never_o expect_v any_o gracious_a return_n from_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v neither_o the_o blind_a nor_o the_o lame_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o holy_a altar_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n though_o of_o the_o priestly_a race_n levit._n 21.18_o if_o under_o the_o law_n the_o want_n of_o these_o member_n exclude_v man_n from_o god_n service_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o under_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o noble_a member_n be_v want_v the_o heart_n and_o its_o affection_n a_o gospel_n worship_n must_v be_v a_o hearty_a worship_n that_o only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v acceptance_n it_o be_v god_n complaint_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n whilst_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o formality_n who_o frequent_o attend_v at_o prayer_n without_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o devotion_n it_o shall_v be_v therefore_o our_o care_n to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n with_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o want_n necessity_n future_a advantage_n experience_n duty_n god_n presence_n and_o whatever_o may_v have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o five_o and_o that_o our_o affection_n may_v be_v the_o more_o inflame_v we_o must_v kindle_v they_o with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n which_o must_v burn_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n as_o with_o a_o earnest_n and_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o glorify_v our_o maker_n however_o both_o may_v very_o well_o contribute_v to_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n now_o this_o zeal_n needful_a in_o all_o our_o address_n be_v that_o holy_a violence_n that_o strain_v our_o affection_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o give_v that_o perfection_n to_o the_o action_n which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v want_v it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o dissidence_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o profane_a sloathfulness_n which_o may_v displease_v our_o gracious_a god_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o mercy_n it_o sill_n the_o soul_n full_a of_o jealousy_n which_o awaken_v all_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o present_a duty_n and_o as_o our_o great_a saviour_n when_o he_o expel_v the_o merchant_n and_o money-changer_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v animate_v by_o a_o divine_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n so_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o zealous_a affection_n for_o his_o god_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n all_o worldly_a business_n and_o consideration_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n the_o soul_n without_o the_o interruption_n and_o clamour_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o secular_a interest_n where_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n common_o insinuate_v themselves_o too_o much_o john_n 2.16_o six_o as_o there_o be_v a_o care_n to_o be_v take_v of_o our_o person_n and_o manner_n of_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o god_n glorious_a perfection_n and_o our_o own_o vile_a and_o mean_a estate_n we_o must_v likewise_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n reveal_v or_o secret_a will_n god_n will_n must_v regulate_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n for_o christ_n our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a example_n to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o as_o well_o as_o desirous_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n will_n on_o earth_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a agent_n the_o great_a maker_n and_o protector_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankined_a that_o all_o our_o inclination_n and_o will_n ought_v to_o yield_v homage_n to_o his_o pleasure_n in_o which_o submission_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n arise_v to_o ourselves_o thereby_o we_o compass_v and_o attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n a_o infallible_a happiness_n for_o the_o best_a self-interest_n be_v a_o submission_n to_o that_o wise_a agent_n who_o be_v engage_v to_o promote_v our_o felicity_n and_o his_o glory_n together_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n rom._n 8.28_o if_o in_o other_o action_n of_o our_o life_n god_n will_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n how_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o weighty_a and_o religious_a action_n of_o prayer_n where_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n together_o be_v to_o summon_v all_o their_o faculty_n and_o member_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o chief_a intent_n of_o this_o performance_n be_v the_o magnify_v of_o god_n glorious_a attribute_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o of_o our_o desire_n to_o oppose_v his_o will_n or_o contradict_v his_o wisdom_n or_o question_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o goodness_n the_o want_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v cause_v thou_o o_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o thou_o expect_v a_o favourable_a return_n from_o his_o bounty_n thou_o must_v learn_v to_o court_v it_o by_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o governance_n both_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o desire_v and_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n which_o he_o judge_v most_o seasonable_a to_o grant_v thou_o thy_o request_n all_o impatiency_n in_o prayer_n be_v guilty_a of_o indiscretion_n of_o profane_a folly_n of_o disrespect_n and_o disesteem_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n man_n must_v learn_v to_o prefer_v his_o glory_n who_o goodness_n they_o want_v to_o the_o satiate_v of_o their_o own_o crave_v and_o importunate_a appetite_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o furious_a desire_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n when_o we_o find_v they_o proceed_v beyond_o the_o bound_n limit_v by_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o our_o real_a happiness_n which_o common_o be_v unseparable_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o desire_v from_o god_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n for_o faith_n grace_n regeneration_n strength_n against_o sin_n truth_n wisdom_n knowledge_n and_o other_o blessing_n relate_v to_o god_n immediate_a glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n a_o petitioner_n can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a zealous_a and_o impatient_a such_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v wrest_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o our_o good_a god_n by_o our_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n violence_n condemn_v in_o other_o thing_n be_v approve_v of_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o such_o as_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o heaven_n kingdom_n and_o a_o holy_a importunity_n in_o prayer_n never_o return_v without_o a_o grant_n of_o the_o request_n when_o we_o ask_v the_o divine_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n unless_o we_o have_v like_o esau_n forfeit_v before_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o for_o god_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o bestow_v they_o as_o we_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o their_o excellency_n be_v such_o that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v and_o desire_v they_o too_o much_o as_o david_n therefore_o who_o soul_n be_v insatiable_a on_o earth_n for_o grace_n and_o divine_a mercy_n let_v we_o not_o give_v ourselves_o any_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v obtain_v these_o riches_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n but_o as_o earthly_a prosperity_n and_o blessing_n relate_v to_o our_o better_a conveniency_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o value_n and_o importance_n our_o request_n for_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v qualify_v according_o and_o because_o in_o some_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o everlasting_a interest_n we_o be_v to_o beg_v they_o always_o with_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a god_n who_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o most_o conduce_v to_o our_o real_a good_a to_o desire_v they_o too_o passionate_o or_o without_o any_o such_o condescension_n be_v to_o idolise_v the_o creature_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o creator_n it_o be_v to_o give_v to_o those_o earthly_a and_o mean_a thing_n that_o affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o divine_a mercy_n nature_n i_o confess_v will_v be_v always_o crave_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o want_n will_v cause_v we_o to_o cry_v aloud_o for_o a_o relief_n and_o remedy_n but_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o those_o natural_a motion_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o humanity_n be_v loath_a to_o taste_v of_o the_o bitter_a cup_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o
