make_v daily_o use_v of_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o body_n the_o distemper_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o weakness_n and_o weariness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o injury_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o time_n the_o care_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n of_o these_o they_o make_v their_o engine_n to_o assault_v we_o and_o weave_v their_o net_n to_o entangle_v we_o and_o as_o s._n bernard_n observe_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n they_o be_v never_o more_o earnest_a to_o disturb_v we_o than_o when_o they_o see_v we_o most_o earnest_a in_o this_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v say_v therefore_o of_o the_o christian_n that_o that_o religion_n can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o good_a which_o nero_n persecute_v so_o we_o may_v very_o well_o conceive_v of_o prayer_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o engine_n so_o violent_o oppose_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o set_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a nothing_o more_o terrible_a to_o he_o than_o a_o soul_n arm_v with_o prayer_n for_o he_o tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n when_o st._n paul_n therefore_o have_v first_o show_v we_o what_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o that_o we_o be_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n with_o power_n with_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n when_o i_o say_v after_o this_o fearful_a muster-roll_n he_o advise_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n with_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n 12._o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o 18._o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o without_o prayer_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o find_v to_o be_v true_a who_o be_v 16._o not_o able_a to_o cure_v the_o lunatic_n and_o to_o drive_v the_o evil_a spirit_n out_o of_o he_o our_o saviour_n show_v they_o wherein_o they_o fail_v by_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o 21._o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v for_o though_o they_o may_v have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o to_o remove_v mountain_n yet_o without_o prayer_n that_o faith_n can_v not_o remove_v the_o devil_n for_o this_o only_o be_v that_o perfume_n who_o smoke_n will_v make_v he_o fly_v as_o far_o as_o do_v that_o unclean_a spirit_n 3._o who_o tobias_n his_o perfume_n do_v drive_v away_o but_o there_o be_v a_o hostility_n more_o dangerous_a than_o this_o because_o be_v more_o inward_a and_o domestic_a it_o make_v the_o heart_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o war_n and_o oppose_v prayer_n in_o the_o proper_a place_n and_o bed_n of_o the_o conception_n of_o it_o which_o the_o devil_n immediate_o and_o direct_o can_v do_v 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intercept_v the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n from_o shine_v on_o we_o st._n austin_n liken_n a_o soul_n in_o this_o condition_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v unhappy_o marry_v for_o as_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o day_n in_o manage_v his_o affair_n abroad_o tremble_v at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o come_v home_o at_o night_n be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o bitterness_n and_o disquiet_v there_o so_o the_o trouble_a sinner_n be_v haunt_v with_o these_o ill_a guest_n entertain_v his_o thought_n content_o enough_o with_o object_n abroad_o but_o tremble_v to_o call_v they_o home_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o prayer_n but_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n home_o we_o must_v come_v and_o sweeten_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v the_o discontent_n we_o find_v there_o though_o the_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o trouble_v this_o must_v not_o make_v we_o cast_v aside_o our_o prayer_n but_o cry_v out_o the_o more_o earnest_o as_o david_n do_v save_v i_o o_o god_n from_o the_o great_a water_n that_o be_v come_v even_o into_o my_o soul_n deliver_v i_o from_o my_o enemy_n for_o they_o be_v too_o mighty_a for_o i_o cast_v out_o these_o temptation_n that_o come_v about_o i_o like_o bee_n quiet_a my_o thought_n compose_v my_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o fear_v to_o look_v home_o or_o find_v that_o to_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o i_o which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v my_o comfort_n but_o to_o consider_v these_o enemy_n of_o prayer_n apart_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o they_o our_o unrepented_a sin_n when_o our_o conscience_n stand_v up_o against_o we_o and_o cry_v out_o to_o we_o first_o make_v peace_n with_o i_o or_o else_o never_o think_v to_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n for_o he_o accept_v of_o no_o unclean_a no_o unwashed_a sacrifice_n and_o if_o repentance_n usher_v not_o in_o prayer_n will_v never_o find_v admittance_n holy_a david_n deep_o apprehend_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o if_o say_v he_o i_o incline_v my_o heart_n unto_o 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the_o water_n of_o repentance_n you_o be_v yet_o in_o your_o sin_n therefore_o you_o be_v not_o hear_v but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v then_o in_o this_o case_n god_n tell_v you_o by_o his_o prophet_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o your_o evil_a do_n 16._o from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o 18._o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o be_v now_o qualify_v for_o a_o conference_n with_o god_n your_o prayer_n will_v be_v seasonable_a and_o for_o your_o sin_n which_o hitherto_o have_v hinder_v you_o do_v but_o confess_v and_o resolve_v to_o leave_v they_o though_o they_o be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v white_a we_o wool_n the_o enemy_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o second_o rank_n be_v our_o passion_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n sin_n yet_o quick_o slide_v into_o they_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v irregular_a be_v like_o cross_a wind_n to_o hinder_v we_o unless_o we_o can_v allay_v and_o temper_v they_o for_o unmortified_a passion_n at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v like_o loud_a music_n at_o a_o meeting_n of_o friend_n which_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o hear_v one_o the_o other_o when_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o flame_a bush_n to_o moses_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v see_v by_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v any_o near_a approach_n to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v put_v off_o his_o shoe_n which_o signify_v 20._o something_o more_o than_o be_v in_o the_o letter_n and_o relate_v rather_o to_o the_o heart_n than_o to_o
vera_fw-la effigy_n rev._n di_o in_o christo_fw-la patris_fw-la at_o d._n d._n bryan_n duppa_n quondam_a episcopi_fw-la wintoniensis_fw-la holy_a rule_n and_o help_v to_o devotion_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o practice_n in_o two_o part_n the_o four_o edition_n write_a by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n bryan_n duppa_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o winton_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sequestration_n london_n print_a for_o up_o hensman_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1683._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o name_n and_o memory_n of_o the_o excellent_a author_n of_o this_o treatise_n need_v not_o borrow_v or_o derive_v a_o reputation_n from_o any_o pen_n but_o its_o own_o there_o be_v already_o many_o useful_a piece_n and_o help_n to_o devotion_n set_v forth_o both_o by_o bishop_n and_o other_o of_o our_o church_n more_o solid_a serviceable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o all_o the_o gift_a 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the_o expectation_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o to_o their_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n god_n grant_v we_o all_o that_o unity_n of_o spirit_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o pray_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n as_o become_v saint_n we_o may_v have_v our_o communion_n in_o glory_n among_o the_o just_a hereafter_o ben._n parry_n holy_a rule_n and_o help_v to_o devotion_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o practice_n but_o i_o will_v give_v myself_o unto_o prayer_n o_o eternal_a wisdom_n who_o communicate_a thyself_o unto_o thy_o creature_n in_o such_o measure_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o vouchsafe_v to_o impart_v to_o my_o soul_n that_o heavenly_a gift_n to_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o i_o in_o all_o my_o