of_o these_o three_o way_n for_o as_o much_o as_o be_v omniscient_a he_o can_v not_o be_v inform_v and_o be_v void_a of_o passion_n or_o affection_n he_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v and_o last_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o infinite_o great_a he_o can_v not_o by_o any_o importunity_n be_v weary_v or_o overcome_v and_o if_o so_o what_o use_v then_o can_v there_o be_v of_o rhetoric_n harangue_n or_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v design_v for_o information_n must_v it_o not_o be_v infinite_o sottish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o go_v about_o to_o inform_v he_o who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o or_o to_o persuade_v he_o who_o unchangeable_a nature_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v move_v or_o wrought_v upon_o or_o last_o by_o long_a and_o much_o speak_v to_o think_v to_o weary_v he_o out_o who_o infinite_a power_n all_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n put_v together_o be_v not_o able_a to_o 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consequent_o to_o hope_n and_o fear_n can_v but_o be_v move_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n according_a as_o object_n suitable_a to_o those_o passion_n shall_v be_v dextrous_o represent_v and_o set_v before_o his_o imagination_n by_o the_o art_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v that_o that_o we_o call_v persuasion_n and_o last_o he_o who_o soul_n and_o body_n receive_v their_o activity_n from_o and_o perform_v all_o their_o function_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o ebb_n and_o flow_v consume_v and_o be_v renew_v again_o can_v but_o find_v himself_o very_o uneasy_a upon_o any_o tedious_a verbose_a application_n make_v to_o he_o and_o that_o sometime_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o through_o mere_a fatigue_n and_o even_o against_o judgement_n and_o interest_n both_o a_o man_n shall_v surrender_v himself_o as_o a_o conquer_a person_n to_o the_o over-bearing_a vehemence_n of_o such_o solicitation_n for_o when_o they_o ply_v he_o so_o fast_o and_o pour_v in_o upon_o he_o so_o thick_a they_o can_v but_o wear_v and_o waste_v the_o spirit_n as_o unequal_a to_o so_o pertinacious_a a_o charge_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o weary_v a_o man_n but_o now_o all_o weariness_n we_o know_v presupposes_a weakness_n and_o consequent_o every_o long_a importune_v wearisome_a petition_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o force_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v pursue_v with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o follow_a blow_n after_o blow_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o may_v for_o the_o time_n pass_v for_o a_o real_a though_o short_a persecution_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o prolixity_n or_o importunity_n of_o speech_n be_v still_o the_o great_a engine_n to_o attack_v it_o by_o either_o in_o its_o blind_a or_o weak_a side_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o any_o man_n be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o word_n but_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o philosophical_a estimate_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o be_v either_o deceive_v or_o weary_v before_o he_o be_v so_o and_o part_n with_o the_o thing_n desire_v of_o he_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n that_o either_o a_o child_n part_n with_o a_o jewel_n for_o a_o apple_n or_o a_o man_n part_n with_o his_o sword_n when_o it_o be_v forcible_o wrest_v or_o take_v from_o he_o and_o that_o he_o who_o obtain_v what_o he_o have_v be_v rhetorical_o or_o importunate_o beg_v for_o go_v away_o real_o a_o conqueror_n and_o triumphant_o carry_v off_o the_o spoil_n of_o his_o neighbour_n understanding_n or_o his_o will_n baffle_v the_o former_a or_o weary_v the_o latter_a into_o a_o grant_n of_o his_o restless_a petition_n and_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n when_o any_o one_o come_v with_o a_o tedious_a long-winded_a harangue_n to_o god_n may_v not_o god_n proper_o answer_v he_o with_o those_o word_n in_o psal._n 50._o 21._o sure_o thou_o think_v i_o be_o altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o and_o perhaps_o upon_o a_o due_a and_o rational_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o folly_n and_o indecency_n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o prayer_n they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v resolvable_a into_o this_o one_o thing_n as_o the_o true_a and_o sole_a cause_n of_o they_o namely_o that_o man_n when_o they_o pray_v take_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o and_o so_o treat_v he_o according_o the_o malignity_n and_o mischief_n of_o which_o gross_a mistake_n may_v reach_v far_o than_o possible_o at_o first_o they_o can_v well_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o father_n represent_v under_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o man_n can_v it_o be_v at_o all_o better_a to_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o represent_v under_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n nay_o if_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o object_n make_v the_o idolatry_n certain_o by_o how_o much_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o scandalous_a the_o misrepresentation_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o grosser_n and_o more_o intolerable_a must_v be_v the_o idolatry_n to_o confirm_v which_o we_o may_v add_v this_o consideration_n that_o christ_n himself_o even_o now_o in_o his_o glorify_a estate_n in_o heaven_n wear_v the_o body_n and_o consequent_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o man_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o any_o of_o his_o infirmity_n or_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n to_o represent_v god_n to_o ourselves_o under_o these_o latter_a must_v needs_o be_v more_o absurd_a and_o irreligious_a than_o to_o represent_v he_o under_o the_o former_a but_o to_o one_o particular_a of_o the_o precede_a discourse_n some_o may_v reply_v and_o object_n that_o if_o god_n omniscience_n by_o render_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v inform_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o prolixity_n or_o length_n of_o prayer_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o a_o reason_n against_o the_o use_v any_o word_n at_o all_o in_o prayer_n since_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o word_n be_v to_o inform_v the_o person_n who_o we_o speak_v to_o and_o consequent_o where_o information_n be_v impossible_a word_n must_v needs_o be_v useless_a and_o superfluous_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o concession_n that_o if_o the_o sole_a use_n of_o word_n or_o speech_n be_v to_o inform_v the_o person_n who_o we_o speak_v to_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v firm_a and_o good_a and_o equal_o conclude_v against_o the_o use_n of_o any_o word_n at_o all_o in_o prayer_n but_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o deny_v information_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a use_n of_o word_n or_o speech_n or_o indeed_o any_o use_n of_o they_o at_o all_o when_o either_o the_o person_n speak_v to_o need_v not_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o withal_o be_v know_v not_o to_o need_v it_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n or_o when_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v inform_v as_o it_o be_v always_o with_o god_n but_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o word_n whensoever_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o to_o pay_v he_o honour_n and_o obedience_n god_n have_v by_o a_o express_a precept_n enjoin_v we_o the_o use_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n command_v we_o in_o psal._n 50._o 15._o and_o many_o other_o scripture_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o in_o luk._n 11._o 21._o when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o where_o have_v he_o command_v we_o to_o do_v this_o with_o prolixity_n or_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n and_o though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o may_v sometime_o answer_v this_o command_n of_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n by_o mental_a or_o inward_a prayer_n yet_o since_o these_o word_n in_o their_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n import_v a_o vocal_a address_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o
well_o of_o all_o but_o friendship_n that_o always_o go_v a_o pitch_n high_o give_v a_o man_n a_o peculiar_a right_n and_o claim_v to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o his_o friend_n and_o if_o we_o just_o look_v upon_o a_o proneness_n to_o find_v fault_n as_o a_o very_a ill_a and_o a_o mean_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o a_o proneness_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v next_o to_o it_o we_o have_v see_v here_o the_o demeanour_n of_o friendship_n between_o man_n and_o man_n but_o how_o be_v it_o think_v we_o now_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o depend_v upon_o he_o be_v he_o any_o way_n short_a in_o these_o office_n of_o tenderness_n and_o mitigation_n no_o assure_o but_o by_o infinite_a degree_n superior_a for_o where_o our_o heart_n do_v but_o relent_v he_o melt_v where_o our_o eye_n pity_v his_o bowel_n yearn_v how_o many_o frowardness_n of_o we_o do_v he_o smother_v how_o many_o indignity_n do_v he_o pass_v by_o and_o how_o many_o affront_v do_v he_o put_v up_o at_o our_o hand_n because_o his_o love_n be_v invincible_a and_o his_o friendship_n unchangeable_a he_o rate_v every_o action_n every_o sinful_a infirmity_n with_o the_o allowance_n of_o mercy_n and_o never_o weigh_v the_o sin_n but_o together_o with_o it_o he_o weigh_v the_o force_n of_o the_o inducement_n how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o choice_n how_o much_o to_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o temptation_n to_o the_o stratagem_n of_o the_o occasion_n and_o the_o yield_a frailty_n of_o weak_a nature_n shall_v we_o try_v man_n at_o that_o rate_n that_o we_o try_v christ_n we_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o the_o large_a stock_n of_o humane_a friendship_n will_v be_v too_o little_a for_o we_o to_o spend_v long_o upon_o but_o his_o compassion_n follow_v we_o with_o a_o infinite_a supply_n he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o friendship_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o sinful_a creature_n be_v not_o take_v upon_o advantage_n nor_o consume_v in_o our_o provocation_n see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o his_o behaviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o upon_o earth_n how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o excuse_v and_o cover_v their_o infirmity_n at_o the_o last_o and_o bitter_a scene_n of_o his_o life_n when_o he_o be_v so_o full_a of_o agony_n and_o horror_n upon_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o dismal_a death_n and_o so_o have_v most_o need_n of_o the_o refreshment_n of_o society_n and_o the_o friendly_a assistance_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o when_o also_o he_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o only_o for_o a_o while_n to_o sit_v up_o and_o pray_v with_o he_o yet_o they_o like_o person_n whole_o untouched_a with_o his_o agony_n and_o unmoved_a with_o his_o passionate_a entreaty_n forget_v both_o he_o and_o their_o own_o care_n and_o secure_o sleep_v away_o all_o concern_v for_o he_o or_o themselves_o either_o now_o what_o a_o fierce_a and_o sarcastic_a reprehension_n may_v we_o imagine_v this_o will_v have_v draw_v from_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n that_o act_n but_o to_o a_o humane_a pitch_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o gentle_a one_o do_v it_o receive_v from_o christ_n in_o matt._n 26._o 40_o no_o more_o than_o what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o