very_o proper_a and_o convenient_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o particular_a room_n of_o our_o house_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o devotion_n with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o disturbance_n and_o those_o interruption_n which_o person_n usual_o meet_v with_o who_o want_n this_o conveniency_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v by_o clear_a precept_n recommede_v by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o who_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o seldom_o can_v be_v say_v to_o worship_n god_n whatever_o elâ—…e_n they_o do_v for_o their_o other_o act_n can_v be_v proper_o refer_v to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n our_o obligation_n to_o prayer_n arise_v not_o from_o one_o but_o from_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o by_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o of_o they_o he_o who_o pray_v declare_v god_n omnipresence_n his_o omniscience_n his_o omnipotence_n and_o all_o sufficiency_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o but_o who_o neglect_v prayer_n do_v not_o believe_v these_o divine_a perfection_n or_o do_v not_o serious_o consider_v they_o he_o make_v no_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o a_o independency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n which_o be_v god_n prerogative_n again_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n with_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n without_o prayer_n we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o he_o end_v of_o religion_n viz._n union_n with_o god_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o who_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o prayer_n have_v his_o heart_n alienat_fw-la from_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o indispose_v for_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impression_n thereof_o without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o advance_v towards_o perfection_n prayer_n be_v by_o some_o compare_v to_o breathe_v and_o not_o unfit_o for_o what_o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n prayer_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n respiration_n be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o our_o naturallli'e_n then_o prayer_n to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n for_o hereby_o it_o â—…s_v preserve_v &_o as_o the_o stifle_a our_o breath_n end_v our_o life_n so_o the_o cease_v to_o pray_v destroy_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o bâ—…dy_n which_o breathe_v not_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o feeling_n nor_o be_v it_o capable_a of_o motion_n even_o so_o the_o man_n who_o pray_v not_o be_v without_o all_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n neither_o make_v he_o any_o motion_n towards_o he_o prayer_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o show_v a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o growth_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o capacity_n obstruct_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o where_o this_o be_v he_o will_v certain_o manifest_v his_o lâ—…ve_n and_o bestow_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o capacity_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o who_o ask_v shall_v receive_v he_o who_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o who_o knockâ—…th_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o he_o mat._n 11._o but_o to_o make_v prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o thus_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o due_o qualify_v true_a prayer_n be_v always_o acceptable_a as_o incense_v and_o never_o fail_v to_o bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n but_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a show_n they_o be_v content_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_o but_o do_v not_o pray_v real_o some_o pray_v much_o but_o yet_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n near_o god_n nor_o move_v more_o forward_o in_o holiness_n which_o be_v both_o the_o undoubted_a sign_n and_o the_o certain_a effect_n of_o true_a prayer_n we_o ought_v then_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v aright_o else_o all_o the_o labour_n we_o bestow_v this_o way_n be_v in_o vain_a you_o ask_v say_v st._n james_n and_o you_o have_v not_o why_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o now_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a prayer_n and_o effectual_a first_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o lip_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o free_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o by_o empty_a show_n which_o have_v no_o solidity_n or_o reality_n in_o they_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v remove_v he_o care_v not_o for_o our_o draw_v near_o with_o our_o mouth_n or_o the_o honour_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o isa_n 29._o 1â—…_n to_o prostrate_v our_o body_n before_o god_n and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n â—…ove_v and_o wander_v be_v to_o offer_v a_o dead_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v no_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n to_o utter_v word_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o who_o meaning_n we_o attend_v not_o to_o be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o prat_v it_o be_v to_o babble_n without_o sense_n to_o make_v a_o sound_n which_o signify_v nothing_o and_o deserve_v no_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o puppet_n and_o mechanical_a engine_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o wheel_n and_o spring_n without_o understanding_n our_o prayer_n be_v but_o brutish_a gruâ—…tlings_n if_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o understanding_n wherefore_o when_o we_o