thought_n my_o thought_n my_o word_n my_o action_n that_o so_o be_v teach_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n i_o may_v so_o far_o know_v thou_o as_o to_o love_v thou_o and_o so_o far_o love_v thou_o as_o ever_o to_o fix_v my_o thought_n upon_o thou_o of_o prayer_n what_o it_o be_v the_o several_a property_n and_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n have_v afford_v matter_n enough_o to_o the_o ancient_a father_n to_o mould_n as_o many_o several_a and_o different_a description_n of_o it_o which_o like_o many_o star_n cast_v into_o a_o constellation_n may_v give_v all_o together_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a representation_n of_o it_o gregory_n nyssen_n define_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o converse_v or_o discourse_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n concern_v her_o salvation_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o the_o voice_n be_v call_v vocal_a prayer_n but_o if_o by_o the_o mind_n alone_o mental_a in_o this_o way_n of_o converse_v with_o god_n the_o soul_n make_v use_v of_o she_o three_o principal_a faculty_n her_o memory_n her_o understanding_n her_o will_n her_o memory_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o she_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o her_o understanding_n to_o weigh_v and_o to_o judge_v what_o she_o deliver_v her_o will_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n feel_o and_o affectionate_o for_o all_o these_o faculty_n must_v concur_v in_o prayer_n elevate_a the_o soul_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o god_n as_o the_o high_a truth_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o sovereign_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v for_o the_o supreme_a goodness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o love_v and_o the_o infinite_a excellence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o adore_v so_o that_o prayer_n be_v principal_o ground_v on_o a_o lively_a faith_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v a_o assure_a hope_n of_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o a_o servant_n love_n which_o serve_v as_o the_o fire_n to_o kindle_v this_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o soul_n upward_o till_o it_o arrive_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o damascen_n describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o ascend_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o the_o sweet_a perfume_n that_o ascend_v from_o the_o incense_n but_o as_o the_o incense_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n ascend_v only_o in_o the_o more_o subtle_a and_o delicate_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v convert_v into_o air_n and_o smoak_n leave_v behind_o it_o the_o grosser_n and_o earthy_a part_n turn_v into_o ash_n so_o in_o this_o ascent_n the_o soul_n leave_v behind_o it_o the_o earthy_a part_n as_o abraham_n leave_v his_o servant_n behind_o he_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o mountain_n while_o he_o ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o it_o to_o sacrifice_v for_o this_o be_v a_o business_n that_o belong_v to_o eagle_n which_o as_o they_o fly_v high_a so_o in_o their_o flight_n they_o look_v steadfast_o on_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v not_o for_o those_o that_o entrench_v themselves_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o in_o their_o proper_a element_n nor_o yet_o for_o bird_n of_o prey_n which_o though_o they_o fly_v high_a yet_o their_o eye_n be_v still_o cast_v downward_o sursum_fw-la corda_n be_v the_o form_n in_o ancient_a liturgy_n the_o priest_n call_v out_o to_o the_o people_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n which_o the_o people_n as_o ready_o answer_v habemus_fw-la ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la this_o ascend_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o prayer_n be_v figure_v as_o st._n austin_n conceive_v by_o that_o mysterious_a ladder_n who_o foot_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o top_n of_o it_o reach_v unto_o heaven_n see_v by_o jacob_n in_o a_o vision_n with_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v on_o the_o rundle_n of_o it_o carry_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o bring_v down_o blessing_n upon_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o but_o because_o this_o ascent_n be_v not_o ordinary_o by_o rapture_n for_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o see_v to_o fly_v up_o the_o ladder_n but_o to_o mount_v by_o degree_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a step_n and_o rundle_n we_o be_v to_o ascend_v by_o the_o first_o step_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o the_o memory_n which_o begin_v this_o spiritual_a ascent_n by_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o mind_n to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o that_o stand_v above_o the_o ladder_n to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o place_n we_o choose_v for_o our_o devotion_n be_v never_o so_o solitary_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o alone_o that_o god_n hear_v what_o we_o say_v see_v what_o we_o do_v that_o the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v present_a as_o visible_a to_o thy_o eye_n of_o faith_n as_o grosser_n object_n be_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o there_o be_v god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o good_a thought_n ready_a to_o assist_v through_o his_o power_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o distraction_n in_o our_o prayer_n there_o be_v god_n the_o son_n the_o eternal_a truth_n prepare_v to_o direct_v we_o by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o error_n and_o delusion_n there_o be_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o
thy_o heart_n foment_n and_o cherish_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o it_o find_v there_o and_o make_v it_o flame_n out_o into_o a_o servant_n prayer_n david_n find_v this_o by_o experience_n where_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o while_o i_o be_v thus_o muse_v my_o heart_n kindle_v within_o i_o and_o i_o speak_v with_o my_o tongue_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n say_v st._n bernard_n be_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o this_o it_o be_v silent_a and_o shut_v up_o but_o actuate_v and_o heat_v with_o love_n it_o pour_v itself_o forth_o in_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n with_o god_n sometime_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o infinite_a blessing_n receive_v from_o he_o sometime_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o those_o which_o we_o yet_o want_v this_o be_v that_o converse_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n which_o gregory_n nyssen_n speak_v of_o as_o a_o son_n converse_v with_o his_o father_n or_o a_o friend_n with_o a_o friend_n into_o who_o 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i_o be_o about_o and_o who_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o but_o above_o all_o inflame_v my_o affection_n that_o my_o heart_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o thy_o love_n my_o prayer_n may_v participate_v of_o that_o fervency_n and_o be_v accept_v of_o thou_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o come_v to_o send_v this_o fire_n upon_o the_o earth_n even_o jesus_n christ_n my_o saviour_n amen_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o may_v be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n there_o be_v no_o clear_a glass_n to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n in_o than_o that_o very_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o teach_v his_o disciple_n where_o the_o first_o entrance_n present_v you_o with_o that_o unvaluable_a privilege_n to_o call_v god_n your_o father_n that_o therefore_o you_o come_v not_o to_o treat_v with_o he_o as_o a_o slave_n with_o his_o master_n or_o a_o vassal_n with_o his_o prince_n but_o as_o a_o son_n with_o your_o father_n god_n infuse_v 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earth_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o heaven_n o_o grant_v we_o the_o grace_n so_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o privilege_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v never_o make_v we_o forfeit_v it_o but_o rather_o by_o a_o devout_a and_o humble_a use_n of_o it_o acquire_v to_o ourselves_o daily_o new_a degree_n of_o thy_o favour_n till_o thou_o have_v bring_v we_o thy_o unworthy_a son_n to_o that_o incorruptible_a inheritance_n which_o can_v neither_o have_v increase_n nor_o end_n amen_n the_o second_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v hallow_v both_o by_o we_o and_o in_o we_o we_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o we_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o pray_v so_o our_o tongue_n but_o much_o more_o our_o life_n be_v make_v instrument_n to_o