for_o one_o hour_n and_o when_o from_o this_o admonition_n they_o take_v only_a occasion_n to_o redouble_v their_o fault_n and_o to_o sleep_v again_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o second_o and_o three_o admonition_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o their_o unseasonable_a drowsiness_n yet_o than_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n concern_v to_o have_v resent_v and_o aggravate_v this_o their_o unkindness_n find_v a_o extenuation_n for_o it_o when_o they_o themselves_o can_v not_o the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a say_v he_o but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o know_v your_o heart_n and_o be_o satisfy_v of_o your_o affection_n and_o therefore_o accept_v your_o will_n and_o compassionate_a your_o weakness_n so_o benign_a so_o gracious_a be_v the_o friendship_n of_o christ_n so_o answerable_a to_o our_o want_n so_o suitable_a to_o our_o frailty_n happy_a that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o friend_n to_o point_v out_o to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o duty_n and_o yet_o to_o pardon_v he_o in_o the_o lapse_n of_o his_o infirmity_n 3._o the_o three_o privilege_n of_o friendship_n be_v a_o sympathy_n in_o joy_n and_o grief_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v diffuse_v his_o life_n his_o self_n and_o his_o whole_a concernment_n so_o far_o that_o he_o can_v weep_v his_o sorrow_n with_o another_o eye_n when_o he_o have_v another_o heart_n beside_o his_o own_o both_o to_o share_v and_o to_o support_v his_o grief_n and_o when_o if_o his_o joy_n overflow_v he_o can_v treasure_n up_o the_o overplus_n and_o redundancy_n of_o they_o in_o another_o breast_n so_o that_o he_o can_v as_o it_o be_v shake_v off_o the_o solitude_n of_o a_o single_a nature_n by_o dwell_v in_o two_o body_n at_o once_o and_o live_v by_o another_o breath_n this_o sure_o be_v the_o height_n the_o very_a spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o humane_a felicity_n it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o happy_a observation_n of_o that_o great_a philosopher_n the_o lord_n verulam_n that_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o communication_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o other_o that_o sorrow_n by_o be_v communicate_v grow_v less_o and_o joy_n great_a and_o indeed_o sorrow_n like_o a_o stream_n lose_v itself_o in_o many_o channel_n and_o joy_n like_o a_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n reflect_v with_o a_o great_a ardour_n and_o quickness_n when_o it_o rebound_v upon_o a_o man_n from_o the_o breast_n of_o his_o friend_n now_o friendship_n be_v the_o only_a scene_n upon_o which_o the_o glorious_a truth_n of_o this_o great_a proposition_n can_v be_v full_o act_v and_o draw_v forth_o which_o indeed_o be_v a_o summary_n description_n of_o the_o sweet_n of_o friendship_n and_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o friend_n in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o diffuse_v comment_n upon_o and_o a_o plain_a explication_n of_o this_o divine_a aphorism_n friendship_n never_o restrain_v a_o pleasure_n to_o a_o single_a fruition_n but_o such_o be_v the_o royal_a nature_n of_o this_o quality_n that_o it_o still_o express_v itself_o in_o the_o style_n of_o king_n as_o we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o and_o this_o be_v our_o happiness_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n belong_v to_o we_o when_o the_o immediate_a possession_n of_o it_o be_v vest_v only_o in_o one_o nothing_o certain_o in_o nature_n can_v so_o peculiar_o gratify_v the_o noble_a disposition_n of_o humanity_n as_o for_o one_o man_n to_o see_v another_o so_o much_o himself_o as_o to_o sigh_v his_o grief_n and_o groan_v his_o pain_n to_o sing_v his_o joy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v and_o feel_v every_o thing_n by_o sympathy_n and_o secret_a inexpressible_a communication_n thus_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o humane_a account_n let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o christ_n sustain_v and_o make_v good_a this_o generous_a quality_n of_o a_o friend_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v full_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o heb._n 4._o 15._o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o that_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v isa._n 63._o 9_o and_o no_o doubt_n with_o the_o same_o bowel_n and_o melt_n of_o affection_n with_o which_o any_o tender_a mother_n hear_v and_o bemoan_v the_o groan_n of_o her_o sick_a child_n do_v christ_n hear_v and_o sympathize_v with_o the_o spiritual_a agony_n of_o a_o soul_n under_o desertion_n or_o the_o pressure_n of_o some_o sting_a affliction_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o understand_v the_o exact_a measure_n of_o our_o strength_n and_o weakness_n that_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n as_o it_o be_v in_o psalm_n 03._o 14._o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o know_v but_o emphatical_o that_o he_o remember_v also_o that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n observe_v that_o signal_n passage_n of_o his_o love_a commiseration_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o meet_v mary_n magdalen_n in_o mark_n 16._o 7._o he_o send_v this_o message_n of_o his_o resurrection_n by_o she_o go_v tell_v my_o disciple_n and_o peter_n that_o i_o be_o rise_v what_o be_v not_o peter_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n why_o then_o be_v he_o mention_v particular_o and_o by_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v exempt_v out_o of_o their_o number_n why_o we_o know_v into_o what_o a_o plunge_n he_o have_v new_o cast_v himself_o by_o deny_v his_o master_n upon_o occasion_n of_o which_o he_o be_v now_o struggle_v with_o all_o the_o perplexity_n and_o horror_n of_o mind_n imaginable_a lest_o christ_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n deny_v and_o
a_o manner_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n either_o command_n or_o allow_v of_o as_o for_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o best_a enquiry_n that_o i_o can_v make_v into_o these_o matter_n i_o can_v find_v none_o and_o if_o some_o say_v as_o i_o know_v they_o both_o impudent_o and_o blasphemous_o do_v that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n immediate_o inspire_v they_o and_o by_o such_o inspiration_n speak_v within_o they_o and_o so_o dictate_v their_o prayer_n to_o they_o let_v they_o either_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n or_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o but_o till_o then_o he_o who_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n these_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v notable_a for_o will_v find_v that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a cause_n to_o father_n their_o prayer_n as_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a and_o i_o do_v particular_o recommend_v they_o to_o your_o observation_n one_o that_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v begin_v and_o first_o bring_v into_o use_n here_o in_o england_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n by_o a_o popish_a priest_n and_o dominican_n friar_n one_o faithful_a commin_n by_o name_n who_o counterfeit_v himself_o a_o protestant_n and_o a_o zealot_n of_o the_o high_a form_n set_v up_o this_o new_a spiritual_a way_n of_o pray_v with_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n first_o to_o a_o contempt_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o disuse_n of_o our_o common-prayer_n which_o he_o still_o revile_v as_o only_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o mass_n thereby_o to_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o divide_v our_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v with_o such_o success_n that_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o hellish_a negotiation_n when_o this_o malicious_a hypocrite_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o give_v the_o pope_n a_o account_n of_o he_o receive_v of_o he_o as_o so_o notable_a a_o service_n well_o deserve_v beside_o a_o thousand_o thanks_o two_o thousand_o ducat_n for_o his_o pain_n so_o that_o now_o you_o see_v here_o the_o original_a of_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v observe_v to_o you_o be_v that_o in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n of_o scotland_n one_o of_o the_o great_a rediviv_n monster_n of_o man_n that_o i_o believe_v ever_o live_v and_o actual_o in_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o the_o most_o excellent_a at_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o any_o man_n in_o his_o time_n none_o be_v able_a to_o come_v near_o he_o or_o to_o compare_v with_o he_o but_o sure_o now_o he_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o ascribe_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o wretch_n make_v up_o of_o adultery_n incest_n witchcraft_n and_o other_o villainy_n not_o to_o be_v name_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v as_o well_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v both_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ought_v not_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o it_o let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o a_o set-form_n or_o this_o extemporary-way_n be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n and_o stinter_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o a_o limit_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o work_n and_o consequent_o can_v supply_v two_o distinct_a faculty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o operation_n 2_o lie_n that_o the_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o the_o invention_n and_o that_o the_o find_v devotion_n and_o affection_n to_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o those_o expression_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o lie_n that_o this_o devotion_n and_o affection_n be_v indispensable_o require_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o do_v most_o proper_o consist_v now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o this_o must_v natural_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o spiritual_a prayer_n or_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n consist_v proper_o in_o that_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o the_o heart_n exercise_n and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o prayer_n so_o whatsoever_o give_v the_o soul_n scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v and_o employ_v this_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o effectual_o help_v and_o enlarge_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whatsoever_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o employ_v such_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o direct_o stint_v and_o hinder_v it_o according_o let_v this_o now_o be_v our_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o set-form_n and_o of_o the_o extempore-way_n in_o the_o present_a business_n as_o for_o a_o set-form_n in_o which_o the_o word_n be_v ready_a prepare_v to_o our_o hand_n the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o devotion_n to_o go_v along_o with_o those_o word_n so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o apply_v the_o heart_n to_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o extempore-prayer_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v off_o from_o deal_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o speaker_n and_o in_o the_o hearer_n both_o in_o he_o who_o make_v and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o first_o for_o the_o minister_n who_o make_v and_o utter_v such_o extempore-prayer_n he_o be_v whole_o employ_v his_o invention_n both_o to_o conceive_v matter_n and_o to_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o work_n which_o take_v up_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o exercise_n and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v