to_o we_o in_o any_o kind_n when_o we_o express_o mind_v ourselves_o that_o god_n see_v and_o know_v it_o how_o dare_v thou_o that_o have_v vile_a thought_n design_n affection_n inclination_n secret_a action_n all_o as_o well_o know_v to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o meridian_n sun_n ask_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o or_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o he_o and_o shall_v thou_o not_o fear_v that_o he_o shall_v punish_v thou_o for_o thy_o impudence_n and_o dishonour_v thou_o do_v he_o 3._o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a universal_a goodness_n or_o righteousness_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v all_o one_o his_o always_o do_v that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v consider_v together_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n and_o consequent_o embolden_v our_o desire_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a a_o condition_n we_o be_v always_o to_o remember_v in_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v effect_v and_o grant_v and_o here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o two_o branch_n for_o so_o they_o be_v of_o his_o universal_a goodness_n or_o righteousness_n viz._n his_o justice_n properly_z so_o call_v and_o his_o mercy_n the_o first_o be_v the_o method_n of_o effect_v the_o universal_a good_a by_o permission_n and_o inflict_v of_o evil._n the_o last_o by_o bestow_v of_o good_n the_o good_a use_n of_o the_o former_a be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n when_o we_o approach_v he_o with_o our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n for_o he_o be_v so_o good_a to_o the_o world_n that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o will_v also_o certain_o punish_v wicked_a person_n and_o sinner_n which_o may_v be_v sometime_o by_o take_v away_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o enjoy_v but_o much_o more_o by_o the_o denial_n of_o their_o petition_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o want_v and_o so_o likewise_o god_n sâ—nercy_n engage_v we_o to_o be_v good_a if_o we_o will_v have_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n from_o he_o as_o the_o grant_v our_o petition_n for_o god_n be_v no_o more_o merciful_a than_o he_o be_v just_a at_o random_n but_o so_o as_o be_v for_o the_o best_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o for_o the_o great_a good_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v principal_o so_o to_o those_o who_o be_v good_a to_o those_o who_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o god_n indeed_o may_v sometime_o see_v it_o good_a to_o bestow_v good_a thing_n upon_o bad_a man_n but_o it_o be_v very_o little_a probable_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v to_o a_o bad_a man_n any_o particular_a good_a thing_n because_o ask_v by_o he_o at_o any_o particular_a time_n nay_o the_o contrary_n be_v far_o more_o probable_a viz._n that_o he_o shall_v deny_v and_o reject_v his_o petition_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o he_o and_o this_o the_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n very_o often_o let_v they_o know_v and_o make_v they_o afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o send_v up_o the_o least_o desire_n to_o god_n or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v with_o a_o strange_a faintness_n and_o indifferency_n as_o if_o they_o little_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v accept_v and_o return_v with_o success_n moreover_o god_n mercy_n as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o his_o universal_a goodness_n or_o righteousness_n give_v we_o particular_a assurance_n of_o his_o grant_v our_o desire_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o we_o if_o it_o be_v just_a and_o consistent_a with_o or_o rather_o part_v of_o his_o universal_a goodness_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o be_v not_o tyrannical_a imperious_a cruel_a envious_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o creature_n but_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o can_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v shall_v be_v do_v for_o we_o now_o the_o express_a belief_n hereof_o together_o with_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n beget_v in_o we_o assure_v hope_n and_o trust_v for_o the_o grant_v our_o just_a prayer_n and_o consequent_o enlivens_fw-la and_o encourage_v they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n god_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v just_a for_o he_o to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n as_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o for_o grace_n to_o repent_v thing_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v much_o solicitous_a concern_v any_o other_o where_o we_o have_v not_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o desire_n we_o must_v only_o propose_v they_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o health_n riches_n honour_n part_n gift_n nay_o all_o instance_n of_o power_n or_o ability_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whatever_o unless_o it_o can_v any_o where_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o