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 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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 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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 invention_n and_o that_o the_o find_v devotion_n and_o affection_n to_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o those_o expression_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o lie_n that_o this_o devotion_n and_o affection_n be_v indispensable_o require_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o do_v most_o proper_o consist_v now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o this_o must_v natural_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o spiritual_a prayer_n or_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n consist_v proper_o in_o that_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o the_o heart_n exercise_n and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o prayer_n so_o whatsoever_o give_v the_o soul_n scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v and_o employ_v this_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o effectual_o help_v and_o enlarge_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whatsoever_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o employ_v such_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o direct_o stint_v and_o hinder_v it_o according_o let_v this_o now_o be_v our_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o set-form_n and_o of_o the_o extempore-way_n in_o the_o present_a business_n as_o for_o a_o set-form_n in_o which_o the_o word_n be_v ready_a prepare_v to_o our_o hand_n the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o devotion_n to_o go_v along_o with_o those_o word_n so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o apply_v the_o heart_n to_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o extempore-prayer_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v off_o from_o deal_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o speaker_n and_o in_o the_o hearer_n both_o in_o he_o who_o make_v and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o first_o for_o the_o minister_n who_o make_v and_o utter_v such_o extempore-prayer_n he_o be_v whole_o employ_v his_o invention_n both_o to_o conceive_v matter_n and_o to_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o work_n which_o take_v up_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o exercise_n and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v with_o the_o same_o vigour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o invention_n and_o that_o of_o raise_v the_o affection_n also_o nor_o measure_v out_o the_o same_o supply_n of_o spirit_n and_o intention_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o head_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heart_n too_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o while_o the_o head_n be_v so_o much_o employ_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v idle_a and_o very_o little_o employ_v and_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o if_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n nay_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o while_o he_o be_v so_o do_v he_o be_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o he_o be_v study_v he_o be_v beat_v his_o brain_n while_o he_o shall_v be_v draw_v out_o his_o affection_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o such_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o not_o know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o minister_n will_v say_v must_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v hear_v he_o present_o busy_a and_o bestir_v their_o mind_n both_o to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o withal_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o so_o that_o the_o people_n also_o be_v by_o this_o course_n put_v to_o study_v and_o to_o employ_v their_o apprehend_n and_o judge_a faculty_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v exert_v their_o affection_n and_o devotion_n and_o consequent_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v stint_v as_o well_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o minister_n who_o first_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n after_o their_o extempore-way_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o indeed_o self-evident_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v need_v any_o further_a argument_n to_o demonstrate_v or_o make_v it_o out_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o
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
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
of_o intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n who_o in_o most_o thing_n copy_v from_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o rail_v at_o one_o another_o do_v usual_o boast_v of_o but_o certain_o if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n may_v and_o often_o do_v suggest_v wicked_a and_o vile_a thought_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o all_o do_v and_o must_v grant_v and_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n john_n 13._o 2._o and_o his_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5._o 3._o it_o can_v after_o this_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o power_n and_o influence_n to_o good_a be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o evil_a do_v frequent_o inject_v into_o and_o imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n many_o bless_a motion_n and_o impulse_n to_o duty_n and_o many_o powerful_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