n to_o bend_v how_o do_v faith_n and_o hope_n again_o lift_v up_o the_o most_o feeble_a hand_n at_o once_o to_o beg_v and_o receive_v god_n favour_n and_o such_o devout_a action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o hypocritical_a will_v raise_v and_o evidence_n our_o own_o affection_n however_o must_v certain_o inflame_v other_o to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a then_o i_o can_v but_o speak_v of_o the_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o inward_a intention_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o poet_n say_v of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n that_o when_o they_o be_v only_o single_a they_o portend_v mischief_n and_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o storm_n but_o when_o they_o appear_v both_o together_o they_o presage_v a_o fortunate_a passage_n to_o the_o church_n declare_v piety_n in_o who_o they_o shine_v and_o a_o solid_a and_o well_o ground_a devotion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o particular_a refer_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o deportment_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o make_v a_o search_n into_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o god_n especial_o in_o our_o joint_n and_o common_a petition_n there_o be_v not_o more_o frequent_a extravagancy_n among_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o other_o than_o what_o usual_o proceed_v from_o the_o slip_n or_o design_v action_n of_o our_o tongue_n these_o be_v so_o nimble_a when_o the_o body_n become_v heat_v and_o chafe_v as_o if_o all_o our_o spirit_n fly_v thither_o that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o some_o warm_a constitution_n to_o afford_v they_o any_o rest_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o talkative_a when_o we_o be_v awake_v that_o they_o be_v tattle_v too_o whilst_o we_o be_v asleep_a therefore_o the_o skilful_a and_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a task_n of_o the_o empire_n within_o ourselves_o and_o needs_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o law_n and_o a_o great_a and_o wary_a caution_n to_o be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o stop_v the_o sally_n of_o it_o that_o our_o word_n may_v be_v guide_v with_o discretion_n the_o tongue_n say_v st._n james_n be_v a_o little_a member_n but_o boast_v great_a thing_n and_o he_o compare_v it_o to_o fire_n a_o spark_n of_o which_o often_o turn_v city_n into_o ash_n such_o be_v this_o among_o our_o member_n that_o it_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o itself_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o able_a to_o bridle_v the_o whole_a body_n james_n 3.2_o 5_o 6._o now_o as_o this_o be_v so_o peccant_a in_o our_o conversation_n with_o man_n so_o be_v it_o apt_a to_o err_v in_o our_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o it_o assume_v too_o much_o familiarity_n with_o he_o become_v pert_a and_o rude_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o some_o man_n who_o a_o prince_n honour_n with_o his_o daily_a converse_v be_v so_o sensible_o blow_v up_o with_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o breath_n that_o their_o former_a acquaintance_n must_v not_o know_v they_o so_o oftentimes_o they_o become_v saucy_a to_o he_o that_o have_v advance_v they_o and_o blow_v his_o breath_n back_o upon_o himself_o when_o they_o have_v first_o poison_v it_o in_o their_o own_o body_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o many_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a god_n that_o make_v they_o utter_v such_o language_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o as_o will_v cause_v man_n to_o scorn_n and_o reject_v their_o petition_n and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o due_a consideration_n and_o impress_v themselves_o with_o a_o just_a awe_n from_o the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n since_o we_o have_v a_o acceptable_a person_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o heb._n 4.16_o but_o who_o can_v think_v that_o such_o a_o text_n give_v encouragement_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n to_o fly_v against_o the_o face_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o advance_v their_o privilege_n into_o a_o confident_a rudeness_n rather_o sure_o the_o same_o apostle_n sober_a advice_n must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o extravagant_a presumption_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o profound_a reverence_n and_o a_o godly_a fear_n because_o he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12.28_o 29._o to_o manage_v therefore_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n in_o such_o language_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o we_o may_v take_v if_o we_o be_v willing_a these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o that_o our_o word_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a 2._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a 3._o they_o must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a 4._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o they_o must_v be_v premeditate_v and_o fix_v first_o our_o word_n and_o expression_n in_o our_o solemn_a prayer_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v mind_v however_o be_v affect_v with_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o if_o he_o be_v it_o be_v without_o reason_n and_o he_o do_v not_o act_n like_o a_o man_n we_o have_v indeed_o too_o melancholy_a and_o woeful_a experience_n of_o some_o that_o be_v take_v with_o musical_a stroke_n and_o any_o thing_n which_o make_v curious_a and_o grateful_a percussion_n upon_o their_o ear_n be_v extreme_o delight_v with_o such_o sound_n of_o word_n as_o be_v void_a of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n if_o we_o think_v that_o