glorify_v he_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o our_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o our_o know_v he_o by_o our_o adore_v he_o and_o in_o 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we_o look_v for_o pardon_v of_o our_o trespass_n against_o god_n prayer_n help_v you_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o condition_n too_o and_o though_o your_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_a as_o iron_n prayer_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n and_o be_v able_a to_o soften_v that_o iron_n and_o melt_v you_o into_o that_o compassion_n towards_o your_o enemy_n as_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o with_o the_o same_o earnestness_n as_o you_o do_v for_o yourselves_o but_o then_o when_o our_o past_a sin_n be_v pardon_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o remedy_n against_o future_a temptation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v you_o where_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n if_o the_o fire_n of_o lust_n begin_v to_o kindle_v in_o your_o heart_n prayer_n can_v extinguish_v that_o fire_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a sea_n of_o worldly_a affliction_n break_v in_o upon_o you_o prayer_n can_v set_v a_o bank_n to_o that_o sea_n if_o you_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o enemy_n temptation_n on_o all_o side_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o they_o remember_v that_o moses_n prayer_n prevail_v more_o against_o amalek_n than_o ioshuah_n arms._n and_o then_o again_o in_o the_o close_a as_o prayer_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o charm_n to_o keep_v temptation_n from_o you_o so_o when_o by_o humane_a weakness_n and_o the_o art_n of_o the_o tempter_n you_o be_v lead_v into_o they_o prayer_n be_v as_o the_o thread_n to_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n or_o when_o you_o have_v unwary_o take_v in_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n prayer_n be_v the_o antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o only_o remove_v the_o guilt_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o next_o and_o of_o this_o david_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o ecstasy_n of_o thankfulness_n bless_a be_v god_n which_o have_v 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spiritual_a life_n which_o it_o preserve_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o otherwise_o will_v destroy_v you_o for_o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a loathsome_a and_o overspread_v with_o worm_n so_o fare_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n say_v chrysostome_n that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o pray_v and_o consequent_o have_v no_o spiritual_a life_n in_o it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o breath_n of_o prayer_n fail_v the_o soul_n putrify_v and_o the_o worm_n of_o conscience_n gnaw_v upon_o it_o daniel_n therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o hazard_v 6._o his_o life_n than_o to_o omit_v his_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n thrice_o a_o day_n as_o be_v willing_a that_o his_o body_n shall_v suffer_v rather_o than_o his_o soul_n will_v you_o know_v further_o how_o precious_a prayer_n be_v devout_a man_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o prayer_n pierce_v the_o cloud_n reach_v the_o heaven_n rejoice_v the_o angel_n appease_v god_n obtain_v whatsoever_o it_o sue_v for_o o_o grace_n 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spirit_n of_o charity_n to_o move_v i_o to_o pardon_v my_o enemy_n as_o i_o desire_v thou_o shall_v pardon_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o approach_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o may_v and_o courage_n to_o overcome_v all_o evil._n amen_n of_o the_o impediment_n and_o enemy_n of_o prayer_n have_v consider_v the_o glorious_a fruit_n and_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v to_o look_v about_o and_o to_o discover_v what_o enemy_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o heavenly_a duty_n for_o prayer_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_a and_o strive_v for_o a_o victory_n which_o presuppose_v a_o opposition_n and_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v want_v god_n himself_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o list_n as_o he_o do_v with_o jacob_n in_o that_o 24._o famous_a wrestle_a when_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o be_v invincible_a be_v content_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o he_o who_o have_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o tear_n and_o prayer_n 4._o when_o therefore_o you_o find_v yourselves_o afflict_v make_v use_n of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n arise_v though_o it_o be_v at_o midnight_n 5._o repair_v speedy_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o your_o true_a friend_n god_n himself_o for_o you_o have_v no_o friend_n like_o he_o though_o you_o find_v the_o door_n shut_v and_o your_o friend_n asleep_o begin_v your_o battery_n and_o give_v not_o over_o knock_v with_o importunate_a cry_n and_o prayer_n till_o he_o open_v to_o you_o as_o jacob_n will_v not_o let_v the_o angel_n go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o o_o omnipotent_a and_o invisible_a god_n who_o let_v thyself_o down_o to_o my_o weakness_n and_o give_v i_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o thou_o for_o a_o blessing_n strengthen_v my_o prayer_n to_o that_o height_n that_o when_o thou_o seem_v most_o to_o set_v thyself_o against_o i_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o thou_o as_o jacob_n do_v for_o my_o overcome_v thou_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o thy_o overcome_a thyself_o in_o i_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o victory_n which_o i_o get_v over_o thou_o will_v be_v entire_o thou_o wrestle_v on_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n give_v not_o over_o thy_o hold_n take_v no_o answer_n that_o bring_v not_o a_o blessing_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v thy_o god_n who_o strengthen_v thou_o and_o through_o he_o thou_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n amen_n as_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v a_o wrestle_a with_o god_n we_o look_v not_o upon_o this_o opposition_n as_o a_o hindrance_n but_o as_o a_o advantage_n to_o devotion_n the_o true_a enemy_n of_o prayer_n exercise_v a_o more_o dangerous_a hostility_n where_o the_o van_n be_v lead_v by_o those_o damn_a spirit_n who_o be_v fall_v from_o heaven_n themselves_o endeavour_v the_o more_o envious_o to_o obstruct_v the_o way_n that_o may_v lead_v we_o thither_o and_o because_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o this_o than_o prayer_n they_o order_v all_o their_o temptation_n to_o this_o end_n chief_o either_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o or_o disturb_v we_o in_o it_o if_o they_o tempt_v we_o to_o excess_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n their_o aim_n be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n but_o by_o it_o to_o render_v we_o the_o more_o unfit_a for_o prayer_n or_o if_o they_o prompt_v we_o to_o anger_n and_o impatience_n their_o design_n terminate_v not_o in_o that_o sin_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o a_o further_a end_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o disquiet_v may_v not_o be_v able_a easy_o to_o compose_v and_o settle_v itself_o to_o prayer_n for_o the_o effect_n this_o they_o
the_o foot_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o thou_o here_o i_o be_o even_o i_o thy_o god_n but_o come_v not_o near_o i_o till_o thou_o have_v put_v off_o thy_o earthly_a affection_n till_o thou_o have_v devest_v thyself_o of_o whatsoever_o be_v displease_v in_o my_o sight_n if_o not_o take_v heed_n no_o man_n can_v see_v i_o and_o live_v that_o be_v say_v st._n gregory_n none_o can_v see_v i_o spiritual_o that_o live_v carnal_o it_o be_v a_o high_a expression_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o euripides_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o if_o he_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n in_o death_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o die_v only_o that_o he_o may_v see_v euripides_n but_o then_o to_o see_v god_n who_o will_v not_o mortify_v himself_o say_v therefore_o with_o that_o earnestness_n as_o st._n austin_n do_v moriar_fw-la ut_fw-la te_fw-la videam_fw-la o_o thou_o fountain_n of_o life_n make_v i_o die_v that_o i_o may_v see_v thou_o mortify_v i_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v thou_o strangle_v i_o take_v away_o my_o breath_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v to_o thou_o but_o then_o again_o videam_fw-la te_fw-la ut_fw-la moriar_fw-la let_v i_o in_o some_o measure_n see_v thou_o first_o that_o i_o may_v value_v thou_o that_o i_o may_v be_v content_a to_o die_v to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v