error_n and_o mistake_v superstition_n dulness_n insincerity_n formality_n coldness_n that_o god_n will_v help_v his_o invention_n attention_n judgement_n memory_n both_o in_o thing_n and_o word_n proper_a for_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v more_o particular_o know_v god_n attribute_n his_o own_o sin_n god_n mercy_n his_o own_o want_n etc._n etc._n when_o we_o pray_v for_o these_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o prayer_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o best_a of_o they_o first_o and_o most_o for_o example_n more_o for_o the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n as_o also_o for_o sincerity_n fervency_n and_o prudent_a seasonableness_n of_o what_o we_o conceive_v in_o our_o prayer_n than_o for_o multitude_n or_o variety_n celerity_n or_o volubility_n more_o also_o for_o sense_n and_o affection_n than_o for_o the_o sign_n of_o they_o speech_n and_o gesture_n or_o more_o for_o good_a understanding_n and_o affection_n than_o for_o utterance_n and_o eloquence_n to_o have_v the_o aforesaid_a habitual_a qualification_n for_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v in_o some_o mens_fw-la and_o in_o scripture-phrase_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o therefore_o we_o see_v he_o have_v the_o best_a part_n who_o have_v the_o best_a qualification_n and_o he_o the_o most_o who_o have_v the_o most_o he_o who_o pray_v true_a just_a and_o important_a solid_o useful_a thing_n with_o sincerity_n just_a and_o due_a fervency_n frequency_n and_o seasonableness_n though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o short_a have_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n than_o he_o that_o have_v in_o his_o prayer_n great_a variety_n indeed_o of_o matter_n and_o word_n but_o it_o be_v what_o be_v false_a or_o uncertain_a unjust_a small_a trivial_a or_o with_o insincerity_n vainglory_n formality_n or_o he_o who_o heat_n and_o fervency_n be_v only_o bodily_a passion_n raise_v up_o by_o motion_n and_o agitation_n of_o his_o body_n lung_n organ_n of_o speech_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o excellent_a useful_a thing_n because_o see_v and_o perceive_v so_o nor_o feel_v by_o any_o natural_a anticipatory_a sense_n in_o innocent_a soul_n nor_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o which_o one_o certain_a sign_n be_v when_o thing_n be_v untrue_a unjust_a and_o trivial_a these_o i_o say_v be_v sign_n that_o the_o heat_n the_o very_a corporeal_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n come_v not_o from_o understand_v natural_a impression_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o from_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o be_v usual_o the_o natural_a or_o affect_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n i_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o in_o other_o nay_o in_o some_o of_o they_o the_o most_o of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n of_o our_o desire_n our_o sincerity_n and_o proportionable_a fervency_n of_o spirit_n we_o can_v make_v a_o more_o acceptable_a prayer_n to_o god_n than_o for_o such_o qualification_n as_o these_o the_o other_o of_o variety_n particularity_n of_o thing_n but_o especial_o of_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v much_o less_o useful_a and_o considerable_a and_o this_o especial_o if_o we_o be_v private_a person_n and_o the_o less_o it_o be_v our_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o other_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v we_o be_v principal_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n almighty_a will_n by_o his_o immediate_a influence_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v well_o if_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o good_a book_n to_o consider_v examine_v meditate_v reflect_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o he_o may_v though_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o or_o how_o much_o suggest_v to_o and_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n and_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o excite_v holy_a affection_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v just_a before_o we_o be_v go_v to_o pray_v or_o in_o prayer_n when_o we_o have_v be_v careless_a but_o yet_o by_o either_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n or_o by_o our_o own_o strain_n excitation_n or_o endeavour_n our_o invention_n and_o memory_n be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o expect_v nor_o indeed_o seem_v it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n which_o way_n god_n help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v whether_o mediate_o by_o mean_n or_o immediate_o so_o it_o be_v do_v sect_n xxi_o 5._o i_o add_v that_o our_o prayer_n for_o we_o may_v pray_v sincere_o for_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o for_o constancy_n of_o sincerity_n itself_o for_o all_o these_o due_a qualification_n may_v be_v successful_a let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v sincere_a heart_a desirous_a and_o ready_a to_o use_v all_o that_o god_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o serve_v he_o by_o do_v good_a and_o especial_o in_o this_o case_n if_o god_n shall_v bestow_v upon_o we_o this_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o that_o we_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o ourselves_o above_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o think_v ourselves_o to_o have_v more_o than_o we_o have_v nor_o to_o neglect_v and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n as_o if_o we_o have_v what_o we_o have_v from_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o vainglorious_a contemptuous_a of_o other_o please_v ourselves_o absolute_o in_o our_o own_o superiority_n to_o they_o but_o that_o we_o mortify_v and_o extinguish_v all_o such_o vile_a appetite_n affection_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o degenerate_a and_o sinful_a nature_n and_o that_o we_o humble_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o what_o we_o have_v and_o be_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o due_a estimation_n of_o it_o that_o we_o remember_v very_o well_o like_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o it_o that_o we_o and_o all_o we_o have_v be_v give_v we_o not_o for_o ourselves_o only_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o to_o please_v god_n by_o do_v good_a with_o they_o these_o be_v the_o likely_a capacity_n to_o receive_v these_o thing_n of_o god_n these_o render_v we_o the_o most_o fit_a subject_n for_o god_n suggestion_n instruction_n illumination_n excitation_n of_o holy_a affection_n for_o all_o divine_a thing_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o other_o favour_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psalm_n 25._o verse_n 9_o sect_n xxii_o 6._o in_o one_o word_n when_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o thy_o petition_n and_o propound_v they_o to_o god_n refer_v