the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n become_v a_o reasonable_a service_n unto_o god_n prayer_n require_v that_o our_o apprehension_n and_o wish_n keep_v a_o parallel_n with_o our_o word_n in_o which_o we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n we_o may_v otherwise_o beg_v a_o serpent_n when_o we_o intend_v a_o fish_n and_o ask_v for_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n if_o in_o public_a we_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n of_o he_o that_o offer_v service_n in_o our_o behalf_n he_o may_v curse_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o we_o think_v he_o bless_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o can_v at_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o it_o but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o ridiculous_a service_n when_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o we_o can_v trust_v any_o man_n with_o his_o bundle_n of_o infirmity_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v he_o either_o to_o his_o quick_a or_o dull_a invention_n as_o his_o body_n or_o his_o mind_n be_v either_o vigorous_a or_o disturb_v so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o any_o tolerable_a knowledge_n or_o due_a consideration_n say_v amen_o to_o what_o be_v utter_v or_o compose_v for_o we_o by_o some_o man_n to_o be_v deliver_v by_o ourselves_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o we_o can_v never_o proportion_v our_o affection_n or_o the_o intention_n of_o out_o mind_n suitable_a to_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v prayer_n especial_o what_o be_v public_a shall_v be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o word_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o
the_o more_o we_o employ_v our_o body_n in_o decent_a expression_n of_o gravity_n humility_n and_o apt_a affection_n to_o declare_v the_o inward_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o vigour_n and_o fervent_a desire_n and_o the_o most_o awful_a thought_n of_o that_o great_a majesty_n who_o we_o adore_v for_o this_o deportment_n give_v to_o god_n a_o whole_a sacrifice_n when_o other_o who_o in_o their_o prayer_n only_o hide_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o body_n as_o if_o they_o be_v confine_v as_o the_o heathen_a god_n to_o a_o immovable_a and_o stiff_a statue_n separate_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o any_o correspondent_a gesture_n of_o their_o body_n if_o they_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o which_o they_o seem_v not_o very_o fond_a to_o declare_v yet_o they_o devote_v only_o half_a of_o themselves_o and_o honour_v he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o other_o man_n can_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v unless_o man_n have_v casement_n in_o their_o breast_n that_o be_v open_v other_o may_v look_v into_o they_o but_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n ought_v to_o accompany_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o apparent_a from_o god_n injunction_n under_o the_o law_n that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o if_o we_o argue_v for_o it_o under_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o gospel_n from_o those_o command_v we_o sin_v in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v nothing_o return_v but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n in_o comparison_n to_o ourselves_o and_o man_n thus_o boast_v instead_o of_o have_v much_o cause_n of_o triumph_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o invective_n we_o have_v hear_v against_o the_o pitiful_a carnality_n and_o dulness_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o appear_v too_o often_o to_o our_o great_a loss_n that_o they_o be_v as_o witty_a and_o more_o cunning_a than_o ourselves_o we_o indeed_o have_v receive_v help_n and_o advantage_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n than_o they_o can_v be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o yet_o what_o be_v then_o establish_v which_o reason_n enforce_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v never_o yet_o repeat_v under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o ever_o can_v i_o may_v confident_o affirm_v may_v remain_v still_o without_o any_o check_n or_o control_v for_o use_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v to_o any_o damage_n in_o affirm_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n in_o all_o their_o public_a address_n unto_o god_n aught_o to_o accompany_v that_o of_o their_o mind_n till_o better_a argument_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o than_o any_o which_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v or_o see_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o he_o seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23_o yet_o all_o this_o though_o when_o it_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n make_v other_o stagger_v that_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o desert_v their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v become_v wise_a and_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o possess_v their_o soul_n and_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fright_v into_o the_o folly_n of_o other_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v when_o just_o enlarge_v on_o rebuke_v schism_n or_o idolatry_n or_o false_a worship_n but_o this_o text_n can_v authorise_v any_o detraction_n from_o external_a decency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o abate_v from_o those_o orderly_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o promote_v uniformity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o or_o tend_v to_o the_o sixation_n and_o establishment_n of_o true_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o such_o circumstance_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o