see_v thou_o further_o for_o if_o i_o know_v not_o at_o all_o how_o to_o contemplate_v thou_o i_o shall_v as_o little_o know_v how_o to_o mortify_v my_o affection_n so_o as_o to_o fit_v myself_o for_o prayer_n the_o three_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n which_o like_o so_o many_o thorn_n be_v ready_a to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v sow_v for_o overmuch_o solicitude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n in_o worldly_a thing_n cast_v such_o a_o heap_n of_o earth_n upon_o our_o vi_fw-la prayer_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o ascend_v take_v up_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o and_o hardly_o admit_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o heaven_n but_o as_o they_o say_v of_o thorn_n that_o they_o may_v do_v well_o in_o a_o hedge_n but_o ill_o in_o a_o garden_n so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o care_n which_o be_v keep_v within_o their_o bound_n and_o measure_n hurt_v not_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o admit_v they_o among_o our_o prayer_n they_o corrupt_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o sin_n when_o thou_o be_v therefore_o set_v thyself_o to_o thy_o devotion_n imagine_v that_o thou_o hear_v thy_o saviour_n call_v to_o thou_o as_o he_o do_v to_o martha_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o careful_a why_o be_v thou_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n one_o thing_n be_v only_o needful_a the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n since_o therefore_o 41._o thou_o be_v come_v to_o treat_v about_o it_o dismiss_v whatsoever_o may_v disturb_v thou_o lay_z aside_o thy_o care_n as_o mary_n do_v place_n thyself_o at_o my_o foot_n hear_v i_o in_o my_o word_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thou_o in_o thy_o prayer_n o_o gracious_a jesu_n i_o be_o come_v at_o this_o time_n to_o humble_v myself_o at_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o beg_v mercy_n for_o my_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o i_o than_o a_o thousand_o world_n o_o suffer_v not_o then_o any_o worldly_a care_n to_o divert_v or_o hinder_v i_o root_n out_o this_o bed_n of_o thorn_n and_o sow_v holy_a thought_n instead_o of_o they_o let_v i_o not_o be_v like_o martha_n trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o fix_v i_o upon_o that_o one_o thing_n needful_a which_o i_o be_o come_v about_o that_o so_o have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n it_o may_v never_o be_v take_v from_o i_o amen_n but_o the_o conflict_n be_v not_o yet_o do_v when_o these_o former_a enemy_n be_v overcome_v there_o may_v be_v a_o swarm_n leave_v of_o busy_a vain_a impertinent_a thought_n of_o which_o we_o may_v complain_v as_o david_n do_v that_o they_o have_v compass_v we_o about_o like_o bee_n for_o the_o imagination_n be_v natural_o unquiet_a and_o tumultuous_a interpose_v itself_o many_o time_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o we_o cast_v thought_n in_o our_o way_n and_o force_v the_o understanding_n to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o and_o these_o she_o either_o fetch_v from_o object_n without_o from_o something_o that_o we_o have_v either_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o do_v or_o if_o it_o fail_v of_o new_a ply_v from_o thence_o it_o present_o busy_v itself_o within_o in_o form_v of_o various_a image_n figure_n and_o form_n which_o like_o so_o many_o atom_n cast_v themselves_o into_o several_a scheme_n trouble_n and_o vex_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o devotion_n not_o unlike_o the_o bird_n which_o will_v have_v hinder_v abraham_n in_o his_o sacrifice_n 11._o and_o happy_a it_o be_v if_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o chase_v away_o these_o thought_n from_o we_o as_o abraham_n drive_v away_o those_o bird_n but_o their_o pertinacy_n be_v such_o that_o when_o you_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o one_o form_n they_o assume_v another_o and_o be_v so_o importunate_o troublesome_a as_o make_v many_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o cassianus_n confess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v very_o near_o to_o a_o despair_v of_o it_o till_o open_v himself_o to_o a_o devout_a man_n of_o more_o experience_n himself_n be_v then_o but_o young_a he_o be_v bring_v off_o by_o this_o similitude_n shall_v you_o ask_v say_v he_o one_o that_o can_v neither_o swim_v himself_o nor_o ever_o see_v other_o swim_v whether_o he_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o heavy_a body_n of_o a_o man_n can_v spread_v itself_o upon_o the_o water_n without_o sink_v will_v not_o he_o answer_v peremptory_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o let_v the_o same_o man_n see_v once_o with_o what_o ease_n the_o swimmer_n keep_v his_o head_n above_o the_o water_n will_v he_o not_o as_o sudden_o change_v his_o mind_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o experiment_n and_o apply_v himself_o to_o practice_v it_o you_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o you_o do_v not_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no._n for_o either_o holy_a man_n have_v deceive_v we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v they_o have_v attain_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o power_n over_o themselves_o as_o the_o centurion_n in_o the_o gospel_n 9_o have_v over_o his_o soldier_n they_o can_v have_v give_v the_o law_n not_o only_o to_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o job_n do_v to_o his_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v on_o vanity_n but_o to_o their_o more_o inward_a faculty_n they_o can_v command_v their_o appetite_n to_o love_n or_o hate_n their_o rational_a faculty_n to_o meditate_v their_o imaginative_a to_o think_v on_o this_o or_o not_o to_o think_v on_o that_o for_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n who_o humble_v himself_o so_o low_o as_o to_o say_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o can_v say_v too_o without_o arrogancy_n that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v he_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n nothing_o of_o himself_o the_o centurion_n who_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o have_v his_o soldier_n so_o absolute_o at_o his_o command_n confess_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o himself_o exercise_v his_o authority_n under_o another_o for_o in_o all_o power_n subordinate_a the_o way_n to_o be_v obey_v be_v to_o obey_v nor_o can_v these_o imagination_n be_v possible_o subdue_v to_o reason_n till_o reason_n be_v subdue_v to_o faith_n submit_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o there_o will_v follow_v a_o glorious_a victory_n but_o you_o must_v strive_v for_o it_o for_o this_o unruly_a swarm_n of_o thought_n hurt_v none_o but_o those_o that_o yield_v to_o they_o when_o they_o buzz_v about_o thou_o like_o fly_n in_o a_o hot_a day_n drown_v their_o noise_n with_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o as_o spider_n can_v easy_o weave_v their_o net_n in_o a_o high_a wind_n so_o neither_o shall_v whole_a army_n of_o vain_a imagination_n be_v able_a to_o ensuare_v thou_o as_o long_o as_o thy_o earnest_a prayer_n like_o a_o vehement_a wind_n shall_v blow_v against_o they_o o_o most_o mighty_a god_n who_o see_v my_o weather-beaten_a soul_n toss_v and_o drive_v by_o vain_a and_o various_a imagination_n like_o a_o tear_a bark_n by_o contrary_a wind_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o sail_v on_o in_o a_o straight_a course_n towards_o thou_o send_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o calm_v this_o tempest_n and_o to_o lay_v these_o wind_n that_o they_o may_v no_o long_o hinder_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o disturb_v i_o in_o my_o prayer_n