they_o all_o most_o free_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n let_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o have_v desire_v but_o if_o it_o seem_v not_o fit_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n thou_o retract_a it_o and_o desire_v it_o not_o thou_o obstinate_o desire_v nothing_o by_o this_o mean_n thou_o will_v be_v sure_a that_o all_o thy_o petition_n will_v be_v just_a for_o in_o sum_n thou_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o god_n think_v fit_a and_o sure_o all_o that_o be_v just_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sage_a say_n in_o pir._n avoth_o of_o r._n simeon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v not_o thy_o prayer_n fix_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a harm_n do_v to_o the_o rabbi_n and_o agreeable_a enough_o to_o what_o there_o follow_v if_o we_o interpret_v it_o that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v such_o as_o to_o fix_v and_o prescribe_v certain_a law_n to_o god_n but_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o leave_n all_o to_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a will._n sect_n xxiii_o 7._o which_o indeed_o shall_v have_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o most_o general_a be_v not_o content_a and_o satisfy_v with_o any_o prayer_n some_o there_o be_v in_o which_o be_v many_o thing_n false_a some_o in_o which_o be_v many_o petition_n and_o desire_n from_o god_n very_o just_a and_o yet_o with_o a_o strange_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n as_o if_o man_n will_v prescribe_v to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o always_o know_v certain_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o he_o therefore_o will_v do_v in_o thing_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o man_n can_v have_v much_o certainty_n without_o divine_a revelation_n nay_o sometime_o in_o thing_n where_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o desire_v seem_v most_o likely_a to_o other_o beside_o themselves_o to_o be_v just_a and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o grant_v as_o when_o one_o party_n pray_v for_o success_n in_o he_o or_o his_o party_n cause_n for_o victory_n or_o superiority_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v defend_v and_o propagate_v his_o truth_n mean_v some_o certain_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o which_o may_v be_v false_a and_o hurtful_a all_o which_o general_o come_v from_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n mortal_n be_v very_o apt_a
by_o thy_o tempor_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n if_o thou_o can_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a thyself_o here_o and_o hereafter_o if_o thou_o pray_v with_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n according_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n thou_o pray_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o as_o if_o thou_o have_v invent_v all_o thyself_o and_o possible_o a_o hundred_o time_n better_o than_o many_o conceit_a person_n but_o ignorant_a and_o vainglorious_a do_v who_o prayer_n of_o their_o own_o compose_v may_v be_v stuff_v with_o untrue_a unjust_a and_o trifle_a thing_n and_o either_o they_o be_v cold_a and_o formal_a in_o they_o or_o else_o much_o hypocritical_a or_o superstitious_a that_o be_v either_o they_o have_v the_o sign_n of_o great_a affection_n to_o thing_n when_o they_o have_v not_o those_o affection_n real_o in_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o a_o judgement_n and_o sense_n that_o thing_n do_v deserve_v they_o as_o out_o of_o vainglory_n or_o their_o great_a affection_n be_v to_o trifle_a thing_n man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o attempt_v to_o run_v and_o fly_v too_o before_o they_o can_v go_v to_o attempt_v great_a thing_n before_o they_o can_v do_v less_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v thing_n before_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o quality_n which_o if_o they_o want_v they_o have_v better_a not_o do_v they_o at_o all_o or_o may_v have_v do_v they_o much_o better_a another_o way_n than_o that_o which_o they_o use_v this_o be_v the_o first_o step_n and_o may_v be_v use_v for_o some_o time_n only_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o sufficient_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v carelessness_n and_o sluggishness_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o advance_v further_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o all_o beginner_n to_o learn_v do_v they_o first_o read_v good_a author_n more_o or_o less_o who_o treat_v concern_v the_o matter_n they_o will_v learn_v the_o second_o step_n may_v be_v for_o person_n to_o take_v part_n of_o several_a prayer_n and_o to_o attempt_v to_o put_v they_o together_o and_o compose_v they_o and_o then_o commit_v they_o to_o memory_n to_o take_v such_o thing_n out_o of_o they_o which_o they_o best_o understand_v and_o apprehend_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o which_o they_o think_v most_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o for_o their_o temper_n employment_n or_o call_v which_o they_o may_v be_v most_o affect_v withal_o thus_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o what_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o always_o with_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a mind_n ready_a to_o be_v more_o inform_v a_o three_o step_v may_v be_v to_o add_v and_o interpose_v something_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o observation_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a occasion_n as_o for_o example_n if_o thou_o shall_v find_v any_o sin_n or_o lust_n more_o troublesome_a to_o thou_o and_o be_v more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v overcome_v thereby_o if_o thou_o shall_v fear_v any_o particular_a approach_a evil_a or_o be_v under_o it_o either_o thou_o or_o thy_o family_n if_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v overcome_v any_o temptation_n or_o to_o have_v receive_v any_o especial_a favour_n if_o thou_o shall_v find_v thyself_o upon_o some_o special_a occasion_n very_o sensible_a of_o some_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o his_o goodness_n his_o power_n his_o omniscience_n his_o justice_n etc._n etc._n thou_o need_v not_o stay_v till_o thou_o find_v the_o thing_n or_o the_o expression_n in_o thy_o book_n in_o order_n hereto_o therefore_o use_v thyself_o before_o thy_o prayer_n to_o reflect_v and_o consider_v this_o which_o i_o now_o say_v principal_o concern_v secret_a prayer_n where_o it_o may_v be_v do_v more_o free_o though_o it_o be_v imperfect_o and_o break_o either_o conceive_v or_o express_v four_o and_o last_o proceed_v to_o imitation_n of_o other_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v that_o be_v to_o consider_v invent_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o matter_n or_o sense_n of_o thy_o prayer_n thyself_o what_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o