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 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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
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 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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 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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 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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
that_o the_o vast_a and_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o he_o aught_o to_o create_v in_o he_o all_o imaginable_a awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o such_o his_o address_n to_o god_n 3_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o this_o reverence_n require_v of_o he_o be_v to_o consist_v in_o a_o serious_a preparation_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o sober_a government_n of_o his_o expression_n neither_o be_v his_o mouth_n to_o be_v rash_a nor_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v hasty_a in_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n i_o show_v be_v evident_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n and_o do_v as_o evident_o contain_v the_o whole_a sense_n of_o they_o but_o i_o gather_v they_o all_o into_o this_o one_o proposition_n namely_o that_o premeditation_n of_o thought_n and_o brevity_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o great_a ingredient_n of_o that_o reverence_n that_o be_v require_v to_o a_o pious_a acceptable_a and_o devout_a prayer_n the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v premeditation_n of_o thought_n i_o then_o full_o treat_v of_o and_o dispatch_v and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o which_o be_v a_o pertinent_a brevity_n of_o expression_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o concern_v which_o we_o shall_v observe_v first_o in_o general_n that_o to_o be_v able_a to_o express_v our_o mind_n brief_o and_o full_o too_o be_v absolute_o the_o great_a perfection_n and_o commendation_n that_o speech_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o mutual_a communication_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v the_o next_o approach_n to_o intuition_n and_o the_o near_a imitation_n of_o the_o converse_n of_o bless_a spirit_n make_v perfect_a that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n can_v possible_o raise_v we_o to_o certain_o the_o great_a and_o the_o wise_a conception_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v be_v couch_v under_o and_o deliver_v in_o a_o few_o close_o home_n and_o significant_a word_n but_o to_o derive_v the_o credit_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v much_o high_a and_o from_o a_o example_n infinite_o great_a than_o the_o great_a humane_a wisdom_n be_v it_o not_o authorize_v and_o ennoble_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o make_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o all_o the_o six_o day_n transact_v in_o so_o many_o word_n there_o be_v no_o circumlocution_n or_o amplification_n in_o the_o case_n which_o make_v the_o rhetorician_n longinus_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o loftiness_n of_o speech_n so_o much_o admire_v the_o height_n and_o grandeur_n of_o moses_n style_n in_o his_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n say_v he_o meaning_n moses_n be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o say_v he_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o divine_a power_n suitable_o to_o the_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o but_o how_o do_v he_o this_o why_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o that_o say_v he_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o his_o law_n he_o give_v we_o this_o short_a and_o present_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a let_v there_o be_v a_o earth_n a_o sea_n and_o a_o firmament_n and_o there_o be_v so_o so_o that_o all_o this_o high_a elegy_n and_o encomium_n give_v by_o this_o heathen_a of_o moses_n spring_v only_o from_o the_o majestic_a brevity_n of_o this_o one_o expression_n a_o expression_n so_o suit_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o creator_n and_o so_o expressive_a of_o his_o boundless_a creative_a power_n as_o a_o power_n infinite_o above_o all_o controll_n or_o possibility_n of_o find_v the_o least_o obstacle_n or_o delay_n in_o achieve_v its_o mighty_a and_o most_o stupendous_a work_n heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o both_o as_o it_o be_v drop_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o nature_n itself_o be_v but_o the_o product_n of_o a_o word_n a_o word_n not_o design_v to_o express_v but_o to_o constitute_v and_o give_v a_o be_v and_o not_o so_o much_o the_o representation_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o what_o it_o signify_v this_o be_v god_n way_n of_o speak_v in_o his_o first_o form_v of_o the_o universe_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o next_o grand_a instance_n of_o his_o power_n his_o govern_n of_o it_o too_o for_o be_v not_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o government_n his_o law_n draw_v up_o and_o digest_v into_o a_o few_o sentence_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o contain_v but_o ten_o commandment_n and_o some_o of_o those_o commandment_n not_o so_o many_o word_n nay_o and_o have_v we_o not_o these_o also_o bring_v into_o yet_o a_o narrow_a compass_n by_o he_o who_o best_o understand_v they_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o precept_n nothing_o like_o the_o tedious_a endless_a confuse_a trash_n of_o humane_a law_n law_n so_o numerous_a that_o they_o not_o only_o exceed_v man_n practice_n but_o also_o surpass_v their_o arithmetic_n and_o so_o voluminous_a that_o no_o mortal_a head_n nor_o shoulder_n neither_o must_v ever_o pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o in_o god_n law_n the_o word_n be_v few_o the_o sense_n vast_a and_o infinite_a in_o humane_a law_n you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v word_n enough_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o you_o have_v need_v read_v they_o with_o a_o microscope_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v how_o the_o almighty_a utter_v himself_o when_o he_o