with_o the_o same_o vigour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o invention_n and_o that_o of_o raise_v the_o affection_n also_o nor_o measure_v out_o the_o same_o supply_n of_o spirit_n and_o intention_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o head_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heart_n too_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o while_o the_o head_n be_v so_o much_o employ_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v idle_a and_o very_o little_o employ_v and_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o if_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n nay_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o while_o he_o be_v so_o do_v he_o be_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o he_o be_v study_v he_o be_v beat_v his_o brain_n while_o he_o shall_v be_v draw_v out_o his_o affection_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o such_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o not_o know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o minister_n will_v say_v must_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v hear_v he_o present_o busy_a and_o bestir_v their_o mind_n both_o to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o withal_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o so_o that_o the_o people_n also_o be_v by_o this_o course_n put_v to_o study_v and_o to_o employ_v their_o apprehend_n and_o judge_a faculty_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v exert_v their_o affection_n and_o devotion_n and_o consequent_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v stint_v as_o well_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o minister_n who_o first_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n after_o their_o extempore-way_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o indeed_o self-evident_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v need_v any_o further_a argument_n to_o demonstrate_v or_o make_v it_o out_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o
that_o since_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n leave_v the_o soul_n whole_o free_a to_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o devotion_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v most_o proper_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n help_v promote_v and_o enlarge_v and_o since_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o extempore-way_n withdraw_v and_o take_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o engage_v it_o chief_o if_o not_o whole_o about_o the_o use_n of_o its_o invention_n it_o as_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n unavoidable_o cramp_v and_o hinder_v and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n stint_v which_o be_v the_o proposition_n that_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o be_v extreme_o hinder_v and_o stint_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o equal_o further_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o extempore-way_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o former_a be_v so_o much_o decry_v and_o the_o latter_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o man_n who_o we_o be_v now_o plead_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v pride_n and_o ostentation_n the_o other_o faction_n and_o sedition_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o pride_n i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o such_o as_o use_v the_o extempore-way_n be_v to_o amuse_v the_o unthinking_a rabble_n with_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o gift_n their_o whole_a devotion_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o only_o a_o love_n to_o hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v put_v lucifer_n himself_o hard_o to_o it_o to_o outvie_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o of_o those_o fellow_n pour_v out_o his_o extempore-stuff_n among_o his_o ignorant_a whine_a factious_a follower_n listen_v to_o and_o applaud_v his_o copious_a flow_n and_o cant_n with_o the_o ridiculous_a accent_n of_o their_o impertinent_a groan_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v extempore-prayer_n even_o when_o best_o and_o most_o dextrous_o perform_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o business_n of_o invention_n and_o wit_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o require_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o a_o teem_a imagination_n a_o bold_a front_n and_o a_o ready_a expression_n and_o deserve_v much_o the_o same_o commendation_n be_v it_o not_o in_o a_o matter_n too_o serious_a to_o be_v sudden_a upon_o which_o be_v due_a to_o extempore_o verse_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v necessary_a to_o these_o latter_a a_o competent_a measure_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n whereas_o the_o former_a may_v be_v do_v with_o very_o little_a wit_n and_o no_o learning_n at_o all_o and_o now_o can_v any_o sober_a person_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o pert_a empty_a conceit_a holderforth_a who_o chief_a if_o not_o sole_a intent_n be_v to_o vaunt_v his_o spiritual_a clack_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o pray_v prize_n whereas_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o qualification_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o low_a esteem_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o himself_o certain_o the_o extemporize_a faculty_n be_v never_o more_o out_o of_o its_o element_n than_o in_o the_o pulpit_n though_o even_o here_o it_o be_v much_o more_o excusable_a in_o a_o sermon_n than_o in_o a_o prayer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o a_o man_n addresses_z himself_z but_o to_o man_n man_n like_o himself_o who_o he_o may_v therefore_o make_v bold_a with_o as_o no_o doubt_n for_o so_o do_v they_o will_v also_o make_v bold_a with_o he_o beside_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n attend_v all_o such_o sudden_a conception_n that_o as_o they_o be_v quick_o bear_v so_o they_o quick_o die_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v so_o very_o fluent_a a_o invention_n but_o the_o hearer_n also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o as_o fluent_a a_o memory_n 2_o lie_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o little_o befriend_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o very_a much_o by_o the_o extempore-way_n be_v faction_n and_o sedition_n it_o have_v be_v always_o find_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o gird_v at_o the_o government_n in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o we_o all_o know_v the_o common_a dialect_n in_o which_o the_o great_a master_n of_o this_o art_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o which_o may_v just_o pass_v for_o only_o a_o cleanly_a and_o more_o refine_a kind_n of_o libel_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n will_v turn_v his_o heart_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a yet_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n with_o many_o other_o sly_a virulent_a and_o malicious_a insinuation_n which_o we_o may_v every_o day_n hear_v of_o from_o those_o mint_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n their_o conventicle_n and_o for_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o some_o prince_n and_o government_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o eat_v their_o word_n but_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v they_o too_o in_o fine_a let_v all_o their_o extempore_o harangue_n be_v consider_v and_o due_o weigh_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n faction_n and_o sedition_n predominant_a in_o they_o all_o the_o only_a spirit_n which_o those_o impostor_n do_v real_o and_o indeed_o pray_v by_o i_o have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o the_o earnest_a against_o this_o intoxicate_a bewitch_a cheat_n of_o extempore-prayer_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o devil_n masterpiece_n and_o prime_a engine_n to_o overthrow_v our_o church_n by_o for_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o unanswerable_a truth_n that_o whatsoever_o render_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n contemptible_a among_o we_o must_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n weaken_v and_o discredit_v our_o whole_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n altogether_o as_o clear_v that_o this_o extempore-way_n natural_o bring_v all_o the_o contempt_n upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o both_o the_o folly_n and_o faction_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o expose_v it_o to_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n neither_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o true_a purpose_n of_o religion_n nor_o ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n nor_o last_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o every_o sober_a and_o well-ordered_a church_n or_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o throw_v the_o church_n itself_o out_o of_o door_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_n prayer_n which_o be_v premeditation_n of_o thought_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n let_v not_o thy_o mouth_n be_v rash_a nor_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n which_o excellent_a word_n and_o most_o wise_a advice_n of_o solomon_n whosoever_o can_v reconcile_v to_o the_o expediency_n decency_n or_o usefulness_n of_o extempore-prayer_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o a_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o part_n of_o mind_n than_o solomon_n himself_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o a_o reverential_n and_o due_o qualify_v prayer_n be_v a_o pertinent_a brevity_n of_o expression_n mention_v and_o recommend_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o but_o this_o i_o can_v dispatch_v now_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n against_o long_n and_o extempore-prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o text._n eccles_n v._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o i_o former_o begin_v a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n and_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o whosoever_o appear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n aught_o to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n place_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o lie_n