which_o be_v then_o most_o acceptable_a to_o thou_o when_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o undivided_a and_o untroubled_a mind_n of_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n and_o the_o help_n that_o conduce_v to_o it_o though_o prayer_n may_v well_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v not_o of_o earthly_a race_n but_o rather_o immediate_a emanation_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o prepare_n and_o dispose_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v this_o gift_n from_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n before_o thou_o pray_v prepare_v thyself_o and_o be_v 22._o not_o as_o one_o that_o tempt_v the_o lord_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o tempt_v god_n but_o to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n with_o less_o regard_n than_o you_o will_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o earthly_a prince_n what_o be_v it_o to_o tempt_v he_o but_o to_o try_v experiment_n with_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v hear_v you_o upon_o any_o term_n though_o you_o neither_o prepare_v yourself_o nor_o order_v the_o manner_n nor_o dispose_v the_o matter_n which_o you_o petition_v for_o but_o be_v not_o deceive_v heaven_n be_v not_o gain_v at_o so_o cheap_a a_o rate_n qualem_fw-la ie_fw-fr paraveris_fw-la deo_fw-la say_v st._n bernard_n talis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la tibi_fw-la deus_fw-la if_o you_o slight_a god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o come_v careless_o into_o his_o presence_n without_o consideration_n of_o what_o you_o come_v about_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v slight_v you_o as_o much_o and_o regard_v your_o prayer_n as_o little_a david_n 44._o who_o be_v a_o great_a master_n in_o this_o heavenly_a art_n of_o prayer_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a he_o hearken_v to_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o hear_v your_o desire_n before_o they_o be_v mould_v and_o form_v into_o prayer_n and_o he_o listen_v to_o the_o very_a preparation_n of_o those_o desire_n he_o cherish_v they_o he_o go_v along_o with_o they_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o till_o you_o can_v say_v as_o that_o divine_a prophet_n do_v my_o heart_n be_v ready_a o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a for_o as_o the_o knife_n must_v be_v sharpen_v before_o you_o cut_v with_o it_o and_o the_o lute_n tune_v before_o you_o begin_v the_o music_n so_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v do_v some_o tune_n of_o the_o heart_n require_v before_o your_o prayer_n can_v yield_v that_o music_n which_o god_n listen_v after_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n which_o eusebius_n emissenus_fw-la give_v quantum_fw-la tu_fw-la apposueris_fw-la ad_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la addit_fw-la ad_fw-la gratiam_fw-la the_o more_o care_n you_o take_v in_o fit_v yourself_o to_o your_o devotion_n the_o more_o grace_n he_o give_v elias_n xviii_o be_v to_o prepare_v the_o sacrifice_n though_o the_o fire_n be_v to_o come_v from_o heaven_n which_o do_v consume_v it_o to_o come_v therefore_o unprepared_a before_o he_o be_v a_o argument_n say_v the_o father_n that_o we_o do_v not_o esteem_v god_n we_o do_v not_o set_v such_o a_o rate_n upon_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o if_o the_o virgin_n before_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o ahasuerus_n be_v to_o be_v purify_v first_o with_o 12._o sweet_a oil_n and_o odour_n what_o a_o impudence_n be_v it_o for_o a_o foul_a unwashed_a soul_n to_o press_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o then_o if_o you_o will_v know_v more_o punctual_o wherein_o this_o preparation_n consist_v your_o spiritual_a guide_n will_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v some_o rule_v more_o remote_a some_o more_o immediate_a of_o the_o remote_a the_o main_n be_v a_o watchfulness_n over_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o life_n for_o if_o the_o devil_n order_v his_o temptation_n with_o a_o design_n in_o chief_a to_o blast_v and_o corrupt_v your_o prayer_n your_o care_n must_v be_v the_o great_a to_o countermine_v he_o in_o this_o design_n and_o to_o live_v so_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n will_v give_v way_n as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n unqualify_v or_o unfit_a to_o pray_v to_o compass_v this_o there_o will_v be_v a_o need_n first_o of_o temperance_n in_o diet_n for_o the_o body_n once_o heavy_a with_o excess_n and_o surfeit_n hang_v plummet_n on_o the_o noble_a part_n and_o weigh_v the_o soul_n down_o with_o it_o this_o be_v do_v there_o will_v be_v use_n of_o set_v a_o guard_n upon_o your_o sense_n and_o stop_v the_o avenue_n so_o far_o as_o nothing_o may_v from_o without_o be_v admit_v to_o divert_v you_o as_o elias_n be_v 13._o observe_v to_o have_v wrap_v his_o face_n in_o a_o mantle_n when_o he_o prepare_v himself_o to_o speak_v with_o god_n to_o this_o must_v be_v add_v the_o frequent_a read_n of_o book_n especial_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n breathe_v with_o such_o a_o vigour_n as_o be_v able_a to_o kindle_v a_o fire_n in_o the_o cold_a breast_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o excite_v the_o drousy_a soul_n which_o be_v thus_o awake_v and_o heat_v may_v be_v more_o easy_o prepare_v to_o break_v forth_o in_o fervent_a prayer_n but_o then_o if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v be_v point_v to_o they_o by_o our_o saviour_n who_o give_v this_o main_a rule_n of_o private_a prayer_n when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n 6._o and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a wherein_o you_o be_v not_o only_o direct_v to_o the_o place_n of_o prayer_n you_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o place_n private_a and_o retire_v but_o further_o as_o the_o father_n observe_v you_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o a_o more_o inner_a retirement_n the_o closet_n of_o your_o breast_n for_o there_o you_o must_v enter_v too_o and_o shut_v that_o door_n by_o some_o settle_a resolution_n to_o admit_v no_o thought_n that_o may_v disturb_v you_o for_o otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v noise_n and_o tumult_n in_o that_o inward_a closet_n when_o there_o be_v quiet_a and_o silence_n in_o the_o other_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o all_o but_o as_o the_o place_n must_v be_v secret_a the_o door_n shut_v so_o the_o room_n must_v be_v furnish_v for_o as_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o passover_n in_o a_o unfurnished_a room_n 15._o but_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n first_o to_o prepare_v it_o so_o there_o be_v a_o furniture_n necessary_a for_o this_o little_a chapel_n of_o we_o the_o heart_n there_o must_v be_v faith_n to_o prepare_v the_o material_n and_o there_o must_v be_v love_n to_o kindle_v the_o sacrifice_n but_o then_o after_o all_o this_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o preparative_a more_o effectual_a to_o prayer_n than_o prayer_n itself_o for_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o approach_n to_o we_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o its_o own_o beam_n and_o begin_v the_o dawn_n so_o in_o our_o approach_n to_o god_n prayer_n must_v make_v way_n for_o prayer_n for_o though_o the_o severe_a judge_n of_o the_o areopage_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o civility_n of_o preface_n to_o be_v use_v by_o they_o that_o plead_v before_o they_o yet_o god_n deal_v not_o so_o harsh_o with_o we_o when_o we_o plead_v before_o he_o but_o be_v content_a to_o let_v himself_o down_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n this_o david_n know_v well_o who_o so_o frequent_o make_v use_v of_o it_o sometime_o with_o all_o lowliness_n sue_v for_o admittance_n o_o let_v my_o prayer_n enter_v into_o thy_o 2_o presence_n let_v it_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o thy_o sight_n as_o the_o incense_n let_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o my_o hand_n be_v as_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n hear_v 2._o the_o voice_n of_o my_o humble_a petition_n when_o i_o cry_v unto_o thou_o when_o i_o hold_v up_o my_o hand_n towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n of_o thy_o holy_a temple_n sometime_o after_o a_o more_o passionate_a way_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n 2._o for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o seek_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n and_o so_o vex_v in_o my_o heart_n hear_v i_o o_o god_n make_v haste_n to_o hear_v i_o think_v no_o scorn_n of_o 1._o i_o for_o if_o thou_o make_v as_o if_o thou_o hear_v not_o i_o shall_v become_v like_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n with_o these_o or_o such_o as_o these_o the_o devout_a soul_n summon_v god_n to_o a_o parley_n plead_v for_o admittance_n open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n qualify_v herself_o to_o receive_v grace_n and_o work_v god_n to_o a_o readiness_n in_o give_v it_o o_o most_o gracious_a god_n who_o hearkene_a to_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o pray_v to_o thou_o assist_v i_o
