in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o a_o utterance_n of_o our_o petition_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o it_o conclude_v indeed_o against_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o latin_a and_o justify_v our_o own_o in_o english_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o it_o can_v neither_o strengthen_v the_o enthusiast_n nor_o detract_v from_o the_o worth_n or_o reputation_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v liturgy_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o the_o real_a opposition_n which_o be_v here_o make_v of_o spirit_n to_o understanding_n and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o verse_n without_o any_o paraphrase_n upon_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o though_o st._n chrysostom_n interpretation_n of_o the_o whole_a do_v not_o in_o every_o part_n agree_v with_o this_o yet_o he_o expound_v spirit_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o evidence_n their_o vanity_n by_o defend_v their_o extravagancy_n by_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v win_v from_o they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v trump_v they_o up_o to_o the_o world_n and_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o twelve_o of_o zechariah_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v gain_v but_o little_a countenance_n from_o hence_o for_o their_o irrational_a and_o loose_a way_n of_o worship_n though_o as_o a_o neat_a commentator_n of_o their_o own_o descant_n upon_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o as_o by_o whole_a pailful_n trapp_n in_o loc_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n but_o that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v by_o his_o benign_a operation_n confer_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o who_o be_v harden_v through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n to_o the_o affront_a and_o crucify_a the_o blessed_a jesus_n shall_v so_o relent_v for_o their_o former_a wickedness_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o petition_n for_o their_o pardon_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o very_a person_n who_o they_o put_v so_o death_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v indeed_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o so_o it_o no_o more_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o dictate_v matter_n and_o expression_n to_o all_o those_o who_o devout_o pray_v than_o it_o prove_v all_o saint_n under_o this_o dispensation_n to_o be_v perfect_a jew_n that_o crucify_v their_o saviour_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o the_o world_n make_v either_o out_o from_o this_o text._n nay_o such_o doctrine_n can_v no_o more_o be_v found_v on_o this_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n than_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v also_o dictate_v matter_n and_o word_n in_o preach_v too_o and_o render_v all_o sanctify_a man_n sermon_n as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o the_o second_o of_o joel_n where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v since_o this_o be_v fulfil_v on_o that_o eminent_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n visible_o descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n and_o to_o work_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o according_o it_o be_v limit_v by_o st._n peter_n act_n 2.16_o if_o man_n will_v still_o trifle_v with_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o allow_v also_o woman_n to_o be_v preacher_n as_o well_o as_o man_n because_o in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v say_v that_o daughter_n as_o well_o as_o son_n shall_v prophesy_v it_o will_v only_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o some_o man_n prefer_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o new_a and_o set_v a_o prophet_n and_o a_o apostle_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v the_o advantage_n to_o which_o we_o please_v as_o he_o gratify_v either_o our_o humour_n or_o our_o interest_n but_o suppose_v our_o extempore_o man_n shall_v fly_v from_o scripture_n to_o the_o succeed_a writer_n among_o the_o christian_n as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o they_o may_v when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o they_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o worship_n which_o we_o declaim_v against_o be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o understand_v their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o practice_n better_o than_o we_o who_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o far_o off_o and_o quote_v some_o passage_n from_o the_o ancient_a father_n to_o justify_v their_o extravagant_a devotion_n now_o i_o only_o reply_v 1._o we_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n do_v as_o well_o dictate_v prayer_n to_o some_o for_o the_o help_n of_o other_o as_o it_o inspire_v some_o to_o deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v derive_v downward_o to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o cease_v afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o cease_v when_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a law_n be_v complete_v and_o knowledge_n and_o part_n become_v the_o fruit_n of_o liberal_a education_n and_o the_o spirit_n co-operation_n with_o human_a industry_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o this_o extempore_o wild_a way_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o late_a patron_n of_o this_o conceive_a method_n when_o they_o urge_v any_o expression_n from_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o squeeze_v a_o few_o particular_a passage_n hard_o either_o by_o a_o false_a rehearsal_n or_o else_o by_o criticise_v and_o large_a interpretation_n they_o draw_v their_o word_n off_o from_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o place_n do_v willing_o afford_v they_o 3._o that_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v disclaim_v by_o a_o late_a nonconformist_a writer_n who_o be_v eminent_a both_o in_o vent_v and_o darken_n too_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o almost_o as_o ancient_a as_o any_o now_o live_v in_o defend_v they_o nay_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n too_o when_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o he_o say_v become_v opposite_a to_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n he_o admit_v scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o command_n for_o prayer_n in_o the_o sacred_a writing_n be_v so_o many_o law_n to_o enjoin_v their_o own_o extempore_o way_n and_o method_n yet_o though_o he_o adventure_n at_o some_o promise_n i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o meddle_v with_o the_o command_n so_o as_o to_o appropriate_v any_o one_o to_o extempore_o prayer_n though_o he_o be_v very_o good_a at_o criticism_n and_o inference_n but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n when_o rivet_v by_o custom_n skulk_v so_o within_o a_o man_n that_o though_o possess_v with_o it_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o it_o be_v such_o another_o thing_n as_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_v arminianism_n which_o a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v charge_v with_o when_o he_o yet_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o another_o great_a writer_n who_o aphorism_n when_o dr._n hammond_n have_v peruse_v present_o reply_v this_o man_n be_v a_o arminian_n but_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o 4._o if_o any_o will_v defend_v these_o conceive_a public_a prayer_n from_o antiquity_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v also_o put_v other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o trial_n and_o permit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v also_o determine_v this_o way_n yet_o last_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o set_v down_o not_o because_o we_o have_v any_o cause_n of_o fear_n from_o what_o can_v fair_o be_v urge_v for_o extempore_o prayer_n out_o of_o any_o ancient_a author_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n the_o quotation_n have_v frequent_o be_v answer_v but_o more_o especial_o because_o they_o be_v just_a now_o explain_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resold_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o view_n of_o which_o since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o small_a discourse_n
pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o 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creature_n in_o all_o their_o exigency_n to_o become_v devout_a petitioner_n unto_o can_v any_o give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o dispense_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n but_o himself_o when_o he_o convey_v this_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o other_o they_o be_v only_o his_o substitute_v delegate_n and_o he_o no_o more_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o they_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o praise_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n who_o can_v bestow_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o both_o who_o treasure_n be_v inexhaustible_a who_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o grace_n be_v convey_v be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v but_o also_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n always_o spring_v up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o can_v bestow_v the_o glory_n above_o but_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v it_o so_o who_o right_a hand_n hold_v star_n and_o have_v all_o crown_n at_o his_o own_o disposal_n who_o can_v rid_v we_o of_o many_o trouble_n especial_o those_o that_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o can_v rebuke_v tempest_n and_o storm_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v in_o a_o person_n qualify_v for_o rational_a creature_n to_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o hear_v and_o understand_v our_o petition_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v what_o we_o supplicate_v he_o for_o and_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v what_o we_o beg_v if_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o prudence_n and_o our_o welfare_n and_o who_o can_v we_o find_v thus_o qualify_v but_o the_o great_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o can_v understand_v our_o petition_n and_o know_v our_o want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
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 schismatical_a divide_v from_o substantial_o for_o a_o ceremony_n nor_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o separation_n for_o what_o be_v real_o in_o itself_o indifferent_a humility_n and_o reverence_n do_v certain_o become_v such_o as_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v live_v here_o among_o we_o that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o our_o usual_a approach_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o address_n to_o one_o another_o can_v find_v another_o gesture_n more_o apt_o and_o decent_o express_v these_o thing_n than_o bow_v the_o body_n uncover_v the_o head_n and_o bend_v the_o knee_n may_v if_o our_o superior_n please_v who_o have_v authority_n to_o order_v indifferent_a matter_n use_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o nay_o obtain_v a_o law_n to_o force_v it_o upon_o all_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v but_o little_a to_o their_o profit_n since_o i_o know_v none_o that_o upon_o such_o slender_a term_n will_v relinquish_v their_o own_o right_a to_o make_v way_n for_o other_o to_o enter_v their_o possession_n because_o they_o will_v not_o make_v religion_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n or_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o howsoever_o till_o this_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v we_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n better_o fulfil_v what_o god_n once_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o unto_o he_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n isai_n 45.23_o which_o saint_n paul_n think_v good_a to_o express_v the_o subjection_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o supreme_a be_v by_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v to_o god_n rom._n 14.11_o and_o true_o when_o any_o good_a christian_n pretend_v to_o express_v their_o real_a and_o devout_a subjection_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o forsake_v the_o ceremony_n which_o god_n himself_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n use_v the_o ceremony_n of_o this_o nation_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v conjoin_v with_o custom_n may_v render_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v proceed_v far_a that_o with_o the_o former_a circumstance_n suppose_v kneel_v at_o prayer_n will_v become_v a_o duty_n where_o the_o formention_v impediment_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a dispensation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a yet_o something_o it_o do_v if_o not_o conjoin_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o accomplish_v the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v most_o rational_o design_v it_o than_o become_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n with_o which_o god_n be_v well_o please_v i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o 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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
they_o be_v utter_v for_o since_o all_o our_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v also_o design_v to_o signify_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o both_o shall_v run_v parallel_n and_o our_o expression_n equal_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n or_o else_o our_o language_n can_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o utter_v word_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o man_n in_o private_a may_v be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n to_o express_v and_o there_o a_o sigh_n or_o a_o groan_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o what_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o utter_v there_o as_o the_o reverend_n dr._n owen_n more_o clear_o express_v it_o they_o may_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n and_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o condition_n but_o in_o public_a prayer_n when_o one_o become_v the_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n petition_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o to_o express_v the_o general_a want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n that_o all_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o common_a request_n and_o join_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n and_o with_o undivided_a affection_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o yet_o four_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v as_o few_o and_o our_o petition_n as_o brief_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n not_o only_o because_o what_o be_v over_o and_o beyond_o this_o seem_v redundant_fw-la and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o unreasonable_a nor_o only_a because_o a_o tedious_a protraction_n and_o unnecessary_a length_n in_o devotion_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o 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text_n only_o to_o the_o subsequent_a vow_n yet_o the_o argument_n urge_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v then_o spare_v of_o their_o word_n will_v as_o well_o conclude_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o vow_n in_o both_o which_o thing_n