direct_a design_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o enjoin_v this_o also_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v ability_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o the_o necessity_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n whereas_o for_o long_o prolix_a prayer_n no_o such_o precept_n can_v be_v produce_v and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a omniscience_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o multiplicity_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o conclude_v nothing_o simple_o or_o absolute_o against_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o allege_v bare_a command_n unseconded_a by_o reason_n which_o yet_o in_o the_o divine_a command_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v there_o be_v this_o great_a reason_n for_o and_o use_v of_o word_n in_o prayer_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o inform_v the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o and_o that_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v those_o want_n before_o god_n that_o we_o supplicate_v for_o a_o relief_n of_o it_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o rational_a to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v a_o thing_n even_o to_o he_o who_o know_v it_o before_o for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offer_v to_o communicate_v or_o make_v know_v to_o he_o the_o thing_n so_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o rather_o presupposes_a in_o he_o a_o antecedent_n knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o come_v in_o only_a as_o a_o subsequent_a assent_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o reality_n and_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n for_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n signify_v a_o design_n of_o notifying_n that_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o man_n pass_a sentence_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v relieve_v and_o supply_v those_o want_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o own_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o more_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o confess_v and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a sense_n do_v or_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n be_v inform_v or_o bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o sin_n by_o any_o such_o confession_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a for_o the_o first_o argument_n produce_v by_o we_o for_o brevity_n and_o against_o prolixity_n of_o prayer_n namely_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v for_o prolixity_n of_o speech_n in_o our_o converse_n with_o man_n cease_z and_o become_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o at_o all_o when_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v or_o pray_v to_o god_n 2_o lie_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o paucity_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o paucity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v pray_v for_o and_o sure_o where_o few_o thing_n be_v necessary_a few_o word_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o word_n all_o speak_v be_v but_o tautology_n that_o be_v true_o and_o real_o tautology_n where_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v repeat_v though_o under_o never_o so_o much_o variety_n of_o expression_n as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o man_n still_o though_o he_o appear_v every_o day_n or_o every_o hour_n in_o a_o new_a and_o different_a suit_n of_o clothes_n the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n i_o show_v at_o first_o comprehend_v in_o it_o thing_n of_o necessity_n and_o thing_n of_o charity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o know_v nothing_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 8._o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n let_v we_o be_v therewith_o content_a nature_n be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a and_o grace_n with_o less_o and_o now_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n lie_v within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n why_o shall_v the_o dress_n and_o outside_n of_o they_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o so_o wide_a and_o disproportion_v a_o largeness_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o our_o word_n will_v be_v force_v to_o hang_v loose_a and_o light_n without_o any_o matter_n to_o support_v they_o much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o transubstantiation_n where_o accident_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o lurch_n by_o their_o proper_a subject_n that_o give_v they_o the_o slip_n and_o so_o leave_v those_o poor_a slender_a being_n to_o uphold_v and_o shift_v for_o themselves_o in_o brevity_n of_o speech_n a_o man_n do_v not_o so_o much_o speak_v word_n as_o thing_n thing_n in_o their_o precise_a and_o naked_a truth_n and_o strip_v of_o their_o rhetorical_a mask_n and_o their_o fallacious_a gloss_n and_o therefore_o in_o athens_n they_o circumscribe_v the_o plead_n of_o their_o orator_n by_o a_o strict_a law_n cut_v off_o prologue_n and_o epilogue_n and_o command_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a representation_n of_o the_o case_n by_o a_o impartial_a and_o succinct_a declaration_n of_o mere_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o to_o speak_v thing_n fit_a for_o a_o judge_n to_o hear_v because_o it_o argue_v the_o pleader_n also_o a_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v and_o now_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v both_o decency_n and_o devotion_n too_o when_o we_o come_v to_o plead_v for_o our_o poor_a soul_n before_o the_o great_a tribunal_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o say_v of_o solomon_n a_o word_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o if_o so_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o many_o word_n to_o he_o who_o be_v wisdom_n itself_o for_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o god_n delight_v to_o hear_v he_o make_v speech_n and_o to_o show_v his_o part_n as_o the_o word_n be_v or_o to_o jumble_v a_o multitude_n of_o misapply_v scripture-sentence_n together_o interlard_v with_o a_o frequent_a nauseous_a repetition_n of_o ah_o lord_n which_o some_o call_v exercise_v their_o gift_n but_o with_o a_o great_a exercise_n of_o their_o hearer_n patience_n nay_o do_v not_o he_o present_v his_o maker_n not_o only_o with_o a_o more_o decent_a but_o also_o a_o more_o free_a and_o liberal_a oblation_n who_o tender_v he_o much_o in_o a_o little_a and_o bring_v he_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o soul_n wrap_v up_o in_o three_o or_o four_o word_n than_o he_o who_o with_o full_a mouth_n and_o loud_a lung_n send_v up_o whole_a volley_n of_o articulate_v breath_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o neither_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n or_o man_n ought_v multitude_n of_o word_n to_o pass_v for_o any_o more_o in_o the_o present_a case_n no_o doubt_n god_n account_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o former_a as_o infinite_o a_o more_o valuable_a offer_n than_o the_o latter_a as_o that_o subject_a pay_v his_o prince_n a_o much_o noble_a and_o more_o acceptable_a tribute_n who_o tender_v he_o a_o purse_n of_o gold_n than_o he_o who_o bring_v he_o a_o whole_a cartload_n of_o farthing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v weight_n without_o worth_n and_o number_n without_o account_n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o brevity_n or_o contractedness_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pray_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o attention_n in_o a_o long_a prayer_n that_o he_o may_v in_o a_o short_a for_o as_o i_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o vigour_n attend_v two_o several_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o earnestness_n exert_v itself_o upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o object_n for_o any_o long_a time_n great_a intention_n of_o mind_n spend_v the_o spirit_n too_o fast_o to_o continue_v its_o first_o freshness_n and_o agility_n long_o for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o retainer_n to_o the_o element_n and_o a_o sojourner_n in_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v content_a to_o submit_v its_o own_o quickness_n and_o spirituality_n to_o the_o dullness_n of_o its_o vehicle_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o pace_n of_o its_o inferior_a companion_n just_o like_o a_o man_n shut_v up_o in_o a_o coach_n who_o while_o he_o be_v so_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o go_v no_o fast_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o coach_n will_v carry_v he_o he_o who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o subtle_a refine_a part_n of_o matter_n call_v spirit_n must_v not_o think_v to_o persevere_v at_o the_o same_o pitch_n of_o
act_v while_o those_o principle_n of_o activity_n flag_n no_o man_n begin_v and_o end_v a_o long_a journey_n with_o the_o same_o pace_n but_o now_o when_o prayer_n have_v lose_v its_o due_a fervour_n and_o attention_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o a_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v loathsome_a and_o offensive_a to_o god_n nay_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v enliven_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o a_o actual_a attention_n yet_o if_o that_o attention_n fail_v to_o enliven_v any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a be_v but_o a_o join_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a together_o for_o which_o conjunction_n the_o dead_a be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o better_a but_o the_o live_n very_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o be_v not_o length_n nor_o copiousness_n of_o language_n that_o be_v devotion_n any_o more_o than_o bulk_n and_o bigness_n be_v valour_n or_o flesh_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o short_a sentence_n may_v be_v oftentimes_o a_o large_a and_o a_o mighty_a prayer_n devotion_n so_o manage_v be_v like_o water_n in_o a_o well_o where_o you_o have_v fullness_n in_o a_o little_a compass_n which_o sure_o be_v much_o noble_a than_o the_o same_o carry_v out_o into_o many_o petit_fw-la creep_a rivulet_n with_o length_n and_o shallowness_n together_o let_v he_o who_o pray_v bestow_v all_o that_o strength_n fervour_n and_o attention_n upon_o shortness_n and_o significance_n that_o will_v otherwise_o run_v out_o and_o lose_v itself_o in_o length_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o speech_n to_o no_o purpose_n let_v not_o his_o tongue_n outstrip_v his_o heart_n nor_o presume_v to_o carry_v a_o message_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n while_o that_o stay_v behind_o let_v he_o not_o think_v to_o support_v so_o hard_o and_o weighty_a a_o duty_n with_o a_o tire_a languish_a and_o be-jaded_n devotion_n to_o avoid_v which_o let_v a_o man_n contract_v his_o expression_n where_o he_o can_v enlarge_v his_o affection_n still_o remember_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a in_o itself_o nor_o more_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n than_o for_o one_o engage_v in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o prayer_n to_o hold_v on_o speak_v after_o he_o have_v leave_v off_o pray_v and_o to_o keep_v the_o lip_n at_o work_n when_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v no_o more_o 4_o lie_n the_o four_o argument_n for_o shortness_n or_o conciseness_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o lively_a way_n of_o express_v the_o utmost_a agony_n and_o outcry_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n upon_o a_o quick_a pungent_a sense_n either_o of_o a_o press_a necessity_n or_o a_o approach_a calamity_n which_o we_o know_v be_v general_o the_o chief_a occasion_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o bring_v man_n upon_o their_o knee_n in_o a_o vigorous_a application_n of_o themselves_o to_o this_o great_a duty_n a_o person_n ready_a to_o sink_v under_o his_o want_n have_v neither_o time_n nor_o heart_n to_o rhetoricate_v or_o make_v flourish_v no_o man_n begin_v a_o long_a grace_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v such_o a_o one_o prayer_n be_v like_o the_o relief_n he_o needs_o quick_a and_o sudden_a short_a and_o immediate_a he_o be_v like_o a_o man_n in_o torture_n upon_o the_o rack_n who_o pain_n be_v too_o acute_a to_o let_v his_o word_n be_v many_o and_o who_o desire_v of_o deliverance_n too_o impatient_a to_o delay_v the_o thing_n he_o beg_v for_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o beg_n it_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_v if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v let_v he_o go_v to_o sea_n and_o that_o will_v teach_v he_o and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n man_n be_v teach_v in_o that_o school_n even_o in_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v and_o the_o sea_n rage_v and_o the_o ship_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v cast_v away_o in_o the_o 8_o the_o of_o matthew_n in_o which_o case_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o fall_v present_o to_o harangue_n it_o about_o sea_n and_o wind_n and_o that_o dismal_a face_n of_o thing_n that_o must_v needs_o appear_v all_o over_o the_o devour_a element_n at_o such_o a_o time_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a