god_n have_v by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n promise_v they_o to_o we_o and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o proper_a to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o several_a way_n or_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n as_o they_o be_v also_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n such_o as_o his_o make_n sustain_a provide_v for_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o all_o respect_n his_o afford_v mean_n help_n and_o assistance_n of_o be_v good_a and_o wise_a and_o keep_v man_n from_o be_v bad_a the_o external_a one_o of_o direction_n instruction_n example_n the_o internal_a of_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o man_n understanding_n conscience_n affection_n inclination_n god_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a till_o man_n do_v repent_v which_o may_v be_v more_o especial_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o last_o all_o or_o any_o more_o particular_o as_o occasion_n may_v be_v the_o conveniency_n commodity_n good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o health_n strength_n plenty_n goodname_n friend_n deliverance_n from_o evil_n or_o danger_n all_o which_o will_v still_o more_o evident_o prove_v to_o we_o and_o cause_v we_o long_o to_o attend_v to_o and_o more_o clear_o to_o see_v and_o more_o sensible_o and_o strong_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o bounty_n that_o indeed_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v merciful_a gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n if_o god_n be_v not_o good_a whence_o be_v these_o and_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n to_o the_o world_n since_o god_n be_v infinite_o powerful_a and_o know_v to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v what_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n beside_o his_o goodness_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o extreme_a misery_n hence_o consequent_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v our_o belief_n and_o trust_n and_o then_o our_o desire_n will_v be_v strengthen_v and_o embolden_v here_o too_o we_o may_v make_v a_o reflection_n upon_o god_n veracity_n or_o his_o goodness_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n which_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v very_o often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n we_o may_v reflect_v general_o upon_o god_n goodness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o therefore_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o more_o especial_o upon_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v person_n in_o our_o particular_a case_n if_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v any_o he_o have_v any_o way_n by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n make_v know_v and_o signify_v to_o we_o here_o further_o we_o may_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o past_a instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o bounty_n to_o we_o and_o principal_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o like_a that_o which_o we_o now_o petition_v for_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v have_v more_o of_o probability_n that_o it_o may_v and_o will_v be_v do_v again_o than_o that_o which_o have_v not_o wherefore_o this_o also_o will_v confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o consequent_o encourage_v our_o desire_n or_o prayer_n of_o this_o there_o be_v many_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o psalm_n but_o beside_o this_o more_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a use_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o express_a acknowledgement_n and_o recital_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n in_o prayer_n and_o some_o few_o other_o mention_v we_o may_v add_v here_o in_o short_a only_o that_o it_o cause_v we_o to_o admire_v the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n god_n in_o the_o most_o real_a and_o serious_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o to_o love_v he_o free_o cheerful_o earnest_o ardent_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o our_o might_n all_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o our_o spirit_n all_o which_o be_v
of_o the_o earth_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n even_o thou_o only_o he_o premise_n the_o express_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a supreme_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n to_o his_o petition_n both_o as_o a_o honour_n to_o his_o god_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o confidence_n and_o faith_n in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o of_o his_o petition_v god_n and_o this_o especial_o be_v most_o seasonable_a where_o there_o be_v some_o power_n viz._n that_o of_o sennacherib_n and_o his_o false_a god_n oppose_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o which_o indeed_o have_v prevail_v against_o the_o repute_a god_n of_o other_o nation_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o go_n and_o so_o it_o be_v always_o most_o proper_a where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o flatten_a