speak_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n let_v we_o now_o descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n from_o god_n to_o man_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n for_o we_o to_o conform_v our_o word_n as_o well_o as_o our_o action_n to_o the_o supreme_a pattern_n and_o according_a to_o our_o poor_a measure_n to_o imitate_v the_o wisdom_n that_o we_o adore_v and_o for_o this_o have_v it_o not_o be_v note_v by_o the_o best_a observer_n and_o the_o able_a judge_n both_o of_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o people_n or_o nation_n have_v be_v most_o see_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o short_a say_n common_o receive_v among_o they_o and_o what_o be_v a_o proverb_n but_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o several_a age_n gather_v and_o sum_v up_o into_o one_o expression_n the_o scripture_n vouch_v solomon_n for_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o they_o be_v his_o proverb_n that_o prove_v he_o so_o the_o seven_o wife_n man_n of_o greece_n so_o famous_a for_o their_o wisdom_n all_o the_o world_n over_o acquire_v all_o that_o fame_n each_o of_o they_o by_o a_o single_a sentence_n consist_v of_o two_o or_o three_o word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d still_o live_v and_o flourish_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o while_o many_o vast_a volume_n be_v extinct_a and_o sink_v into_o dust_n and_o utter_a oblivion_n and_o then_o for_o book_n we_o shall_v general_o find_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o any_o art_n or_o science_n have_v be_v still_o the_o small_a and_o most_o compendious_a and_o this_o not_o without_o ground_n for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o author_n be_v a_o master_n of_o what_o he_o write_v and_o have_v a_o clear_a notion_n and_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o subject_a before_o he_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n lie_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n if_o the_o mind_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o light_v upon_o it_o most_o of_o the_o write_n and_o discourse_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o illustration_n and_o rhetoric_n which_o signify_v as_o much_o as_o nothing_o to_o a_o mind_n eager_a in_o pursuit_n after_o the_o cause_n and_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o fancy_n to_o enlarge_v but_o of_o judgement_n to_o shorten_v and_o contract_v and_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o other_o as_o judgement_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o noble_a faculty_n than_o fancy_n or_o imagination_n all_o philosophy_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o principle_n and_o those_o principle_n comprise_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n and_o as_o the_o whole_a structure_n of_o speculation_n rest_v upon_o three_o or_o four_o axiom_n or_o maxim_n so_o that_o of_o practice_n also_o bear_v upon_o a_o very_a small_a number_n of_o rule_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v never_o yet_o any_o rule_n or_o maxim_n that_o fill_v a_o volume_n or_o take_v up_o a_o week_n time_n to_o be_v get_v by_o heart_n no_o these_o be_v the_o apices_fw-la rerum_fw-la the_o top_n and_o sum_n the_o very_a spirit_n and_o life_n of_o thing_n extract_v and_o abridge_v just_o as_o all_o the_o line_n draw_v from_o the_o vast_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
as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o we_o know_v what_o a_o foul_a sin_n david_n commit_v and_o what_o a_o crime_n st._n peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o both_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n full_o and_o clear_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o impious_a frame_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o much_o less_o in_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sinful_a violation_n of_o conscience_n that_o can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o long_a inveterate_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o at_o length_n produce_v and_o end_v in_o such_o a_o curse_a effect_n for_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o masterpiece_n in_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n begin_v with_o it_o he_o must_v have_v pass_v his_o tyrocinium_fw-la or_o novitiate_v in_o sin_v before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o this_o be_v he_o never_o so_o quick_a a_o proficient_a no_o man_n can_v mount_v so_o fast_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o the_o high_a step_n of_o the_o ladder_n at_o first_o before_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o be_v please_v with_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n commit_v it_o he_o must_v have_v have_v such_o a_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o himself_o as_o to_o create_v a_o kind_n of_o intimacy_n or_o friendship_n between_o he_o and_o that_o and_o then_o we_o know_v a_o man_n be_v natural_o glad_a to_o see_v his_o old_a friend_n not_o only_o at_o his_o own_o house_n but_o wheresoever_o he_o meet_v he_o it_o be_v general_o the_o property_n of_o a_o old_a sinner_n to_o find_v a_o delight_n in_o re-viewing_a his_o own_o villainy_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reversion_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o behold_v he_o who_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n than_o he_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o estate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n age_n make_v a_o great_a change_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o it_o do_v or_o can_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o as_o in_o this_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v at_o the_o year_n of_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o with_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o same_o person_n at_o threescore_o and_o ten_o hardly_o the_o least_o trace_v or_o similitude_n of_o one_o face_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o so_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a compare_v the_o harmlesness_n the_o credulity_n the_o tenderness_n the_o modesty_n and_o the_o ingenuous_a pliableness_n to_o virtuous_a counsel_n which_o be_v in_o youth_n as_o it_o come_v fresh_a and_o untainted_a