might_n no_o doubt_n have_v be_v very_o plentiful_a topic_n of_o eloquence_n to_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v have_v look_v upon_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o shoar_n or_o discourse_v of_o wreck_n and_o tempest_n safe_a and_o warm_a in_o his_o parlour_n but_o these_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v now_o enter_v as_o they_o think_v into_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n and_o struggle_v with_o the_o last_o effort_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o depart_a life_n and_o consequent_o can_v neither_o speak_v nor_o think_v any_o thing_n low_a or_o ordinary_a in_o such_o a_o condition_n present_o rally_v up_o and_o discharge_v the_o whole_a concern_v of_o their_o despond_v soul_n in_o that_o short_a prayer_n of_o but_o three_o word_n though_o much_o full_a and_o more_o forcible_a than_o one_o of_o three_o thousand_o in_o the_o 25_o verse_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n save_v we_o lord_n or_o we_o perish_v death_n make_v short_a work_n when_o it_o come_v and_o will_v teach_v he_o who_o will_v prevent_v it_o to_o make_v short_a for_o sure_o no_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o just_o a_o perish_v can_v be_v at_o leisure_n to_o be_v eloquent_a or_o judge_v it_o either_o sense_n or_o devotion_n to_o begin_v a_o long_a prayer_n when_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o shall_v conclude_v his_o life_n before_o it_o 5_o lie_n the_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v produce_v for_o brevity_n of_o speech_n or_o fewness_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o example_n which_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v remarkable_a for_o brevity_n and_o of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v note_v for_o prolixity_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o brevity_n to_o omit_v all_o those_o notable_a example_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n afford_v we_o of_o it_o and_o to_o confine_v ourselves_o only_o to_o the_o new_a in_o which_o we_o be_v undoubted_o most_v concern_v be_v not_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o sanctify_v and_o set_v above_o all_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o except_v against_o it_o by_o that_o infinite_o exact_a form_n of_o prayer_n prescribe_v by_o the_o great_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v even_o christ_n himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o instance_n both_o of_o the_o true_a devotion_n and_o the_o full_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a reason_n that_o ever_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o withal_o the_o short_a and_o most_o succinct_a model_n that_o ever_o grasp_v all_o the_o need_v and_o occasion_n of_o mankind_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a into_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n doubtless_o have_v our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o amplify_v or_o be_v prolix_a he_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n can_v not_o want_v matter_n nor_o he_o who_o be_v himself_o the_o word_n want_v variety_n of_o the_o fit_a to_o have_v express_v his_o mind_n by_o but_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o contract_v the_o whole_a concern_v of_o both_o world_n into_o a_o few_o line_n and_o to_o unite_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o his_o prayer_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o person_n and_o indeed_o one_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o copy_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o other_o so_o then_o we_o see_v here_o brevity_n in_o the_o rule_n or_o pattern_n let_v we_o see_v it_o next_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o after_o that_o in_o the_o success_n of_o prayer_n and_o first_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pattern_n of_o it_o in_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o signal_n passage_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n even_o his_o preparation_n for_o his_o approach_a death_n in_o which_o dolorous_a scene_n when_o his_o whole_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o sorrow_n that_o great_a move_a spring_n of_o invention_n and_o elocution_n and_o when_o nature_n be_v put_v to_o its_o last_o and_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o so_o have_v no_o refuge_n or_o relief_n but_o in_o prayer_n yet_o even_o then_o all_o this_o horror_n agony_n and_o distress_n of_o spirit_n deliver_v itself_o but_o in_o two_o very_a short_a sentence_n in_o matth._n 26._o 39_o o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o
inward_o rejoice_v and_o after_o a_o godly_a sort_n no_o doubt_n to_o see_v another_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o mischief_n and_o disaster_n which_o they_o know_v it_o will_v assure_o bring_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o wish_v ill_a to_o they_o rejoice_v not_o in_o it_o as_o in_o a_o delightful_a object_n but_o as_o in_o a_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o neighbour_n ruin_n so_o grateful_a nay_o so_o delicious_a be_v even_o the_o horride_v villainy_n commit_v by_o other_o to_o the_o pharisaical_a piety_n of_o some_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n can_v be_v whole_o unconcern_v for_o the_o reproach_n bring_v thereby_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o same_o their_o sanctify_a spleen_n be_v gratify_v in_o their_o brother_n infamy_n and_o destruction_n this_o therefore_o we_o may_v reckon_v upon_o that_o scarce_o any_o man_n pass_v to_o a_o like_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o but_o by_o first_o practise_v it_o himself_o and_o consequent_o may_v take_v it_o for_o a_o shrewd_a indication_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v with_o too_o much_o art_n and_o caution_n to_o suffer_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n to_o charge_v some_o sin_n direct_o upon_o their_o conversation_n for_o though_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n have_v live_v never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o reserve_v as_o to_o their_o personal_a behaviour_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a delight_n in_o and_o fondness_n for_o person_n note_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o there_o be_v a_o communication_n in_o the_o sin_n before_o there_o be_v so_o in_o affection_n the_o man_n have_v by_o this_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o copy_n of_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o original_a yet_o by_o a_o true_a copy_n we_o may_v know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o 2_o lie_n a_o second_o cause_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v not_o only_o a_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o also_o a_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o the_o full_a light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o this_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n where_o the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o wretched_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o a_o search_a law_n direct_o forbid_v such_o practice_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o divine_a stamp_n that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o know_v also_o that_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a of_o all_o penalty_n death_n and_o this_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v be_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v open_v both_o a_o man_n eye_n and_o his_o heart_n too_o his_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v the_o intolerable_a mischief_n that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n set_v before_o he_o must_v infallible_o plunge_v he_o into_o nevertheless_o the_o person_n here_o mention_v be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v and_o to_o commit_v the_o sin_n even_o while_o conscience_n stand_v protest_v against_o it_o they_o be_v such_o as_o break_v through_o all_o mound_n of_o law_n such_o as_o laugh_v at_o the_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n which_o divine_a justice_n brandish_v in_o their_o face_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o flame_a sword_n not_o only_o before_o paradise_n but_o before_o hell_n itself_o also_o to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o the_o other_o and_o conscience_n be_v the_o angel_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o sword_n be_v put_v but_o if_o now_o the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o only_o wrestle_v with_o this_o angel_n but_o throw_v he_o too_o and_o win_v so_o complete_a a_o victory_n over_o his_o conscience_n that_o all_o these_o consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o strike_v no_o terror_n into_o his_o mind_n lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o his_o lust_n no_o controll_n upon_o his_o appetite_n he_o be_v certain_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o heart_n lie_v open_a like_o a_o broad_a and_o high_a road_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n free_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o sin_n against_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o such_o strange_a paradox_n that_o a_o man_n must_v balk_v all_o common_a principle_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a way_n and_o motive_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o natural_o move_v a_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o good_a from_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o that_o which_o natural_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o some_o mischief_n likely_a to_o ensue_v from_o that_o thing_n or_o action_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v in_o but_o now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n while_o his_o conscience_n the_o best_a light_n that_o he_o have_v to_o judge_v by_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v infinite_o unsupportable_o miserable_a if_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v certain_o unnatural_a and_o one_o will_v imagine_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o one_o may_v judge_v while_o a_o man_n act_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o direct_a infidelity_n and_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v thus_o threaten_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o though_o he_o may_v yield_v a_o general_n faint_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n as_o they_o stand_v record_v in_o scripture_n yet_o for_o a_o through_o practical_a belief_n that_o those_o general_a proposition_n shall_v be_v particular_o make_v good_a upon_o his_o person_n no_o doubt_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v sin_v against_o conscience_n such_o a_o belief_n have_v no_o place_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o ready_a and_o dispose_v this_o must_v needs_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o even_o the_o most_o horrid_a unnatural_a proposal_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v suggest_v for_o conscience_n be_v once_o extinct_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n withdraw_v which_o never_o stay_v with_o a_o man_n when_o conscience_n have_v once_o leave_v he_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o first_o matter_n to_o all_o form_n have_v a_o universal_a propensity_n to_o all_o lewdness_n for_o every_o violation_n of_o conscience_n proportionable_o wear_v off_o something_o of_o its_o native_a tenderness_n which_o tenderness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n that_o it_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o follow_v that_o when_o by_o degree_n it_o come_v to_o have_v wear_v off_o all_o this_o tenderness_n the_o sinner_n will_v find_v no_o trouble_n of_o mind_n upon_o his_o do_v the_o very_o wicked_a and_o worst_a of_o action_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o effectual_a introduction_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o i_o allege_v sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o vile_a temper_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o special_a productive_a efficiency_n of_o this_o particular_a sort_n of_o sin_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a cause_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o great_a vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o a_o man_n must_v have_v first_o pass_v this_o notable_a stage_n and_o get_v his_o conscience_n thorough_o debauch_v and_o harden_v before_o he_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o sin_n which_o i_o account_v the_o delight_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o be_v 3_o lie_n a_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o villainous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n beside_o a_o man_n personal_a commission_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o his_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o conscience_n must_v be_v also_o his_o continuance_n in_o they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o every_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n though_o great_a for_o its_o kind_a and_o withal_o act_v against_o conscience_n for_o its_o aggravation_n shall_v so_o far_o deprave_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o condition_n