be_v to_o pray_o we_o shall_v first_o fix_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o serious_a attention_n and_o shall_v endeavonr_v to_o wind_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o that_o fervour_n and_o earnestness_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n â—…_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o bestow_v some_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o read_v of_o the_o seripture_n or_o some_o other_o devout_a book_n have_v thus_o reduce_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o due_a attention_n and_o secure_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a against_o wander_a thought_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o each_o and_o the_o affection_n suitable_a thereto_o and_o frame_v our_o prayer_n according_o for_o they_o can_v be_v acceptable_a if_o lame_a and_o defective_a nor_o though_o they_o have_v all_o necessary_a part_n if_o each_o part_n be_v not_o right_o adjust_v and_o proper_o qualify_v to_o clear_v this_o better_a we_o will_v touch_v a_o little_a on_o they_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v adoration_n and_o invocation_n this_o we_o shall_v always_o begin_v with_o for_o as_o in_o our_o address_n to_o king_n and_o great_a personage_n we_o use_v first_o to_o do_v they_o reverence_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o dignity_n before_o we_o present_v our_o request_n so_o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v first_o adore_v his_o majesty_n and_o invocate_v his_o audience_n now_o the_o right_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v accost_v he_o with_o a_o heap_n of_o big_a tittle_n but_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o incomprehensible_a nature_n and_o adorable_a perfection_n visible_a in_o his_o manifold_a work_n and_o if_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v worthy_a of_o he_o we_o will_v be_v abash_v at_o ourselves_o as_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v regard_v by_o one_o so_o high_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o thought_n to_o express_v which_o and_o to_o cherish_v it_o too_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o throw_v ourselves_o in_o some_o humble_a posture_n thus_o the_o publican_n to_o signify_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o god_n greatness_n he_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o and_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n as_o one_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o but_o lest_o the_o reflect_v upon_o god_n majesty_n and_o greatness_n shall_v take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o acceptance_n and_o rather_o fill_v we_o with_o dread_n than_o confidence_n in_o he_o we_o must_v remember_v his_o goodness_n his_o love_n his_o mercy_n and_o how_o that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n as_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o ineffable_a greatness_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o father_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v when_o you_o pray_v say_v he_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n confession_n be_v another_o part_n of_o prayer_n this_o
well_o do_v as_o the_o seek_n of_o prayer_n of_o those_o upon_o earth_n to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v first_o that_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v not_o true_a 2._o that_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v this_o worship_n nor_o free_v it_o from_o idolatry_n first_o the_o thing_n allege_v in_o the_o excuse_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n worship_n be_v not_o true_a for_o beside_o the_o build_n of_o temple_n the_o erect_n of_o altar_n offer_v up_o to_o they_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o without_o the_o most_o violent_a stretch_n can_v be_v interpret_v a_o desire_v they_o only_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a then_o that_o their_o prayer_n to_o saint_n be_v put_v up_o in_o as_o express_v term_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n more_o humble_o and_o devout_o than_o they_o do_v particular_o to_o b_o virgin_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o high_o of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v of_o she_o or_o to_o attribute_v more_o to_o the_o one_o then_o to_o the_o other_o or_o to_o petition_v the_o great_a grace_n in_o more_o plain_a and_o direct_a term_n as_o appear_v from_o many_o instance_n in_o that_o office_n of_o b_o m_o authorize_v by_o pope_n paul_n 5._o there_o she_o be_v call_v the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n the_o most_o glorious_a lady_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o heaven_n and_o in_o that_o hymn_n which_o begin_v ave_fw-la maris_fw-la stella_fw-la they_o bespeak_v she_o thus_o hail_o â—…ou_fw-mi the_o sea_n bright_a star_n who_o god_n pure_a mother_n be_v offender_n bond_n unbind_v give_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a our_o evil_n clean_o disband_v all_o good_a for_o we_o demand_v do_v like_o a_o mother_n bear_v our_o prayer_n up_o to_o his_o ear_n o_o singular_o chaste_a who_o meekness_n all_o surpass_v our_o sin_n from_o we_o exil_n d_o render_v we_o chaste_a and_o mild_a grant_v that_o our_o life_n be_v pure_a etc._n etc._n this_o as_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o hymn_n so_o it_o be_v their_o own_o translation_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o that_o english_a manual_n of_o prayer_n print_v at_o edinburgh_n this_o year_n 1685._o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o paris_n see_v pag_n 76._o and_o lest_o the_o citation_n of_o foreign_a or_o old_a book_n may_v be_v discredit_v we_o shall_v produce_v some_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n which_o be_v late_o emit_v by_o themselves_o and_o which_o the_o curious_a may_v