important_a great_a just_a true_a useful_a for_o thou_o and_o to_o affect_v thyself_o according_o and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v they_o well_o and_o so_o to_o compose_v and_o make_v entire_a one_o of_o thy_o own_o which_o may_v be_v often_o vary_v by_o insist_v now_o upon_o one_o now_o upon_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o some_o advice_n i_o have_v heretofore_o give_v that_o be_v what_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a best_a apprehend_v most_o affect_v i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n ability_n and_o employment_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v do_v more_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o imitate_v and_o exceed_v the_o best_a pattern_n i_o wish_v to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v more_o spiritual_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o their_o will_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o i_o wish_v they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o what_o time_n and_o ability_n they_o have_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o use_v i_o wish_v they_o have_v more_o of_o those_o quality_n which_o may_v fiâ—_n they_o for_o the_o best_a performance_n thereof_o the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v as_o of_o all_o other_o charity_n and_o humility_n final_o will_v god_n that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v put_v hâ—s_a spirit_n upon_o they_o sect_n xx._n 4._o pray_v we_o to_o god_n sometime_o that_o he_o will_v help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o of_o all_o those_o due_a qualification_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v to_o pray_v well_o this_o prayer_n itself_o suppose_v some_o already_o for_o that_o once_o or_o â—o_o often_o as_o we_o make_v it_o which_o may_v be_v often_o ejaculatory_a whatever_o kind_n of_o prayer_n we_o think_v best_a and_o we_o desire_v to_o use_v there_o may_v be_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o forenamed_a qualification_n which_o may_v be_v pray_v for_o as_o if_o one_o shall_v pray_v a_o prayer_n compose_v by_o another_o he_o may_v praâ—_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n in_o that_o his_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o vainglory_n formality_n coldness_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o all_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n as_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v and_o keep_v he_o good_a and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v enable_v and_o dispose_v both_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o and_o by_o the_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v receive_v upon_o his_o ask_n to_o serve_v god_n by_o do_v good_a that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o have_v word_n in_o his_o tongue_n and_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n or_o any_o other_o posture_n signify_v devotion_n but_o that_o he_o may_v also_o well_o understand_v and_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o say_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o have_v proportionable_a degree_n of_o affection_n and_o motion_n of_o soul_n of_o honour_n love_n reverence_n faith_n joy_n desire_v resignation_n and_o submission_n towards_o coâ—_n of_o grief_n for_o and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n of_o thankfulness_n for_o benefit_n receive_v of_o ardent_a desire_n for_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n especial_o and_o hearty_a one_o for_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o frequency_n that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v excite_v and_o dispose_v his_o mind_n to_o pray_v in_o secret_n and_o private_a as_o often_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v so_o backward_o and_o averse_a therefrom_o so_o dull_a and_o inept_v thereto_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o more_o opportunity_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v he_o shall_v want_v they_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v pray_v for_o though_o he_o always_o pray_v a_o form_n and_o he_o can_v not_o pray_v that_o what_o he_o pray_v may_v be_v just_a true_a important_a seasonable_a etc._n etc._n because_o all_o this_o be_v do_v already_o and_o the_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o the_o other_o step_v of_o prayer_n if_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o ascend_v to_o they_o such_o as_o compose_v out_o of_o more_o prayer_n or_o out_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n and_o invention_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o the_o other_o qualification_n also_o as_o that_o god_n will_v excite_v he_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n foremention_v of_o read_v meditate_v hear_v or_o otherwise_o to_o pray_v what_o be_v true_a just_a important_a with_o sincerity_n fervency_n prudent_a seasonableness_n and_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v to_o pray_v with_o other_o most_o apt_o and_o convenient_o that_o god_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o
all_o religion_n contain_v be_v concern_v that_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v call_v god_n viz._n his_o nature_n infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n his_o action_n creation_n preservation_n and_o providence_n and_o then_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o which_o be_v in_o one_o word_n to_o worship_n he_o that_o be_v to_o contemplate_v honour_n love_n rejoice_v trust_v in_o desire_v from_o imitate_v obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o signify_v this_o by_o convenient_a sign_n among_o these_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n one_o viz._n to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o be_v a_o part_n or_o instance_n of_o virtue_n or_o universal_a goodness_n the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n or_o mean_n thereof_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o be_v explain_v and_o describe_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v not_o only_o to_o desire_v and_o petition_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n but_o contain_v all_o his_o worship_n nay_o it_o necessary_o infer_v all_o our_o duty_n universal_o our_o solemn_a profession_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o imitation_n of_o god_n god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o be_v like_o himself_o which_o be_v one_o ingredient_n in_o a_o prayer_n necessary_o import_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n whatsoever_o for_o god_n be_v or_o have_v command_v one_o way_n or_o other_o by_o natural_a light_n or_o revelation_n all_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v the_o nature_n and_o uses_n of_o this_o ordinary_a duty_n be_v so_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o add_v any_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a