shall_v cause_v we_o to_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n now_o in_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n here_o be_v considerable_a nay_o assure_v and_o unspeakable_a benefit_n mention_v before_o arise_v from_o thence_o to_o our_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n the_o prosperity_n the_o health_n the_o riches_n the_o honour_n blessing_n and_o the_o very_a breath_n of_o the_o former_a with_o all_o other_o temporal_a thing_n relate_v to_o its_o good_a be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o god_n they_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n and_o be_v common_o obtain_v by_o our_o zealous_a prayer_n for_o god_n a_o unchangeable_a truth_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a to_o hear_v the_o groan_a of_o the_o prisoner_n to_o loose_v they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n that_o he_o will_v cause_v he_o that_o ask_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o seek_v from_o he_o his_o necessity_n shall_v find_v they_o in_o due_a time_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o perform_v their_o desire_n that_o he_o will_v open_v the_o treasury_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o such_o as_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n and_o grant_v they_o their_o request_n in_o a_o word_n god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v free_o bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o those_o earthly_a advantage_n which_o man_n so_o high_o esteem_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o devout_a and_o constant_a prayer_n together_o with_o the_o more_o last_a and_o more_o excellent_a riches_n of_o the_o soul_n psalm_n 102.17_o luke_n 11.9_o john_n 14.13_o psal_n 65.2_o jer._n 29.12_o and_o jer._n 33.3_o zech._n 13.9_o if_o some_o profane_a varlet_n that_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n and_o neglect_v this_o duty_n nevertheless_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v load_v with_o these_o temporal_a blessing_n they_o enjoy_v they_o not_o with_o that_o deliciousness_n and_o content_a as_o a_o pray_a soul_n that_o which_o to_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o real_a benefit_n prove_v a_o present_a curse_n to_o the_o former_a and_o a_o aggravation_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o their_o vice_n neither_o can_v they_o find_v that_o sweetness_n in_o good_a which_o natural_o it_o yield_v and_o a_o good_a christian_a taste_n partly_o because_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehensiens_n which_o common_o attend_v upon_o a_o disorderly_a behaviour_n with_o the_o gripe_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n sour_a and_o poison_n all_o the_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n and_o partly_o because_o the_o secret_a curse_n that_o accompany_v the_o wicked_a in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n let_v therefore_o the_o care_n diligence_n and_o frugality_n of_o our_o forefather_n make_v never_o so_o much_o provision_n for_o we_o let_v god_n providence_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n a_o plentiful_a estate_n honour_n power_n and_o authority_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v prayer_n be_v as_o needful_a in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o if_o we_o be_v daily_o to_o expect_v the_o continual_a supply_n of_o god_n bounty_n to_o entertain_v our_o being_n as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o such_o assurance_n of_o a_o livelihood_n in_o the_o world_n humane_a greatness_n if_o not_o support_v and_o animate_v by_o goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v like_o those_o unwieldy_a body_n the_o soon_o bring_v to_o ruin_v for_o want_n of_o vital_a spirit_n require_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o motion_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o encroaching_n of_o the_o disease_n unto_o which_o their_o grossness_n and_o fatness_n be_v inclinable_a worldly_n promotion_n can_v never_o be_v well_o maintain_v and_o continue_v but_o by_o that_o providence_n from_o whence_o it_o first_o proceed_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o seek_v from_o god_n mercy_n the_o preservation_n of_o those_o store_n of_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v bountiful_o bestow_v upon_o we_o see_v that_o without_o it_o they_o must_v needs_o decay_v and_o shrink_v away_o to_o nothing_o think_v not_o thyself_o o_o man_n less_o indebt_v to_o thy_o god_n because_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o by_o whole_a sale_n all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o distribute_v to_o other_o but_o by_o retail_n and_o that_o therefore_o thou_o depende_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o his_o power_n and_o need_v not_o so_o much_o his_o continual_a assistance_n as_o other_o of_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o men._n soon_o may_v the_o moon_n and_o glitter_a star_n yield_v their_o light_n and_o comfortable_a influence_n without_o the_o aspect_n of_o the_o sun_n soon_o may_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o its_o variety_n of_o creature_n without_o the_o celestial_a globe_n than_o that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o rich_a and_o powerful_a shall_v subsist_v without_o his_o god_n when_o therefore_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n build_v the_o famous_a temple_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o place_v the_o king_n bedchamber_n near_o to_o god_n sanctuary_n and_o cause_v a_o door_n to_o lead_v into_o it_o whereof_o the_o key_n be_v transmit_v with_o the_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n of_o israel_n and_o always_o in_o the_o king_n possession_n that_o this_o may_v mind_v he_o of_o his_o dependency_n upon_o his_o god_n and_o to_o seek_v from_o he_o those_o blessing_n and_o the_o protection_n that_o he_o continual_o want_v in_o that_o lofty_a station_n of_o honour_n if_o therefore_o our_o subsistance_n the_o preservation_n of_o our_o estate_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o power_n and_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o our_o god_n needful_a in_o the_o great_a abundance_n proceed_v from_o his_o bountiful_a hand_n and_o be_v obtainable_a by_o and_o promise_v to_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o this_o oblige_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o with_o humility_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o offer_v up_o this_o cheap_a sacrifice_n always_o ready_a and_o at_o hand_n so_o acceptable_a to_o our_o good_a god_n i_o confess_v he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o indigency_n and_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n need_v not_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o want_v in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o know_v our_o necessity_n before_o we_o ask_v and_o our_o ignorance_n in_o ask_v he_o understand_v our_o most_o bosom_n thought_n he_o see_v and_o foresee_v what_o be_v most_o useful_a both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n though_o this_o consideration_n may_v seem_v to_o render_v our_o prayer_n frivolous_a and_o not_o so_o needful_a as_o if_o god_n be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o want_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n require_v and_o advise_v we_o both_o by_o their_o example_n and_o command_n to_o lay_v open_a our_o necessity_n in_o prayer_n to_o our_o gracious_a god_n and_o nature_n itself_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o seek_v from_o he_o a_o supply_n to_o our_o daily_a want_n for_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o prayer_n as_o a_o simple_a information_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o estate_n but_o as_o a_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n liberality_n and_o riches_n not_o as_o a_o increase_n to_o his_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o infinite_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o augmentation_n but_o as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v by_o his_o wisdom_n to_o increase_v and_o augment_v our_o happiness_n neither_o must_v we_o look_v upon_o prayer_n as_o a_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o god_n to_o commiserate_v our_o poor_a condition_n but_o as_o a_o nâ—â—hod_n to_o dispose_v and_o render_v we_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o that_o unto_o which_o god_n promise_n of_o earthly_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n be_v annex_v which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cause_n to_o encourage_v and_o we_o sinful_a man_n to_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n magnificence_n and_o unlimited_a bounty_n and_o to_o man_n weakness_n and_o poverty_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a armour_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o worldly_a casualty_n the_o safe_a shelter_n where_o we_o may_v retreat_v when_o pursue_v by_o storm_n and_o tempest_n the_o best_a pourveyor_n to_o procure_v we_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o maintenance_n and_o being_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a mean_n to_o entertain_v and_o increase_v that_o familiarity_n with_o our_o god_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n precede_v that_o eternal_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o which_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o glory_n god_n will_v have_v we_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o by_o degree_n and_o not_o leap_v from_o our_o vile_a fellowship_n with_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n into_o a_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a bliss_n as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o these_o
