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
then_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v that_o high_a amaze_a incomprehensible_a be_v who_o thou_o addresse_v thy_o pitiful_a self_n to_o in_o prayer_n consider_v next_o his_o infinite_a all-searching_a knowledge_n which_o look_v through_o and_o through_o the_o most_o secret_a of_o our_o thought_n ransack_v every_o corner_n of_o the_o heart_n ponder_v the_o most_o inward_a design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n and_o then_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o god_n who_o thou_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o prayer_n the_o god_n who_o observe_v the_o posture_n the_o frame_n and_o motion_n of_o thy_o mind_n in_o all_o thy_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o who_o pierce_a eye_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o elude_v or_o escape_v by_o all_o the_o trick_n and_o art_n of_o the_o subtle_a and_o most_o refine_a hypocrisy_n and_o last_o consider_v the_o great_a the_o fiery_a and_o the_o implacable_a jealousy_n that_o he_o have_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o above_o all_o that_o he_o will_v in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v honour_v of_o those_o who_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o affront_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v worship_v nor_o endure_v that_o a_o wretched_a contemptible_a sinful_a creature_n who_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o live_a dirt_n at_o best_a shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n bend_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o spit_v in_o his_o face_n and_o now_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o god_n who_o thou_o pray_v to_o and_o who_o thou_o use_v with_o such_o intolerable_a indignity_n in_o every_o unworthy_a prayer_n thou_o put_v up_o to_o he_o every_o bold_a saucy_a and_o familiar_a word_n that_o upon_o confidence_n of_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_n thou_o presume_v to_o debase_v so_o great_a a_o majesty_n with_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o dare_a irreverence_n consider_v how_o god_n use_v nadab_n and_o abihu_n for_o venture_v to_o offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o he_o and_o then_o know_v that_o every_o unhallowed_a unfitting_a prayer_n be_v a_o strange_a fire_n a_o fire_n that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o destroy_v the_o offer_n though_o mercy_n shall_v spare_v the_o offerer_n consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o deep_o and_o severe_o till_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o affect_v thy_o heart_n and_o humble_v thy_o spirit_n with_o such_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o thy_o maker_n and_o such_o abject_a reflection_n upon_o thyself_o as_o may_v lay_v thou_o in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o and_o know_v that_o the_o low_a thou_o fall_v the_o high_a will_v thy_o prayer_n rebound_v and_o that_o thou_o be_v never_o so_o fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o when_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n make_v thou_o ashamed_a even_o to_o speak_v to_o he_o 2_o lie_n the_o second_o object_n of_o our_o premeditation_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o as_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v who_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o so_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v also_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o require_v no_o ordinary_a application_n of_o thought_n to_o distinguish_v or_o judge_v of_o man_n prayer_n be_v general_o dictate_v by_o their_o desire_n and_o their_o desire_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o their_o affection_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n influence_v by_o their_o corruption_n the_o first_o constituent_a principle_n of_o a_o well-conceived_n prayer_n be_v to_o know_v what_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o which_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o some_o do_v not_o while_o they_o pray_v for_o what_o they_o may_v spend_v upon_o their_o lust_n james_n 4._o 3._o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v a_o contumely_n to_o god_n to_o hear_v and_o damnation_n to_o themselves_o to_o receive_v no_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n either_o sinful_a or_o direct_o tend_v to_o sin_n no_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o temptation_n and_o much_o less_o to_o desire_n god_n to_o be_v his_o tempter_n which_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v shall_v he_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o any_o man_n prayer_n administer_v fuel_n to_o his_o sinful_a or_o absurd_a appetite_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n thing_n mean_v and_o trivial_a and_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v concern_v about_o or_o solemn_o address_v to_o for_o nor_o last_o be_v any_o one_o to_o admit_v into_o his_o petition_n thing_n superfluous_a or_o extravagant_a such_o as_o wealth_n greatness_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v warrant_v to_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v his_o grace_n to_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v they_o and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o proper_a object_n both_o of_o our_o self-denial_n and_o of_o our_o prayer_n too_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o solicit_v the_o satisfaction_n and_o enjoin_v to_o endeavour_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o same_o desire_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v either_o 1_o st_z thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n or_o 2_o lie_n thing_n of_o unquestionable_a charity_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v all_o spiritual_a grace_n