or_o weaken_v our_o desire_n there_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o attribute_n in_o god_n just_a contrary_n which_o may_v easy_o excite_v and_o embolden_v it_o in_o david_n psalm_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a and_o particular_o in_o the_o 86._o psalm_n read_v the_o whole_a psalm_n at_o leisure_n verse_n 5._o after_o several_a petition_n he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v his_o faith_n and_o prayer_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o and_o verse_n 8_o 9_o 10._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n among_o the_o god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o work_n like_v unto_o thy_o work_n all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorisie_n thy_o name_n for_o thou_o be_v great_a anâ—_n do_v wondrous_a thing_n thou_o be_v god_n alom_n verse_n 13._o be_v a_o particular_a acknowledgement_n oâ—_n god_n mercy_n and_o a_o reslection_n upon_o his_o paâ—â—_n goodness_n to_o he_o for_o great_a be_v thy_o mercy_n to_o ward_n i_o and_o thou_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o low_a hell_n that_o be_v my_o life_n from_o the_o low_a grave_n or_o from_o death_n and_o last_o verse_n 15_o 16._o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n fuâ—_n of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a any_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n o_o turn_n unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o etc._n etc._n the_o reader_n may_v himself_o easy_o observe_v many_o place_n in_o these_o excellent_a psalm_n and_o i_o cite_v these_o example_n to_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n of_o observe_v these_o and_o such_o like_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v our_o apprehension_n of_o godâ—_n insinite_a excellency_n and_o persection_n more_o clear_a and_o strong_a we_o may_v here_o mention_v oâ—_n take_v notice_n of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n weakness_n or_o imperfection_n that_o so_o by_o the_o apprehension_n and_o compare_n of_o these_o contrary_n we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o apprchend_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v also_o well_o come_v in_o as_o a_o distinct_a particular_a just_a after_o this_o or_o immediate_o before_o our_o petition_n to_o render_v they_o still_o more_o earnest_a and_o ardent_a because_o we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o ask_v of_o any_o one_o or_o at_o least_o importunate_o when_o we_o can_v probable_o or_o possible_o have_v it_o do_v elsewhere_o and_o least_o of_o all_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o ourselves_o nay_o here_o we_o may_v mention_v and_o reslect_v upon_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n without_o god_n and_o independent_a upon_o he_o to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a and_o that_o what_o they_o can_v do_v be_v only_o by_o his_o power_n and_o appointment_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o god_n help_n or_o we_o must_v be_v quite_o helpless_a this_o necessity_n of_o have_v all_o from_o god_n will_v still_o make_v our_o desire_n more_o importunate_a particu'ar_o towards_o he_o but_o more_o of_o this_o hereafter_o ii_o the_o second_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o prayer_n be_v general_o confession_n for_o sometime_o this_o part_n as_o also_o other_o of_o prayer_n except_o petition_v may_v be_v omit_v or_o use_v more_o spare_o according_a as_o the_o occasion_n be_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v as_o in_o all_o part_n of_o prayer_n not_o word_n or_o any_o other_o external_a action_n or_o posture_n but_o a_o express_a attention_n to_o and_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v or_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n or_o fault_n direct_v and_o propose_v to_o god_n which_o suppose_v a_o free_a and_o impartial_a disallowance_n disapprobation_n and_o dislike_n and_o consequent_o a_o determination_n and_o resolution_n of_o soul_n to_o quit_v and_o abandon_v they_o and_o to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o a_o express_a and_o willing_a judgement_n concern_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o can_v be_v justify_v be_v certain_o i_o say_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o present_a change_a mind_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v guilty_a no_o more_o for_o what_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o leave_v and_o yet_o know_v it_o not_o justifiable_a we_o conceal_v it_o from_o other_o and_o ourselves_o too_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v engage_v and_o pull_v by_o contrary_a appetite_n as_o that_o of_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o and_o of_o ourselves_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o that_o of_o virtue_n justice_n right_o often_o signisied_a by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n of_o which_o last_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o leave_v that_o which_o we_o love_v better_o and_o be_v disturb_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o possess_v it_o with_o less_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n after_o this_o