be_v perform_v and_o for_o what_o reason_n in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n concern_v you_o three_o we_o have_v a_o negative_a precept_n not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n which_o include_v this_o affirmative_a in_o it_o viz._n that_o we_o reverence_v the_o real_a gift_n of_o good_a minister_n sound_v and_o orthodox_n divine_v four_o and_o last_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o despise_v prophecying_n which_o be_v a_o negative_a precept_n also_o and_o contain_v this_o affirmative_a that_o we_o set_v a_o especial_a value_n on_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a scripture_n mean_v here_o by_o prophecying_n and_o consequent_o on_o those_o that_o make_v they_o 1._o we_o be_v here_o positive_o enjoin_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o constancy_n thereof_o pray_v without_o cease_v we_o have_v many_o enemy_n to_o contend_v with_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o those_o very_a potent_a subtle_a and_o ensnare_a such_o be_v first_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n the_o devil_n with_o other_o his_o accurse_a accomplice_n and_o eternal_o condemn_v retinue_n partly_o by_o that_o sublime_a angelical_a nature_n they_o be_v of_o and_o partly_o by_o that_o shrewd_a experience_n they_o have_v gain_v by_o the_o indefatigable_a diligence_n they_o have_v use_v for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n together_o egg_v on_o and_o exasperate_v by_o a_o inveterate_a hatred_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n for_o these_o be_v desperate_a apostate_n themselves_o and_o see_v a_o second_o creation_n ordain_v as_o it_o be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o they_o to_o supply_v the_o place_n in_o heaven_n by_o these_o rebel_n eternal_o lose_v a_o keen_a and_o endless_a malice_n inflame_v they_o to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v we_o also_o into_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n where_o they_o will_v not_o pity_v we_o no_o that_o will_v be_v as_o far_o from_o they_o as_o heaven_n be_v 〈◊〉_d hell_n but_o cruel_o tyrannize_v and_o insult_v over_o we_o when_o they_o have_v do_v and_o also_o much_o animate_v they_o have_v be_v to_o persist_v in_o these_o their_o diabolical_a attempt_n by_o that_o victory_n obtain_v over_o primitive_a innocence_n whereby_o their_o stratagem_n have_v go_v on_o with_o a_o more_o fatal_a success_n over_o the_o infirm_a posterity_n of_o our_o lapse_v first_o parent_n 2._o beside_o these_o fierce_a and_o implacable_a foe_n which_o will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o ruin_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o world_n be_v another_o enemy_n that_o have_v a_o thousand_o gin_n to_o entangle_v we_o in_o such_o as_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n profaneness_n irreligion_n voluptuousness_n intemperance_n and_o the_o like_a which_o if_o comply_v with_o will_v draw_v man_n into_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n 3._o our_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n be_v apt_a to_o concur_v with_o these_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o do_v good_a and_o incline_v we_o to_o evil_a hence_o arise_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o evil_a concupiscency_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o miscarry_v if_o we_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o seek_v not_o out_o for_o some_o assistance_n more_o powerful_a than_o ourselves_o and_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v seek_v but_o from_o our_o gracious_a father_n in_o heaven_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o if_o they_o seek_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o prayer_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n eph._n 6.18_o this_o he_o have_v from_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v we_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v lest_o we_o enter_v into_o temptation_n mat._n 26.41_o and_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luke_n 18.1_o we_o must_v pray_v every_o where_o say_v st._n paul_n lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v 1_o tim._n 2.8_o by_o this_o prayer_n to_o god_n majesty_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o use_v it_o wâ—_n distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o atheist_n and_o heathen_n it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_n themselves_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o one_o sort_n of_o adoration_n or_o another_o but_o here_o be_v the_o mischief_n their_o god_n be_v no_o god_n figuras_fw-la mentis_fw-la ludicras_fw-la omne_fw-la picti_n ludibriae_fw-la trunci_fw-la autebur_n in_o varias_fw-la aut_fw-la saxa_fw-la incisa_fw-la figuras_fw-la they_o worship_v the_o fond_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o many_o time_n the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n they_o carve_v themselves_o god_n out_o of_o some_o senseless_a stone_n or_o hew_v they_o out_o of_o some_o inanimate_a tree_n of_o part_n whereof_o they_o make_v they_o a_o fire_n to_o warm_v their_o hand_n at_o of_o the_o other_o part_n they_o fashion_v they_o god_n to_o invoke_v and_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n unto_o to_o this_o horace_n allude_v serm._n lib._n 1._o sat._n 8._o olim_fw-la truncus_fw-la eram_fw-la ficulnus_fw-la inutile_fw-la lignum_fw-la cum_fw-la faber_n incertis_fw-la scamnum_fw-la faceret_fw-la ne_fw-la priapum_fw-la maluit_fw-la esse_fw-la deum_fw-la but_o our_o address_n be_v to_o the_o right_a object_n and_o owner_n god_n alone_o a_o god_n that_o can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o not_o only_o can_v but_o will_n a_o god_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o our_o application_n to_o he_o and_o