easy_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o pag_n 81._o in_o a_o prayer_n to_o the_o virgin_n after_o very_o high_a title_n they_o pray_v be_v thou_o with_o i_o in_o all_o my_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n receive_v i_o beseech_v thou_o my_o soul_n and_o offer_v it_o to_o thy_o sweet_a son_n jesus_n that_o for_o thy_o sake_n he_o may_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o place_n it_o among_o the_o choir_n of_o celestial_a spirit_n and_o page_n 85._o in_o the_o hymn_n memento_n rerum_fw-la conditor_fw-la bless_a mary_n pre_n ordain_v to_o be_v mother_n of_o grace_n and_o clemency_n defend_v we_o from_o our_o mortal_a foe_n receive_v we_o when_o from_o hence_o we_o go_v and_o every_o where_o throughout_o the_o book_n they_o speak_v to_o she_o and_o of_o she_o as_o if_o she_o be_v a_o goddess_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n but_o not_o only_o they_o pray_v thus_o direct_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n but_o to_o angel_n and_o other_o saint_n as_o may_v be_v see_v there_o the_o prayer_n to_o the_o guardian_n angel_n be_v o_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o who_o holy_a care_n i_o be_o commit_v by_o the_o supernal_a piety_n illumnat_n defend_v and_o govern_v i_o this_o day_n in_o all_o my_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n pag_n 18._o and_o as_o they_o sometime_o bid_v the_o saint_n only_o pray_v for_o they_o so_o at_o other_o time_n they_o desire_v god_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o saint_n thus_o o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o all_o thy_o saint_n may_v every_o where_o help_v we_o and_o while_o we_o reverent_o celebrate_v their_o merit_n we_o may_v feel_v their_o patronage_n pag._n 52._o and_o pag._n 108._o they_o ample_o recommend_v their_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n angel_n and_o patriarch_n that_o not_o only_o by_o their_o intercession_n but_o by_o their_o assistance_n they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o from_o all_o dreadful_a torment_n and_o if_o they_o intend_v no_o more_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o virgin_n &_o other_o saint_n why_o be_v that_o book_n condemn_v which_o be_v print_v at_o cullein_a for_o the_o rectify_v these_o abuse_n which_o have_v creep_v in_o into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n as_o if_o the_o author_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o impiety_n against_o the_o scripture_n the_o virgin_n the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o be_v the_o book_n of_o f._n crasset_fw-la allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o provincial_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o paris_n to_o be_v publish_v anno_fw-la 1679_o wherein_o as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o former_a all_o be_v reestablish_v which_o the_o most_o shameless_a adâ—…rers_n of_o the_o virgin_n ever_o assert_v that_o a_o almighty_a power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v to_o she_o that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o she_o that_o she_o can_v save_v those_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v that_o she_o come_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o servant_n to_o entreat_v her_o lord_n but_o as_o a_o mother_n which_o may_v command_v her_o son_n pag._n 28._o thus_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o a_o hundred_o more_o instance_n which_o may_v have_v be_v give_v do_v we_o not_o fear_v to_o be_v tedious_a it_o appear_v that_o the_o papist_n do_v more_o then_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o this_o alledgance_n be_v mere_o a_o blind_a whereby_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o whole_a saint-worship_n in_o gross_a but_o 2lâ—…_n though_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o excuse_v nor_o free_v those_o who_o thus_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n from_o idolatry_n 1._o because_o even_o this_o much_o can_v be_v do_v without_o ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o god_n as_o omnipresence_n omniscience_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o secret_a thought_n if_o the_o saint_n do_v not_o neither_o can_v hear_v we_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o every_o where_o througout_n the_o world_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v every_o where_o present_a or_o so_o omniscient_a as_o to_o know_v whatsoever_o be_v do_v or_o say_v upon_o the_o earth_n which_o to_o say_v of_o they_o be_v real_o to_o make_v they_o god_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n both_o appropriate_a these_o thing_n to_o god_n only_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o say_v solomon_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n 1_o king_n 8._o 39_o and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o proof_n we_o give_v of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o he_o which_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o heart_n rev_n 2_o 23._o which_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a if_o any_o other_o can_v know_v these_o save_o god_n only_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o pray_n to_o depart_a saint_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o seek_v the_o assistance_n of_o good_a man_n prayer_n upon_o earth_n for_o there_o be_v a_o free_a intercourse_n between_o we_o and_o our_o fellow_n christian_n here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o communication_n with_o depart_a saint_n and_o angel_n who_o by_o their_o nature_n be_v finiee_n and_o so_o confine_v to_o one_o particular_a place_n which_o make_v it_o a_o very_a improper_a and_o absurd_a thing_n to_o call_v upon_o they_o every_o where_o â—…ly_o the_o seek_v the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n so_o much_o and_o the_o lay_v stress_n upon_o it_o be_v idolatry_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v a_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o prerogative_n and_o the_o clothing_n other_o with_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n only_o to_o make_v intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o as_o sy_n paul_fw-mi say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1._o tim._n 2._o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v sy_n john_n know_v not_o any_o other_o when_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n