out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o mischievousness_n the_o slyness_n the_o craft_n the_o impudence_n the_o falsehood_n and_o the_o confirm_a obstinacy_n in_o most_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o age_a long-practised_n sinner_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v the_o complexion_n and_o hue_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v alter_v more_o than_o that_o of_o his_o face_n age_n have_v give_v he_o another_o body_n and_o custom_n another_o mind_n all_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a morality_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a endowment_n of_o our_o first_o year_n be_v lose_v and_o dead_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o native_a innocence_n of_o childhood_n no_o man_n through_o old_a age_n become_v twice_o a_o child_n the_o vice_n of_o old_a age_n have_v in_o they_o the_o stiffness_n of_o it_o too_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o unfit_a time_n to_o learn_v in_o so_o the_o unfitness_n of_o it_o to_o unlearn_v will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a which_o consideration_n join_v with_o that_o of_o its_o imbecility_n make_v it_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o a_o super-annuated_n sinner_n to_o enjoy_v the_o delight_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o rebound_v and_o to_o supply_v the_o impotence_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o airy_a fantastic_a pleasure_n of_o memory_n and_o reflection_n for_o all_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o now_o be_v to_o refresh_v his_o decrepit_a effete_a sensuality_n with_o the_o transcript_n and_o history_n of_o his_o former_a life_n recognize_v and_o read_v over_o by_o he_o in_o the_o vicious_a rant_v of_o the_o vigorous_a youthful_a debauchee_n of_o the_o present_a time_n who_o with_o a_o odd_a kind_n of_o passion_n mix_v of_o pleasure_n and_o envy_n too_o he_o see_v flourish_v in_o all_o the_o bravery_n and_o prime_n of_o their_o age_n and_o vice_n a_o old_a wrestler_n love_v to_o look_v on_o and_o to_o be_v near_o the_o list_n though_o feebleness_n will_v not_o let_v he_o offer_v at_o the_o prize_n a_o old_a huntsman_n find_v a_o music_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o hound_n though_o he_o can_v follow_v the_o chase_n a_o old_a drunkard_n love_v a_o tavern_n though_o he_o can_v go_v to_o it_o but_o as_o he_o be_v support_v and_o lead_v by_o another_o just_a as_o some_o be_v observe_v to_o come_v from_o thence_o and_o a_o old_a wanton_n will_v be_v dote_v upon_o woman_n when_o he_o can_v scarce_o see_v they_o without_o spectacle_n and_o to_o show_v the_o true_a love_n and_o faithful_a allegiance_n that_o the_o old_a servant_n and_o subject_n of_o vice_n ever_o after_o bear_v to_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o hear_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v strumpet_n in_o their_o youth_n turn_v procurer_n in_o their_o age._n their_o great_a concern_v be_v that_o the_o vice_n may_v still_o go_v on_o 4_o lie_n a_o four_o cause_n of_o man_n take_a pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o be_v from_o that_o meanness_n and_o poor-spiritedness_a that_o natural_o and_o inseparable_o accompany_v all_o gild_n whosoever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o sin_n feel_v in_o himself_o whether_o he_o will_v own_v it_o or_o no_o a_o proportionable_a shame_n and_o a_o secret_a depression_n of_o spirit_n thereupon_o and_o this_o be_v so_o irksome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o be_v restless_a to_o relieve_v and_o rid_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o which_o he_o find_v no_o way_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o get_v company_n in_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o company_n in_o any_o action_n give_v both_o credit_n to_o that_o and_o countenance_n to_o the_o agent_n and_o so_o much_o as_o the_o sinner_n get_v of_o this_o so_o much_o he_o cast_v off_o of_o shame_n singularity_n in_o sin_n put_v it_o out_o of_o fashion_n since_o to_o be_v alone_o in_o any_o practice_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n against_o it_o but_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o be_v a_o tacit_fw-la approbation_n of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o concur_v solitude_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o nakedness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o that_o we_o know_v be_v shame_n it_o 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upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n second_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n be_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v so_o come_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a gild_n three_o and_o last_o to_o declare_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v under_o this_o character_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v dispatch_v already_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o concern_v which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o general_a assertion_n that_o whosoever_o draw_v other_o to_o sin_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o delight_v in_o those_o sin_n that_o he_o draw_v they_o to_o for_o as_o much_o as_o no_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v ill_a or_o wicked_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o please_a of_o himself_o by_o it_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o 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usual_a with_o such_o person_n yet_o they_o be_v sure_a as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n never_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n that_o derive_v a_o qualification_n upon_o the_o person_n so_o as_o to_o render_v he_o such_o or_o such_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o it_o be_v the_o antecedent_n quality_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o denominate_v his_o action_n and_o stamp_v they_o good_a or_o evil._n so_o that_o they_o be_v those_o only_o who_o be_v first_o wicked_a that_o do_v wicked_a action_n but_o believer_n and_o the_o godly_a though_o they_o do_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n yet_o they_o so_o much_o outwit_n the_o devil_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o