we_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o god_n as_o be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o earth_n our_o saviour_n advice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v when_o thou_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o he_o present_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n the_o form_n of_o a_o full_a and_o most_o expressive_a prayer_n mat._n 6_o 7._o nay_o if_o we_o will_v be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o example_n which_o any_o will_v think_v that_o christian_n ought_v even_o then_o when_o by_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o religion_n will_v conclude_v he_o to_o be_v devout_a be_v fill_v with_o pain_n and_o 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our_o prayer_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o usual_a custom_n of_o petition_n will_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a convince_a testimony_n to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o very_o odd_a conception_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o make_v religious_a address_n these_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v then_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a draw_v when_o they_o include_v brevity_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o short_a do_v we_o usual_o frame_v they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o great_a man_n that_o be_v in_o public_a employment_n will_v not_o permit_v much_o diversion_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o discern_a able_a to_o understand_v quick_a than_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a station_n a_o breviate_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v some_o 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expression_n and_o example_n too_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v some_o length_n in_o prayer_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o and_o be_v either_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n or_o so_o circumstantiate_v that_o they_o differ_v exceed_o from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n unto_o we_o or_o else_o when_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n continue_v long_o in_o prayer_n by_o give_v themselves_o short_a respite_n and_o allow_v some_o interval_n between_o they_o return_v to_o the_o same_o prayer_n again_o which_o may_v be_v short_a enough_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o assistance_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o revelation_n as_o the_o have_v and_o fall_v under_o their_o circumstance_n which_o can_v never_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a practice_n may_v become_v a_o copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n since_o it_o be_v most_o 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to_o have_v their_o advantage_n by_o it_o and_o have_v several_a year_n try_v their_o skill_n but_o god_n providence_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o even_o yet_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o eternal_a jehovah_n though_o the_o romanist_n as_o well_o as_o other_o weak_a yet_o presumptuous_a man_n have_v think_v we_o march_v direct_o towards_o rome_n we_o have_v a_o protestant_a king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v we_o such_o generous_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n who_o advise_v he_o and_o such_o skilful_a and_o stout_a champion_n to_o encounter_v they_o and_o above_o all_o the_o god_n of_o protestant_n to_o undermine_v and_o resist_v they_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v our_o helper_n we_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o nay_o though_o a_o host_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v encamp_v against_o as_o we_o will_v not_o slavish_o fear_v evil_a although_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o in_o this_o cause_n of_o religion_n 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above_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o the_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o man_n this_o great_a apostle_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o such_o language_n as_o this_o if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o undersanding_n be_v unfruitful_a by_o unknown_a tongue_n every_o body_n know_v what_o be_v mean_v but_o in_o the_o latter_a clause_n some_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o other_o make_v use_n of_o these_o expression_n and_o their_o own_o vanity_n and_o unskilfulness_n together_o to_o lead_v man_n from_o latin_a service_n into_o a_o rude_a and_o ungovernable_a devotion_n by_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v mean_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o flow_v forth_o in_o extempore_o expression_n now_o but_o in_o strange_a language_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n interpretation_n of_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v exhort_v man_n to_o employ_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n foremention_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la the_o 12_o in_o the_o next_o he_o explain_v it_o by_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a particular_a text_n quote_v the_o pray_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v apparent_o the_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v though_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n himself_o yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o other_o his_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o prayer_n can_v not_o render_v they_o beneficial_a to_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o he_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n too_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o language_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o he_o may_v accompany_v his_o word_n with_o due_a intention_n and_o suitable_a affection_n but_o he_o will_v pray_v also_o that_o his_o understanding_n may_v be_v fruitful_a unto_o other_o by_o put_v his_o petition_n into_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o so_o they_o may_v join_v with_o he_o and_o be_v edify_v by_o it_o second_o consider_v that_o prayer_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o it_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o lose_v those_o bless_a influence_n and_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o the_o devotionist_n particular_o by_o their_o understanding_n to_o move_v their_o will_n and_o obtain_v their_o consent_n to_o raise_v their_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o petition_n make_v for_o they_o that_o so_o the_o act_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v become_v their_o own_o and_o they_o know_v what_o be_v deliver_v may_v rational_o consent_v and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o and_o have_v their_o several_a interest_n in_o all_o for_o they_o be_v beast_n rather_o than_o man_n who_o be_v drive_v on_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o such_o petition_n or_o at_o all_o adventure_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o proposition_n which_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o and_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o false_a as_o true_a in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o fix_v their_o seal_n either_o by_o the_o example_n or_o authority_n of_o another_o to_o what_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v oblige_v they_o to_o ruin_v and_o may_v sign_v their_o execution_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o receive_v a_o pardon_n it_o be_v impossible_a at_o man_n shall_v with_o any_o reason_n signify_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o or_o hearty_o wish_v for_o those_o thing_n mention_v in_o a_o prayer_n when_o he_o do_v not_o 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