next_o place_n we_o must_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v please_v he_o to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o discern_a his_o will_n and_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v walk_v for_o be_v we_o do_v not_o pray_v we_o be_v not_o desirous_a hereof_o neither_o due_o value_v it_o and_o so_o god_n will_v not_o think_v we_o worthy_a of_o it_o who_o despise_v or_o light_o esteem_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o will_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n who_o humble_o seek_v he_o but_o though_o prayer_n be_v good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a mean_n it_o must_v not_o be_v neglect_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v rest_v in_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v direction_n as_o pilate_n what_o be_v truth_n at_o christ_n who_o when_o he_o put_v the_o question_n present_o go_v out_o and_o stay_v not_o for_o a_o answer_n after_o we_o have_v pray_v we_o shall_v listen_v attentive_o to_o what_o god_n say_v we_o ought_v to_o hearken_v careful_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o three_o we_o must_v search_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v give_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o our_o path_n and_o so_o who_o will_v walk_v upright_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n must_v follow_v the_o guidance_n thereof_o be_v true_a god_n speak_v also_o inward_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o the_o word_n '_o tt_v seldom_o and_o in_o some_o singular_a case_n only_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o man_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o scripture_n however_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n whatever_o he_o say_v any_o manner_n of_o way_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v contradict_v himself_o wherefore_o all_o inward_a suggestion_n and_o inspiration_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o a_o like_a case_n be_v the_o sure_a word_n 2_o pet_n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o put_v great_a confidence_n in_o the_o outward_a light_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v inward_o suggest_v for_o we_o may_v ready_o deceive_v ourselves_o here_o and_o take_v the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o strong_a imagination_n for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n every_o one_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v often_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o compare_v they_o to_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v from_o god._n we_o must_v not_o then_o be_v too_o hasty_a in_o conclude_v our_o inclination_n to_o a_o thing_n or_o aversion_n from_o it_o after_o that_o we_o have_v pray_v fervent_o to_o be_v from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o wise_a opposite_a to_o what_o be_v there_o enjoin_v we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o holy_a oracle_n which_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o they_o therefore_o we_o must_v resort_v at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n to_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o by_o they_o all_o person_n of_o each_o sex_n age_n condition_n employment_n may_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o before_o god._n for_o they_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n by_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v true_a every_o one_o will_v not_o find_v their_o particular_a case_n state_v and_o resolve_v but_o either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o either_o by_o express_a precept_n or_o parallel_n and_o not_o much_o different_a example_n they_o shall_v see_v what_o may_v sufficient_o inform_v and_o resolve_v they_o and_o whoso_o will_v give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v without_o doubt_n as_o we_o show_v before_o either_o by_o secret_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o or_o by_o some_o special_a occurrence_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v particular_o direct_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o affair_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v speak_v particular_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n unto_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o testimony_n psal._n 25._o 9_o 10._o thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o we_o shall_v consult_v god_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o now_o certain_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o thus_o to_o consult_v he_o and_o to_o follow_v these_o mean_n for_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o heathen_n of_o old_a glory_v much_o in_o their_o oracle_n and_o use_v to_o consult_v they_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n though_o they_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o they_o prove_v more_o often_o snare_n to_o entrap_v they_o than_o light_v to_o guide_v they_o but_o sure_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o special_a privilege_n we_o have_v of_o consult_v the_o true_a god_n who_o neither_o will_v deceive_v other_o nor_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o who_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o by_o his_o word_n and_o who_o promise_v far_o direction_n as_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v