that_o they_o never_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o come_v they_o by_o such_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a privilege_n why_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o 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the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o you_o may_v upon_o very_o sure_a ground_n turn_v he_o loose_v and_o bid_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o can_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n which_o once_o believe_v like_o the_o floodgate_n of_o hell_n pull_v up_o le_fw-fr we_o in_o a_o deluge_n and_o inundation_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o men._n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o we_o can_v in_o all_o reason_n but_o infer_v that_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a 2._o the_o other_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o engage_v such_o as_o believe_v they_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v such_o as_o represent_v many_o sin_n much_o less_o as_o to_o
assurance_n conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o frequent_o upon_o his_o knee_n before_o he_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n kneel_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o he_o be_v there_o but_o then_o four_o because_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o high_a and_o hard_a duty_n in_o itself_o but_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o servant_n and_o vigorous_a before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v the_o body_n be_v also_o call_v in_o as_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v add_v to_o promote_v and_o heighten_v her_o devotion_n prayer_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o he_o who_o will_v win_v the_o prize_n at_o that_o exercise_n must_v be_v severe_o diet_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o truth_n be_v fast_v be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o a_o singular_a instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o particular_a preparative_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o hardly_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o thing_n 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fatal_o over-taken_a and_o catch_v as_o when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v the_o snare_n even_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v themselves_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o iob_n child_n junket_v and_o feast_v together_o often_o but_o the_o reckon_a cost_n they_o dear_a at_o last_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a say_v solomon_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v and_o the_o house_n of_o fast_v adjoin_v to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n fast_v be_v the_o diet_n of_o angel_n the_o food_n and_o refection_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a aliment_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o who_o fast_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n without_o a_o metaphor_n five_o since_o every_o devout_a prayer_n be_v design_v to_o ascend_v and_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n as_o fast_v according_a to_o st._n augustine_n allusion_n have_v give_v it_o one_o wing_n so_o let_v almsgiving_n to_o the_o poor_a supply_n it_o with_o another_o and_o both_o these_o together_o will_v 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receive_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o serve_v they_o also_o to_o give_v from_o such_o indeed_o as_o have_v nothing_o god_n expect_v nothing_o but_o where_o god_n have_v give_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o both_o hand_n and_o man_n return_v with_o none_o such_o must_v know_v that_o the_o poor_a have_v a_o action_n of_o debt_n against_o they_o and_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v undertake_v and_o prosecute_v their_o suit_n for_o they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v since_o they_o can_v not_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o proportion_v their_o charity_n to_o their_o estate_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o god_n to_o proportion_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o charity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o can_v well_o give_v they_o a_o shrewd_a and_o a_o short_a cut._n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v such_o know_v further_o that_o whosoever_o dare_v upon_o so_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n approach_v the_o altar_n with_o bowel_n so_o shut_v up_o as_o to_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o 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each_o say_v he_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o no_o man_n doubtless_o shall_v ever_o be_v condemn_v of_o god_n for_o not_o judge_v his_o brother_n for_o be_v thy_o brother_n or_o neighbour_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a satisfy_v thyself_o with_o this_o that_o another_o wickedness_n shall_v never_o damn_v thou_o but_o thy_o own_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n may_v and_o continue_v in_o certain_o will_n rather_o let_v his_o want_n of_o grace_n give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o in_o think_v and_o speak_v better_a of_o he_o than_o he_o deserve_v and_o if_o thy_o charity_n prove_v mistake_v assure_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o charity_n and_o overlook_a the_o mistake_n but_o if_o in_o judge_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o chance_a to_o judge_v one_o way_n and_o god_n and_o truth_n to_o judge_v another_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o i_o think_v this_o or_o i_o hear_v that_o and_o where_o no_o man_n mistake_n will_v be_v able_a to_o warrant_v a_o unjust_a surmise_n and_o much_o less_o justify_v a_o false_a censure_n such_o will_v find_v it_o much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o retreat_v inward_o and_o view_v themselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o will_v tell_v they_o their_o own_o impartial_o that_o will_v fetch_v off_o all_o their_o paint_n and_o show_v they_o a_o foul_a face_n in_o a_o true_a glass_n let_v they_o read_v over_o their_o catechism_n and_o lay_v aside_o spite_n and_o virulence_n gossip_v and_o meddle_v calumny_n and_o detraction_n and_o let_v not_o all_o about_o they_o be_v villain_n and_o reprobate_n because_o they_o themselves_o be_v envious_a