change_n of_o mind_n must_v needs_o also_o succeed_v a_o hatred_n and_o aversation_n from_o the_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o a_o serious_a and_o sincere_a sorrow_n that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o foolish_a unreasonable_a unhappy_a for_o the_o time_n past_a on_o set_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o cautious_a and_o flee_v more_o therefrom_o for_o the_o suture_a this_o confession_n be_v very_o proper_a in_o prayer_n for_o it_o do_v strengthen_v and_o embolden_v our_o desire_n thus_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o we_o of_o a_o serious_a and_o real_a goodness_n in_o we_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o say_v and_o what_o be_v so_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o god_n particular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n as_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o badness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o our_o temper_n of_o too_o great_a kindness_n for_o any_o sin_n weaken_v and_o oppress_v they_o for_o we_o all_o natural_o know_v god_n be_v righteous_a and_o good_a to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v put_v good_a man_n into_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n into_o a_o bad_a condition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o the_o one_o and_o ill_o with_o the_o other_o general_o but_o now_o what_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n embolden_v our_o desire_n what_o weaken_v and_o sink_v they_o and_o make_v it_o less_o probable_a we_o shall_v obtain_v any_o thing_n though_o we_o shall_v desire_v it_o never_o so_o importunate_o cool_v and_o allay_v our_o desire_n too_o and_o here_o the_o more_o comprehensive_a and_o particular_a and_o accurate_a our_o confession_n be_v so_o that_o we_o conceal_v not_o the_o least_o fault_n but_o take_v notice_n even_o of_o small_a one_o the_o more_o it_o be_v also_o principal_o of_o the_o great_a and_o foul_a the_o most_o dear_a pleasant_a and_o delightful_a sin_n the_o more_o it_o be_v of_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o we_o such_o as_o be_v be_v against_o great_a mean_n to_o be_v better_o against_o much_o knowledge_n both_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o the_o divine_a bounty_n clemency_n or_o justice_n or_o the_o like_a i_o say_v the_o more_o our_o confession_n be_v thus_o perform_v the_o more_o still_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o sincere_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o consequent_o still_o more_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o desire_n beside_o this_o more_o immediate_a and_o proper_a use_n thus_o of_o confession_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o our_o disapprobation_n hatred_n sorrow_n
hand_n of_o god_n ask_v or_o unasked_a except_o we_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n good_a example_n of_o this_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o psalm_n psalm_n 7._o verse_n 1._o david_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o save_v he_o from_o his_o enemy_n save_v i_o from_o all_o they_o that_o persecute_v i_o and_o deliver_v i_o and_o ver._n 6._o arise_v o_o lord_n in_o thy_o anger_n lift_v up_o thyself_o because_o of_o the_o rage_n of_o my_o enemy_n but_o verse_n 3_o 4._o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o past_a innocency_n and_o particular_o in_o something_o his_o enemy_n or_o his_o conscience_n may_v suggest_v whether_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a and_o upon_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v good_a to_o his_o friend_n but_o even_o to_o his_o causeless_a enemy_n and_o sure_o he_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o change_v for_o the_o worse_a which_o without_o doubt_n give_v he_o humble_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n of_o success_n and_o consequent_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o earnestness_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o desire_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v that_o favour_n for_o he_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n if_o i_o have_v do_v this_o that_o be_v it_o may_v be_v something_o his_o enemy_n may_v accuse_v he_o of_o or_o his_o conscience_n bid_v he_o to_o inquire_v into_o or_o more_o particular_o if_o he_o have_v do_v that_o to_o they_o which_o they_o do_v to_o he_o viz._n persecute_v they_o and_o endeavour_v and_o contrive_v to_o do_v they_o mischief_n causeless_o if_o i_o have_v reward_v evil_a to_o he_o that_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o i_o viz._n his_o friend_n or_o who_o have_v do_v he_o no_o hurt_n yea_o i_o have_v deliver_v he_o who_o without_o cause_n be_v my_o enemy_n then_o let_v the_o enemy_n persecute_v my_o soul_n yea_o let_v he_o tread_v my_o life_n down_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o lay_v my_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n if_o david_n have_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o like_a injustice_n or_o of_o any_o other_o sin_n approve_v that_o he_o have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o have_v desire_v this_o