wise_o and_o be_v show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o carry_v on_o our_o happiness_n and_o peace_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v david_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n before_o they_o begin_v any_o enterprise_n and_o so_o it_o become_v we_o to_o resort_v unto_o the_o scripture_n for_o counsel_n and_o direction_n where_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o full_o and_o clear_o if_o we_o be_v desirous_a thereof_o and_o follow_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v above_o david_n no_o doubt_n have_v many_o counselor_n and_o yet_o he_o prefer_v the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o all_o thy_o testimony_n say_v he_o be_v my_o delight_n and_o counselor_n and_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o bid_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o his_o teacher_n for_o god_n testimony_n be_v his_o meditation_n ps_n 119._o 24._o 99_o it_o be_v report_v of_o the_o heathen_a socrates_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a spirit_n or_o genius_n which_o he_o use_v as_o his_o counsellor_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o he_o be_v require_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n his_o usual_a answer_n be_v si_fw-la daemon_n permiserit_fw-la if_o my_o spirit_n or_o genius_n will_v suffer_v now_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a counsellor_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o therefore_o also_o whenso_fw-la ere_o any_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o we_o either_o to_o our_o understanding_n or_o will_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v let_v our_o answer_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v hear_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v ps._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v first_o consult_v god_n by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o never_o conclude_v or_o resolve_v any_o thing_n without_o advise_v thus_o with_o god_n we_o shall_v high_o honour_v he_o and_o show_v a_o entire_a regard_n unto_o he_o and_o also_o take_v a_o wise_a and_o most_o profitable_a course_n for_o ourselves_o but_o alas_o as_o solomon_n complain_v wherefore_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n to_o get_v wisdom_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n unto_o it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o and_o how_o little_a do_v it_o avail_v we_o to_o have_v the_o scripture_n see_v we_o make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o they_o and_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o what_o god_n say_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o and_o what_o matter_n of_o regrate_a
in_o the_o church_n afterward_o and_o certain_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n as_o do_v more_o than_o spoil_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o therefore_o the_o ignorance_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v which_o discourage_n our_o governor_n from_o establish_v this_o daily_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o town_n city_n and_o other_o populous_a place_n which_o i_o may_v confident_o call_v a_o necessary_a as_o well_o as_o a_o reasonable_a service_n but_o as_o we_o ought_v thus_o to_o hallow_v every_o day_n by_o devote_v some_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sanctify_v for_o this_o end_n one_o whole_a day_n in_o seven_o viz._n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n common_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n partly_o because_o of_o its_o be_v peculiar_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o because_o of_o that_o special_a honour_n whiich_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n confer_v on_o this_o day_n by_o his_o triumphant_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o its_o consecration_n we_o shall_v set_v a_o part_n one_o day_n of_o the_o seven_o not_o that_o this_o portion_n appear_v necessary_a by_o natural_a light_n but_o because_o it_o be_v express_o exact_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unjust_a if_o our_o expression_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n be_v less_o than_o what_o be_v seek_v of_o they_o and_o what_o oblidge_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n particular_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o either_o have_v a_o express_a command_n for_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o enjoin_v other_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o be_v lead_v thereto_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v declare_v to_o we_o act._n 20._o 7._o 1._o cor._n 16._o 2._o and_o be_v witness_v by_o a_o constant_a universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n day_n no_o other_o be_v strict_o necessary_a to_o be_v keep_v except_o in_o obedience_n to_o our_o ruler_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a who_o without_o all_o question_n may_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o state_n former_o appoint_v day_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n either_o of_o some_o particular_a emergency_n wherein_o church_n or_o state_n be_v concern_v or_o of_o some_o special_a mercy_n grant_v they_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a neither_o to_o burden_v people_n with_o too_o many_o such_o appointment_n nor_o yet_o to_o give_v they_o a_o disgust_n by_o order_v solemn_a day_n upon_o mean_a &_o silly_a account_n if_o man_n be_v not_o serious_a in_o these_o solemn_a address_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a mockery_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v they_o serious_a when_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o unworthy_a to_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v miserable_o transgress_v for_o first_o she_o have_v