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must_v confess_v that_o i_o know_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o discrimination_n to_o distinguish_v they_o by_o save_v only_o in_o general_n that_o such_o as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n use_v to_o strike_v the_o mind_n sudden_o and_o very_o powerful_o but_o then_o i_o add_v also_o that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o in_o point_n of_o speculation_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o difficult_a so_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o let_v a_o man_n universal_o observe_v and_o obey_v every_o good_a motion_n rise_v in_o his_o heart_n know_v that_o every_o such_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o whether_o god_n speak_v immediate_o by_o himself_o to_o the_o conscience_n or_o mediate_o by_o the_o conscience_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o either_o be_v rebellion_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o drive_v at_o under_o this_o 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hardness_n which_o be_v yet_o worse_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v shall_v depart_v and_o these_o bless_a motion_n shall_v cease_v and_o affect_v and_o visit_v it_o no_o more_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v very_o terrible_a as_o render_v a_o man_n past_o feeling_n and_o then_o the_o less_o he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o feel_v in_o the_o next_o but_o 3._o because_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n defective_a and_o dimn_v and_o the_o internal_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n not_o always_o distinguishable_a above_o all_o let_v a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n utter_v in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o say_v his_o reveal_v word_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o mysterious_a extraordinary_a and_o of_o late_a so_o much_o study_v book_n call_v the_o revelation_n and_o which_o perhaps_o the_o more_o it_o be_v study_v the_o less_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o general_o either_o find_v a_o man_n crack_v or_o make_v he_o so_o but_o i_o mean_v those_o other_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o plain_a sure_a perfect_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n a_o rule_n that_o will_v neither_o fail_v nor_o distract_v such_o as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o two_o former_a rule_n by_o for_o nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o the_o voice_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o god_n contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o high_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o the_o write_a word_n by_o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o both_o testament_n it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a say_v david_n in_o psalm_n 119._o 130._o and_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n to_o do_v it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_n sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o now_o what_o a_o force_n and_o fullness_n what_o a_o vigour_n and_o emphasis_n be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v the_o scripture_n even_o to_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o if_o as_o the_o text_n say_v they_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a i_o know_v none_o more_o concern_v to_o read_v and_o study_v they_o than_o their_o pope_n wherefore_o since_o the_o light_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v so_o mighty_a let_v a_o man_n bring_v and_o hold_v his_o conscience_n to_o this_o steady_a rule_n the_o unalterable_a rectitude_n of_o which_o will_v infallible_o discover_v the_o rectitude_n or_o obliquity_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o rule_n both_o to_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o in_o what_o we_o have_v do_v for_o though_o natural_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v listen_v to_o yet_o it_o be_v revelation_n alone_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o work_v of_o art_n a_o judicious_a artist_n will_v indeed_o use_v his_o eye_n but_o he_o will_v trust_v only_o to_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o action_n whatsoever_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v but_o the_o scripture_n will_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v commit_v such_o rule_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o stock_n his_o mind_n with_o portion_n of_o scripture_n answerable_a to_o all_o the_o head_n of_o duty_n and_o practice_n his_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n either_o for_o a_o direction_n of_o his_o action_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v the_o very_a course_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v when_o the_o devil_n ply_v he_o with_o temptation_n upon_o temptation_n still_o he_o have_v a_o suitable_a scripture_n ready_a to_o repel_v and_o baffle_v they_o all_o one_o after_o another_o every_o pertinent_a text_n urge_v home_o be_v a_o direct_a stab_n to_o a_o temptation_n let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v and_o recount_v with_o himself_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o christian._n such_o as_o temperance_n meekness_n charity_n purity_n of_o heart_n pardon_v of_o enemy_n patience_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v passive_a obedience_n too_o but_o that_o such_o old_a fashion_a christianity_n seem_v as_o