be_v manner_n the_o very_a rule_n of_o worldly_a civility_n may_v instruct_v man_n how_o to_o order_v their_o address_n to_o god_n for_o who_o that_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o his_o prince_n or_o patron_n will_v not_o view_v and_o review_v himself_o over_o and_o over_o with_o all_o imaginable_a care_n and_o solicitude_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_o offensive_a in_o his_o habit_n language_n or_o behaviour_n but_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v vouchsafe_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o table_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o absurd_a and_o shameful_a to_o appear_v foul_a and_o sordid_a there_o and_o in_o the_o dress_n of_o the_o kitchen_n receive_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o parlour_n what_o previous_a cleansing_n and_o consecration_n and_o what_o peculiar_a vestment_n be_v the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n enjoin_v to_o use_v when_o they_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o all_o this_o upon_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o death_n this_o and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o do_v lest_o they_o die_v lest_o god_n shall_v strike_v they_o dead_a upon_o the_o spot_n as_o we_o read_v in_o levit._n 8._o 35._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o exact_a be_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o solemn_a time_n of_o god_n worship_n that_o every_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o six_o day_n from_o the_o hour_n of_o six_o in_o the_o evening_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o but_o they_o have_v also_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d begin_v about_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a day_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n but_o preparative_a to_o the_o next_o several_a work_n be_v disallow_v and_o forbear_v among_o they_o on_o that_o day_n which_o be_v not_o so_o upon_o any_o of_o the_o forego_n five_o so_o careful_a even_o to_o scrupulosity_n be_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o sabbath_n with_o due_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n that_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o time_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o but_o a_o further_a time_n also_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o their_o very_a preparation_n nay_o and_o the_o heathen_n many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o when_o they_o be_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o great_a and_o most_o revered_a deity_n use_v on_o the_o evening_n before_o to_o have_v a_o certain_a preparative_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n call_v by_o they_o coena_fw-la pura_fw-la that_o be_v a_o supper_n consist_v of_o some_o peculiar_a meat_n in_o which_o they_o imagine_v a_o kind_n of_o holiness_n and_o by_o eat_v of_o which_o they_o think_v themselves_o sanctify_v and_o fit_v to_o officiate_v about_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o ensue_a festival_n and_o what_o be_v all_o their_o lustration_n but_o so_o many_o solemn_a purifying_n to_o render_v both_o themselves_o and_o their_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o their_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o a_o concurrence_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o this_o practice_n before_o christianity_n ever_o appear_v which_o to_o i_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n that_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o lesson_n which_o the_o mere_a light_n and_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n teach_v all_o the_o know_v and_o intelligent_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n say_v david_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n psal._n 26._o 6._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o hebrew_n heb._n 13._o 10._o we_o also_o we_o christian_n have_v a_o altar_n as_o well_o as_o they_o a_o altar_n as_o sacred_a a_o altar_n to_o be_v approach_v with_o as_o much_o awe_n and_o reverence_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o fire_n upon_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a one_o that_o follow_v it_o a_o fire_n that_o do_v not_o indeed_o consume_v the_o offer_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o seize_v and_o prey_n upon_o the_o unworthy_a offerer_n i_o will_v be_v sanctify_v say_v god_n in_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o i_o levit._fw-la 10._o 3._o and_o god_n then_o account_v himself_o sanctify_v in_o such_o person_n when_o they_o sanctify_v themselves_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n be_v a_o dreadful_a exposition_n of_o this_o text._n and_o for_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o he_o that_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v what_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v what_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o approve_v one_o self_n to_o a_o all-searching_a eye_n in_o so_o sublime_a a_o duty_n as_o the_o sacrament_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o it_o without_o a_o soul_n as_o without_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a man_n live_v by_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n insensible_o draw_v something_o of_o soil_n and_o taint_v from_o it_o the_o very_a air_n and_o mien_n the_o way_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n still_o as_o it_o be_v rub_v something_o upon_o the_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v fetch_v off_o again_o before_o it_o can_v be_v able_a hearty_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n many_o secret_a indisposition_n coldness_n and_o aversion_n to_o duty_n will_v undiscernible_o steal_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o will_v require_v both_o time_n and_o close_a application_n of_o mind_n to_o recover_v it_o to_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o shall_v dispose_v and_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o spirituality_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o as_o have_v make_v trial_n find_v it_o neither_o so_o easy_a nor_o so_o ready_a a_o passage_n from_o the_o noise_n the_o din_n and_o hurry_v of_o business_n to_o the_o retirement_n of_o devotion_n from_o the_o exchange_n to_o the_o closet_n and_o from_o the_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n to_o the_o recollection_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o jew_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v from_o market_n or_o any_o other_o such_o promiscuous_a resort_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o use_v accurate_a and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wash_n and_o have_v their_o wash_n soak_v through_o the_o body_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v not_o their_o inside_n reproach_v their_o outside_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o this_o custom_n but_o what_o be_v allowable_a enough_o and_o in_o a_o people_n which_o need_v wash_v so_o much_o very_o commendable_a nevertheless_o whatsoever_o it_o may_v have_v in_o it_o peculiar_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o that_o nation_n the_o spiritual_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a may_v very_o well_o reach_v the_o best_a of_o we_o so_o that_o if_o the_o jew_n think_v this_o practice_n requisite_a before_o they_o sit_v down_o to_o their_o own_o table_n let_v we_o christian_n think_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n table_n not_o to_o eat_v till_o we_o have_v wash_v and_o when_o i_o have_v say_v so_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o our_o wash_v be_v to_o be_v like_o our_o eat_v both_o of_o they_o spiritual_a that_o we_o be_v to_o carry_v it_o from_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o improve_v a_o ceremonial_a nicety_n into_o a_o substantial_a duty_n and_o the_o modes_n of_o civility_n into_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o a_o preparation_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a but_o then_o 2_o lie_n the_o other_o thing_n import_v in_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o every_o preparation_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o must_v be_v a_o suitable_a preparation_n none_o but_o a_o wedding-garment_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n a_o garment_n as_o much_o fit_v to_o the_o solemnity_n as_o to_o the_o body_n itself_o that_o wear_v it_o now_o all_o fitness_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a commensuration_n or_o proportion_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o not_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o and_o for_o this_o cause_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n no_o less_o than_o the_o body_n must_v have_v its_o several_a distinct_a posture_n and_o disposition_n fit_v it_o for_o several_a distinct_a office_n and_o performance_n and_o as_o no_o man_n come_v with_o fold_a arm_n to_o fight_v or_o wrestle_v nor_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o battle_n as_o he_o will_v compose_v himself_o to_o sleep_n so_o upon_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v find_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a for_o a_o man_n to_o discharge_v the_o most_o extraordinary_a duty_n of_o his_o religion_n at_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o ordinary_a devotion_n for_o this_o be_v real_o a_o