first_o you_o be_v to_o remember_v when_o you_o settle_v to_o prayer_n you_o then_o place_n yourself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o eye_n be_v upon_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o upon_o such_o as_o call_v upon_o he_o ii_o second_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n with_o what_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n you_o ought_v to_o appear_v before_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n iii_o three_o before_o you_o begin_v to_o pray_o you_o be_v to_o resolve_v within_o yourself_o serious_o to_o intend_v the_o duty_n you_o be_v about_o that_o your_o heart_n may_v not_o wander_v but_o go_v along_o with_o your_o prayer_n or_o if_o through_o weakness_n it_o happen_v to_o stray_v to_o call_v it_o back_o again_o and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o it_o in_o some_o such_o short_a prayer_n as_o this_o lord_n strengthen_v i_o and_o restrain_v i_o and_o lay_v not_o this_o weakness_n to_o my_o charge_n a_o prayer_n preparative_n o_o my_o dear_a and_o bless_a saviour_n who_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n do_v drive_v out_o those_o who_o turn_v thy_o house_n of_o prayer_n into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n clear_a at_o this_o time_n the_o temple_n of_o my_o soul_n from_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n cast_v out_o all_o wander_a imagination_n leave_v nothing_o behind_o that_o may_v either_o disturb_v or_o distract_v i_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o my_o duty_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v as_o incense_n and_o thy_o grace_n and_o mercy_n may_v descend_v as_o dew_n to_o the_o save_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o name_n amen_n morning_n prayer_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n i._o defend_v i_o o_o god_n under_o thy_o wing_n and_o keep_v i_o safe_a this_o day_n under_o thy_o feather_n give_v thy_o angel_n charge_v over_o i_o to_o keep_v i_o in_o all_o my_o way_n preserve_v i_o as_o the_o apple_n of_o thy_o eye_n hide_v i_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n that_o no_o evil_a may_v happen_v unto_o i_o nor_o no_o plague_n come_v nigh_o my_o dwell_n create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o o_o hold_v thou_o up_o my_o go_n in_o thy_o path_n that_o my_o footstep_n slip_v not_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o oft_o he_o offend_v o_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n but_o above_o all_o keep_v i_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n lest_o they_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o i_o so_o shall_v thy_o servant_n be_v undefiled_a and_o innocent_a from_o the_o great_a offence_n amen_n ii_o unto_o thou_o o_o god_n lift_v i_o up_o my_o eye_n o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o heaven_n yea_o unto_o the_o hill_n will_v i_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n from_o whence_o come_v my_o salvation_n for_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o into_o thy_o hand_n therefore_o i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n thou_o god_n of_o truth_n bless_a be_v thou_o who_o have_v lighten_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o sleep_v not_o in_o death_n who_o have_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o night_n and_o from_o the_o evil_a that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n who_o have_v drive_v sleep_n from_o my_o eye_n and_o slumber_n from_o my_o eyelid_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v thank_v thou_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o amen_n iii_o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o out_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o see_v my_o down-lying_a and_o uprise_a thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n long_o before_o for_o thou_o be_v about_o my_o path_n and_o about_o my_o bed_n and_o spy_v out_o all_o my_o way_n through_o thou_o have_v i_o be_v hold_v up_o ever_o since_o i_o be_v bear_v thou_o be_v he_o that_o take_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n my_o praise_n shall_v be_v always_o of_o thou_o lead_v i_o then_o o_o lord_n in_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o make_v thy_o way_n plain_a before_o my_o face_n teach_v i_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n let_v thy_o love_a spirit_n lead_v i_o forth_o into_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n show_v thy_o servant_n the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n and_o save_v i_o this_o day_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n amen_n iv._o my_o voice_n shall_v thou_o hear_v betimes_o o_o lord_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n will_v i_o direct_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o long_o for_o thou_o be_v my_o hope_n from_o my_o youth_n o_o be_v thou_o a_o place_n to_o hide_v i_o in_o and_o compass_v i_o about_o with_o song_n of_o deliverance_n for_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n and_o cruel_a habitation_n set_a i_o up_o therefore_o upon_o the_o rock_n that_o be_v high_a than_o i_o and_o i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o for_o thou_o alone_o can_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o death_n my_o eye_n from_o tear_n and_o my_o foot_n from_o fall_v osatisfie_v i_o therefore_o with_o thy_o mercy_n and_o that_o soon_o that_o i_o may_v rejoice_v in_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n lead_v i_o forth_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o learn_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n in_o thou_o shall_v be_v my_o hope_n all_o the_o day_n long_o amen_n v._o set_a a_o watch_n this_o day_n o_o lord_n before_o my_o mouth_n and_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o my_o lip_n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n that_o they_o behold_v no_o vanity_n and_o let_v not_o my_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o any_o evil_a thing_n teach_v i_o thy_o way_n o_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v walk_v in_o thy_o truth_n o_o knit_v my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v fear_v thy_o name_n order_n my_o step_n in_o thy_o word_n that_o no_o wickedness_n may_v have_v dominion_n over_o i_o hide_v i_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n keep_v i_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n for_o i_o will_v set_v thou_o always_o before_o i_o thou_o shall_v be_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o great_o fall_v thou_o have_v be_v my_o succour_n leave_v i_o not_o neither_o forsake_v i_o o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n but_o let_v thy_o merciful_a kindness_n be_v this_o day_n upon_o i_o like_a as_o i_o do_v put_v my_o trust_n in_o thou_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n amen_n a_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o protection_n in_o the_o night_n o_o most_o gracious_a god_n who_o eye_n have_v be_v open_a over_o i_o when_o i_o be_v shut_v and_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o who_o wing_n i_o have_v pass_v this_o night_n in_o safety_n i_o do_v with_o all_o possible_a thankfulness_n humble_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o thy_o great_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o take_v away_o my_o soul_n this_o night_n as_o in_o justice_n thou_o may_v have_v do_v but_o haste_v give_v i_o respite_n and_o afford_v i_o one_o day_n more_o to_o call_v upon_o thy_o name_n o_o lord_n make_v i_o ashamed_a of_o my_o former_a unthankfulness_n and_o wound_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o dulness_n who_o so_o many_o favour_n have_v not_o wrought_v unto_o more_o obedience_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o consecrate_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o life_n unto_o thy_o service_n and_o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n at_o lest_o which_o i_o can_v recall_v and_o o_o thou_o who_o turn_v the_o shadow_n of_o death_n into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n enable_v i_o powerful_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o keep_v my_o body_n and_o soul_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a and_o as_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o day_n so_o go_v along_o with_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o through_o all_o the_o part_n and_o minute_n of_o it_o that_o in_o all_o my_o way_n be_v guide_v by_o thy_o counsel_n here_o i_o may_v hereafter_o be_v receive_v into_o thy_o glory_n even_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n jesus_n christ._n amen_n a_o morning_n prayer_n o_o my_o dear_a lord_n and_o maker_n from_o who_o alone_o i_o look_v for_o blessing_n continue_v i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o my_o life_n counsel_v i_o govern_v i_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o shall_v go_v or_o else_o i_o shall_v wander_v from_o thou_o into_o infinite_a error_n o_o possess_v then_o all_o my_o bodily_a sense_n that_o my_o sinful_a affection_n may_v find_v no_o place_n leave_v i_o no_o more_o to_o my_o own_o weakness_n