see_v thy_o table_n cover_v with_o god_n good_a creature_n appoint_v to_o strengthen_v thy_o body_n and_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n at_o a_o distance_n thou_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o lift_v up_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o eye_n in_o prayer_n to_o this_o bountiful_a creator_n as_o well_o to_o praise_v he_o for_o such_o a_o fresh_a expression_n of_o his_o liberality_n at_o that_o time_n before_o thou_o as_o to_o implore_v his_o blessing_n needful_a to_o accompany_v the_o mean_n use_v to_o recruit_v thy_o strength_n and_o preserve_v thy_o weak_a body_n in_o the_o evening_n when_o the_o curtain_n of_o the_o night_n be_v spread_v about_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v lie_v down_o to_o refresh_v thy_o weary_a body_n with_o rest_n when_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o thy_o head_n and_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o god_n gracious_a protection_n shall_v thou_o not_o for_o thy_o own_o safety_n desire_v his_o favourable_a providence_n and_o all-seeing_a eye_n to_o watch_v over_o thou_o shelter_n and_o defend_v thou_o from_o all_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a enemy_n be_v we_o but_o sensible_a of_o the_o mischievous_a temper_n of_o some_o of_o those_o airy_a spirit_n that_o fly_v about_o we_o those_o many_o and_o subtle_a devil_n that_o plot_v our_o destruction_n do_v we_o but_o understand_v their_o power_n malice_n and_o their_o unavoidable_a assault_n and_o propinquity_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o god_n merciful_a protection_n when_o we_o lie_v our_o head_n down_o upon_o our_o pillow_n how_o soon_o shall_v we_o perish_v if_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v not_o as_o watchful_a to_o keep_v we_o as_o those_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n be_v watchful_a to_o destroy_v we_o they_o wait_v continual_o for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o vent_v their_o natural_a displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o evil_a thought_n filthy_a dream_n unusual_a and_o unnatural_a disturbance_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o discover_v themselves_o in_o our_o sleep_n and_o their_o hatred_n against_o we_o who_o know_v but_o that_o god_n who_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o chain_n as_o so_o many_o furious_a beast_n will_v let_v they_o loose_v to_o punish_v thy_o contempt_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o neglect_v of_o this_o duty_n if_o thou_o forget_v to_o call_v upon_o thy_o god_n remember_v therefore_o o_o man_n thy_o weak_a thy_o frail_a and_o perilous_a condition_n thy_o life_n be_v but_o a_o breath_n thy_o riches_n uncertain_a thy_o glory_n but_o a_o shadow_n thy_o power_n but_o for_o a_o time_n thy_o prosperity_n but_o like_o a_o dream_n thy_o beauty_n but_o a_o fancy_n and_o thy_o health_n always_o besiege_v with_o many_o disease_n thy_o body_n and_o soul_n surround_v with_o enemy_n and_o thy_o present_a estate_n let_v it_o be_v ne-neve_a so_o flourish_v be_v in_o a_o continual_a want_n of_o god_n favour_n protection_n and_o blessing_n whether_o thou_o rise_v or_o lay_v thyself_o down_o lift_v up_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n and_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o this_o good_a god_n to_o supply_v thou_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o chief_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n let_v these_o be_v the_o solemn_a and_o constant_a time_n of_o thy_o address_n to_o god_n offer_v up_o unto_o he_o the_o morning_n sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o evening_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n these_o be_v the_o appoint_a time_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n 1_o chron._n 16.40_o 2_o king_n 16.15_o and_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o example_n the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o follow_v be_v wont_a to_o consecrate_v these_o hour_n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n mat._n 14.23_o luke_n 6.12_o mark_v 6.46_o see_v therefore_o that_o reason_n and_o religion_n bind_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n and_o oblige_v we_o then_o to_o renew_v our_o correspondency_n with_o god_n too_o often_o interrupt_v by_o our_o daily_a miscarriage_n let_v not_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o the_o world_n the_o frightful_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n discourage_n or_o hinder_v thou_o from_o this_o constant_a and_o necessary_a familiarity_n with_o thy_o god_n when_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n call_v thou_o away_o so_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v up_o thy_o desire_n in_o such_o a_o solemn_a manner_n as_o be_v require_v at_o these_o usual_a time_n make_v use_n at_o least_o of_o the_o short_a prayer_n of_o the_o compendious_a ejaculation_n of_o the_o mind_n let_v thy_o soul_n be_v with_o god_n though_o the_o world_n hurry_v away_o thy_o body_n spare_v a_o thought_n unto_o that_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v spare_v thou_o to_o attend_v upon_o thy_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o who_o can_v render_v thy_o undertake_n either_o prosperous_a or_o unhappy_a as_o he_o see_v convenient_a venture_v not_o out_o into_o the_o wide_a and_o troublesome_a world_n without_o the_o safeguard_n of_o god_n protection_n and_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n this_o cousin_n and_o remembrancer_n of_o death_n without_o his_o merciful_a allowance_n who_o have_v the_o key_n of_o death_n and_o of_o hell_n the_o three_o interpretation_n of_o the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o pray_v without_o cease_v be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o disposition_n sit_v for_o prayer_n to_o shake_v off_o all_o impediment_n all_o encumbrance_n of_o sin_n which_o hinder_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v still_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n stretch_v towards_o heaven_n always_o ready_a to_o take_v its_o flight_n the_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v rather_o animate_v thou_o and_o inflame_v thy_o devotion_n with_o a_o expectation_n and_o certain_a assurance_n to_o find_v more_o favour_n in_o he_o than_o in_o all_o inferior_a enjoyment_n his_o holy_a spirit_n can_v convey_v comfort_n into_o thy_o soul_n when_o the_o world_n fill_v thou_o with_o sorrow_n he_o can_v send_v thou_o delight_n and_o sweetness_n to_o qualify_v all_o other_o bitterness_n for_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n a_o christian_a can_v keep_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a temper_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o many_o misfortune_n and_o cross_n and_o so_o secure_a his_o soul_n that_o all_o outward_a accident_n shall_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n i_o know_v that_o the_o sense_n and_o conscience_n of_o gild_n be_v wont_a to_o estrange_v we_o from_o god_n and_o interrupt_v all_o correspondency_n between_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o soul_n and_o reason_n seem_v to_o forbid_v we_o together_o with_o the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o be_v when_o our_o hand_n be_v reek_v with_o blood_n or_o our_o body_n come_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o other_o grievous_a offence_n wilful_o act_v to_o presume_v to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n immediate_o without_o any_o delay_n i_o confess_v that_o such_o unhappy_a criminal_n ought_v to_o pause_v a_o while_n upon_o their_o woeful_a condition_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o gild_n ought_v to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n before_o they_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o this_o sacrifice_n will_v meet_v with_o no_o better_a acceptance_n than_o that_o of_o cain_n or_o that_o of_o hophni_n and_o phineas_n or_o that_o of_o corah_n and_o his_o rebellious_a company_n who_o offering_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o distasteful_a because_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o disobedience_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n moses_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v advise_v a_o christian_n to_o spend_v and_o delay_v no_o more_o time_n but_o only_o to_o prepare_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o this_o sacred_a duty_n suffer_v not_o thy_o sin_n to_o grow_v old_a nor_o this_o burden_n to_o lie_v too_o long_o upon_o thy_o soul_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v leave_v a_o impression_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v in_o haste_n in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o gild_n ought_v and_o will_v interrupt_v and_o break_v off_o our_o continue_a prayer_n to_o god_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o further_o from_o he_o but_o rather_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o publican_n disposition_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o so_o much_o as_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n or_o into_o the_o bless_a temper_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v