particular_a and_o direct_o abolish_v by_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v before_o type_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o he_o to_o come_v if_o any_o of_o that_o external_a worship_n of_o our_o body_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o christian_a superior_n our_o practice_n will_v contradict_v our_o faith_n and_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o conference_n betwixt_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prohibit_v public_a place_n of_o worship_n or_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n in_o devotion_n adapt_v to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o establish_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o the_o samaritan_n schism_n and_o idolatry_n too_o and_o brief_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o to_o be_v establish_v to_o abolish_v all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o mankind_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o consent_v in_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o worship_v god_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o their_o redeemer_n have_v live_v in_o this_o world_n with_o true_a devotion_n to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o in_o charity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o may_v at_o last_o die_v with_o comfort_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o then_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v large_o controvert_v to_o a_o victory_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o that_o text_n of_o solomon_n when_o he_o deliver_v point_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a establishment_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n eccles_n 5.1_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o usual_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n to_o signify_v their_o reverence_n in_o a_o sacred_a place_n by_o put_v off_o their_o sandal_n before_o they_o enter_v that_o they_o may_v not_o profane_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o render_v common_a by_o a_o defilement_n a_o holy_a place_n or_o what_o be_v separate_v from_o vulgar_a use_n to_o such_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o relate_v unto_o god_n from_o whence_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o injunction_n more_o ancient_a than_o this_o text_n pull_v off_o thy_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n exod._n 3.5_o the_o place_n be_v before_z mean_v and_o inconsiderable_a a_o toft_a of_o ground_n on_o which_o bush_n grow_v yet_o because_o god_n consecrate_v it_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n make_v it_o holy_a for_o divine_a office_n to_o give_v moses_n his_o commission_n and_o to_o declare_v his_o law_n therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o reverence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v there_o and_o external_a demonstration_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v exhibit_v now_o this_o particular_a action_n of_o make_v bare_a the_o foot_n be_v a_o outward_a testimony_n of_o respect_n in_o those_o country_n where_o this_o be_v command_v it_o sufficient_o instruct_v all_o subsequent_a posterity_n of_o man_n that_o external_a sign_n of_o humility_n and_o submission_n must_v be_v give_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o deity_n especial_o such_o in_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o in_o those_o place_n that_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o since_o divers_a country_n use_v distinct_a mode_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n according_a to_o their_o customary_a signification_n and_o acceptance_n as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o japan_n salute_v by_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n when_o we_o do_v the_o same_o by_o pull_v off_o our_o hat_n and_o uncover_v our_o head_n we_o may_v therefore_o fair_o conclude_v that_o if_o solomon_n in_o the_o forecited_a text_n have_v speak_v to_o person_n use_v to_o our_o custom_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nation_n he_o will_v have_v say_v pull_v off_o thy_o hat_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o then_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o will_v be_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n on_o which_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n be_v inscribe_v where_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v our_o christian_a sacrifice_n to_o testify_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o outward_a
a_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o this_o great_a duty_n be_v state_v so_o as_o to_o oppose_v some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d._n d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o viz._n prayer_n with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o late_a discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o b._n w._n for_o edw._n advise_n next_o shop_n but_o one_o to_o popes-head-alley_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1683._o to_o my_o love_a parishioner_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o s._n botolph_n without_o bishopsgate_n and_o also_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o christ-church_n together_o with_o those_o of_o s._n leonard_n foster-lane_n in_o london_n by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n unite_v my_o very_a kind_n constant_a and_o gentile_a benefactor_n gentleman_n though_o i_o have_v a_o patron_n who_o be_v your_o bishop_n and_o i_o too_o to_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o i_o can_v perform_v to_o be_v due_a next_o god_n and_o the_o king_n yet_o this_o discourse_n consist_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v late_o preach_v to_o you_o