paradox_n in_o practice_n and_o man_n may_v sometime_o do_v as_o well_o as_o speak_v contradiction_n there_o be_v a_o great_a festival_n now_o draw_v on_o a_o festival_n design_v chief_o for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o joyful_a piety_n but_o general_o make_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o bravery_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o at_o present_a but_o this_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o man_n something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a at_o such_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o their_o easter_n devotion_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n come_v up_o to_o their_o easter_n dress_n now_o that_o our_o preparation_n may_v answer_v the_o important_a work_n and_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o these_o two_o condition_n or_o qualification_n be_v require_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v habitual_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v also_o actual_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o may_v both_o be_v act_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o pre-existing_a habit_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n habit_n which_o lie_v for_o a_o time_n dormant_a and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o exert_n themselves_o in_o action_n but_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o must_v be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o and_o one_o without_o the_o other_o can_v never_o be_v effectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o both_o together_o be_v but_o sufficient_a and_o first_o for_o habitual_a preparation_n this_o consist_v in_o a_o stand_n permanent_a habit_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v chief_o by_o god_n spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v call_v both_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a man_n the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o the_o like_a and_o by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v so_o universal_o change_v and_o transform_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o have_v a_o new_a judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o thing_n new_a desire_n new_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o this_o be_v first_o produce_v in_o he_o by_o that_o mighty_a spiritual_a change_n which_o we_o call_v conversion_n which_o be_v so_o rare_o and_o seldom_o find_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n even_o where_o it_o be_v most_o pretend_a to_o be_v but_o too_o full_a and_o sad_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o terrible_a say_v that_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o consequent_o but_o few_o save_v for_o who_o almost_o be_v there_o of_o who_o we_o can_v with_o any_o rational_a assurance_n or_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o likelihood_n affirm_v here_o be_v a_o man_n who_o nature_n be_v renew_v who_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o the_o stream_n of_o who_o appetite_n be_v so_o turn_v that_o he_o do_v with_o as_o high_a and_o quick_a a_o relish_n taste_v the_o way_n of_o duty_n holiness_n and_o strict_a live_n as_o other_o or_o as_o he_o himself_o before_o this_o grasp_v at_o the_o most_o enamour_v proposal_n of_o sin_n who_o almost_o i_o say_v be_v there_o who_o can_v reach_v and_o verify_v the_o height_n of_o this_o character_n and_o yet_o without_o which_o the_o scripture_n absolute_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3._o 3._o for_o let_v preacher_n say_v and_o suggest_v what_o they_o will_v man_n will_v do_v as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v and_o custom_n general_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o conscience_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o its_o conviction_n possible_o sometime_o in_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n the_o conscience_n may_v be_v alarm_v the_o affection_n warm_v good_a desire_n begin_v to_o kindle_v and_o to_o form_v themselves_o into_o some_o degree_n of_o resolution_n but_o the_o heart_n remain_v all_o the_o time_n unchanged_a as_o soon_o as_o man_n slide_v into_o the_o common_a course_n and_o converse_v of_o the_o world_n all_o those_o resolution_n and_o conviction_n quick_o cool_a and_o languish_v and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n be_v dismiss_v as_o troublesome_a companion_n but_o assure_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n at_o so_o easy_a a_o rate_n sin_n be_v never_o dispossess_v nor_o holiness_n introduce_v by_o such_o feeble_a vanish_v impression_n nothing_o under_o a_o total_a through_o change_n will_v suffice_v neither_o tear_n nor_o trouble_v of_o mind_n neither_o good_a desire_n nor_o intention_n nor_o yet_o the_o relinquishment_n of_o some_o sin_n nor_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o good_a work_n will_v avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n a_o word_n that_o comprehend_v more_o in_o it_o than_o word_n can_v well_o express_v and_o perhaps_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o never_o thorough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o a_o man_n hear_v from_o other_o but_o by_o what_o he_o must_v feel_v within_o himself_o and_o now_o that_o this_o be_v require_v as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o our_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o first_o design_v to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o rather_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o confirm_a ordinance_n it_o be_v proper_o our_o spiritual_a food_n and_o as_o all_o food_n presupposes_a a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o he_o who_o receive_v it_o which_o life_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o support_v so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v original_o intend_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o baptism_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o through_o conversion_n after_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o intent_n of_o this_o sacrament_n man_n shall_v not_o expect_v life_n but_o growth_n from_o it_o and_o see_v that_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v feed_v before_o they_o seek_v out_o for_o provision_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v for_o any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o have_v not_o in_o he_o that_o new_a live_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v of_o to_o come_v to_o this_o spiritual_a repast_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n as_o absurd_a and_o preposterous_a as_o if_o he_o who_o make_v a_o feast_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o grave_n and_o the_o churchyard_n for_o guest_n or_o entertain_v and_o treat_v a_o corpse_n at_o a_o banquet_n let_v man_n therefore_o consider_v before_o they_o come_v hither_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o name_n they_o receive_v in_o baptism_n to_o prove_v their_o christianity_n by_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o as_o by_o their_o baptism_n they_o former_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a gild_n so_o they_o have_v not_o since_o by_o their_o actual_a sin_n wash_v away_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o upon_o their_o leg_n again_o by_o form_v in_o they_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o exert_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o the_o sure_a infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n such_o a_o one_o a_o enable_v they_o to_o reject_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o the_o allure_a offer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v conquer_v or_o enslave_v by_o they_o and_o to_o choose_v the_o hard_a and_o rugged_a path_n of_o duty_n rather_o than_o the_o easy_a and_o voluptuous_a way_n of_o sin_n which_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o do_v and_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a survey_n of_o themselves_o man_n find_v that_o no_o such_o change_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o either_o let_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v christian_n upon_o easy_a term_n or_o have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o intrude_v upon_o so_o great_a and_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n in_o which_o god_n be_v so_o seldom_o mock_v but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o mocker_n confusion_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o habitual_a preparation_n but_o 2_o lie_n over_o and_o above_o this_o there_o be_v require_v also_o a_o actual_a preparation_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o furbish_a or_o rub_v up_o of_o the_o former_a habitual_a principle_n we_o have_v both_o of_o they_o excellent_o describe_v in_o matth._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n of_o which_o the_o five_o wise_a be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o midnight_n and_o weariness_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o their_o lamp_n cast_v but_o a_o dim_a and_o a_o feeble_a light_n
and_o much_o less_o satisfy_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n but_o now_o for_o the_o better_a management_n of_o this_o examination_n of_o our_o past-live_n we_o must_v thorough_o canvas_v they_o with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n as_o for_o instance_n let_v a_o man_n inquire_v what_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o what_o breach_n he_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o two_o great_a stand_a rule_n of_o duty_n the_o decalogue_n and_o our_o saviour_n divine_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n let_v he_o inquire_v also_o what_o particular_a aggravation_n lie_v upon_o his_o sin_n as_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v commit_v against_o strong_a reluctancy_n and_o light_n of_o conscience_n after_o many_o win_a call_n of_o mercy_n to_o reclaim_v and_o many_o terrible_a warning_n of_o judgement_n to_o affright_v he_o whether_o resolution_n vow_n and_o protestation_n have_v not_o be_v make_v against_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v repeat_v frequent_o and_o persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o last_o whether_o the_o same_o appetite_n to_o sin_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o active_a and_o unmortified_a after_o sacrament_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o how_o important_a these_o consideration_n and_o head_n of_o enquiry_n be_v all_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n will_v easy_o perceive_v for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o very_a same_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o stamp_v with_o any_o one_o of_o these_o aggravation_n be_v in_o effect_n not_o the_o same_o and_o he_o who_o have_v sin_v the_o same_o great_a sin_n after_o several_a time_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v he_o under_o ten_o time_n great_a repentance_n and_o contrition_n for_o it_o than_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o to_o that_o duty_n former_o whether_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o rise_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n or_o no_o be_v uncertain_a but_o most_o certain_a that_o both_o his_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o his_o danger_n great_a than_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o the_o first_o second_o when_o a_o man_n have_v by_o such_o a_o close_a and_o rigorous_a examination_n of_o himself_o find_v out_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o discover_v his_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n must_v be_v to_o work_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o utmost_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o it_o for_o self-examination_n have_v first_o present_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n these_o natural_o transmit_v and_o hand_n it_o over_o to_o the_o passion_n and_o this_o introduce_v the_o next_o ingredient_n of_o our_o sacramental_a preparation_n to_o wit_n repentance_n which_o arduous_a work_n i_o will_v suppose_v not_o now_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o be_v renew_v and_o that_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o sin_n not_o repent_v of_o before_o and_o yet_o more_o especial_o to_o those_o new_a score_n which_o we_o still_o have_v run_v ourselves_o upon_o since_o the_o last_o precede_a sacrament_n which_o method_n faithful_o and_o constant_o observe_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o admirable_a and_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o break_v or_o run_v behindhand_o in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n which_o without_o frequent_a accounting_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o such_o high_a consequence_n i_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n warn_v man_n of_o one_o very_o common_a and_o yet_o very_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o take_z of_o