have_v command_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v it_o to_o our_o own_o hurt_n we_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n when_o we_o have_v sin_v as_o alas_o who_o be_v there_o that_o sin_n not_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o the_o avert_n god_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n we_o can_v be_v penitent_a if_o we_o pray_v not_o if_o we_o confess_v not_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v a_o absolution_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n consist_v of_o confession_n alone_o to_o expiate_v for_o the_o past_a offence_n of_o our_o life_n but_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o method_n of_o prevention_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o antidote_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o infection_n of_o all_o spiritual_a malady_n the_o omission_n whereof_o be_v like_o go_v out_o fast_v in_o a_o time_n of_o epedimical_a pestilence_n whereby_o a_o free_a passage_n lie_v open_a for_o the_o contagious_a air_n to_o insinuate_v itself_o and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a mass_n of_o blood_n the_o holy_a father_n and_o great_a penitent_n st._n austin_n confess_v it_o as_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n once_o upon_o he_o in_o give_v he_o over_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n for_o have_v go_v out_o that_o day_n without_o make_v his_o prayer_n to_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o as_o he_o use_v to_o do_v it_o always_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o ere_o we_o enter_v on_o our_o several_a employment_n to_o beseech_v the_o favourable_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n else_o what_o good_a success_n can_v we_o look_v for_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n protection_n but_o with_o his_o help_n what_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o annoy_v we_o what_o may_v we_o not_o obtain_v at_o his_o hand_n by_o prayer_n that_o be_v real_o for_o our_o good_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v almost_o omnipotent_a like_o the_o god_n that_o hear_v it_o and_o who_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o nay_o it_o bind_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o almighty_a himself_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n so_o much_o thus_o for_o instance_n when_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n have_v make_v they_o a_o golden_a calf_n and_o god_n be_v angry_a thereat_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v ask_v leave_n of_o moses_n as_o if_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o his_o consent_n now_o therefore_o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v consume_v they_o it_o be_v a_o stiff-necked_a people_n yet_o when_o moses_n meek_o beseech_v the_o lord_n he_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o his_o people_n and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o psalmist_n word_n god_n say_v that_o he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o thus_o nineveh_n be_v threaten_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v this_o determination_n seem_v absolute_a and_o irreversible_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o when_o the_o ninevite_n fast_v and_o
the_o clergyman_n office_n and_o the_o clergyman_n due_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o triennial_n visitation_n of_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n edward_n lord_n bishop_n of_o gloucester_n at_o campden_n octob._n 7._o 1698._o by_o robert_n morse_n a._n m._n rector_n of_o willersy_n in_o the_o county_n of_o gloucester_n and_o master_n of_o the_o free-school_n in_o campden_n fortis_fw-la est_fw-la falsam_fw-la infamiam_fw-la contemnere_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la quod_fw-la sentiunt_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la optimum_fw-la sit_fw-la tamen_fw-la invidiae_fw-la metu_fw-la non_fw-la audent_fw-la dicere_fw-la tul._n of._n l._n 1._o p._n 37._o london_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n at_o the_o half_a moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o henry_n clements_n bookseller_n in_o oxford_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n edward_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n bishop_n of_o gloucester_n my_o lord_n have_v receive_v your_o lordship_n letter_n to_o preach_v the_o visitation-sermon_n at_o campden_n i_o be_v not_o long_o in_o resolve_v what_o point_v of_o doctrine_n to_o insist_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n take_v up_o my_o thought_n in_o the_o first_o place_n one_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o sinful_a man_n though_o now_o account_v if_o we_o may_v guess_v by_o their_o general_a practice_n the_o least_o of_o christian_a obligation_n i_o be_o much_o afraid_a that_o they_o who_o be_v negligent_a in_o come_v to_o the_o public_a divine_a service_n be_v not_o more_o forward_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o indispensible_a part_n of_o religion_n elsewhere_o though_o common_a prayer_n be_v now_o become_v a_o scandalous_a thing_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o woe_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n good_a and_o wise_a man_n make_v of_o it_o the_o high_a esteem_n they_o must_v have_v for_o it_o discourse_v once_o about_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o service-book_n as_o some_o man_n call_v it_o by_o way_n of_o contempt_n as_o if_o book-prayer_n be_v altogether_o antichristian_a with_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a communion_n upon_o his_o accusation_n of_o it_o in_o general_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a after_o some_o pause_n he_o at_o last_o pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n give_v peace_n in_o our_o time_n o_o lord_n because_o there_o be_v none_o other_o etc._n etc._n god_n be_v praise_v by_o the_o courage_n and_o conduct_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n we_o have_v the_o blessing_n pray_v for_o but_o as_o the_o learned_a bishop_n stillingfleet_n say_v to_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n on_o a_o like_a occasion_n at_o this_o rate_n some_o man_n may_v want_v cause_n to_o defend_v but_o they_o can_v never_o want_v argument_n that_o i_o take_v occasion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o discourse_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n gratitude_n at_o this_o time_n more_o particular_o oblige_v i_o and_o all_o of_o we_o of_o the_o reform_a persuasion_n for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n that_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o protestant_a religion_n be_v not_o long_o since_o in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o it_o in_o my_o three_o and_o four_o particular_n i_o aim_v at_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o clergy_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o office_n and_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o contempt_n by_o a_o demeanour_n suitable_a to_o their_o sacred_a office_n that_o this_o of_o we_o be_v a_o despicable_a deanery_n of_o clergyman_n we_o dare_v challenge_v our_o great_a adversary_n to_o prove_v bishop_n nicholson_n use_v to_o call_v it_o his_o belove_a deanery_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v all_o deport_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o find_v the_o like_a approbation_n in_o your_o lordship_n our_o diocesan_n that_o sober_a religious_a and_o learned_a minister_n shall_v be_v any_o where_o despise_v must_v proceed_v from_o a_o gross_a and_o barbarous_a rudeness_n of_o man_n mix_v with_o a_o atheistical_a genius_n wherever_o man_n have_v be_v true_o well_o breed_v sincere_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a they_o have_v pay_v their_o due_a respect_n to_o god_n minister_n that_o your_o lordship_n may_v long_o enjoy_v that_o happiness_n wherever_o you_o be_v concern_v as_o you_o just_o merit_v it_o by_o your_o love_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o among_o sundry_a other_o instance_n you_o have_v signal_o demonstrate_v in_o your_o late_a encouragement_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o cirencester_n be_v the_o very_a hearty_a wish_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o dutiful_a and_o humble_a servant_n robert_n morse_n 1_o thessaly_n chap._n v._o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o 20_o verse_n pray_v without_o cease_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n concern_v you_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n despise_v not_o prophecying_n the_o occasion_n of_o st._n paul_n write_v this_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v the_o ill_a usage_n those_o among_o they_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n receive_v together_o with_o their_o apostle_n who_o have_v preach_v it_o into_o their_o ear_n and_o by_o those_o instrument_n of_o conveyance_n god_n bless_v the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o best_a of_o demonstration_n and_o most_o infallible_a argument_n root_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n the_o hard_a treatment_n they_o undergo_v be_v from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o their_o adherent_n who_o live_v in_o thessalonica_n or_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o macedonia_n they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o at_o that_o distance_n but_o their_o malice_n and_o revenge_n will_v bring_v they_o quick_o together_o to_o consult_v and_o effect_n if_o possible_a the_o extirpation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o good_a apostle_n have_v deal_v very_o fair_o with_o these_o believe_a thessalonian_o and_o the_o other_o macedonian_a christian_n he_o have_v tell_v they_o plain_o what_o they_o must_v trust_v to_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o a_o life_n of_o ease_n or_o luxury_n they_o be_v to_o lead_v but_o such_o as_o his_o own_o a_o life_n of_o labour_n and_o hard_a travel_n yet_o withal_o alleviate_v by_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n and_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v like_a unto_o his_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n as_o his_o lord_n mat._n 10.25_o with_o a_o assurance_n that_o suffering_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v not_o last_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n will_v which_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n will_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n st._n paul_n know_v will_v flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay_n tree_n for_o a_o while_n but_o their_o end_n he_o foresee_v without_o timely_a repentance_n which_o he_o most_o earnest_o desire_v will_v be_v infernal_a flame_n and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ever_o the_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a deliverance_n and_o after_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o persecution_n quiet_a halcyon_n day_n as_o they_o have_v the_o danger_n be_v least_o in_o the_o interim_n upon_o a_o timorous_a prospect_n of_o the_o trouble_v that_o shall_v intervene_v they_o shall_v be_v draw_v away_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n psal_n 78.57_o as_o to_o this_o affair_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o solicitous_a lest_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v prove_v in_o vain_a upon_o their_o account_n though_o not_o his_o own_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o chap._n