require_v in_o we_o as_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n such_o as_o be_v repentance_n faith_n hope_n charity_n temperance_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o be_v either_o the_o part_n or_o principle_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n these_o be_v to_o be_v the_o prime_n subject_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o nothing_o come_v this_o way_n so_o easy_o from_o heaven_n as_o those_o thing_n that_o will_v assure_o bring_v we_o to_o it_o the_o spirit_n dictate_v all_o such_o petition_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v first_o the_o author_n and_o then_o the_o fulfiller_n of_o they_o own_v and_o accept_v they_o both_o as_o our_o duty_n and_o his_o own_o production_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v allowable_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v thing_n of_o manifest_a unquestionable_a charity_n such_o as_o be_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o the_o innocent_a comfort_n of_o life_n as_o health_n peace_n maintenance_n and_o a_o success_n of_o our_o honest_a labour_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o but_o conditional_o and_o with_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o who_o if_o he_o find_v it_o more_o for_o his_o honour_n to_o have_v we_o serve_v he_o with_o sick_a crazy_a languish_a body_n with_o poverty_n and_o extreme_a want_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o last_o with_o our_o country_n all_o in_o a_o flame_n about_o our_o ear_n ought_v in_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o to_o over-rule_v our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o absolute_a acquiescence_n in_o his_o alwise_a disposal_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v sometime_o best_o answer_v when_o our_o desire_n be_v most_o oppose_v in_o fine_a to_z state_z the_o whole_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o one_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o honourable_a for_o our_o great_a mediator_n and_o master_n of_o request_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o to_o intercede_v for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o unchangeable_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o petition_n and_o then_o if_o christ_n be_v to_o convey_v these_o our_o petition_n to_o his_o father_n can_v any_o one_o dare_v to_o make_v he_o who_o be_v holiness_n and_o purity_n itself_o and_o advocate_n and_o solicitor_n for_o his_o lust_n him_n who_o be_v nothing_o but_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n his_o providetore_fw-it for_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v only_o feed_v his_o pride_n and_o flush_v his_o ambition_n no_o certain_o when_o we_o come_v as_o suppliant_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n where_o christ_n sit_v as_o intercessor_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n nothing_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o proceed_v out_o of_o our_o mouth_n but_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o pass_v through_o his._n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thinng_a that_o call_v for_o a_o previous_a meditation_n to_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o they_o for_o though_o god_n do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o set_v off_o our_o prayer_n with_o dress_n and_o artifice_n to_o flourish_v it_o in_o trope_n and_o metaphor_n to_o beg_v our_o daily_a bread_n in_o blank_a verse_n or_o to_o show_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o poet_n in_o our_o devotion_n but_o indigence_n and_o want_n i_o say_v though_o god_n be_v far_o from_o require_v such_o thing_n of_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n yet_o he_o require_v
that_o we_o shall_v manage_v they_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n fineness_n be_v not_o expect_v but_o decency_n be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v declaim_v as_o orator_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v we_o speak_v like_o man_n and_o tender_v he_o the_o result_v of_o that_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n that_o essential_o constitute_v a_o rational_a nature_n but_o i_o shall_v brief_o cast_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o particular_a into_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v express_v our_o reverence_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o will_v pass_v for_o irreverence_n towards_o a_o great_a man._n let_v any_o subject_a tender_a his_o prince_n a_o petition_n fraught_v with_o nonsense_n and_o incoherence_n confusion_n and_o impertinence_n and_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o majesty_n shall_v answer_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o deaf_a ear_n a_o frown_a eye_n or_o at_o best_a vouchsafe_v it_o in_o any_o other_o reward_n but_o by_o a_o gracious_a oblivion_n to_o forgive_v the_o person_n and_o to_o forget_v the_o petition_n 2_o lie_n nothing_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a and_o such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v despise_v can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o prayer_n solomon_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o ecclesiaste_n 5._o v_o 4._o that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v the_o scripture_n all_o along_o express_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n and_o therefore_o certain_o folly_n be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o it_o to_o find_v any_o approbation_n from_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o the_o head_n that_o be_v the_o best_a enditer_n of_o our_o petition_n that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o latter_a be_v undoubted_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o god_n be_v never_o more_o weary_a of_o sacrifice_n than_o when_o a_o fool_n be_v