in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o which_o for_o fashion_n sake_n it_o be_v here_o publish_v in_o a_o small_a treatise_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v more_o effectual_o serve_v you_o at_o this_o time_n by_o present_v those_o thing_n to_o your_o perusal_n which_o the_o most_o of_o you_o have_v with_o kindness_n hear_v from_o the_o 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notion_n of_o god_n decree_n that_o duty_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n since_o god_n decree_n be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o predestinate_a shall_v be_v save_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v be_v damn_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a such_o position_n be_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n of_o man_n or_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o community_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n once_o grant_v and_o that_o he_o contain_v all_o possible_a perfection_n his_o worship_n and_o adoration_n will_v be_v a_o natural_a inference_n and_o if_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o benefactor_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v petition_v and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o not_o to_o be_v grateful_a be_v inhuman_a and_o not_o to_o beg_v his_o favour_n on_o who_o we_o depend_v be_v foolish_a and_o irrational_a nay_o worse_o than_o so_o for_o the_o beast_n themselves_o will_v condemn_v this_o who_o action_n be_v to_o we_o discourse_n and_o their_o sense_n of_o obligation_n argument_n to_o convince_v we_o the_o devour_a lion_n be_v obsequious_a to_o his_o keeper_n the_o dull_a ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o sluggish_a ass_n that_o untractable_a creature_n his_o master_n crib_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a then_o if_o reasonable_a man_n shall_v not_o both_o know_v their_o obligation_n and_o consider_v their_o duty_n goodness_n be_v usual_o so_o attractive_a to_o the_o will_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v diffusive_a in_o courtesy_n that_o from_o bad_a nature_n it_o frequent_o command_v both_o acknowledgement_n and_o return_n where_o this_o
therefore_o have_v shine_v bright_a warm_v a_o chaos_n into_o a_o orderly_a creation_n and_o bring_v we_o forth_o to_o be_v subordinate_a governor_n over_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o enlighten_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o heat_n our_o zeal_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v since_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o pay_v our_o esteem_n unless_o injustice_n check_v ingenuity_n to_o man_n among_o ourselves_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n inherent_a in_o they_o thus_o far_o i_o suppose_v mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o i_o may_v modest_o challenge_v the_o universal_a vogue_n to_o vouch_v the_o assertion_n but_o now_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n will_v differ_v and_o temperament_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_v their_o mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o mode_n of_o address_n for_o the_o discourse_n of_o man_n be_v oftentimes_o as_o different_a as_o their_o complexion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v very_o servile_a in_o attend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n beside_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o fetter_n in_o which_o prejudice_n have_v chain_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a in_o its_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o though_o we_o all_o agree_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v due_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o act_n compound_v and_o the_o ceremony_n attend_v it_o have_v raise_v so_o many_o schism_n and_o contention_n among_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v in_o nothing_o but_o resolution_n always_o to_o differ_v that_o we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o these_o wind_n be_v still_o and_o rebuke_v the_o storm_n which_o disturb_v the_o world_n that_o some_o serenity_n may_v at_o last_o appear_v when_o the_o cloud_n be_v scatter_v i_o have_v take_v the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n to_o discourse_v on_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o ought_v to_o attend_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o which_o our_o own_o necessity_n prompt_v we_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n reasonable_o require_v and_o his_o command_n render_v it_o indispensible_a but_o yet_o because_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n apprehension_n and_o interest_n which_o controvert_v every_o thing_n have_v perplex_v this_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v as_o instrumental_a as_o i_o can_v in_o settle_v your_o mind_n in_o a_o point_n of_o such_o universal_a concernment_n especal_o at_o this_o separate_a time_n of_o lent_n in_o which_o our_o public_a devotion_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o with_o a_o great_a solemnity_n enjoin_v and_o praictise_v accompany_v with_o fast_v and_o almsgiving_n those_o mighty_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o estate_n as_o sacrifice_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v 1._o to_o explain_v this_o duty_n 2._o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o explication_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o these_o seven_o thing_n first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v second_o what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o precept_n and_o phrase_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n three_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v this_o religious_a address_n four_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o