as_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o approve_v by_o all_o who_o be_v gâ—â—dedly_o good_a understanding_n and_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o the_o unjust_a contempt_n of_o some_o who_o may_v neglect_v or_o despâ—se_v it_o these_o be_v first_o the_o ignorant_a and_o vulgar_a who_o soul_n be_v sensual_a and_o dull_a that_o they_o be_v very_o inâ—pt_v to_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o much_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o employment_n these_o be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v better_o instruct_v and_o render_v more_o capable_a of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o the_o affair_n of_o humane_a liâ—e_z be_v so_o order_v that_o the_o mean_a may_v hâ—ve_v more_o lâ—isure_n and_o opportunity_n for_o religious_a dutâ—s_n of_o read_v pray_v hear_v and_o have_v more_o vacancy_n from_o bodily_a labour_n and_o motion_n and_o hardship_n which_o require_v and_o make_v a_o tough_a and_o strong_a but_o gross_a and_o dull_a temper_n of_o body_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o insatiable_a covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o fringe_n and_o state_n which_o perpetual_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o war_n and_o consequent_o make_v necessary_a hardy_a strong_a body_n and_o dissolute_a manner_n and_o a_o hundred_o little_a subservient_a employment_n such_o good_a reason_n be_v there_o for_o the_o lâ—tany_a petition_n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o concord_n to_o all_o nation_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o private_a person_n there_o will_v be_v much_o few_o necessity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o much_o more_o time_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n the_o moderate_a care_n and_o labour_n of_o man_n spare_v some_o time_n each_o day_n and_o some_o whole_a day_n probable_o will_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o all_o such_o conveniency_n of_o the_o bodily_a life_n as_o may_v render_v it_o the_o least_o impediment_n or_o the_o most_o subservient_fw-fr which_o be_v its_o right_a use_n to_o the_o spiritual_a one_o thâ—_n principal_a part_n of_o which_o be_v the_o conversation_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o god_n the_o imitation_n of_o his_o most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a life_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n in_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o virtue_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n prudence_n and_o beneficence_n wherefore_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o temper_n of_o many_o now_o adays_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a end_n and_o design_n of_o government_n to_o increase_v riches_n and_o people_n and_o trade_n in_o a_o nation_n from_o whence_o they_o take_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n as_o if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o conveniency_n and_o gratify_v all_o the_o appetite_n of_o this_o present_a pitiful_a fleshly_a liâ—e_z to_o eat_v drink_v enjoy_v wife_n child_n and_o relation_n to_o live_v in_o health_n strength_n ease_n to_o be_v safe_a from_o all_o their_o enemy_n or_o to_o extend_v their_o fame_n and_o dominion_n abroad_o whereas_o in_o truth_n the_o whole_a furniture_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n be_v but_o in_o order_n and_o shall_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a one_o that_o we_o may_v live_v it_o with_o less_o interruption_n or_o disturbance_n ourselves_o and_o propagate_v it_o in_o other_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a gratification_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n or_o those_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o this_o fleshly_a life_n especial_o sensual_a one_o be_v the_o most_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o spiritual_a and_o virtuous_a temper_n and_o consequent_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o happy_a condition_n of_o mankind_n nor_o seem_v it_o much_o to_o be_v hope_v to_o see_v the_o world_n in_o better_a posture_n till_o the_o affair_n thereof_o be_v otherwise_o order_v or_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n more_o immediate_o by_o a_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o his_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o frame_v temper_n and_o dispose_v they_o a_o second_o sort_n of_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v somewhat_o mean_o of_o this_o religious_a duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o learned_a who_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o science_n and_o addict_v themselves_o to_o speculation_n these_o ofttimes_o very_a much_o neglect_n practice_n they_o little_a and_o seldom_o mind_n morality_n of_o which_o i_o reckon_v piety_n or_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n to_o be_v without_o compare_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n by_o how_o much_o the_o object_n of_o our_o speculation_n be_v of_o a_o more_o different_a and_o remote_a nature_n from_o god_n as_o be_v all_o corporeal_a thing_n with_o their_o affection_n by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o various_a by_o how_o much_o they_o require_v a_o great_a intention_n of_o spirit_n as_o very_o subtle_a and_o profound_a thing_n in_o the_o mathematics_n and_o metaphysic_n so_o much_o the_o more_o still_o do_v they_o draw_v away_o the_o mind_n from_o religion_n and_o piety_n insomuch_o that_o the_o great_a scholar_n be_v not_o always_o the_o best_a men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o knowledge_n where_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v intellectual_a as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o mutual_a relation_n and_o respect_n of_o thing_n by_o spiritualize_v our_o mind_n do_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o god_n but_o then_o also_o by_o more_o vigorous_o employ_v the_o application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o more_o intense_o please_v they_o it_o perhaps_o more_o effectual_o detain_v and_o withhold_v we_o from_o piety_n than_o our_o converse_n with_o sensible_a and_o external_a object_n nay_o in_o moral_a and_o religious_a knowledge_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o i_o believe_v very_o frequent_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o inordinate_o and_o immoderate_o please_v take_v and_o in_o love_n with_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n of_o the_o object_n thereof_o as_o to_o have_v very_o little_a care_n esteem_v and_o love_n for_o the_o practice_n or_o the_o real_o have_v it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o be_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n they_o be_v altogether_o different_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o perceive_v and_o understand_v and_o that_o very_o distinct_o and_o clear_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o inclination_n appetite_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o or_o have_v they_o real_o in_o himself_o to_o know_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n and_o therefore_o of_o piety_n and_o to_o practice_v they_o the_o one_o be_v a_o quality_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o other_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n they_o have_v two_o different_a faculty_n and_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o their_o subject_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o may_v be_v and_o full_a often_o be_v in_o the_o same_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o other_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o usual_o the_o best_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v from_o a_o man_n be_v own_o experience_n of_o himself_o of_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v obvious_a and_o consequent_o a_o man_n may_v have_v