to_o swallow_v therefore_o you_o may_v hear_v he_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v pass_v away_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v excuse_v to_o drink_v it_o but_o immediate_o after_o he_o add_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o will_n we_o must_v prefer_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o most_o passionate_o desire_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a aim_n it_o shall_v be_v our_o most_o zealous_a request_n and_o most_o earnest_a petition_n to_o be_v place_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o our_o prayer_n which_o we_o offer_v up_o for_o these_o pleasant_a glorious_a and_o useful_a thing_n on_o earth_n that_o draw_v away_o too_o much_o of_o our_o affection_n likewise_o when_o we_o beg_v from_o god_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o two_o other_o intention_n or_o affection_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o render_v our_o request_n most_o sinful_a and_o abominable_a in_o god_n presence_n the_o first_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o unjust_a principle_n of_o covetousness_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o insatiable_a spirit_n that_o crave_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a and_o force_v it_o to_o desire_v what_o be_v not_o real_o we_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o or_o from_o ambition_n vainglory_n and_o immoderate_a care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o petition_v too_o passionate_o for_o its_o vanity_n as_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o some_o lust_n that_o govern_v the_o soul_n all_o these_o and_o other_o principle_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o they_o be_v irregular_a the_o devotion_n that_o proceed_v from_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a for_o all_o our_o request_n in_o such_o like_a case_n tend_v to_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o purpose_v to_o abuse_v in_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o unruly_a and_o base_a affection_n such_o prayer_n be_v sacrifice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o god_n his_o blessing_n never_o so_o mean_a be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o our_o shameful_a lust_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o feed_v the_o devil_n brat_n with_o the_o milk_n and_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a conversion_n indeed_o to_o convert_v that_o to_o god_n dishonour_n that_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o great_a indiscretion_n and_o want_v of_o piety_n to_o seek_v from_o god_n the_o mean_n to_o dishonour_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o to_o employ_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o profane_a and_o unworthy_a purpose_n the_o second_o affection_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n anger_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n which_o if_o we_o discover_v in_o that_o part_n of_o god_n service_n where_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v his_o bounty_n we_o can_v probable_o expect_v any_o great_a success_n or_o any_o favourable_a return_n we_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n shall_v be_v favourable_a to_o inhumanity_n and_o revenge_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v such_o petition_n as_o proceed_v from_o that_o affection_n which_o be_v direct_v contrary_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o command_n god_n must_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v make_v the_o executioner_n of_o our_o vengeance_n nor_o receive_v the_o commission_n from_o we_o to_o punish_v our_o wrong_n vengeance_n belong_v to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o bold_a presumption_n to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o wisdom_n either_o the_o method_n time_n or_o measure_n of_o inflict_a iâ—_n upon_o the_o great_a offender_n therefore_o let_v we_o always_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o and_o his_o justice_n with_o a_o disposition_n ready_a to_o forgive_v the_o great_a enemy_n let_v we_o leave_v all_o our_o wilful_a interest_n entire_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o not_o venture_v nor_o suffer_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o and_o where_o to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n chief_o in_o that_o part_n of_o his_o service_n where_o our_o business_n be_v to_o entreat_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n from_o we_o just_o due_a for_o our_o offence_n commit_v against_o his_o continue_a goodness_n if_o he_o show_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o we_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a to_o such_o as_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o deserve_v our_o displeasure_n our_o prayer_n therefore_o must_v not_o be_v imprecation_n and_o curse_n all_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n must_v be_v cast_v away_o and_o separate_v from_o this_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o gaul_n of_o the_o heathen_a victim_n be_v when_o they_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o the_o superior_a go_n i_o confess_v that_o self_n preservation_n god_n glory_n common_a justice_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o friend_n of_o the_o church_n and_o public_a may_v oblige_v we_o to_o petition_v heaven_n for_o the_o disappointment_n of_o the_o unjust_a design_n of_o wicked_a man_n though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o utter_a overthrow_n david_n in_o his_o divine_a psalm_n afford_v we_o many_o example_n to_o this_o purpose_n pour_v out_o thy_o wrath_n upon_o the_o ideathen_a say_v he_o that_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o and_o upon_o the_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n psal_n 79.6_o let_v they_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o pook_n of_o the_o live_n and_o not_o be_v write_v with_o the_o righteous_a psal_n 69.28_o consume_v they_o in_o thy_o wrath_n consume_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n rule_v in_o jacob_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n selah_n psal_n 59.13_o these_o and_o such_o like_a prayer_n have_v a_o intent_n chief_o to_o prevent_v the_o future_a mischief_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o of_o his_o church_n be_v likely_a to_o draw_v upon_o his_o servant_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o disarm_v they_o and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o ability_n or_o power_n which_o they_o will_v infallible_o abuse_v oft_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o god_n people_n and_o innocent_a person_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o petition_n god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o declare_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o vile_a contemner_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o such_o intent_n as_o these_o we_o may_v sometime_o beseech_v god_n to_o send_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o our_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o mercy_n but_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a principle_n of_o revenge_n or_o of_o a_o implacable_a hatred_n to_o desire_v the_o ruin_n of_o any_o that_o we_o disaffect_v be_v to_o concern_v god_n too_o much_o in_o our_o frivolous_a quarrel_n and_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o withhold_v the_o favour_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o grant_v we_o for_o with_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o we_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o let_v therefore_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o alienate_v from_o we_o and_o separate_v in_o judgement_n design_n or_o interest_n let_v they_o purpose_n never_o so_o much_o our_o ruin_n if_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o but_o man_n that_o christian_a disposition_n which_o christ_n our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o both_o by_o his_o command_n and_o example_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o amendment_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v without_o any_o notable_a prejudice_n to_o god_n his_o church_n the_o public_a or_o our_o private_a happiness_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o implacable_a spirit_n will_v never_o find_v acceptance_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o good_a saviour_n that_o pray_v for_o his_o murderer_n teach_v we_o to_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o personal_a wrong_n and_o not_o suffer_v our_o displeasure_n to_o be_v vent_v in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a nature_n will_v speak_v when_o it_o be_v oppress_v and_o complain_v for_o the_o evil_n that_o burden_v we_o it_o will_v petition_v for_o help_n and_o justice_n when_o it_o be_v grieve_v and_o i_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o natural_a motion_n may_v be_v allowable_a if_o it_o be_v keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o disposition_n ready_a to_o forgive_v the_o injury_n receive_v in_o case_n of_o amendment_n and_o our_o enemy_n become_v fit_a object_n of_o our_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n but_o in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o our_o resentment_n of_o former_a wrong_n to_o speak_v too_o loud_o in_o prayer_n and_o that_o we_o desire_v not_o from_o god_n that_o which_o neither_o become_v god_n wisdom_n to_o grant_v nor_o our_o modesty_n and_o christian_a charity_n to_o ask_v