this_o 1._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n 2._o with_o reference_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n 3_o in_o relation_n to_o word_n and_o expression_n five_o for_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o to_o pray_v and_o this_o particular_a will_v involve_v person_n and_o thing_n six_o whether_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v so_o that_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o all_o man_n or_o only_o such_o as_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o last_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a or_o no_o since_o god_n already_o know_v our_o want_n and_o we_o can_v break_v the_o link_n that_o chain_v cause_n to_o effect_n nor_o alter_v the_o almighty_n decree_n or_o providence_n by_o any_o of_o our_o wish_n or_o prayer_n from_o the_o state_v and_o resolution_n of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v at_o last_o infer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o service_n or_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o church_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o perform_v that_o god_n do_v accept_v they_o and_o be_v a_o proper_a method_n of_o address_v to_o he_o second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v most_o irrational_a and_o abominable_o peccant_a in_o she_o last_o that_o such_o as_o live_v among_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o separate_v from_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o service_n to_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n man_n dependence_n and_o the_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o their_o creator_n and_o themselves_o chap._n i._n have_v thus_o exhibit_v my_o design_a method_n i_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o because_o many_o may_v conjecture_v that_o my_o labour_n may_v be_v excuse_v in_o this_o since_o common_a practice_n will_v just_o supersede_n this_o scruple_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o the_o resolution_n prayer_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o offer_n up_o our_o desire_n unto_o god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n too_o of_o breathe_v forth_o its_o wish_n to_o our_o maker_n lodging_n they_o in_o the_o bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o our_o intercessor_n and_o through_o he_o petition_v relief_n to_o supply_v all_o its_o necessity_n and_o want_n now_o although_o this_o when_o complete_a be_v join_v with_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o prayer_n those_o be_v duty_n distinct_a from_o this_o and_o each_o require_v a_o different_a explication_n various_a man_n conceive_v divers_a definition_n of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v distingish_v by_o word_n and_o phrase_n more_o than_o sense_n one_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o discourse_n or_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n another_o a_o ascend_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o man_n exemplify_v this_o duty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o metaphor_n that_o rather_o obscure_v than_o explain_v the_o thing_n nay_o some_o set_v up_o jacob_n ladder_n in_o this_o case_n for_o angel_n to_o make_v their_o descent_n from_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v again_o a_o sensible_a and_o direct_a passage_n upward_o mount_v into_o the_o region_n above_o carrying_z man_n petition_n under_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n down_o to_o they_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v allow_v for_o rhetoric_n but_o it_o neither_o explain_v or_o argue_v the_o thing_n we_o may_v better_o guess_v at_o our_o prayer_n unto_o god_n by_o reflect_v on_o our_o petition_n to_o man_n in_o which_o we_o always_o signify_v our_o desire_n which_o we_o earnest_o wish_v for_o and_o humble_o beg_v the_o grant_n of_o and_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v the_o common_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o prayer_n which_o noâ—man_n that_o at_o all_o consider_v can_v refuse_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o now_o this_o be_v make_v when_o direct_v unto_o god_n either_o in_o the_o inflame_a and_o ardent_a desire_v of_o our_o mind_n when_o devout_o fix_v our_o intention_n upon_o he_o we_o secret_o wish_v what_o we_o do_v not_o express_v with_o our_o tongue_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v this_o method_n available_a when_o the_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o who_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o language_n of_o our_o mouth_n and_o discern_v our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o hear_v our_o word_n but_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v also_o express_v by_o those_o instrument_n of_o speech_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v as_o well_o for_o his_o service_n as_o our_o own_o when_o we_o put_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n into_o suitable_a and_o expressive_a language_n rehearse_v this_o with_o the_o due_a and_o humble_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n correspondent_a to_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o private_a and_o this_o either_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n who_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n but_o one_o flesh_n have_v some_o necessity_n betwixt_o themselves_o but_o yet_o be_v distinct_a from_o other_o require_v different_a and_o more_o secret_a petition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o private_a pray_v most_o proper_o so_o which_o every_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o perform_v single_o by_o himself_o when_o first_o examine_v his_o