the_o priest_n and_o folly_n the_o oblation_n 3_o lie_n and_o last_o nothing_o rude_a slight_a and_o careless_a or_o indeed_o less_o than_o the_o very_o best_a that_o a_o man_n can_v offer_v can_v be_v acceptable_a or_o please_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n malachi_n 1._o 8._o god_n rigid_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o where_o he_o have_v give_v ability_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o act_n proportionable_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o have_v part_n to_o raise_v and_o propagate_v his_o own_o honour_n by_o but_o none_o to_o employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o that_o give_v they_o do_v as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o refuse_v to_o wear_v god_n livery_n in_o his_o own_o service_n add_v sacrilege_n to_o profaneness_n strip_n and_o starve_v his_o devotion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n fall_v direct_o under_o the_o dint_n of_o that_o curse_n denounce_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o malachi_n curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n the_o same_o be_v here_o both_o the_o deceiver_n and_o the_o deceive_v too_o for_o god_n very_o well_o know_v what_o he_o give_v man_n and_o why_o and_o where_o he_o have_v bestwoe_v judgement_n learning_n and_o utterance_n will_v not_o endure_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v accurate_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o devotion_n or_o think_v that_o the_o great_a author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o ramble_n and_o confuse_a talk_n babble_n and_o tautology_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o certain_o require_v precedent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n god_n have_v declare_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v in_o what_o he_o command_v other_o as_o well_o as_o in_o what_o he_o do_v himself_o order_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o art_n by_o which_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o by_o which_o he_o still_o govern_v it_o nay_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o and_o all_o this_o glorious_a system_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o chaos_n put_v into_o order_n and_o how_o then_o can_v god_n who_o have_v so_o eminent_o own_v himself_o concern_v for_o this_o excellent_a thing_n brook_v such_o absurdity_n and_o confusion_n as_o the_o slovenly_a and_o profane_a negligence_n of_o some_o treat_v he_o with_o in_o their_o most_o solemn_a address_n to_o he_o all_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a unavoidable_a consequent_a of_o unpreparedness_n and_o want_v of_o premeditation_n without_o which_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o pray_v can_v be_v so_o proper_o say_v to_o approach_v to_o as_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o god_n and_o sure_o he_o who_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o do_v so_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o success_n which_o follow_v his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o the_o preparation_n that_o go_v before_o they_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v of_o this_o first_o and_o grand_a qualification_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a prayer_n to_o wit_n premeditation_n of_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v so_o natural_o and_o so_o useful_o infer_v as_o the_o high_a expediency_n or_o rather_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n to_o guide_v our_o devotion_n by_o we_o have_v live_v in_o a_o age_n that_o have_v despise_v contradict_v and_o counter-acted_n all_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o their_o behaviour_n both_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a but_o in_o nothing_o more_o scandalous_o than_o in_o their_o vile_a abuse_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n concern_v which_o though_o it_o may_v with_o the_o clear_a truth_n be_v affirm_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o church_n yet_o of_o any_o account_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o have_v govern_v its_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o these_o enthusiastic_a innovator_n the_o bold_a and_o blind_a reformer_n of_o all_o antiquity_n and_o wise_a than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n beside_o introduce_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o a_o saucy_a senseless_a extemporary_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o god_n affirm_v that_o this_o be_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o use_v of_o all_o set-form_n be_v stint_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o pretence_n i_o confess_v popular_a and_o plausible_a enough_o with_o such_o idiot_n as_o take_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o for_o the_o full_a confutation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v do_v both_o easy_o and_o brief_o too_o i_o shall_v advance_v this_o one_o assertion_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o namely_o that_o the_o pray_v by_o a_o set-form_n be_v not_o a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o pray_v extempore_o true_o and_o proper_o be_v so_o for_o the_o prove_v and_o make_v out_o of_o which_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n a_o thing_n much_o talk_v of_o but_o not_o so_o convenient_a for_o the_o talker_n of_o it_o and_o pretender_n to_o it_o to_o have_v it_o right_o state_v and_o understand_v in_o short_a it_o include_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n a_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n or_o inward_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o hypocritical_a lip-devotion_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n do_v not_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n word_n 2_o lie_n it_o include_v in_o it_o also_o a_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o his_o reveal_v word_n which_o word_n be_v both_o dictate_v and_o confirm_v by_o this_o spirit_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o pray_v unlawful_o or_o unwarrantable_o and_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o when_o we_o desire_v of_o god_n such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n warrant_v or_o approve_v of_o so_o that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o to_o pray_v know_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o for_o such_o thing_n and_o in_o such_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