have_v any_o regard_n to_o god_n our_o merciful_a creator_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o person_n so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o eloquency_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o unusual_a expression_n can_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o heart_n that_o god_n eye_n in_o all_o our_o service_n the_o whisper_n and_o private_a complaint_n of_o the_o one_o be_v hear_v when_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o other_o be_v reject_v the_o door_n of_o mercy_n fly_v open_a at_o the_o beat_n of_o a_o devout_a heart_n when_o it_o remain_v bolt_v at_o the_o furious_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o eloquent_a tongue_n therefore_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a regard_n in_o prayer_n to_o examine_v that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n not_o that_o which_o gratify_v our_o own_o humour_n we_o shall_v choose_v those_o prayer_n to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o wherein_o our_o heart_n may_v 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because_o in_o our_o public_a service_n we_o repeat_v only_o the_o word_n and_o mind_v not_o the_o utter_v they_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o some_o make_v it_o only_o a_o trade_n to_o go_v to_o prayer_n other_o run_v they_o over_o as_o a_o task_n and_o too_o many_o mind_n the_o form_n but_o few_o mind_n the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o express_v and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a qualification_n and_o outward_a humility_n that_o i_o have_v now_o recommend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n this_o cause_v i_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o people_n contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n i_o can_v name_v a_o great_a many_o cause_n that_o we_o ourselves_o give_v but_o i_o shall_v reduce_v they_o all_o for_o brevity_n sake_n 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great_a a_o consequence_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o esteem_v those_o prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n a_o person_n that_o officiate_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v read_v over_o the_o prayer_n not_o as_o we_o peruse_v a_o story_n in_o a_o book_n but_o with_o his_o hand_n and_o eye_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o upon_o his_o knee_n he_o ought_v to_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v speak_v to_o god_n divine_a majesty_n visible_o present_a and_o to_o deliver_v they_o with_o the_o most_o apparent_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n of_o reverence_n and_o earnestness_n imaginable_a endeavour_v to_o grace_v the_o godly_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o thy_o graceful_a and_o comely_a delivery_n with_o thy_o decent_a and_o respectful_a posture_n and_o gesture_n and_o let_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o assembly_n learn_v from_o thou_o my_o reverend_a brother_n the_o manner_n how_o to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o prayer_n o_o let_v not_o the_o negligence_n and_o sloathfulness_n of_o so_o many_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n but_o strive_v to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v thyself_o that_o this_o disposition_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o thy_o hearer_n i_o speak_v to_o you_o chief_o who_o office_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v to_o sing_v daily_a praise_n to_o god_n in_o cathedral_n church_n think_v not_o that_o you_o have_v sufficient_o discharge_v your_o duty_n if_o you_o have_v observe_v your_o distance_n your_o tune_n and_o please_v the_o auditor_n with_o your_o melodious_a voice_n o_o remember_v my_o christian_a brother_n that_o thou_o must_v likewise_o please_v thy_o god_n with_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o tune_n as_o well_o his_o praise_n with_o the_o inward_a affection_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o outward_a concert_n of_o music_n take_v heed_n lest_o thy_o behaviour_n or_o thy_o negligent_a discharge_n of_o thy_o duty_n give_v scandal_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o weakness_n which_o thou_o may_v discover_v at_o such_o a_o time_n second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o liturgy_n give_v by_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o negligence_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o wealthy_a clergy_n who_o seldom_o read_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o unless_o it_o be_v some_o small_a portion_n but_o common_o employ_v their_o deacon_n or_o the_o mean_a person_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o rubric_n as_o if_o that_o office_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o their_o promotion_n and_o dignity_n whereas_o it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o we_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o it_o make_v we_o like_o our_o divine_a and_o great_a saviour_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o request_n be_v there_o any_o that_o name_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o scorn_v to_o imitate_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n no_o person_n can_v be_v too_o worthy_a for_o so_o excellent_a a_o employment_n and_o because_o the_o usual_a method_n observe_v in_o cathedral_n can_v well_o be_v change_v i_o can_v wish_v that_o the_o superior_a clergy_n the_o bishop_n the_o dean_n and_o the_o canon_n will_v sometime_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o have_v total_o appropriate_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o foundation_n and_o society_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v remove_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o disesteem_a of_o our_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v and_o entertain_v thereby_o for_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o jeroboam_n
their_o prejudices_fw-la therefore_o against_o our_o rubric_n be_v more_o dangerous_a but_o if_o a_o judicious_a and_o pious_a soul_n will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o sift_v they_o out_o and_o examine_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la they_o shall_v either_o find_v none_o or_o such_o slender_a one_o as_o may_v cause_v we_o to_o wonder_v at_o their_o stiffneckedness_n and_o strange_a fancy_n such_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o render_v they_o most_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o foreign_a church_n of_o christ_n their_o most_o ordinary_a and_o popular_a complaint_n be_v that_o it_o be_v popish_a and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n a_o error_n which_o any_o man_n will_v acknowledge_v if_o he_o will_v but_o compare_v our_o prayer_n with_o the_o popish_a prayer_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v popish_a which_o oppose_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o god_n assistance_n and_o direction_n against_o all_o the_o heresy_n plot_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichristian_a pope_n at_o rome_n can_v that_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v popish_a which_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o which_o their_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n embrace_v as_o most_o consonant_a with_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n may_v with_o as_o much_o likelihood_n be_v say_v to_o be_v popish_a or_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n because_o the_o papist_n have_v they_o in_o their_o breviarium_fw-la to_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n this_o accusation_n appear_v a_o mere_a calumny_n unless_o any_o of_o those_o refine_a soul_n can_v spy_v out_o and_o show_v we_o any_o particular_a in_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o savour_v of_o the_o romish_a error_n and_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o pope_n interest_n among_o we_o but_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a practice_n of_o abusive_a tongue_n when_o they_o can_v instance_n any_o certain_a crime_n to_o bring_v their_o accusation_n in_o gross_a that_o their_o malice_n may_v be_v less_o discernible_a and_o their_o charge_n may_v be_v more_o weighty_a but_o let_v not_o the_o vain_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n deter_v thou_o my_o christian_a brother_n from_o make_v use_n with_o comfort_n to_o thy_o soul_n of_o these_o godly_a prayer_n let_v not_o these_o mistake_a brethren_n infect_v thy_o judgement_n with_o the_o same_o troublesome_a error_n examine_v and_o try_v search_v into_o every_o corner_n of_o this_o book_n and_o see_v whether_o thou_o can_v find_v any_o colour_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v to_o say_v any_o sign_n of_o those_o error_n