take_v heed_n that_o nothing_o false_a be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o cause_v himself_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v true_a anâ—_n important_a to_o awake_v and_o inflame_v affection_n thereto_o by_o propose_v or_o urge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o by_o upbraid_v his_o infirmity_n dulness_n ignorance_n mistake_v slavery_n in_o his_o senselesness_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n i_o think_v too_o that_o this_o assistance_n be_v principal_o in_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v right_o direct_v and_o moderate_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a object_n and_o in_o their_o due_a degree_n more_o than_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n also_o principal_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o for_o the_o great_a need_n of_o its_o be_v well_o perform_v just_a at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o the_o necessary_a want_n of_o time_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o person_n if_o innocent_a and_o humble_a and_o therefore_o always_o especial_o to_o the_o innocent_a and_o particular_o the_o humble_a and_o modest_a not_o to_o the_o lazy_a negligent_a weak_a yet_o vain_o conceit_v presumptuous_a and_o proud_a person_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o they_o have_v most_o of_o this_o assistance_n who_o least_o pretend_v to_o it_o who_o lest_o therefore_o wilful_o neglect_v their_o own_o endeavour_n trust_v to_o it_o but_o only_o modest_o think_v it_o may_v be_v sometime_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o do_v attribute_v all_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o can_v perform_v ultimate_o to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o natural_a part_n or_o habitual_a gist_n or_o present_a influence_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o holy_a desire_n all_o good_a counsel_n all_o just_a work_n do_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v any_o good_a to_o other_o by_o they_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o please_v too_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o so_o it_o be_v do_v if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o assistance_n to_o do_v good_a this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n i_o suppose_v but_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a thereof_o and_o willing_o receive_v it_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v afford_v to_o the_o world_n in_o great_a degree_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a inclination_n and_o sense_n of_o soul_n call_v grace_n and_o then_o in_o those_o perfection_n of_o our_o understaning_n which_o be_v call_v gift_n before_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o mankind_n here_o on_o earth_n have_v and_o end_v but_o then_o we_o must_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v the_o badness_n the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o many_o person_n their_o self-conceit_n swell_v with_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n contempt_n of_o other_o because_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n want_v of_o humility_n modesty_n charity_n also_o falsehood_n uncertainty_n unintelligibleness_n to_o other_o person_n wise_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o reciter_n nonsense_n or_o great_a confusion_n trivialness_n and_o uselessness_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o the_o pedantry_n or_o childishness_n of_o the_o person_n sometime_o also_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a sign_n in_o their_o degreeâ—_n non-inspiration_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o madness_n and_o contemptibleness_n of_o such_o pretence_n they_o be_v sign_n even_o of_o want_n of_o ordinary_a consideration_n reason_n judgement_n of_o ignorance_n duâ—ness_n confusion_n error_n and_o yet_o rashness_n anâ—_n confidence_n and_o where_o prayer_n and_o person_n be_v bettâ—â—_n and_o the_o clean_a contrary_n yet_o sure_o full_a easy_o may_v all_o that_o we_o now_o see_v be_v by_o the_o goodness_n the_o natural_a part_n before_o mention_v and_o by_o habitual_a gift_n that_o be_v those_o faculty_n endoweâ—_n with_o some_o perfection_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o god_n special_a influence_n some_o time_n or_o timeâ—_n in_o our_o life_n without_o the_o special_a influence_n â—â—_o the_o spirit_n just_o then_o and_o we_o find_v extempâ—râ—_n performance_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o divine_a office_n as_o in_o oration_n in_o common_a discourse_n especial_o when_o warm_v with_o talk_v and_o passion_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v attribute_v only_o to_o natural_a part_n which_o in_o some_o man_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o last_a of_o great_a variety_n conversant_a about_o more_o than_o ordinary_a thing_n and_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v term_v natural_a enthusiasm_n of_o which_o the_o bodily_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o union_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v be_v subtlety_n solidity_n copiousness_n of_o spirit_n a_o well_o constitute_v brain_n organ_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o nervous_a passage_n of_o the_o brain_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v try_v any_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v even_o a_o prpohet_n and_o do_v even_o work_v miracle_n by_o such_o sign_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o they_o may_v reasonable_o in_o some_o degree_n over-weigh_a the_o great_a appear_v miracle_n themselves_o for_o i_o may_v have_v more_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v do_v by_o oâ—_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v then_o that_o any_o effect_n be_v cause_v by_o god_n immediate_a action_n or_o influence_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n teach_v or_o affirm_v and_o not_o by_o some_o natural_a