that_o have_v be_v due_o educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o gaudy_a luxuriance_n of_o a_o orator_n not_o welt_a with_o metaphor_n nor_o darken_v by_o any_o figurative_a allusion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o naked_a as_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o plain_a and_o open_a as_o innocence_n itself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o oracle_n in_o word_n that_o may_v beguile_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o question_n of_o the_o inquirer_n be_v otherwise_o let_v the_o language_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n amuse_v only_o but_o not_o edify_v the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o person_n who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o rational_o pronounce_v amen_n to_o it_o because_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a which_o man_n will_v not_o do_v in_o other_o case_n nay_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o such_o prayer_n s._n paul_n both_o redargues_fw-la and_o condemn_v 1_o cor._n 14._o second_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a not_o intermix_v with_o the_o levities_n of_o a_o stage_n as_o if_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v to_o be_v theatrical_a in_o prayer_n and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o raree_o show_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v our_o devotion_n into_o a_o cant_a burlesque_fw-la nor_o cause_v the_o weighty_a conception_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v breathe_v forth_o in_o air_n and_o fancy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v court_v a_o mistress_n or_o a_o common_a hall_n but_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v wise_a and_o grave_a the_o business_n of_o thought_n and_o careful_a premeditation_n and_o our_o word_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o weight_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n beg_v by_o a_o romance_n and_o to_o adorn_v his_o rag_n with_o joques_fw-la or_o flower_n this_o better_a proclaim_v his_o madness_n than_o his_o want_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o a_o person_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o yet_o rant_v aâ—_n and_o tear_n his_o benefactor_n who_o shall_v be_v stow_v it_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v at_o bethlem_n only_o but_o not_o in_o a_o church_n certain_o therefore_o it_o must_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v bold_a man_n thuâ—_n act_v towards_o god_n almighty_a himself_o to_o find_v person_n rave_v in_o their_o prayerâ—_n as_o if_o they_o will_v hector_n the_o greâ—â—_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o scaâ—â—_n he_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o â—_z by_o a_o loud_a noise_n bold_a word_n 〈◊〉_d too_o confident_a importunity_n woulâ—_n make_v a_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n woâ—der_n where_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o trade_n or_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n ridiculous_o groan_v and_o yelp_a out_o his_o prayer_n in_o tone_n unbecoming_a solemnity_n make_v grimace_n and_o wry_a face_n as_o he_o have_v the_o gripe_n in_o his_o belly_n 〈◊〉_d will_v think_v he_o walk_v the_o field_n oâ—ten_o and_o have_v take_v note_n from_o the_o very_a cripple_n nay_o to_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v both_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o consideration_n to_o guess_v which_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o he_o will_v conclude_v both_o to_o be_v artificial_a but_o neither_o to_o be_v fit_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n almighty_n nay_o though_o we_o pray_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o promise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o urge_v god_n gracious_a and_o free_a promise_n in_o such_o dare_a and_o strange_a language_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o kindness_n to_o make_v they_o or_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o he_o can_v not_o suspend_v the_o favour_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o destroy_v that_o free_a grace_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o little_a or_o no_o duty_n to_o perform_v as_o if_o god_n must_v present_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o when_o we_o please_v answer_v our_o petition_n and_o give_v we_o our_o reward_n strange_a that_o man_n in_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n shall_v no_o better_o consider_v their_o distance_n and_o dependence_n but_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n as_o if_o they_o be_v either_o his_o equal_n or_o superior_n thus_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a cloth_n themselves_o with_o shame_n but_o shall_v the_o potsherd_n fly_v at_o the_o potter_n head_n or_o dust_n and_o ash_n endeavour_v to_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a heaven_n shall_v we_o do_v thus_o who_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n who_o one_o word_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o thus_o rude_o address_v can_v sentence_v to_o a_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o make_v the_o shade_n below_o our_o habitation_n nay_o shall_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v our_o body_n into_o a_o grave_n and_o our_o soul_n into_o most_o horrid_a darkness_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o both_o at_o last_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o shall_v he_o be_v address_v to_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o be_v his_o familiar_a acquaintance_n certain_o the_o most_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n prayer_n seem_v to_o make_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o argue_v with_o such_o rude_a and_o careless_a man_n mal._n 1.6_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o