of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o many_o place_n where_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o some_o favour_n he_o profess_v himself_o god_n servant_n psalm_n 86._o verse_n 4._o rejoice_v the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n verse_n 11._o he_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o teach_v he_o his_o way_n and_o he_o will_v walk_v in_o his_o truth_n that_o which_o be_v true_o god_n way_n and_o be_v true_o right_a and_o to_o be_v do_v and_o verse_n 12._o he_o profess_v he_o will_v praise_v god_n and_o glorify_v his_o name_n which_o be_v sign_n and_o branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o then_o verse_n 16._o he_o pray_v o_o turn_v unto_o thy_o servant_n and_o save_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n psal_n 119._o verse_n 94._o i_o be_o thou_o save_v i_o for_o i_o have_v seek_v thy_o precept_n he_o have_v endeavour_v and_o desire_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o he_o i_o be_o thou_o or_o god_n have_v especial_o design_v he_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o he_o be_v bold_a to_o pray_v god_n will_v save_v he_o or_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o evil_n he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o and_o psalm_n 143._o verse_n 12._o of_o thy_o mercy_n cut_v off_o my_o enemy_n and_o destroy_v all_o they_o that_o afflict_v my_o soul_n suppose_v they_o so_o to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v life_n and_o be_v able_a and_o not_o to_o repent_v for_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a sort_n of_o vow_n when_o a_o man_n not_o only_o upon_o condition_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o any_o certain_a thing_n he_o crave_v express_o will_n and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a good_a work_n or_o abstain_v from_o this_o or_o that_o fault_n or_o bad_a action_n but_o beforehand_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o entire_o to_o god_n and_o vow_n and_o promise_v he_o will_v be_v his_o servant_n universal_o and_o more_o particular_o it_o may_v be_v too_o where_o he_o think_v he_o may_v do_v the_o most_o good_a or_o where_o he_o have_v be_v the_o most_o faulty_a and_o as_o for_o his_o desire_n and_o request_n he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o divine_a righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n he_o make_v no_o bargain_n with_o god_n only_o those_o duty_n which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v upon_o condition_n of_o god_n bestow_v his_o request_v favour_n may_v be_v promise_v and_o profess_v by_o he_o conditional_o as_o for_o example_n to_o thank_v and_o praise_n god_n particular_o for_o any_o favour_n confer_v which_o can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v never_o receive_v sect_n vi_o iv_o a_o four_o ingredient_n in_o prayer_n be_v thanksgiving_n that_o be_v a_o actual_a love_a of_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n already_o receive_v and_o this_o contribute_v to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o invigorate_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n too_o it_o be_v as_o the_o rest_n before_o a_o necessary_a sign_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o vigour_n and_o frequency_n of_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o we_o for_o if_o we_o love_v god_n for_o his_o benefit_n we_o shall_v natural_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o seek_v to_o know_v what_o do_v so_o and_o that_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a be_v by_o do_v his_o will_n or_o by_o keep_v his_o command_n with_o care_n to_o be_v universal_o holy_a good_a and_o righteous_a in_o the_o grand_a instance_n of_o universal_a benevolence_n and_o consequent_o self-denial_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n thereof_o i_o say_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o vigour_n and_o frequency_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v one_o who_o love_v god_n for_o his_o benefit_n but_o seldom_o now_o and_o then_o only_o for_o one_o fit_a in_o a_o prayer_n never_o think_v of_o it_o afterward_o or_o in_o mean_a and_o low_a degree_n one_o who_o love_v god_n less_o and_o less_o often_o than_o many_o other_o object_n i_o say_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v such_o a_o person_n to_o sin_n and_o offend_v as_o often_o as_o these_o object_n be_v his_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o love_v god_n vigorous_o and_o more_o than_o any_o other_o object_n and_o so_o frequent_o that_o it_o become_v a_o habitual_a temper_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v most_o certain_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o intenseness_n and_o constancy_n in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o be_v it_o a_o sign_n thereof_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n consequent_o to_o think_v ourselves_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a and_o just_a for_o he_o to_o bestow_v the_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o one_o self_n or_o thankfulness_n be_v a_o principal_a virtue_n but_o a_o excellent_a instrumental_a one_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o instance_n