and_o second_o cause_n and_o we_o see_v according_o the_o jew_n be_v admonish_v by_o moses_n that_o even_o if_o one_o shall_v rise_v up_o who_o shall_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o teach_v that_o jehovaâ—_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o shall_v draw_v they_o to_o other_o god_n and_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o all_o truth_n as_o clear_o manifest_v by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o but_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o v._o 1._o as_o for_o those_o poor_a delude_v or_o hypocritical_a man_n who_o sit_v in_o deep_a silence_n a_o great_a while_n and_o of_o a_o sudden_a break_v out_o with_o abundance_n as_o be_v say_v of_o nonsensical_a stuff_n or_o prophetical_a phrase_n clutter_a together_o and_o then_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n most_o probable_o their_o silence_n be_v at_o first_o affect_v or_o if_o not_o their_o bodily_a temper_n be_v only_o dull_a and_o after_o some_o time_n their_o brain_n be_v agitate_a with_o thought_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o passion_n or_o their_o temper_n be_v fortuitous_o change_v as_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v silent_a and_o talkative_a once_o in_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n or_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o other_o make_v they_o begin_v to_o talk_v too_o and_o to_o show_v the_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v do_v well_o also_o to_o have_v a_o care_n there_o be_v noâ—_n something_o a_o worse_a cause_n when_o man_n so_o proud_o and_o wilful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o miserable_a sottish_a delusion_n these_o few_o thing_n i_o have_v at_o present_a upon_o the_o mention_v these_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n only_o brief_o suggest_v if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n accurate_o and_o particular_o to_o determine_v in_o this_o matter_n a_o form_n premeditate_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v be_v consider_v first_o absolute_o with_o each_o one_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n good_a or_o bad_a effect_n in_o which_o again_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o extension_n as_o to_o subject_n that_o be_v person_n of_o their_o intention_n of_o their_o duration_n or_o their_o frequency_n in_o three_o word_n their_o degree_n of_o greatness_n as_o to_o extension_n and_o intention_n and_o of_o lastingness_n and_o then_o again_o they_o will_v be_v consider_v comparative_o which_o have_v most_o or_o least_o conveniency_n or_o inconvenience_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v some_o of_o both_o and_o whether_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o all_o of_o they_o will_v be_v best_a to_o obtain_v the_o great_a conveniency_n or_o good_a effect_n with_o the_o least_o bad_a one_o a_o method_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o goodness_n absolute_a or_o comparative_a of_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v which_o to_o any_o good_a effect_n man_n must_v be_v impartial_a and_o indifferent_a to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o debate_v it_o be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v admonish_v and_o dispose_v themselves_o by_o
in_o all_o grace_n and_o good_a work_n aâ—_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pray_v so_o â—_o less_o they_o have_v have_v hope_n that_o god_n woâ—_n some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n heâ—_n they_o thus_o only_o for_o example_n st._n paâ—_n thessaly_n 1._o 3._o 12._o the_o lord_n make_v you_o to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o anâ—_n all_o man_n even_o as_o we_o do_v towards_o you_o to_o the_o eâ—_n he_o may_v establish_v your_o heart_n unblamable_a in_o holâ—ness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o comiâ—_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n and_o thessaly_n 2._o 2._o 16._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_n yoâ—_n heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n aâ—_n work_n and_o if_o god_n will_v hear_v their_o aâ—_n consequent_o our_o prayer_n for_o other_o to_o make_v and_o keep_v they_o good_a and_o make_v they_o better_o than_o sure_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o wiâ—_n hear_v we_o for_o ourselves_o nay_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v a_o real_a and_o prevalent_a love_n to_o goodness_n wheâ—_n we_o desire_v it_o for_o ourselves_o but_o the_o desire_v it_o for_o other_o may_v not_o so_o much_o signify_v it_o we_o may_v often_o wish_v other_o to_o be_v good_a as_o bad_a parent_n do_v their_o child_n sometime_o and_o yet_o not_o ourselves_o because_o other_o be_v good_a â—s_n not_o inconsistent_a perhaps_o with_o any_o belove_a â—ust_z of_o our_o own_o but_o our_o own_o be_v good_a â—s_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o real_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o of_o holy_a man_n which_o â—ath_v by_o some_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v habitual_o and_o prevalent_o holy_a and_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v not_o true_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o not_o of_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n thereof_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o of_o pray_v viz._n it_o be_v a_o likely_a mean_n due_o perform_v to_o preserve_v â—s_n in_o goodness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v in_o we_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a instance_n hereof_o and_o that_o by_o these_o several_a way_n i_o have_v mention_v sect_n vii_o i._o a_o second_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n be_v that_o of_o comfort_n joy_n delight_n of_o soul_n satisfaction_n acquiescence_n ease_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o these_o four_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n arise_v immediate_o from_o the_o operation_n or_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n terminate_v upon_o god_n in_o prayer_n very_o natural_o that_o be_v without_o the_o special_a immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n upâ—_n our_o mind_n for_o example_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o aâ—tributes_n so_o often_o mention_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o contemplate_v if_o we_o be_v more_o aâ—_n and_o have_v more_o time_n in_o secret_a especial_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n his_o almighty_a power_n his_o all-comprehending_a knowledge_n his_o universal_a and_o infinâ—_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o his_o tender_a mercy_n forbear_v for_o give_v bestow_v promise_a reward_v otherwhile_o his_o as_o wholesome_a justice_n in_o control_v chastise_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_o immutable_o infinite_o all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o in_o our_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o