be_v then_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o you_o o_o priest_n that_o despise_v my_o name_n and_o yet_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v it_o the_o psalmist_n give_v excellent_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n nay_o our_o very_a rejoice_v must_v be_v with_o reverence_n psal_n 2.11_o and_o if_o the_o great_a king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o david_n there_o speak_v must_v thus_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a much_o more_o ought_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a allay_n to_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o be_v malepert_a with_o their_o maker_n lest_o instead_o of_o favour_n they_o receive_v vengeance_n and_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o a_o speech_n of_o hailstone_n and_o coal_n of_o fire_n let_v man_n therefore_o use_v such_o expression_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n as_o may_v evidence_n some_o dread_a and_o awe_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o declare_v such_o humility_n and_o reverence_n as_o become_v those_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n saint_n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a bishop_n by_o his_o deportment_n among_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o outward_a agreement_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n act._n 20.19_o and_o since_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o express_v our_o inward_a sentiment_n the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o as_o necessary_a too_o as_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o virtue_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o one_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o sign_n of_o the_o other_o that_o when_o gravity_n and_o humility_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v sprout_v forth_o and_o spread_v their_o branch_n in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n mouth_n and_o deportment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o that_o where_o these_o last_o thing_n be_v want_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v nay_o conclude_v the_o profession_n or_o affirmation_n that_o man_n have_v the_o other_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o pretence_n three_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a because_o otherwise_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o
and_o divine_a prayer_n '_o that_o prayer_n among_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o change_v the_o person_n to_o who_o i_o we_o pray_v but_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v not_o change_v he_o but_o only_o fit_v we_o for_o receive_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o yet_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v wholesome_a doctrine_n unless_o we_o allow_v it_o some_o grain_n of_o salt_n by_o distinguish_v betwixt_o god_n essence_n and_o his_o will_n his_o essence_n indeed_o can_v be_v change_v by_o our_o prayer_n but_o his_o will_n may_v again_o before_o the_o former_a assertion_n can_v be_v account_v true_a god_n decree_n must_v be_v distinguish_v into_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a his_o absolute_a decree_n can_v be_v alter_v but_o his_o conditional_a may_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v before_o however_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o one_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o one_o design_n of_o god_n command_v it_o though_o this_o can_v be_v all_o next_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o natural_a subjection_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o produce_v the_o growth_n and_o action_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o favour_n for_o which_o we_o make_v our_o humble_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v with_o some_o thoughtfulness_n consider_v what_o a_o direct_a influence_n our_o prayer_n have_v to_o the_o accomplish_v such_o glorious_a design_n we_o can_v deny_v even_o this_o argument_n to_o conclude_v our_o duty_n for_o how_o effectual_o do_v our_o prayer_n move_v we_o to_o those_o virtue_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o we_o implore_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n if_o we_o be_v at_o all_o hearty_a in_o our_o address_n and_o how_o direct_o do_v they_o check_v those_o vice_n which_o we_o both_o lament_v a_o former_a and_o pray_v against_o a_o future_a commission_n of_o our_o confession_n bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o those_o expression_n by_o which_o we_o aggravate_v they_o with_o truth_n cause_v we_o to_o abominate_a those_o miscarriage_n which_o we_o thus_o with_o horror_n most_o dreadful_o decipher_v our_o petition_n mind_v we_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o the_o person_n from_o who_o we_o obtain_v relief_n and_o our_o very_a thanksgiving_n for_o blessing_n receive_v impress_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n can_v but_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o so_o good_a a_o benefactor_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o cause_n return_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o such_o a_o large_a dependence_n and_o from_o who_o as_o often_o as_o we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v renew_v obligation_n so_o that_o be_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o prayer_n frequent_o practise_v with_o due_a humility_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v those_o sin_n with_o industry_n and_o delight_n which_o they_o do_v and_o must_v confess_v with_o sorrow_n and_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o with_o seriousness_n and_o repentance_n and_o i_o may_v with_o confidence_n give_v man_n assurance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v