which_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n let_v not_o their_o imposture_n prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o thy_o discretion_n as_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v for_o popery_n what_o be_v agreeable_a with_o christ_n true_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v most_o conformable_a of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o belief_n government_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o in_o this_o of_o the_o liturgy_n our_o church_n recommend_v that_o manner_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v most_o like_a that_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o our_o government_n and_o condition_n as_o our_o glorious_a martyr_n and_o our_o late_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a memory_n declare_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n all_o other_o accusation_n as_o well_o as_o this_o savour_v more_o of_o malice_n and_o displeasure_n than_o right_a reason_n and_o tend_v to_o this_o ungracious_a end_n to_o abolish_v order_n and_o method_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o introduce_v a_o sad_a and_o unreasonable_a confusion_n in_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a take_v heed_n if_o he_o himself_o have_v such_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o these_o form_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n that_o he_o can_v use_v they_o himself_o with_o any_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o disturb_v not_o other_o mind_n with_o the_o same_o schismatical_a mistake_n and_o spread_v not_o abroad_o what_o i_o can_v wish_v be_v consign_v to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n let_v he_o not_o hinder_v other_o from_o the_o benefit_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v from_o a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o these_o prayer_n to_o god_n abstain_v my_o christian_a brother_n from_o blaspheme_v that_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v or_o that_o which_o thou_o hate_v without_o a_o just_a cause_n draw_v not_o other_o into_o the_o same_o prejudice_n and_o be_v not_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v our_o devotion_n not_o acceptable_a to_o our_o good_a god_n because_o thou_o have_v a_o implacable_a displeasure_n against_o they_o think_v not_o that_o piety_n be_v confine_v to_o thy_o breast_n alone_o and_o to_o those_o of_o thy_o sect._n lay_v aside_o i_o beseech_v thou_o that_o bitterness_n that_o peevishness_n and_o froward_a temper_n which_o make_v thou_o fret_v at_o our_o good_a order_n and_o christian_a discipline_n if_o thou_o perceive_v any_o fault_n coldness_n dulness_n or_o unhandsome_a action_n in_o private_a person_n charge_v not_o their_o miscarriage_n upon_o our_o church_n or_o rubric_n but_o be_v so_o reasonable_a not_o to_o proclaim_v thy_o unreasonable_a distaste_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o and_o thyself_o six_o i_o can_v forget_v to_o mention_v another_o cause_n of_o man_n contempt_n of_o our_o form_n and_o rubric_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o that_o manner_n of_o present_v they_o to_o god_n which_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o meet_v with_o true_a comfort_n and_o real_a benefit_n for_o i_o know_v some_o that_o have_v constant_o attend_v at_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v for_o many_o year_n scarce_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n that_o do_v invite_v they_o yet_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n find_v that_o inward_a content_n which_o they_o now_o think_v to_o receive_v from_o new_a modes_n of_o prayer_n and_o at_o last_o have_v total_o forsake_v they_o cry_v out_o most_o bitter_o against_o their_o former_a formality_n lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o that_o unfit_a temper_n proceed_v from_o the_o prayer_n and_o not_o from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o when_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o prejudice_n education_n or_o interest_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n at_o our_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o which_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o this_o ignorance_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o of_o our_o public_a peace_n which_o if_o any_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o expel_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o church_n benefit_n let_v he_o serious_o consider_v and_o make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n which_o will_v show_v he_o how_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n with_o comfort_n to_o his_o soul_n i_o have_v already_o set_v down_o general_a direction_n to_o pray_v well_o which_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v to_o practice_n in_o all_o prayer_n present_v to_o god_n particular_a three_o particular_a but_o beside_o those_o which_o suit_n with_o all_o temper_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o suppose_v that_o some_o advice_n beside_o may_v be_v give_v more_o particular_o and_o more_o proper_a for_o those_o 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be_v real_o so_o in_o
force_v his_o body_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o respect_n command_v in_o the_o rubric_n let_v he_o stand_v up_o when_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n let_v he_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n and_o outward_o observe_v a_o due_a reverence_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o former_a aversion_n will_v insensible_o wear_v away_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a and_o religious_a compliance_n with_o those_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o before_o he_o can_v never_o use_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n he_o shall_v find_v his_o unhappy_a humour_n of_o discontent_n evaporate_v itself_o and_o his_o body_n draw_v after_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n to_o a_o sincere_a worship_v of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o five_o to_o use_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v needful_a a_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o they_o be_v very_o requisite_a a_o meditation_n i_o mean_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o desire_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n in_o god_n divine_a worship_n upon_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o holy_a scripture_n its_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n upon_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o our_o nation_n under_o four_o or_o five_o king_n successive_o who_o unanimous_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o decency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o ceremony_n order_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o service_n upon_o the_o frivolousness_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o upon_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o invincible_a hatred_n of_o all_o objection_n a_o meditation_n also_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o several_a matter_n suitable_a to_o these_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n such_o meditation_n i_o mean_v as_o may_v elevate_v the_o soul_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v it_o for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n beside_o to_o persuade_v the_o judgement_n and_o remove_v all_o mistake_n i_o recommend_v to_o thou_o the_o perusal_n of_o a_o rationale_n upon_o the_o common-prayer_n that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n thou_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o devout_a conformity_n in_o public_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o this_o while_n methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o sort_n of_o zealot_n among_o we_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n particular_a 4._o particular_a and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_v for_o this_o good_a purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v what_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o extemporary_a fluency_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o person_n as_o use_v they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n three_o i_o shall_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o our_o eye_n or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n they_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n that_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o strengthen_v the_o irregular_a devotion_n of_o the_o gift_a brethren_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o 6_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o 18_o ver_fw-la he_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o every_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o can_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n because_o such_o inspiration_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o have_v not_o such_o a_o quick_a fancy_n or_o voluble_a tongue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n so_o that_o every_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o fulfil_v this_o command_n which_o as_o all_o other_o command_v of_o god_n be_v proportion_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o