to_o single_a at_o least_o some_o one_o passage_n or_o more_o out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o your_o memory_n and_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n iii_o that_o in_o this_o time_n of_o retirement_n you_o lay_v all_o thing_n aside_o that_o may_v divert_v you_o from_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thought_n consider_v that_o you_o set_v yourself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n &_o that_o you_o be_v to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o what_o you_o be_v do_v w_z ch_z that_o you_o may_v the_o better_a do_v you_o may_v begin_v with_o this_o prayer_n a_o prayer_n upon_o the_o entrance_n into_o your_o closet_n o_o my_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o be_v that_o i_o have_v this_o minute_n of_o my_o life_n leave_v i_o i_o here_o appear_v in_o thy_o presence_n lament_v sad_o that_o so_o much_o of_o my_o time_n be_v already_o lose_v either_o in_o do_v ill_a or_o do_v nothing_o or_o in_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v unprofitable_a and_o vain_a o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v redeem_v the_o hour_n that_o be_v past_a &_o dispose_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o serve_v thou_o hereafter_o with_o a_o devout_a heart_n &_o earnest_n and_o passionate_a affection_n draw_v i_o off_o more_o and_o more_o from_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o settle_v my_o waver_a and_o divide_a soul_n upon_o thou_o alone_o and_o since_o at_o this_o time_n i_o have_v here_o retire_v myself_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o free_o commune_v with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o meditate_v on_o thy_o only_a word_n let_v thy_o bless_a spirit_n assist_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o bare_o remember_v what_o i_o read_v but_o digest_v it_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o name_n through_o jesus_n christ_n amen_n prayer_n towards_o bed_n time_n i._o let_v my_o prayer_n o_o lord_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o thy_o sight_n as_o the_o incense_n and_o let_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o my_o hand_n be_v as_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n for_o thou_o o_o lord_n have_v grant_v i_o thy_o love_a kindness_n in_o the_o daytime_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o night-season_n i_o will_v think_v on_o thou_o and_o make_v my_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n of_o my_o life_n o_o thou_o that_o say_v let_v therebe_fw-fr light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o sleep_v not_o in_o death_n make_v i_o to_o commune_v with_o my_o own_o heart_n upon_o my_o bed_n and_o to_o search_v out_o all_o my_o way_n that_o i_o may_v lament_v my_o sin_n as_o thy_o servant_n david_n do_v and_o cry_v unto_o thou_o for_o mercy_n consider_v and_o hear_v i_o o_o god_n and_o hide_v i_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n and_o let_v my_o soul_n rest_n in_o thou_o amen_n ii_o blessed_n be_v thou_o o_o god_n who_o make_v the_o out-going_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n to_o praise_v thou_o who_o have_v not_o cut_v off_o my_o life_n this_o day_n nor_o shut_v i_o up_o in_o the_o grave_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v forget_v i_o will_v not_o suffer_v therefore_o my_o eye_n to_o sleep_v nor_o my_o eyelid_n to_o slumber_n till_o i_o have_v prepare_v my_o heart_n for_o my_o god_n to_o rest_v in_o for_o thou_o be_v my_o god_n from_o my_o youth_n thou_o have_v number_v out_o my_o day_n and_o night_n that_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o thou_o give_v thy_o belove_a sleep_n and_o make_v they_o that_o fear_v thou_o to_o rest_v in_o safety_n thou_o deliver_v i_o from_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o night_n and_o from_o the_o evil_a that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n return_v then_o unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o god_n take_v care_n for_o thou_o amen_n iii_o lord_n let_v i_o make_v my_o prayer_n unto_o thou_o in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n teach_v i_o to_o remember_v thou_o in_o my_o bed_n and_o to_o think_v of_o thou_o when_o i_o be_o wake_v o_o thou_o watchman_n of_o isreal_n that_o neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v watch_v over_o i_o this_o night_n give_v thy_o angel_n charge_v over_o i_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n may_v not_o come_v near_o i_o that_o no_o evil_a thought_n may_v betray_v i_o nor_o any_o sad_a or_o sinful_a dream_n disturb_v my_o quiet_n for_o into_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n for_o thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o keep_v then_o what_o thou_o have_v redeem_v and_o let_v not_o thy_o servant_n for_o who_o thou_o have_v die_v perish_v for_o ever_o amen_n a_o short_a prayer_n o_o god_n my_o everlasting_a keeper_n bless_a be_v thy_o name_n for_o evermore_o for_o thou_o make_v i_o when_o i_o be_v nothing_o thou_o redeem_v i_o when_o i_o be_v worse_a than_o nothing_o thou_o have_v so_o multiply_v thy_o mercy_n on_o i_o through_o all_o the_o minute_n of_o my_o life_n that_o the_o sun_n have_v never_o yet_o rise_v or_o set_v upon_o i_o without_o new_a blessing_n from_o thou_o and_o as_o thou_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o i_o already_o for_o which_o i_o pour_v out_o my_o very_a soul_n in_o thankfulness_n so_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o low_a humility_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o continue_v thy_o care_n of_o i_o this_o night_n and_o so_o to_o shadow_v i_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o thy_o protection_n that_o neither_o visible_a nor_o invisible_a enemy_n neither_o sin_n nor_o danger_n may_v approach_v to_o hurt_v i_o that_o so_o when_o the_o joyful_a light_n of_o the_o day_n shall_v return_v again_o i_o may_v rise_v in_o safety_n with_o a_o unspotted_a soul_n and_o a_o body_n fit_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o so_o lord_n jesus_n amen_o amen_n be_v any_o afflict_a let_v he_o pray_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o afflict_a soul_n i._o behold_v o_o lord_n i_o be_o as_o a_o bruise_a reed_n before_o thou_o o_o break_v it_o not_o i_o be_o as_o smoke_a flax_n o_o lord_n quench_v it_o not_o send_v down_o from_o on_o high_a and_o visit_v i_o save_v i_o out_o of_o many_o water_n that_o be_v come_v into_o my_o soul_n for_o i_o have_v be_v leave_v unto_o thou_o ever_o since_o i_o be_v bear_v thou_o have_v be_v my_o god_n even_o from_o my_o mother_n womb_n o_o go_v not_o then_o far_o from_o i_o for_o trouble_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v i_o the_o sorrow_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v o_o bring_v thou_o i_o out_o of_o all_o my_o trouble_n thou_o have_v former_o be_v my_o succour_n leave_v i_o not_o now_o neither_o forsake_v i_o o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n for_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v i_o call_v unto_o thou_o when_o my_o heart_n be_v in_o heaviness_n o_o forgive_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o thy_o servant_n which_o have_v just_o bring_v these_o bitter_a thing_n upon_o i_o take_v away_o at_o last_o all_o thy_o displeasure_n and_o turn_v away_o from_o thy_o wrathful_a indignation_n arise_v and_o help_v i_o and_o deliver_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v i_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v i_o ii_o in_o the_o time_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o will_v call_v upon_o thou_o o_o god_n in_o my_o heaviness_n i_o will_v cry_v unto_o thou_o and_o unto_o thou_o alone_o for_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o or_o who_o shall_v i_o desire_v on_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o but_o thou_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o but_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v away_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o seek_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o spirit_n be_v thus_o trouble_v within_o i_o in_o my_o prosperity_n i_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o do_v hide_v away_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o i_o be_v trouble_v but_o will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o will_v he_o be_v no_o more_o entreat_v have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o will_v he_o shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o displeasure_n alas_o innumerable_a trouble_n be_v come_v upon_o i_o they_o have_v lay_v such_o hold_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o look_v up_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n leave_v in_o i_o o_o my_o god_n neither_o know_v i_o what_o to_o do_v but_o my_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o i_o be_o trouble_v above_o measure_n help_v i_o o_o god_n or_o else_o i_o shall_v sink_v under_o the_o burden_n o_o consider_v what_o thou_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o forsake_v