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 be_v or_o to_o jumble_v a_o multitude_n of_o misapply_v scripture-sentence_n together_o interlard_v with_o a_o frequent_a nauseous_a repetition_n of_o ah_o lord_n which_o some_o call_v exercise_v their_o gift_n but_o with_o a_o great_a exercise_n of_o their_o hearer_n patience_n nay_o do_v not_o he_o present_v his_o maker_n not_o only_o with_o a_o more_o decent_a but_o also_o a_o more_o free_a and_o liberal_a oblation_n who_o tender_v he_o much_o in_o a_o little_a and_o bring_v he_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o soul_n wrap_v up_o in_o three_o or_o four_o word_n than_o he_o who_o with_o full_a mouth_n and_o loud_a lung_n send_v up_o whole_a volley_n of_o articulate_v breath_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o neither_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n or_o man_n ought_v multitude_n of_o word_n to_o pass_v for_o any_o more_o in_o the_o present_a case_n no_o doubt_n god_n account_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o former_a as_o infinite_o a_o more_o valuable_a offer_n than_o the_o latter_a as_o that_o subject_a pay_v his_o prince_n a_o much_o noble_a and_o more_o acceptable_a tribute_n who_o tender_v he_o a_o purse_n of_o gold_n than_o he_o who_o bring_v he_o a_o whole_a cartload_n of_o farthing_n in_o which_o there_o be_v weight_n without_o worth_n and_o number_n without_o account_n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o argument_n for_o brevity_n or_o contractedness_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pray_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o fervour_n and_o attention_n in_o a_o long_a prayer_n that_o he_o may_v in_o a_o short_a for_o as_o i_o first_o observe_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o vigour_n attend_v two_o several_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o with_o the_o same_o force_n and_o earnestness_n exert_v itself_o upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o object_n for_o any_o long_a time_n great_a intention_n of_o mind_n spend_v the_o spirit_n too_o fast_o to_o continue_v its_o first_o freshness_n and_o agility_n long_o for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o retainer_n to_o the_o element_n and_o a_o sojourner_n in_o the_o body_n it_o must_v be_v content_a to_o submit_v its_o own_o quickness_n and_o spirituality_n to_o the_o dullness_n of_o its_o vehicle_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o pace_n of_o its_o inferior_a companion_n just_o like_o a_o man_n shut_v up_o in_o a_o coach_n who_o while_o he_o be_v so_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o go_v no_o fast_o than_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o coach_n will_v carry_v he_o he_o who_o do_v all_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o subtle_a refine_a part_n of_o matter_n call_v spirit_n must_v not_o think_v to_o persevere_v at_o the_o same_o pitch_n of_o
which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o man_n power_n be_v to_o that_o man_n impossible_a he_o therefore_o who_o exert_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ply_v all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o may_v rest_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o a_o warrantable_a guide_n of_o those_o action_n which_o he_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o and_o if_o by_o follow_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n the_o ditch_n shall_v never_o drown_v he_o or_o if_o it_o shall_v the_o man_n perish_v not_o by_o his_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o misfortune_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o can_v and_o practice_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o know_v have_v the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o mighty_a wall_n or_o rampart_n between_o he_o and_o damnation_n for_o any_o error_n or_o infirmity_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o condition_n have_v invincible_o and_o therefore_o inculpable_o expose_v he_o to_o and_o if_o a_o conscience_n thus_o qualify_v and_o inform_v be_v not_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o absolution_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n all_o the_o understanding_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o the_o sinner_n to_o pitch_v the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n upon_o or_o rest_v his_o conscience_n with_o any_o assurance_n but_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o plunge_v of_o infinite_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n suspicion_n and_o misgiving_n both_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n let_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o stand_v as_o the_o firm_a result_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o utmost_a and_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o in_o order_n to_o which_o among_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o high_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o four_o as_o 1._o let_v a_o man_n careful_o attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o for_o though_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o a_o guide_n universal_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v general_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o obey_v where_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o diminutive_a light_n compare_v to_o revelation_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o star_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sun_n nevertheless_o as_o weak_a and_o as_o small_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o light_n always_o at_o hand_n and_o though_o enclose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n may_v yet_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o prevent_v many_o a_o foul_a step_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o many_o a_o dangerous_a fall_n and_o every_o man_n bring_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o this_o light_n into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o that_o though_o it_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o it_o will_v carry_v he_o a_o great_a way_n indeed_o so_o far_o that_o if_o he_o follow_v it_o faithful_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o another_o light_n which_o shall_v carry_v he_o quite_o through_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v be_v evident_a from_o that_o high_a and_o refine_a morality_n which_o shine_v forth_o both_o in_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n who_o yet_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o this_o both_o to_o live_v and_o to_o write_v by_o for_o how_o great_a a_o man_n in_o virtue_n be_v cato_n of_o who_o the_o historian_n give_v this_o glorious_a character_n esse_fw-la quam_fw-la videri_fw-la bone_fw-la malebat_fw-la and_o of_o what_o a_o impregnable_a integrity_n be_v fabricius_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o