of_o formal_a goodness_n or_o virtue_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a frequent_a mean_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o a_o sign_n but_o to_o love_n god_n for_o himself_o as_o a_o part_n or_o rather_o infinite_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v indeed_o the_o noble_a instance_n of_o our_o holiness_n the_o free_a and_o generous_a acknowledgement_n and_o resentment_n of_o god_n our_o benefactor_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n already_o receive_v be_v one_o good_a use_n effect_v or_o improvement_n of_o they_o which_o have_v a_o further_a one_o still_o viz._n it_o cause_v we_o to_o please_v god_n by_o keep_v his_o command_n and_o become_v universal_o holy_a and_o good_a as_o i_o have_v before_o instance_a and_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a sign_n of_o this_o iâ—_n give_v we_o a_o just_a faith_n and_o confidence_n and_o heighten_v our_o prayer_n and_o desire_n from_o god_n ingratitude_n that_o be_v a_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o god_n favour_n already_o bestow_v we_o may_v be_v sure_o can_v give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o dull_a sensual_a selfish_a or_o wicked_a mind_n and_o so_o at_o least_o of_o defect_n oâ—_n goodness_n again_o actual_a love_n to_o god_n for_o favour_n receive_v impress_v upon_o our_o mind_n the_o memory_n of_o his_o past_a goodness_n and_o consequent_o give_v we_o reason_n to_o argue_v he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o we_o again_o suppose_v we_o see_v no_o circumstance_n to_o alter_v the_o case_n in_o those_o thing_n
of_o their_o desert_n from_o god_n as_o to_o challenge_v he_o with_o injustice_n for_o neglect_v they_o but_o god_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o external_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o pray_v weep_v fast_v look_v sorrowful_o and_o sordid_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o procure_v they_o any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v reform_v themselves_o and_o leave_v all_o the_o abovenamed_a iniquity_n be_v in_o all_o instance_n and_o expression_n universal_o charitable_a to_o their_o neighbour_n not_o oppress_v or_o tyrannize_v be_v tender-hearted_a compassionate_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a shall_v cause_v their_o light_n to_o break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o their_o health_n spring_v forth_o speedy_o that_o be_v shall_v make_v they_o a_o joyous_a and_o happy_a people_n and_o verse_n 9_o express_o then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o i_o be_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o the_o yoke_n that_o be_v oppression_n the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n that_o be_v derision_n and_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v of_o thy_o poor_a unhappy_a neighbour_n and_o speak_v vanity_n that_o be_v lie_v or_o fraud_n for_o by_o vanity_n the_o hebrew_n ordinary_o express_v falsehood_n &c_n &c_n if_o thou_o reform_v and_o mend_v thy_o wicked_a way_n then_o may_v thou_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v according_a to_o god_n own_o promise_n when_o it_o shall_v seem_v fit_a to_o he_o and_o that_o it_o will_v often_o dâ—_n that_o thy_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v otherwise_o thy_o prayer_n and_o confidence_n too_o be_v but_o presumption_n and_o impudence_n it_o be_v true_a these_o last_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o such_o like_v prove_v that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v viz._n that_o man_n conscience_n may_v sometime_o so_o forget_v themselves_o be_v so_o partial_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o may_v pray_v bold_o and_o confident_o when_o they_o may_v rather_o expect_v the_o taunt_n there_o and_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o face_n that_o be_v their_o prayer_n to_o be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v by_o god_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o prayer_n do_v not_o always_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v or_o make_v man_n good_a but_o then_o they_o inform_v man_n too_o which_o be_v the_o end_n why_o i_o have_v bring_v they_o that_o if_o man_n hope_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o god_n and_o to_o have_v their_o prayer_n grant_v they_o must_v be_v good_a and_o not_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a sin_n or_o through_o hypocrisy_n or_o insincerity_n laziness_n or_o prevalency_n of_o some_o lust_n above_o their_o duty_n wilful_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n or_o no_o or_o slatter_v themselves_o in_o general_n they_o do_v not_o and_o those_o man_n who_o know_v thus_o much_o by_o natural_a conscience_n reason_n the_o scripture_n and_o often_o attend_v to_o it_o which_o be_v most_o man_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o though_o not_o all_o if_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o evil_n or_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o any_o good_a will_v first_o be_v apt_a to_o reslect_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n and_o promise_v unto_o god_n amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n