attend_v tâ—_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o very_a thought_n oâ—_n which_o so_o vast_a object_n be_v vast_o please_v and_o delightful_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o cast_v but_o some_o glance_n at_o they_o touch_v the_o soul_n with_o â—_o great_a and_o smart_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o iâ—_n be_v in_o our_o most_o set_v customary_a public_a oâ—_n private_a prayer_n where_o we_o can_v have_v timâ—_n only_o more_o transient_o to_o look_v at_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o secret_a and_o retire_a devotion_n where_o we_o may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o we_o wâ—_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o to_o admire_v they_o and_o then_o think_v of_o they_o again_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o fit_v for_o this_o employment_n by_o â—_o sober_a and_o refine_a temper_n of_o body_n by_o frequent_a use_n and_o god_n influence_n the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n may_v be_v to_o a_o ravish_a degree_n and_o the_o more_o particular_a distinct_a and_o comprehensive_a our_o knowledge_n be_v the_o great_a our_o admiration_n and_o the_o more_o intense_a our_o pleasure_n still_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o soul_n have_v experience_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o will_v not_o change_v with_o the_o best_a furnish_v sensualist_n or_o worldling_n nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o motion_n without_o the_o high_a contempt_n but_o then_o much_o more_o still_o be_v this_o pleasure_n increase_v by_o the_o passion_n and_o action_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n trust_v and_o hope_n resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o imitation_n which_o the_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n produce_v in_o we_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v fit_v therefore_o by_o spirituality_n to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o by_o a_o habitual_a goodness_n and_o generosity_n of_o temper_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o the_o very_a passion_n of_o love_n itself_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a agreeable_a pleasant_a and_o sweet_a thing_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o who_o be_v there_o except_o very_o unfortunate_a nature_a person_n who_o do_v not_o experience_n it_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o but_o what_o may_v or_o can_v be_v belove_v with_o a_o more_o ardent_a and_o intense_a degree_n of_o it_o than_o god_n '_o than_o god_n i_o say_v when_o we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a love_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v love_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a to_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v eternal_o immutable_o and_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n even_o his_o permission_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n itself_o than_o god_n i_o say_v who_o be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a in_o power_n too_o and_o can_v do_v what_o he_o please_v upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v and_o from_o who_o they_o have_v all_o and_o that_o no_o long_o than_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n what_o can_v or_o may_v be_v more_o belove_v than_o such_o a_o be_v as_o he_o be_v i_o say_v what_o may_v be_v love_v by_o we_o more_o ardent_o than_o god_n not_o what_o be_v so_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v very_o sensual_a and_o dull_a in_o their_o apprehension_n very_o much_o corrupt_v degenerate_a and_o debase_v in_o their_o affection_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o apprehend_v these_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o have_v any_o or_o but_o very_o little_a inclination_n to_o they_o or_o affection_n for_o they_o in_o any_o other_o we_o may_v ourselves_o be_v so_o ill-natured_a as_o not_o much_o to_o be_v take_v or_o please_v with_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o other_o kindness_n and_o good_a nature_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o ourselves_o nor_o then_o neither_o unless_o they_o be_v able_a as_o well_o as_o kind_n and_o can_v do_v something_o for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n power_n more_o than_o his_o goodness_n that_o we_o love_v or_o esteem_v and_o his_o power_n too_o only_o to_o do_v we_o good_a i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v of_o this_o dull_a selfish_a brutish_a nature_n and_o be_v please_v principal_o with_o power_n and_o other_o thing_n not_o at_o all_o or_o little_a with_o love_v or_o good_a nature_n this_o man_n indeed_o in_o his_o prayer_n will_v have_v little_a love_n for_o the_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o have_v little_a pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o his_o prayer_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v soul_n who_o have_v the_o great_a ardency_n and_o pang_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o dear_o embrace_v he_o and_o unite_v themselves_o to_o he_o thus_o consider_v and_o that_o these_o therefore_o find_v in_o their_o prayer_n where_o they_o put_v forth_o this_o their_o affection_n the_o most_o ravish_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o i_o affirm_v that_o even_o
that_o i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v use_v where_o the_o other_o can_v as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o even_o when_o there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n of_o use_v a_o form_n or_o premeditation_n but_o only_o to_o person_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o have_v well_o exercise_v themselves_o therein_o and_o consequent_o be_v of_o copious_a and_o quick_a invention_n and_o memory_n of_o true_a just_a useful_a thing_n and_o of_o convenient_a speech_n to_o signify_v oâ—_n express_v they_o all_o conveniency_n consider_v possible_o a_o mixture_n of_o public_a and_o private_a form_n and_o of_o premeditate_a prayer_n may_v be_v best_a whereby_o the_o inconvenience_n in_o all_o may_v be_v correct_v or_o remedy_v by_o each_o other_o and_o the_o peculiar_a conveniency_n of_o all_o obtain_v especial_o if_o there_o be_v some_o discreet_a and_o pious_a superior_n frequent_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o to_o hear_v and_o direct_v those_o who_o may_v be_v less_o sufficient_a when_o they_o perform_v this_o duty_n in_o public_a sect_n xvii_o ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o propound_v some_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o direction_n viz._n how_o to_o obtain_v these_o due_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v and_o they_o be_v these_o six_o or_o seven_o among_o other_o 1._o read_v we_o much_o and_o understand_v well_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o true_o and_o useful_o to_o our_o own_o case_n the_o least_o useful_a to_o