of_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 5._o wherefore_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a frequent_o to_o put_v in_o mind_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o to_o do_v to_o this_o end_n may_v be_v read_v what_o be_v antecedent_n and_o consequent_a in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o chapter_n where_o my_o text_n be_v pray_v without_o cease_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o etc._n etc._n quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n despise_v not_o prophecying_n which_o word_n be_v several_a short_a and_o pithy_a sentence_n of_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o not_o limit_v whole_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o very_o extensive_a and_o reach_v all_o christian_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o word_n we_o have_v these_o particular_n first_o we_o be_v positive_o enjoin_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o it_o pray_v without_o cease_v second_o the_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o like_o positive_a manner_n and_o how_o universal_o to_o
pray_v and_o repent_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o ionas_n this_o make_v god_n himself_o repent_v jonah_n 3.10_o o_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o devout_a pray_v so_o the_o zealous_a breath_n of_o hezekiah_n mouth_n scatter_v like_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n the_o numerous_a host_n of_o a_o blasphemous_a sennaoherib_n 2_o king_n chap._n 19_o ver_fw-la 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o blow_v they_o into_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n thus_o his_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o tear_n disannul_v the_o sad_a message_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o not_o live_v for_o we_o read_v that_o god_n hear_v he_o and_o add_v to_o his_o day_n 15_o year_n isa_n 38.5_o so_o true_a and_o infallible_a be_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o say_v whatever_o you_o ask_v in_o prayer_n believe_v you_o shall_v receive_v mat._n 21.22_o we_o read_v in_o eusebius_n of_o st._n james_n the_o just_a how_o that_o his_o custom_n be_v to_o enter_v daily_o into_o the_o temple_n by_o himself_o and_o there_o with_o bend_a knee_n to_o entreat_v for_o grace_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o his_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n lib._n 2._o c._n 23._o insomuch_o that_o his_o knee_n be_v harden_v like_o a_o camel_n into_o a_o callous_a substance_n by_o his_o constant_a use_v to_o pray_v kneel_v which_o i_o mention_v not_o only_o as_o a_o example_n of_o constant_a prayer_n but_o also_o as_o to_o the_o posture_n of_o it_o kneeling_z miserable_o neglect_v by_o the_o majority_n even_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o three_o kind_n 1._o private_a in_o our_o closet_n 2._o domestic_a with_o our_o family_n 3._o common_a with_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o for_o private_a prayer_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o good_a christian_a can_v live_v a_o day_n nor_o scarce_o a_o hour_n without_o it_o so_o many_o be_v his_o necessity_n so_o great_a his_o infirmity_n and_o so_o violent_a his_o temptation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v what_o good_a a_o short_a ejaculation_n will_v produce_v to_o a_o pious_a christian_a when_o for_o want_v of_o time_n he_o can_v use_v no_o long_o address_v what_o comfort_v it_o bring_v to_o a_o humble_a penitent_n though_o he_o say_v no_o more_o but_o with_o the_o poor_a publican_n in_o the_o gospel_n smite_v his_o breast_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n morning_n and_o evening_n we_o shall_v implore_v god_n pardon_n for_o our_o iniquity_n his_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o and_o enable_n we_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o as_o for_o ejaculation_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o frequent_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v as_o our_o pulse_n beat_v as_o the_o minute_n of_o our_o die_a breath_n 2._o family-devotion_n shall_v not_o unless_o upon_o very_o extraordinary_a occasion_n be_v pass_v by_o morning_n and_o evening_n that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o neat_a epitome_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o several_a habitation_n then_o 3._o as_o for_o common-prayer_n or_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o especial_o as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o they_o without_o cease_v as_o my_o text_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o leave_v off_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o for_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o expositor_n tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n chief_o mean_v in_o this_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v st._n luke_n chap._n 21._o and_o ver._n 26._o always_o that_o be_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n especial_o upon_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o feast_n and_o fast_n of_o the_o church_n and_o however_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v we_o at_o home_n to_o use_v a_o great_a and_o more_o unconfined_a freedom_n of_o expression_n by_o ourselves_o or_o with_o our_o family_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n though_o there_o i_o think_v form_n general_o speak_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v observe_v yet_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o esteem_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o establish_v liturgy_n so_o far_o from_o stint_v of_o the_o spirit_n as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o who_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v or_o else_o will_v not_o have_v