divine_a love_n able_a to_o inflame_v the_o will_n with_o fervent_a affection_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o damp_n of_o coldness_n and_o indevotion_n and_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o a_o awful_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n of_o he_o as_o present_v we_o have_v then_o mount_v the_o first_o step_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o ladder_n o_o heavenly_a father_n who_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o that_o seek_v thou_o purify_v the_o intention_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n i_o make_v to_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v neither_o seek_v nor_o desire_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n amen_n the_o second_o step_n or_o act_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o direct_n of_o the_o intention_n to_o fix_v it_o entire_o upon_o god_n and_o take_v it_o off_o from_o all_o earthly_a thing_n for_o as_o the_o least_o grain_n and_o atom_n of_o dust_n offend_v the_o eye_n so_o this_o intention_n admit_v of_o no_o mixture_n no_o vanity_n of_o be_v see_v or_o hear_v at_o your_o prayer_n no_o curiosity_n of_o think_v to_o climb_v up_o by_o this_o ladder_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n no_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o reflect_v upon_o yourself_o as_o more_o devout_a than_o other_o for_o as_o it_o must_v be_v sincere_a so_o it_o must_v be_v humble_a direct_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n alone_o which_o in_o this_o ascent_n of_o your_o soul_n must_v be_v always_o in_o your_o eye_n as_o the_o centre_n in_o which_o all_o the_o line_n of_o prayer_n must_v meet_v but_o then_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o supplicant_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o some_o offer_v too_o for_o it_o be_v god_n command_v to_o his_o people_n that_o none_o shall_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n with_o empty_a hand_n be_v therefore_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n deal_v generous_o and_o free_o with_o he_o offer_v he_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o most_o desire_n even_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n but_o for_o all_o thy_o life_n for_o this_o offer_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n if_o it_o make_v way_n for_o thy_o prayer_n and_o break_v through_o those_o cloud_n which_o thy_o sin_n have_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o thou_o o_o eternal_a god_n who_o for_o all_o those_o infinite_a blessing_n which_o thou_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o require_v nothing_o back_o of_o i_o but_o my_o heart_n behold_v i_o offer_v up_o to_o thou_o the_o heart_n which_o thou_o demand_v and_o since_o it_o be_v now_o thou_o fill_v it_o with_o thy_o gift_n and_o adorn_v it_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o every_o beat_n every_o pulse_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o prayer_n and_o every_o prayer_n be_v kindle_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n may_v be_v a_o sacrifice_n fit_v for_o thy_o altar_n through_o jesus_n christ._n amen_n after_o this_o offer_n the_o next_o step_n be_v by_o raise_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o awaken_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o that_o which_o you_o be_v about_o be_v therefore_o retire_v into_o thy_o oratory_n make_v these_o few_o question_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o engage_v thyself_o to_o a_o answer_n o_o my_o soul_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o retire_v into_o this_o place_n what_o be_v thy_o design_n what_o thy_o pretention_n where_o be_v thy_o god_n who_o thou_o come_v to_o treat_v with_o be_v he_o present_a do_v he_o hear_v thou_o or_o be_v he_o merciful_a will_v he_o help_v thou_o what_o be_v thy_o business_n thou_o be_v to_o negotiate_v be_v it_o the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o the_o satisfy_n of_o thy_o earthly_a desire_n what_o word_n will_v thou_o use_v to_o move_v thy_o god_n to_o hear_v thou_o what_o humble_a gesture_n what_o profound_a reverence_n answer_v thyself_o brief_o to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o interrogatory_n as_o thy_o own_o conscience_n dictate_v to_o thou_o for_o by_o this_o discourse_n make_v with_o thyself_o thou_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v to_o discourse_n with_o god_n but_o to_o make_v this_o preparation_n the_o more_o complete_a the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n engage_v in_o this_o treaty_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v weigh_v consider_v therefore_o first_o with_o myself_o who_o thou_o be_v that_o make_v thy_o approach_n to_o speak_v with_o god_n that_o thou_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n abraham_n himself_o be_v no_o more_o consider_v again_o the_o motive_n that_o may_v drive_v thou_o to_o this_o duty_n thy_o sin_n many_o thy_o strength_n little_a thyself_o nothing_o thy_o danger_n great_a thy_o case_n the_o same_o with_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o storm_n when_o they_o cry_v out_o master_n save_v we_o or_o else_o we_o perish_v for_o he_o that_o real_o lay_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o heart_n 1._o the_o extreme_a necessity_n that_o he_o be_v in_o 2._o the_o small_a possibility_n of_o help_n either_o from_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o creature_n 3._o the_o high_a importance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v about_o that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a will_v never_o dare_v to_o come_v cold_o and_o careless_o to_o a_o work_n of_o that_o concernment_n have_v thus_o far_o reflect_v on_o your_o own_o condition_n you_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o raise_v the_o prospect_n from_o yourself_o to_o the_o person_n you_o pray_v to_o to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o than_o god_n who_o clothe_v himself_o with_o light_n as_o with_o a_o garment_n a_o god_n infinite_o wise_a from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v infinite_o powerful_a to_o who_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a infinite_o good_a ready_a to_o shed_v and_o diffuse_v and_o impart_v his_o goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n that_o therefore_o though_o his_o majesty_n may_v terrify_v thou_o yet_o his_o mercy_n may_v invite_v thou_o especial_o if_o you_o consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_a you_n unto_o himself_o for_o as_o the_o one_o may_v strike_v a_o reverence_n into_o you_o so_o the_o other_o will_v infuse_v a_o confidence_n without_o which_o our_o weak_a prayer_n will_v never_o have_v strength_n enough_o to_o reach_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n o_o my_o glorious_a god_n thou_o be_v the_o holy_a of_o holies_n but_o i_o the_o impure_a of_o sinner_n thou_o be_v mercy_n itself_o i_o misery_n even_o misery_n itself_o what_o shall_v i_o seek_v far_a to_o know_v either_o of_o thou_o or_o myself_o let_v my_o love_n of_o thou_o make_v up_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v want_v for_o what_o shall_v misery_n be_v in_o love_n withal_o but_o mercy_n or_o where_o shall_v mercy_n exercise_v itself_o but_o where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o misery_n the_o understanding_n be_v awaken_v with_o these_o consideration_n the_o four_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o relation_n to_o prayer_n be_v to_o rouse_v the_o affection_n which_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o will_n this_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o ingredient_n in_o your_o prayer_n that_o be_v it_o but_o a_o cold_a offer_v without_o it_o the_o understanding_n may_v provide_v for_o you_o this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n that_o must_v taste_v and_o swallow_v and_o digest_v it_o into_o nourishment_n the_o one_o may_v make_v you_o wise_a but_o the_o other_o must_v make_v you_o holy_a the_o prophet_n tell_v you_o that_o the_o seraphin_n in_o god_n presence_n with_o two_o of_o their_o wing_n cover_v their_o face_n and_o with_o two_o other_o their_o foot_n leave_v only_o their_o breast_n open_a which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o love_n when_o therefore_o you_o present_v yourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a you_o so_o far_o imitate_v these_o seraphin_n that_o though_o your_o eye_n be_v veil_n you_o can_v look_v into_o his_o glory_n you_o can_v know_v he_o as_o you_o will_v your_o breast_n the_o seat_n of_o your_o affection_n be_v open_a to_o receive_v and_o emit_v those_o beam_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o only_o can_v kindle_v devotion_n to_o the_o height_n and_o unite_v your_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o a_o most_o intimate_a union_n but_o alas_o you_o will_v say_v those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o nearness_n to_o god_n may_v well_o be_v all_o fire_n and_o love_n but_o you_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n can_v find_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o the_o wood_n lie_v upon_o the_o altar_n but_o you_o want_v fire_n to_o kindle_v it_o all_o that_o you_o can_v do_v be_v to_o search_v in_o the_o ash_n for_o some_o small_a spark_n to_o blow_v at_o but_o know_v you_o not_o say_v siracides_n how_o great_a a_o fire_n a_o small_a spark_n may_v kindle_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o move_v upon_o the_o water_n till_o it_o have_v produce_v the_o world_n move_v upon_o