this_o end_n though_o there_o be_v many_o other_o excellent_a use_n be_v those_o part_n which_o be_v controversial_a or_o historical_a except_o those_o which_o deliver_v the_o action_n but_o especial_o the_o speech_n of_o holy_a person_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n among_o which_o be_v some_o prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o most_o useful_a be_v those_o which_o be_v devotional_a such_o as_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o true_o excellent_a example_n of_o all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n the_o circumstance_n be_v right_o understand_v of_o which_o i_o have_v still_o successive_o make_v use_n also_o those_o part_n which_o be_v preceptive_a which_o contain_v instruction_n for_o our_o duty_n what_o our_o temper_n and_o spirit_n ouâ—_n action_n and_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n our_o saviour_n discourse_n many_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n i_o say_v these_o be_v more_o useful_a for_o this_o end_n than_o those_o which_o be_v controversial_a as_o most_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n though_o out_o of_o these_o too_o much_o may_v be_v have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o with_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v always_o some_o short_a and_o plain_a paraphrase_n to_o be_v read_v with_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o sentence_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o plain_a may_v not_o be_v use_v ignorant_o confuse_o false_o and_o erroneous_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v we_o may_v think_v we_o pray_v in_o scripture_n when_o we_o do_v not_o we_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o with_o the_o sense_n as_o if_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v mean_v all_o other_o christian_n of_o different_a persuasion_n from_o ourselves_o and_o not_o the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a manner_n of_o all_o man_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v then_o and_o be_v now_o general_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n or_o confess_v our_o very_a best_a do_n be_v pollute_v rag_n we_o shall_v mean_v the_o best_a of_o the_o best_a man_n action_n and_o particular_o his_o sincere_a and_o ardent_a love_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v at_o that_o time_n exert_n which_o sure_o may_v be_v in_o one_o action_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o not_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o nation_n general_o even_o in_o their_o religious_a performance_n or_o the_o best_a of_o their_o action_n formal_a hypocritical_a insincere_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n when_o speak_v and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v use_v or_o such_o like_a instance_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a right_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o through_o vain_a imagination_n rashness_n confidence_n self-conceit_n abuse_v the_o language_n thereof_o and_o where_o the_o sense_n be_v doubtful_a and_o pious_a holy_a and_o wise_a man_n differ_v rather_o to_o abstain_v therefrom_o we_o may_v find_v elsewhere_o expression_n enough_o beside_o for_o our_o sense_n and_o meaning_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o scripture-expression_n very_o plain_a and_o clear_a in_o their_o sense_n and_o need_v no_o paraphrase_n or_o other_o word_n for_o their_o better_a understanding_n as_o that_o we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o we_o may_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v do_v god_n will_n here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o be_v love_v without_o dissimulation_n merciful_a with_o cheerfulness_n to_o abhor_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o be_v kind_o affection_a in_o honour_n to_o prefer_v one_o another_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n those_o especial_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n especial_o when_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n with_o the_o persecute_a christian_n give_v to_o hospitality_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o persecute_v etc._n etc._n as_o that_o most_o delicious_o honest_a chapter_n of_o roman_n the_o 12_o go_v on_o and_o rom._n 13._o and_o likewise_o coloss_n 3._o and_o gall._n 5._o further_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o repentance_n unto_o life_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o score_v the_o like_a but_o if_o we_o use_v any_o scripture-phrase_n obscure_a and_o doubtful_a it_o be_v best_o as_o short_a and_o clear_a as_o may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o paraphrase_n they_o or_o express_v they_o in_o our_o most_o know_a and_o therefore_o plain_a language_n as_o have_v be_v before_o brief_o advise_v thus_o by_o use_v ourselves_o to_o read_v much_o and_o right_o understand_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v furnish_v ourselves_o with_o good_a store_n of_o true_a just_a useful_a and_o important_a matter_n for_o our_o prayer_n though_o we_o ought_v if_o we_o can_v to_o judge_v what_o even_o scripture_n matter_n be_v most_o important_a and_o useful_a for_o we_o in_o particular_a for_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n moreover_o scripture-phrase_n thus_o use_v be_v such_o as_o do_v invite_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o authority_n thereof_o because_o speak_v by_o author_n for_o who_o we_o have_v worthy_o a_o great_a veneration_n and_o we_o judge_v at_o least_o direct_v and_o oversee_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o expression_n scripture-phrase_n likewise_o which_o be_v plain_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o quick_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v more_o common_a and_o use_v which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o any_o other_o i_o say_v just_a now_o where_o scripture-phrase_n be_v obscure_a there_o it_o will_v be_v best_a as_o short_o and_o as_o clear_o as_o we_o can_v to_o paraphrase_n they_o in_o other_o phrase_n most_o use_v and_o therefore_o best_a know_v what_o they_o signify_v as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o shall_v pray_v in_o scripture-language_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v christ_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v add_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sincere_a firm_a and_o constant_a believer_n or_o christian_n who_o may_v give_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n send_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o believe_v all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o practise_v according_o not_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n with_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n or_o that_o by_o his_o effectual_a procurement_n god_n will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n acquit_v we_o from_o punishment_n