other_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n understand_v that_o nothing_o but_o wild_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n will_v arise_v among_o we_o if_o every_o one_o who_o only_o fancy_v himself_o sufficient_a for_o the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v his_o own_o and_o the_o congregation_n prayer-maker_n upon_o every_o return_n of_o divine_a worship_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 14._o ver_fw-la 15._o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n only_o let_v i_o add_v this_o with_o all_o humble_a submission_n to_o you_o my_o reverend_a and_o learned_a brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o beseech_v you_o still_o to_o use_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o such_o decency_n and_o devotion_n as_o may_v show_v you_o to_o have_v true_o pious_a and_o well-affected_a soul_n and_o that_o you_o love_n and_o admire_v the_o unparalleled_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o any_o other_o composition_n whatsoever_o and_o as_o for_o the_o crude_a extempore_o effusion_n of_o enthusiast_n that_o you_o esteem_v they_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v odious_a with_o they_o second_o i_o pass_v on_o now_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o the_o universality_n thereof_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n of_o which_o more_o brief_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o because_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n concern_v we_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o we_o must_v look_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o what_o he_o allot_v be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a if_o he_o ordain_v we_o adversity_n trouble_n and_o sickness_n patience_n and_o submission_n will_v carry_v we_o through_o they_o when_o murmur_a and_o discontent_n will_v not_o ease_v our_o load_n here_o but_o aggravate_v that_o and_o our_o gild_n together_o and_o repine_v and_o reluctance_n under_o our_o present_a infelicity_n will_v but_o consign_v we_o to_o a_o more_o irreversible_a state_n of_o dissatisfaction_n hereafter_o the_o apostle_n tell_v his_o thessalonian_o that_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o every_o thing_n give_v thanks_o even_o in_o tribulation_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o disciple_n they_o be_v rejoice_v evermore_o say_v he_o ver_fw-la 16._o of_o this_o chapter_n now_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o all_o occurrence_n to_o be_v of_o a_o thankful_a temper_n to_o our_o good_a god_n and_o to_o adore_v he_o for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n the_o gift_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n health_n relation_n friend_n and_o benefactor_n all_o the_o necessary_n and_o conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n but_o above_o all_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o hope_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v in_o this_o our_o goshen_n that_o we_o be_v not_o overwhelm_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o popish_a superstition_n by_o those_o sundry_a and_o late_a attempt_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o bereave_v we_o of_o this_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o the_o inestimable_a privilege_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o such_o consecrate_a place_n as_o this_o after_o the_o best_a and_o most_o primitive_a modes_n of_o worship_n that_o the_o unjustifiable_a paradox_n either_o of_o rome_n or_o geneva_n be_v not_o transplant_v hither_o we_o ought_v to_o render_v thanks_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n but_o in_o our_o life_n and_o that_o will_v induce_v god_n when_o he_o see_v we_o thus_o greateful_a to_o he_o to_o continue_v we_o in_o the_o state_n we_o be_v now_o object_n of_o his_o divine_a favour_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o among_o we_o establish_v bless_a be_v his_o wonderful_a and_o most_o glorious_a goodness_n for_o it_o all_o you_o of_o our_o communion_n aught_o in_o particular_a to_o consider_v your_o felicity_n in_o be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o you_o have_v not_o blind_a guide_n to_o lead_v you_o astray_o you_o know_v not_o whither_o till_o you_o fall_v into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o you_o have_v such_o for_o your_o pastor_n as_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o gainsayer_n able_a and_o willing_a
to_o instruct_v you_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o rend_v it_o asunder_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v such_o as_o pray_v for_o you_o without_o cease_v at_o home_o and_o in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o instruct_v your_o child_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n the_o excellent_a church_n catechism_n and_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o it_o such_o as_o visit_v you_o in_o all_o your_o distress_n and_o trial_n council_n comfort_n succour_v you_o for_o these_o blessing_n we_o ought_v all_o to_o give_v thanks_o and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o cruelty_n of_o a_o inquisition_n or_o the_o barbarity_n of_o a_o oliverian_n sequestration_n for_o if_o the_o thessalonian_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o give_v thanks_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o though_o surround_v with_o persecution_n much_o more_o we_o who_o have_v no_o disturbance_n in_o our_o religion_n as_o the_o poor_a afflict_a protestant_n now_o in_o france_n and_o savoy_n and_o other_o place_n have_v who_o god_n of_o his_o all-sufficient_a grace_n support_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n in_o his_o due_a time_n deliver_v 3._o i_o proceed_v now_o after_o these_o two_o