man_n faculty_n and_o ability_n therefore_o see_v these_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o every_o christian_a they_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o gift_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o style_v the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v peform_v by_o use_v endeavour_n st_o paul_n meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o lip_n service_n but_o inward_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o employ_v all_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n for_o in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o act_n with_o the_o same_o ability_n now_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 5_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesiens_n and_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la advise_v they_o to_o make_v melody_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v that_o spiritual_a service_n require_v from_o we_o a_o serious_a real_a and_o hearty_a worship_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n tell_v she_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o corporal_a appearance_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o inward_a and_o soul_n worship_n without_o which_o all_o our_o most_o assidual_a attendance_n upon_o holy_a duty_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v st._n paul_n pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.14_o for_o he_o express_o say_v if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v he_o cale_v it_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v concern_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n either_o by_o compose_v they_o and_o offer_v they_o or_o else_o by_o present_v the_o prayer_n already_o compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o we_o as_o our_o own_o i_o confess_v st._n jude_n word_n ver_fw-la 20._o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a interpretation_n when_o he_o advise_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o word_n the_o admirer_n of_o new_a mode_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n understand_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o limit_v ourselves_o and_o this_o unlimited_a be_v to_o any_o certain_a form_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o those_o expression_n as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o divine_a suggestion_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o wise_a apostle_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o in_o that_o duty_n he_o govern_v their_o tongue_n and_o fancy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o proper_a expression_n word_n and_o matter_n which_o i_o confess_v may_v happen_v in_o extraordinary_a occasion_n yet_o in_o our_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o expect_v such_o extraordinary_a move_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o weakness_n and_o unpreparedness_n and_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o presumption_n and_o indiscretion_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o god_n usual_a method_n of_o act_v with_o his_o creature_n neither_o in_o nature_n nor_o in_o grace_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o power_n appear_v common_o in_o our_o religious_a endeavour_n and_o if_o he_o give_v
holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v act_v in_o we_o without_o our_o assistance_n and_o cooperation_n and_o if_o he_o do_v the_o devotion_n be_v he_o and_o none_o of_o we_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v the_o unruly_a and_o wander_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o pray_a temper_n in_o all_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n three_o therefore_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o we_o or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n this_o be_v a_o consequence_n deducible_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v that_o pray_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o set_a form_n and_o so_o much_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pretend_a pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o acquiesce_v to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o allege_v let_v he_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n whatever_o interpretation_n we_o give_v to_o the_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v that_o purpose_n whether_o we_o understand_v they_o concern_v the_o gift_n or_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n without_o a_o real_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o every_o expression_n without_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n petition_v for_o and_o without_o a_o devout_a composure_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v how_o this_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o our_o assidual_a endeavour_n for_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o disposition_n it_o ought_v to_o recollect_v and_o call_v back_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o labour_n to_o express_v both_o a_o feel_n of_o its_o want_n and_o a_o dutiful_a reverence_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n serious_o cider_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o more_o freedom_n in_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n imprint_v either_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o our_o book_n than_o in_o extemporary_a pray_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o act_v its_o part_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o devotion_n than_o in_o such_o prayer_n where_o it_o have_v so_o many_o office_n to_o perform_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o some_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n learning_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o inward_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a in_o extemporary_a prayer_n consider_v whether_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n pray_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o set_a form_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v deny_v of_o those_o help_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n wherein_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o devout_a soul_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n which_o god_n greatness_n requite_v at_o our_o hand_n second_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o ready_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o slender_a ability_n of_o such_o person_n both_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o condescend_v to_o their_o mean_a gift_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o assistance_n as_o they_o want_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n require_v from_o they_o now_o from_o the_o beginning_n set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o these_o person_n because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o and_o their_o several_a want_n to_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o become_v we_o mortal_a men._n if_o therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weak_a kind_n of_o christian_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o to_o the_o strong_a no_o doubt_n but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v use_v these_o help_n with_o more_o advantage_n a_o staff_n be_v good_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o feeble_a body_n to_o make_v it_o walk_v with_o more_o assurance_n and_o be_v likewise_o as_o beneficial_a to_o a_o strong_a person_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o one_o can_v possible_o walk_v without_o it_o and_o the_o other_o may_v march_v a_o few_o step_n and_o it_o may_v be_v proceed_v on_o in_o his_o way_n without_o it_o but_o for_o more_o ease_n and_o better_a conveniency_n it_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o tedious_a march_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o staff_n which_o may_v succour_v his_o infirmity_n and_o may_v comfort_v his_o weary_a limb_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o reject_v useful_a thing_n to_o say_v man_n may_v be_v without_o they_o i_o think_v it_o wisdom_n not_o to_o cast_v away_o such_o beneficial_a help_n to_o our_o devotion_n as_o be_v set_a form_n because_o we_o may_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o ability_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o able_a to_o compose_v some_o of_o a_o high_a strain_n and_o more_o passionate_a some_o that_o may_v gratify_v our_o own_o and_o the_o people_n corrupt_a humour_n which_o usual_o despise_v thing_n that_o be_v common_a when_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v their_o worth_n three_o consider_v how_o apt_a our_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v wander_v and_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v draw_v aside_o from_o our_o devotion_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v well_o which_o six_v our_o mind_n and_o settle_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v this_o good_a office_n to_o we_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n judicious_o compose_v either_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n or_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n for_o in_o the_o former_a method_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v tie_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o step_v aside_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o 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disease_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o heart_n and_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o organ_n of_o hear_v let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v thou_o my_o christian_a reader_n serious_o to_o peruse_v these_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o let_v not_o any_o popular_a mistake_n nor_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n discourage_v thou_o in_o the_o devour_v use_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o thy_o god_n where_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v from_o thou_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n and_o in_o thy_o private_a family_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n and_o