mere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o repentance_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o good_a introduction_n to_o it_o but_o the_o porch_n though_o never_o so_o fair_a and_o spacious_a be_v not_o the_o house_n itself_o nothing_o pass_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n for_o repentance_n but_o change_v of_o life_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a be_v the_o two_o great_a integral_a part_n that_o complete_a this_o duty_n for_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a be_v much_o better_a than_o the_o sharp_a sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v it_o and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v better_a and_o more_o valuable_a than_o both_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v out_o sin_n in_o his_o action_n let_v he_o resolute_o arrest_v it_o there_o but_o let_v he_o also_o pursue_v it_o home_o to_o his_o inclination_n and_o dislodge_v it_o thence_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v all_o to_o little_a purpose_n for_o the_o root_n be_v still_o leave_v behind_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o in_o time_n it_o will_v shoot_v out_o again_o man_n befool_v themselves_o infinite_o when_o by_o vent_v a_o few_o sigh_n or_o groan_n put_v the_o finger_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o whimper_v out_o a_o few_o melancholy_a word_n and_o last_o conclude_v all_o with_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v never_o do_v so_o and_o i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o do_v so_o more_o they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v repent_v though_o perhaps_o in_o this_o very_a thing_n their_o heart_n all_o the_o while_n deceive_v they_o and_o they_o neither_o real_o wish_v the_o one_o nor_o resolve_v the_o other_o but_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o no_o all_o true_a penitential_a sorrow_n will_v and_o must_v proceed_v much_o further_o it_o must_v force_v and_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o very_a inmost_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v shake_v all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n produce_v in_o the_o heart_n strong_a and_o last_a aversion_n to_o evil_a and_o equal_a disposition_n to_o good_a which_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v great_a thing_n but_o if_o the_o sorrow_n which_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o carry_v we_o not_o so_o far_o let_v it_o express_v itself_o never_o so_o loud_o and_o passionate_o and_o discharge_v itself_o in_o never_o so_o many_o shour_n of_o tear_n and_o volley_n of_o sigh_n yet_o by_o all_o this_o it_o will_v no_o more_o purge_v a_o man_n heart_n than_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o hand_n can_v cleanse_v the_o rottenness_n of_o his_o bone_n but_o 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not_o sincere_o pray_v against_o it_o whatsoever_o he_o may_v imagine_v beside_o since_o the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o a_o ardent_a vehement_a desire_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o it_o strange_o symbolize_v with_o the_o thing_n it_o mighty_o desire_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v a_o devout_a humble_a sin-abhorring_a self-denying_a frame_n of_o spirit_n he_o can_v take_v a_o more_o efficacious_a course_n to_o attain_v it_o than_o by_o pray_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o so_o close_a a_o connexion_n have_v this_o duty_n with_o the_o sacrament_n that_o whatsoever_o we_o receive_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v proper_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o we_o may_v with_o great_a
of_o intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n who_o in_o most_o thing_n copy_v from_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o rail_v at_o one_o another_o do_v usual_o boast_v of_o but_o certain_o if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n may_v and_o often_o do_v suggest_v wicked_a and_o vile_a thought_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o all_o do_v and_o must_v grant_v and_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n john_n 13._o 2._o and_o his_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5._o 3._o it_o can_v after_o this_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o power_n and_o influence_n to_o good_a be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o evil_a do_v frequent_o inject_v into_o and_o imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n many_o bless_a motion_n and_o impulse_n to_o duty_n and_o many_o powerful_a avocation_n from_o sin_n so_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o he_o but_o also_o a_o voice_n within_o he_o tell_v he_o which_o way_n he_o ought_v to_o go_v for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o those_o expression_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a than_o mere_a trope_n and_o metaphor_n and_o nothing_o less_o be_v or_o can_v be_v import_v by_o they_o than_o that_o god_n sometime_o speak_v to_o and_o converse_v with_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o happy_a those_o who_o by_o thus_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o a_o still_a voice_n shall_v prevent_v his_o speak_n to_o they_o in_o thunder_n but_o you_o will_v here_o ask_v perhaps_o how_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v in_o such_o motion_n which_o of_o they_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o from_o the_o conscience_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o know_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o discrimination_n to_o distinguish_v they_o by_o save_v only_o in_o general_n that_o such_o as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n use_v to_o strike_v the_o mind_n sudden_o and_o very_o powerful_o but_o then_o i_o add_v also_o that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o in_o point_n of_o speculation_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o difficult_a so_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o let_v a_o man_n universal_o observe_v and_o obey_v every_o good_a motion_n rise_v in_o his_o heart_n know_v that_o every_o such_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o whether_o god_n speak_v immediate_o by_o himself_o to_o the_o conscience_n or_o mediate_o by_o the_o conscience_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o either_o be_v rebellion_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o drive_v at_o under_o this_o head_n of_o discourse_n be_v to_o show_v that_o as_o god_n be_v sometime_o please_v to_o address_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o if_o the_o heart_n will_v receive_v and_o answer_v such_o motion_n by_o a_o ready_a and_o obsequious_a compliance_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v both_o return_v more_o frequent_o and_o still_o more_o and_o more_o powerful_o till_o at_o length_n they_o produce_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o light_n in_o the_o conscience_n as_o shall_v give_v a_o man_n both_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o his_o condition_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o all_o resistance_n whatsoever_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n even_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a efficiency_n bring_v a_o kind_n of_o hardness_n and_o stupefaction_n upon_o it_o so_o the_o resistance_n of_o these_o peculiar_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v cause_v in_o it_o also_o a_o judicial_a hardness_n which_o be_v yet_o worse_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v shall_v depart_v and_o these_o bless_a motion_n shall_v cease_v and_o affect_v and_o visit_v it_o no_o more_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v very_o terrible_a as_o render_v a_o man_n past_o feeling_n and_o then_o the_o less_o he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o feel_v in_o the_o next_o but_o 3._o because_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n defective_a and_o dimn_v and_o the_o internal_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n not_o always_o distinguishable_a above_o all_o let_v a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n utter_v in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o say_v his_o reveal_v word_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o mysterious_a extraordinary_a and_o of_o late_a so_o much_o study_v book_n call_v the_o revelation_n and_o which_o perhaps_o the_o more_o it_o be_v study_v the_o less_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o general_o either_o find_v a_o man_n crack_v or_o make_v he_o so_o but_o i_o mean_v those_o other_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o plain_a sure_a perfect_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n a_o rule_n that_o will_v neither_o fail_v nor_o distract_v such_o as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o two_o former_a rule_n by_o for_o nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o the_o voice_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o god_n contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o high_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o the_o write_a word_n by_o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o both_o testament_n it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a say_v david_n in_o psalm_n 119._o 130._o and_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n to_o do_v it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_n sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o now_o what_o a_o force_n and_o fullness_n what_o a_o vigour_n and_o emphasis_n be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v the_o scripture_n even_o to_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o if_o as_o the_o text_n say_v they_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a i_o know_v none_o more_o concern_v to_o read_v and_o study_v they_o than_o their_o pope_n wherefore_o since_o the_o light_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v so_o mighty_a let_v a_o man_n bring_v and_o hold_v his_o conscience_n to_o this_o steady_a rule_n the_o unalterable_a rectitude_n of_o which_o will_v infallible_o discover_v the_o rectitude_n or_o obliquity_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o rule_n both_o to_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o in_o what_o we_o have_v do_v for_o though_o natural_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v listen_v to_o yet_o it_o be_v revelation_n alone_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o work_v of_o art_n a_o judicious_a artist_n will_v indeed_o use_v his_o eye_n but_o he_o will_v trust_v only_o to_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o action_n whatsoever_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v but_o the_o scripture_n will_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v commit_v such_o rule_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o stock_n his_o mind_n with_o portion_n of_o scripture_n answerable_a to_o all_o the_o head_n of_o duty_n and_o practice_n his_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n either_o for_o a_o direction_n of_o his_o action_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v the_o very_a course_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v when_o the_o devil_n ply_v he_o with_o temptation_n upon_o temptation_n still_o he_o have_v a_o suitable_a scripture_n ready_a to_o repel_v and_o baffle_v they_o all_o one_o after_o another_o every_o pertinent_a text_n urge_v home_o be_v a_o direct_a stab_n to_o a_o temptation_n let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v and_o recount_v with_o himself_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o christian._n such_o as_o temperance_n meekness_n charity_n purity_n of_o heart_n pardon_v of_o enemy_n patience_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v passive_a obedience_n too_o but_o that_o such_o old_a fashion_a christianity_n seem_v as_o