forego_v positive_a precept_n to_o one_o that_o be_v negative_a which_o be_v this_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n include_v as_o i_o intimate_v this_o affirmative_a viz._n that_o we_o reverence_v the_o real_a gift_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a minister_n sound_v and_o orthodox_n divine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o now_o adays_o operate_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o as_o to_o ennable_a man_n otherwise_o illiterate_a as_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o speak_v divers_a language_n not_o teach_v they_o the_o common_a way_n the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teach_v immediate_o by_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v visible_o in_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n as_o appear_v from_o act_n second_n and_o three_o from_o whence_o this_o passage_n of_o not_o quench_v the_o spirit_n seem_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n though_o many_o enthusiast_n boast_v of_o inspiration_n extraordinary_a call_n and_o apostolical_a endowment_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n they_o pretend_v not_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n here_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v stint_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o good_a linguist_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v they_o have_v have_v those_o among_o they_o indeed_o who_o have_v make_v a_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o this_o gift_n also_o but_o they_o have_v be_v subtle_a popish_a priest_n in_o masquerade_n who_o in_o mechanical_a dress_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o never_o have_v any_o learned_a education_n and_o yet_o that_o they_o do_v not_o want_v it_o as_o have_v no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o for_o their_o tutor_n who_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o learned_a tongue_n but_o these_o have_v be_v detect_v for_o impostor_n by_o try_v they_o in_o such_o language_n as_o they_o have_v not_o understand_v and_o so_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n cure_v the_o deaf_a blind_a dumb_a lunatic_n and_o paralytic_a and_o eject_v of_o devil_n they_o do_v not_o lay_v claim_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o one_o thing_n observe_v by_o the_o way_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o mention_v among_o any_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v at_o large_a in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o nor_o in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v then_o here_o what_o be_v the_o quench_v of_o the_o spirit_n now_o adays_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v still_o on_o the_o child_n of_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 2.2_o i_o answer_v yes_o without_o doubt_n so_o as_o to_o assist_v all_o those_o that_o use_v honest_a endeavour_n and_o proper_a mean_n to_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministerial_a function_n but_o how_o can_v we_o once_o think_v that_o god_n will_v work_v miracle_n upon_o some_o to_o save_v they_o the_o pain_n of_o study_n and_o the_o charge_n of_o education_n and_o forsake_v other_o that_o by_o all_o possible_a care_n have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n and_o be_v at_o great_a expense_n both_o of_o time_n and_o upon_o other_o account_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o for_o my_o part_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o the_o concurrent_a sentiment_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a and_o considerate_a person_n i_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o that_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o a_o supernatural_a call_v to_o the_o ministry_n with_o great_a and_o profound_a humility_n we_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o best_a man_n of_o we_o all_o be_v unable_a to_o act_v any_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o alone_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n we_o owe_v all_o we_o can_v say_v or_o do_v well_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o god_n good_a and_o gracious_a spirit_n cooperate_a with_o our_o earnest_n though_o weak_a endeavour_n but_o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o and_o indeed_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v deny_v we_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v always_o pray_v for_o its_o sanctify_a influence_n kind_a and_o benign_a assistance_n and_o by_o incessant_a study_n strive_v to_o improve_v our_o talent_n of_o grace_n learning_n and_o knowledge_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o bestow_v it_o in_o a_o supereminent_a degree_n upon_o person_n who_o never_o have_v any_o extraordinary_a part_n or_o common_a ingenious_a education_n so_o as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v more_o without_o any_o precious_a pain_n than_o those_o who_o have_v always_o be_v diligent_a to_o supply_v themselves_o with_o necessary_a science_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n certain_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v always_o be_v more_o propitious_a to_o the_o sedulous_a endeavour_n of_o his_o pious_a servant_n join_v the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o ordinary_a mean_n such_o as_o learning_n study_n meditation_n compare_v of_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n one_o with_o another_o consult_v original_a language_n and_o the_o like_a this_o undoubted_o be_v the_o way_n to_o a_o true_a gospel-ministry_n to_o have_v such_o for_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n as_o have_v have_v good_a education_n have_v be_v such_o studious_a 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