so_o multiply_v her_o fast_n and_o festival_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o almost_o exceed_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n the_o year_n will_v need_v to_o be_v enlarge_v if_o all_o their_o holy_a day_n shall_v be_v distinct_o and_o exact_o keep_v and_o though_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o all_o be_v not_o require_v to_o observe_v each_o of_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v too_o many_o impose_v upon_o every_o person_n and_o every_o place_n so_o that_o the_o french_a king_n be_v necessitate_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o pope_n late_o for_o the_o dispense_n with_o a_o great_a many_o in_o his_o kingdom_n again_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o only_o to_o blame_v for_o enjoin_v such_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o day_n but_o also_o because_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o injunction_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v frivolous_a scarce_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n serious_a attention_n much_o less_o of_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o solemn_a devotion_n as_o for_o example_n the_o invention_n of_o some_o pitiful_a relic_n the_o dedication_n of_o bell_n some_o ridiculous_a passage_n of_o their_o legendary_a saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o most_o of_o their_o holiday_n be_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o saint_n so_o the_o most_o of_o their_o saint_n according_a to_o their_o own_o relation_n do_v nothing_o memorable_a their_o life_n be_v more_o foolish_a and_o impertinent_a then_o old_a wife_n fable_n or_o the_o tale_n of_o child_n as_o we_o may_v show_v by_o several_a instance_n do_v we_o not_o fear_v to_o be_v tedious_a but_o leave_v this_o we_o come_v next_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o worship_n which_o shall_v be_v pay_v unto_o god_n public_o and_o to_o show_v the_o particular_n whereof_o it_o shall_v consist_v which_o ought_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o general_n nature_n of_o this_o worship_n it_o must_v first_o answer_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o celebration_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o greatness_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o other_o glorious_a perfection_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o worshipper_n may_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v excite_v to_o fear_n trust_v and_o obey_v he_o 2_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o altogether_o free_a of_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v or_o signify_v his_o displeasure_n with_o otherways_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o abominable_a 3_o it_o must_v not_o only_o contain_v all_o the_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o beside_o carry_v character_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o necessary_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v regulate_v by_o special_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o make_v to_o express_v the_o particular_n of_o such_o dispensation_n the_o jew_n be_v require_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o what_o be_v discernible_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o so_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a worship_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o such_o as_o own_o no_o revelation_n or_o only_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n four_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o christian_n must_v worship_n god_n together_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o john_n 4._o 23._o where_o he_o say_v the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_n he_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n which_o word_n whither_o we_o consider_v they_o abstract_o &_o in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o deliver_v a_o certain_a natural_a truth_n or_o with_o a_o reference_n to_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n then_o usual_a in_o the_o world_n i_o say_v which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o consider_v they_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n will_v now_o be_v worship_v not_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o carnal_a and_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o number_n of_o mysterious_a and_o almost_o unintelligible_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o the_o gentile_n use_v to_o do_v and_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a for_o a_o time_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o who_o signification_n and_o use_n be_v reasonable_a and_o easy_o understand_v the_o law_n consider_v man_n as_o in_o a_o weak_a infant_n state_n and_o so_o prescribe_v a_o worship_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o state_n but_o the_o gospel_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o full_a stature_n of_o perfect_a man_n and_o consider_v we_o as_o such_o and_o therefore_o our_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n now_o must_v speak_v out_o more_o perfect_a reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o worship_n require_v of_o christian_n be_v not_o a_o pompous_a show_n of_o ceremony_n which_o may_v affect_v child_n or_o childish_a person_n but_o real_a and_o substantial_a expression_n of_o faith_n love_n fear_v joy_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n there_o must_v not_o be_v more_o or_o other_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v requisite_a for_o order_n and_o decency_n or_o necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o fix_v the_o inward_a attention_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o that_o be_v not_o true_a or_o proper_a worship_n which_o be_v whole_o external_n and_o do_v not_o come_v