that_o they_o may_v with_o hope_n of_o success_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o effectual_o obtain_v their_o desire_n and_o to_o do_v this_o often_o and_o constant_o sure_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o preserve_a man_n from_o all_o sin_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o more_o sincere_o vigorous_o constant_o and_o universal_o better_a sect_n vi_o the_o five_o way_n how_o our_o pray_v may_v v._o v._o make_v we_o better_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n be_v by_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n that_o be_v god_n almighty_n may_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o reward_v our_o prayer_n even_o in_o general_n be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n may_v reward_v our_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o our_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o according_o our_o admiration_n honour_n love_n thankfulness_n address_v to_o he_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o he_o exercise_v in_o our_o prayer_n with_o the_o great_a blessing_n he_o can_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v with_o increase_n growth_n strength_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n when_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o humble_o and_o in_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o well-doing_n which_o also_o be_v sign_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n even_o for_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n as_o for_o wisdom_n instruction_n deliverance_n from_o bodily_a danger_n plenty_n good_a success_n in_o worldly_a affair_n a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a life_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o may_v seem_v good_a to_o god_n sometime_o to_o reward_v this_o exercise_n of_o our_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o proper_a mean_n thereof_o with_o better_a thing_n than_o what_o we_o ask_v and_o with_o they_o too_o eveâ—_n this_o principal_a one_o of_o all_o of_o preserve_a aâ—_n strengthen_v our_o soul_n in_o holiness_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a virtue_n and_o grace_n but_o much_o more_o still_o have_v we_o reason_n tâ—_n think_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v this_o incomparable_a blessing_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o humblâ—_n sincere_o and_o importunate_o beseech_v it_o â—_o his_o hand_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whâ—_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n thâ—_n he_o will_v but_o make_v we_o sincere_o and_o generous_o good_a holy_a lover_n of_o himself_o and_o â—_o all_o person_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o love_n never_o to_o gratify_v any_o inordinate_a or_o immoderate_a appetite_n anâ—_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o plain_o be_v indiffereâ—_n to_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o maâ—_n be_v instrument_n hereof_o of_o our_o be_v or_o do_v good_a this_o be_v a_o petition_n that_o argueâ—_n and_o act_n a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o encourage_v iâ—_n and_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o long_a it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n that_o god_n will_v heat_v our_o prayer_n grant_v our_o desire_n make_v out_o endeavour_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o time_n or_o other_o successful_a we_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o blind_a man_n opinion_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n god_n hear_v he_o â—nd_v in_o this_o sure_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o â—hing_n our_o saviour_n to_o encourage_v our_o address_n to_o god_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v express_o promise_v success_n when_o it_o seem_v sit_v to_o god_n and_o it_o do_v so_o sometime_o or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—â—_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d knock_v and_o it_o shall_v â—e_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o askethâ—s_v â—s_z he_o aught_o receive_v when_o it_o seem_v fit_a to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v very_o often_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v â—e_v open_v which_o our_o saviour_n illustrate_v â—y_a a_o similitude_n of_o earthly_a parent_n who_o â—ive_a to_o their_o child_n upon_o their_o ask_n necessary_a or_o convenient_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o â—etter_a to_o we_o and_o love_v we_o all_o more_o with_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n than_o our_o earthly_a parent_n can_v do_v give_v they_o unto_o we_o what_o man_n be_v there_o etc._n etc._n matt._n 7._o to_o verse_n 12._o the_o â—ame_n we_o have_v in_o st._n luke_n chap._n 11._o verse_n 13._o where_o it_o be_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o in_o david_n psalm_n be_v many_o place_n to_o this_o purpose_n psalm_n 145._o verse_n 18_o 19_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o disciple_n and_o believer_n thâ—_n be_v their_o charge_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o be_v strengthen_v in_o holiness_n and_o gâ—ness_n