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 three_o when_o self-examination_n have_v both_o show_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o repentance_n have_v disow_v and_o cast_v it_o out_o the_o next_o thing_n natural_o confequent_a upon_o this_o be_v with_o the_o high_a importunity_n to_o supplicate_v god_n pardon_n for_o the_o gild_n and_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o three_o preparative_n for_o the_o sacrament_n a_o duty_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o both_o world_n be_v entail_v a_o duty_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o great_a conduit_n and_o noble_a instrument_n of_o commerce_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o duty_n found_v on_o man_n essential_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o so_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o indispensable_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o it_o now_o only_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o other_o grace_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o wedding-garment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o prayer_n must_v put_v it_o on_o prayer_n be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n engage_v all_o the_o auxiliary_n of_o omnipotence_n itself_o against_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v so_o utter_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o that_o the_o same_o heart_n can_v long_o hold_v they_o both_o but_o one_o must_v soon_o quit_v possession_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o either_o pray_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v off_o sin_v or_o sin_v force_v he_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v every_o real_a act_n of_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o partial_a mortification_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v hearty_o against_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n hate_v it_o too_o i_o know_v a_o man_n may_v think_v that_o he_o hate_v his_o sin_n when_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o but_o than_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o he_o do_v 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
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
the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o boldness_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o welcome_n god_n recognize_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n intercede_v within_o he_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v but_o even_o prevent_v with_o a_o answer_n 2_o a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o show_v itself_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o some_o notable_a trial_n or_o sharp_a affliction_n when_o a_o man_n friend_n shall_v desert_v he_o his_o relation_n disow_v he_o and_o all_o dependency_n fail_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a world_n frown_v upon_o he_o certain_o it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o than_o all_o these_o together_o can_v declaim_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o height_n of_o honour_n nor_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n can_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o be_v miserable_a nor_o indeed_o contemptible_a when_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n shall_v fly_v at_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a adversity_n can_v cut_v off_o those_o inward_a secret_a invincible_a supply_n of_o comfort_n which_o conscience_n shall_v pour_v in_o upon_o distress_a innocence_n in_o spite_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o worldly_a calamity_n naturalist_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o frost_n seize_v upon_o wine_n they_o be_v only_o the_o slight_a and_o more_o waterish_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v congeal_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n which_o can_v retreat_v into_o itself_o and_o there_o within_o its_o own_o compass_n lie_v secure_a from_o the_o freeze_a impression_n of_o the_o element_n round_o about_o it_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n while_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v it_o firm_a and_o impenetrable_a a_o outward_a affliction_n can_v no_o more_o benumb_v or_o quell_v it_o than_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n can_v freeze_v up_o the_o blood_n in_o a_o man_n vein_n or_o a_o little_a shower_n of_o rain_n soak_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o there_o quench_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n itself_o take_v the_o two_o great_a instance_n of_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o wit_n poverty_n and_o shame_n and_o i_o dare_v oppose_v conscience_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o for_o poverty_n suppose_v a_o man_n strip_v of_o all_o driven_z out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n and_o perhaps_o out_o of_o his_o country_n too_o which_o have_v within_o our_o memory_n happen_v to_o so_o many_o may_v too_o easy_o god_n know_v be_v suppose_v again_o yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o failure_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o