attempt_v to_o turn_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o his_o course_n as_o to_o bring_v fabricius_n to_o do_v a_o base_a or_o a_o dishonest_a action_n and_o then_o for_o their_o write_n what_o admirable_a thing_n occur_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o pythagoras_n and_o the_o book_n of_o plato_n and_o of_o several_a other_o philosopher_n short_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o general_o above_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o ought_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o rich_a and_o a_o noble_a talon_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o divinity_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o god_n never_o light_v we_o up_o a_o candle_n either_o to_o put_v out_o or_o to_o sleep_v by_o if_o it_o be_v make_v conscious_a to_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o discover_v and_o reprove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o check_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v revere_v as_o the_o echo_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o whatsoever_o conscience_n bind_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v certain_o bind_v there_o too_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o hope_v or_o imagine_v that_o either_o law_n or_o gospel_n will_v absolve_v what_o natural_a conscience_n condemn_v no_o man_n ever_o yet_o offend_v his_o own_o conscience_n but_o first_o or_o last_o it_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v concern_v a_o man_n to_o treat_v this_o great_a principle_n awful_o and_o wary_o by_o still_o observe_v what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v it_o always_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a monitor_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o it_o for_o not_o to_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o silence_v it_o let_v he_o strict_o observe_v the_o first_o stir_n and_o intimation_n the_o first_o hint_n and_o whisper_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o pass_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v conscience_n so_o quick_a and_o vigilant_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o man_n true_a alarm_n upon_o the_o least_o approach_v of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o a_o great_a surprise_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n accustom_n himself_o to_o slight_a or_o pass_v over_o these_o first_o motion_n to_o good_a or_o shrink_n of_o his_o conscience_n from_o evil_a which_o original_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o appetite_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v be_v to_o the_o stomach_n conscience_n will_v by_o degree_n grow_v dull_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o from_o not_o spy_v out_o mote_n come_v at_o length_n to_o overlook_a beam_n from_o carelessness_n it_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o slumber_n and_o from_o a_o slumber_n it_o shall_v settle_v into_o a_o deep_a and_o long_a sleep_n till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o it_o sleep_v itself_o into_o a_o lethargy_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o that_o nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o awaken_v it_o for_o long_a disuse_n of_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o action_n will_v in_o time_n take_v away_o the_o very_a use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o who_o have_v for_o a_o disguise_n keep_v one_o of_o his_o eye_n a_o long_a time_n cover_v when_o he_o take_v off_o the_o cover_v find_v his_o eye_n indeed_o where_o it_o be_v but_o his_o sight_n be_v go_v he_o who_o will_v keep_v his_o conscience_n awake_a must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v it_o stir_v 2._o let_v a_o man_n be_v very_o tender_a and_o regardful_a of_o every_o pious_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o his_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v enthusiasm_n or_o such_o fantastic_a pretence_n
the_o fit_a engine_n to_o get_v into_o power_n by_o which_o by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o they_o general_o manage_v with_o as_o little_a tenderness_n as_o they_o do_v with_o conscience_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v but_o too_o much_o experience_n already_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o venture_v upon_o more_o in_o a_o word_n conscience_n not_o act_v by_o and_o under_o a_o law_n be_v a_o boundless_a dare_a and_o presumptuous_a thing_n and_o for_o any_o one_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o challenge_v to_o himself_o a_o privilege_n of_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o of_o be_v unaccountable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o all_o reason_n too_o much_o either_o for_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o pretend_v to_o 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o property_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o make_v the_o verdict_n of_o it_o so_o authentic_a be_v its_o great_a and_o rigorous_a impartiality_n for_o as_o its_o wonderful_a apprehensiveness_n make_v that_o it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v deceive_v so_o this_o make_v that_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n deceive_v a_o judge_n you_o know_v may_v be_v skilful_a in_o understand_v a_o cause_n and_o yet_o partial_a in_o give_v sentence_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o with_o conscience_n no_o artifice_n can_v induce_v it_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a or_o to_o absolve_v the_o guilty_a no_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bribe_v the_o light_n and_o the_o day_n to_o represent_v white_a thing_n black_a or_o black_a white_a what_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v power_n rhetoric_n or_o riches_n when_o they_o will_v terrify_v dissuade_v or_o buy_v off_o conscience_n from_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o man_n action_n for_o still_o as_o we_o have_v show_v conscience_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o judge_n may_v be_v bribe_v or_o frighten_v yet_o law_n can_v the_o law_n be_v impartial_a and_o inflexible_a it_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o consequent_o never_o accept_v person_n nor_o dispense_v