purpose_n i_o know_v that_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v late_o and_o in_o the_o former_a age_n furnish_v our_o nation_n with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o i_o think_v that_o their_o religious_a labour_n fit_v for_o those_o time_n and_o answerable_a to_o their_o private_a design_n will_v not_o hinder_v this_o present_a treatise_n from_o be_v useful_a in_o its_o kind_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o mistake_v late_o creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o enemy_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o i_o find_v they_o busy_o employ_v in_o contrive_v our_o ruin_n and_o in_o poison_v our_o people_n with_o strange_a principle_n by_o spread_v in_o the_o country_n new_a pamphlet_n print_v for_o that_o evil_a purpose_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o be_v as_o watchful_a for_o our_o own_o preservation_n the_o best_a mean_n for_o that_o intent_n be_v to_o employ_v the_o same_o policy_n and_o to_o furnish_v our_o people_n with_o new_a and_o fresh_a advice_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o we_o such_o treatise_n therefore_o as_o this_o i_o think_v to_o be_v very_o seasonable_a for_o our_o divide_a time_n i_o be_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o place_n where_o i_o live_v and_o to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n my_o first_o design_n be_v only_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o private_a want_n at_o the_o request_n of_o one_o of_o my_o parishioner_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o though_o providence_n have_v give_v i_o a_o particular_a inspection_n over_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o small_a division_n in_o a_o wilderness_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o aim_v in_o all_o my_o action_n at_o the_o general_a good_a i_o resolve_v to_o recommend_v to_o the_o public_a such_o a_o treatise_n as_o may_v serve_v and_o be_v useful_a to_o all_o family_n in_o our_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o it_o to_o have_v a_o general_a aim_n at_o the_o 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heaven_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o durable_a portion_n which_o you_o can_v procure_v to_o your_o little_a one_o and_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o be_v careful_o to_o practice_v this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n let_v they_o proceed_v on_o in_o learning_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v sit_v for_o their_o capacity_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o ability_n let_v they_o know_v that_o their_o chief_a dependency_n be_v upon_o that_o almighty_a be_v who_o have_v create_v the_o world_n and_o put_v they_o into_o it_o to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o this_o daily_a practice_n of_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n will_v keep_v youth_n from_o all_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o vicious_a action_n by_o which_o the_o gallant_n of_o our_o time_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n to_o christianity_n and_o humanity_n itself_o thou_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o displeasure_n to_o see_v thy_o son_n and_o thy_o daughter_n either_o unruly_a in_o their_o behaviour_n or_o profane_v in_o their_o discourse_n or_o corrupt_v in_o their_o life_n if_o thou_o will_v when_o they_o be_v young_a train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o continual_a observance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a and_o of_o a_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o our_o day_n and_o from_o all_o disorder_n as_o this_o correspondency_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n man_n therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v like_o a_o watch_n or_o a_o clock_n the_o least_o neglect_n disturb_v the_o motion_n and_o steal_v he_o insensible_o into_o improficiency_n or_o a_o offence_n pray_v therefore_o o_o christian_a man_n or_o woman_n and_o pray_v without_o cease_v in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n be_v not_o silent_a when_o god_n require_v you_o to_o speak_v in_o whatsoever_o estate_n providence_n may_v cast_v you_o make_v use_n of_o those_o prayer_n that_o be_v answerable_a to_o your_o condition_n if_o you_o can_v offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o your_o mind_n use_v they_o rather_o than_o other_o but_o if_o your_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a and_o your_o aversion_n so_o invincible_a that_o you_o can_v yet_o relish_v they_o use_v the_o other_o prayer_n more_o agreeable_a to_o your_o affection_n however_o neglect_v not_o this_o most_o important_a this_o most_o weighty_a and_o most_o indispensible_a duty_n but_o perform_v it_o with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o devotion_n that_o god_n greatness_n and_o thy_o mean_a condition_n require_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o beseech_v the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n to_o hear_v thy_o request_n to_o grant_v thy_o petition_n to_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v as_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a as_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o m._n d._n a_o morning_n prayer_n for_o a_o family_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o before_o we_o call_v thou_o will_v answer_v and_o whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o speak_v 51.10_o isa_n 65.24_o psal_n 6.1_o psal_n 25_o 1â—_n psal_n 51.10_o thou_o will_v hear_v rebuke_v we_o not_o in_o thy_o indignation_n neither_o chasten_v we_o in_o thy_o displeasure_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n be_v merciful_a to_o our_o sin_n make_v we_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o we_o o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o merciful_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o spare_v all_o those_o who_o confess_v their_o sin_n unto_o thou_o that_o they_o who_o conscience_n by_o sin_n be_v accuse_v by_o thy_o merciful_a pardon_n may_v be_v absolve_v through_o christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o o_o almighty_a lord_n and_o everlasting_a god_n vouchsafe_v we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o direct_v sanctify_v and_o govern_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o body_n in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o in_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o commandment_n that_o through_o thy_o most_o mighty_a protection_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o body_n and_o soul_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n prevent_v we_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o our_o do_n with_o thy_o most_o gracious_a favour_n and_o further_o we_o with_o thy_o continual_a help_n that_o in_o all_o our_o work_n begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o thou_o we_o may_v glorify_v thy_o holy_a name_n and_o final_o by_o thy_o mercy_n obtain_v everlasting_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o bless_a be_v thy_o holy_a name_n o_o lord_n for_o thy_o continual_a and_o daily_a mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o for_o thy_o protection_n and_o preservation_n till_o this_o time_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o quiet_a repose_v of_o the_o last_o night_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o for_o all_o thy_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o thou_o heap_a upon_o we_o gracious_a god_n we_o acknowledge_v these_o and_o all_o other_o mercy_n which_o we_o enjoy_v to_o be_v undeserved_a favour_n proceed_v from_o thy_o bountiful_a hand_n and_o fatherly_a goodness_n continue_v they_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n needful_a for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o give_v we_o grace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o glorify_v thy_o great_a name_n and_o to_o be_v true_o thankful_a in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o all_o expression_n of_o thy_o unwearied_a liberality_n all_o this_o we_o beg_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n o_o god_n the_o protector_n of_o all_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o without_o who_o nothing_o be_v strong_a nothing_o be_v holy_a increase_n and_o multiply_v in_o we_o thy_o mercy_n that_o thou_o be_v our_o ruler_n and_o guide_n