another_o villainy_n that_o all_o this_o befall_v he_o why_o then_o his_o banishment_n become_v his_o preferment_n his_o rag_n his_o trophy_n his_o nakedness_n his_o ornament_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o innocence_n be_v his_o repast_n he_o feast_v and_o banquet_n upon_o bread_n and_o water_n he_o have_v disarm_v his_o affliction_n unstung_a his_o misery_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o great_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o confusion_n be_v force_v into_o foreign_a country_n for_o their_o unshaken_a firmness_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o oppress_a cause_n of_o majesty_n and_o religion_n whether_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o like_o a_o fidus_n achates_n still_o bear_v they_o company_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o suggest_v comfort_n even_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v invisible_a and_o in_o a_o word_n verify_v that_o great_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o mouth_n we_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o man_n abridgement_n in_o his_o external_n accommodation_n which_o make_v he_o miserable_a but_o when_o his_o conscience_n shall_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o tooth_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o under_o these_o abridgement_n that_o his_o present_a scanty_a meal_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o former_a over_o full_a one_o that_o it_o be_v his_o tailor_n and_o his_o cook_n his_o fine_a fashion_n and_o his_o french_a ragou's_fw-fr which_o sequester_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o come_v by_o his_o poverty_n as_o sinful_o as_o some_o usual_o do_v by_o their_o riches_n and_o consequent_o that_o providence_n treat_v he_o with_o all_o these_o severity_n not_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n the_o mind_n sure_o of_o itself_o can_v feel_v none_o of_o the_o burn_n of_o a_o fever_n but_o if_o my_o fever_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o surfeit_n and_o that_o surfeit_v cause_v by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fiery_a disease_n and_o rage_n to_o the_o distemper_n 2_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o case_n of_o calumny_n and_o disgrace_n doubtless_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o reproachful_a speech_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n and_o keenness_n to_o the_o invective_n otherwise_o when_o conscience_n shall_v plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o charge_n a_o man_n entertain_v it_o not_o as_o a_o endictment_n but_o as_o a_o libel_n he_o hear_v all_o such_o calumny_n with_o a_o generous_a unconcernment_n and_o receive_v they_o at_o one_o ear_n give_v they_o a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o other_o they_o fall_v upon_o he_o like_o rain_n or_o hail_n upon_o a_o oil_a garment_n they_o may_v make_v a_o noise_n indeed_o but_o can_v find_v no_o entrance_n the_o very_a whisper_v of_o a_o acquit_v conscience_n will_v drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o loud_a slander_n what_o a_o long_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o many_o other_o base_a thing_n do_v iob_n friend_n draw_v up_o against_o he_o but_o he_o regard_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o dunghill_n which_o he_o sit_v upon_o while_o his_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o appeal_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o spite_n of_o calumny_n to_o assert_v and_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o joseph_n lie_v under_o as_o black_a a_o infamy_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o the_o lewd_a villainy_n can_v fasten_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n raise_v he_o so_o much_o above_o it_o that_o he_o scorn_v so_o much_o as_o to_o clear_v himself_o or_o to_o recriminate_a the_o strumpet_n by_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n such_o confidence_n such_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n do_v a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n always_o make_v he_o more_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n than_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o last_o instance_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o sure_o give_v the_o grand_a opportunity_n of_o try_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o worth_a of_o every_o principle_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v just_a about_o to_o quit_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o put_v off_o his_o mortality_n and_o to_o deliver_v up_o his_o last_o account_n to_o god_n at_o which_o sad_a time_n his_o memory_n shall_v serve_v he_o for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o terrify_v he_o with_o a_o frightful_a review_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o his_o former_a extravagance_n strip_v of_o all_o their_o pleasure_n but_o retain_v their_o gild_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v promise_v he_o a_o fair_a passage_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o a_o comfortable_a appearance_n before_o his_o dreadful_a judge_n when_o he_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o friend_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n under_o heaven_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n for_o he_o or_o one_o word_n of_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o that_o condition_n they_o may_v possible_o reproach_n but_o they_o can_v relieve_v he_o no_o at_o this_o disconsolate_a time_n when_o the_o busy_a tempter_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o usual_o apt_a to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o die_a body_n to_o hinder_v and_o discompose_v he_o
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 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