with_o itself_o for_o let_v the_o most_o potent_a sinner_n upon_o earth_n speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o can_v command_v down_o the_o clamour_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o impose_v silence_n upon_o that_o bold_a reprover_n he_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n put_v on_o a_o high_a and_o a_o big_a look_v but_o can_v he_o for_o all_o that_o look_v conscience_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o he_o may_v also_o dissemble_v a_o little_a force_a jollity_n that_o be_v he_o may_v court_v his_o mistress_n and_o quaff_v his_o cup_n and_o perhaps_o sprinkle_v they_o now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o few_o dammee_n but_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n beside_o his_o own_o wretched_a miserable_a self_n know_v of_o those_o secret_n bitter_a infusion_n which_o that_o terrible_a thing_n call_v conscience_n make_v into_o all_o his_o draught_n believe_v it_o most_o of_o the_o appear_a mirth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o mirth_n but_o art_n the_o wound_a spirit_n be_v not_o see_v but_o walk_v under_o a_o disguise_n and_o still_o the_o less_o you_o see_v of_o it_o the_o better_a it_o look_v on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o virtuous_a person_n let_v he_o declare_v free_o whether_o ever_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o for_o his_o innocence_n or_o upbraid_v he_o for_o a_o action_n of_o duty_n do_v it_o ever_o bestow_v any_o of_o its_o hide_a lash_n or_o conceal_v bite_v on_o a_o mind_n severe_o pure_a chaste_a and_o religious_a but_o when_o conscience_n shall_v complain_v cry_v out_o and_o recoil_v let_v a_o man_n descend_v into_o himself_o with_o too_o just_a a_o suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o right_o within_o for_o sure_o that_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v not_o raise_v upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o rifle_a innocence_n be_v bear_v away_o and_o the_o man_n have_v steal_v something_o from_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v pursue_v and_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o be_v over-took_a let_v every_o one_o therefore_o attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o dawb_v nor_o flatter_v it_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o law_n as_o impartial_a as_o truth_n it_o will_v neither_o conceal_v nor_o pervert_v what_o it_o know_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n at_o first_o propose_v and_o show_v whence_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o namely_o for_o that_o it_o be_v full_o empower_v and_o commission_v to_o this_o great_a office_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_o quicksighted_n to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v and_o moreover_o very_o tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o exact_o and_o severe_o impartial_a in_o judge_v of_o whatsoever_o come_v before_o it_o every_o one_o of_o which_o qualification_n just_o contribute_v to_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n suggest_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o 1._o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v presume_v to_o come_v and_o place_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o ask_v something_o of_o he_o while_o his_o conscience_n be_v all_o the_o while_n smite_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o rebel_n and_o a_o traitor_n he_o be_v to_o the_o majesty_n which_o he_o supplicate_v sure_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v think_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o god_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n and_o pierce_v into_o all_o the_o filth_n and_o baseness_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o clear_a and_o more_o severe_a inspection_n and_o if_o so_o will_v he_o not_o likewise_o resent_v the_o provocation_n more_o deep_o and_o revenge_v it_o upon_o he_o more_o terrible_o if_o repentance_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o blow_n every_o such_o prayer_n be_v big_a with_o impiety_n and_o contradiction_n and_o make_v as_o odious_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o harangue_n of_o one_o of_o those_o rebel_n fast_n or_o humiliation_n in_o the_o year_n forty_o one_o invoke_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o such_o action_n and_o design_n as_o nothing_o but_o hell_n can_v reward_v one_o of_o the_o most_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n of_o a_o man_n fitness_n for_o that_o duty_n in_o heb._n 10._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o whence_o must_v this_o assurance_n spring_n why_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n otherwise_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o impure_a conscience_n will_v cry_v much_o loud_a than_o our_o prayer_n and_o speak_v more_o effectual_o against_o we_o than_o these_o can_v intercede_v for_o we_o and_o now_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a conduit_n of_o mercy_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v derive_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o noble_a instrument_n of_o converse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n then_o sure_o that_o which_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a and_o loathsome_a to_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o most_o mischievous_a and_o destructive_a consequence_n to_o mankind_n imaginable_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v remove_v with_o all_o that_o earnestness_n and_o concern_v with_o which_o a_o man_n will_v rid_v himself_o of_o a_o plague_n or_o a_o moral_a infection_n for_o it_o taint_v and_o pollute_v every_o prayer_n it_o turn_v a_o oblation_n into_o a_o affront_n and_o the_o odour_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n into_o the_o exhalation_n of_o a_o carcase_n and_o in_o a_o word_n make_v the_o heaven_n over_o we_o brass_n deny_v all_o passage_n either_o to_o descend_v mercy_n or_o ascend_a petition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n breast_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o same_o heart_n which_o endite_v do_v also_o encourage_v his_o prayer_n when_o his_o innocence_n push_v on_o the_o attempt_n and_o vouch_v the_o success_n such_o a_o one_o go_v bold_o to_o