more_o frequent_o pray_v they_o will_v sin_v less_o and_o the_o rational_a and_o humble_a management_n of_o their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n will_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n far_o beyond_o what_o those_o can_v expect_v by_o another_o method_n who_o do_v not_o frequent_o and_o serious_o adventure_v the_o experiment_n for_o as_o according_a to_o plato_n philosophy_n the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o so_o by_o often_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o attribute_n we_o earnest_o desire_v that_o which_o we_o adore_v and_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v what_o we_o admire_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o rational_a man_n to_o imitate_v in_o themselves_o that_o which_o they_o commend_v and_o praise_n in_o another_o now_o this_o image_n of_o god_n which_o in_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o habitual_a possession_n of_o his_o most_o glorious_a and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v call_v communicable_a perfection_n be_v that_o which_o best_o distinguish_v we_o from_o beast_n and_o our_o soul_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o converse_v only_o with_o sensual_a object_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v their_o nature_n and_o tincture_n themselves_o by_o their_o conversation_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o rational_a they_o become_v by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o therefore_o grillus_n in_o plutarch_n phaed._n reason_n and_o assert_n well_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o if_o religion_n be_v once_o take_v from_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o better_a than_o brute_n but_o more_o miserable_a for_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o evil_n their_o trouble_n be_v accent_v and_o their_o disquietment_n enlarge_v beyond_o the_o perception_n of_o other_o creature_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o more_o insensible_a nature_n it_o be_v religion_n therefore_o that_o perfect_v and_o consummate_v the_o being_n of_o man_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o aspire_v to_o glory_n through_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o endless_a immortality_n and_o in_o this_o it_o render_v they_o far_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a brute_n who_o live_v some_o time_n and_o then_o die_v and_o perish_v now_o such_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v with_o and_o be_v bear_v upon_o our_o prayer_n to_o which_o religion_n have_v so_o natural_a a_o tendency_n that_o whenever_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o sincere_a it_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o production_n of_o such_o a_o glorious_a offspring_n and_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n rise_v up_o at_o last_o into_o the_o possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o consideration_n can_v but_o convince_v we_o that_o prayer_n be_v both_o our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o either_o regard_n god_n or_o ourselves_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n or_o our_o uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n the_o great_a god_n have_v appoint_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o procure_v to_o we_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o we_o invert_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n when_o we_o expect_v the_o conveyance_n in_o another_o way_n for_o though_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a know_v our_o want_n and_o what_o be_v not_o present_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a although_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o resolution_n nor_o can_v we_o prescribe_v method_n to_o he_o or_o with_o modest_a devotion_n desire_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o grant_v yet_o in_o prayer_n direct_v by_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n he_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v in_o order_n to_o our_o obtainment_n of_o what_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v nor_o will_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n without_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o desire_n vuit_fw-la deus_fw-la rogavi_fw-la vult_fw-la cogi_fw-la vult_fw-la quâdam_fw-la importunitate_fw-la vinci_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n bona_fw-la est_fw-la haec_fw-la violentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n god_n will_v be_v entreat_v he_o will_v be_v compel_v he_o will_v be_v overcome_v by_o a_o certain_a importunity_n this_o be_v a_o good_a violence_n when_o in_o prayer_n we_o wrestle_v with_o almighty_a god_n and_o like_o jacob_n we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o blessing_n behind_o he_o he_o love_v in_o our_o devotion_n that_o we_o shall_v thus_o with_o due_a humility_n importune_v he_o with_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n and_o affection_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o without_o faint_v we_o express_v our_o want_n he_o will_v neither_o withhold_v grace_n nor_o glory_n nor_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n from_o these_o and_o certain_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v such_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evidence_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o who_o resolve_v not_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o happiness_n by_o miss_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v both_o gain_v and_o exercise_v in_o it_o who_o love_n communion_n with_o god_n here_o respect_v their_o eternal_a glory_n hereafter_o and_o be_v not_o so_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o as_o for_o ever_o to_o abandon_v the_o