the_o more_o we_o employ_v our_o body_n in_o decent_a expression_n of_o gravity_n humility_n and_o apt_a affection_n to_o declare_v the_o inward_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v full_a of_o all_o vigour_n and_o fervent_a desire_n and_o the_o most_o awful_a thought_n of_o that_o great_a majesty_n who_o we_o adore_v for_o this_o deportment_n give_v to_o god_n a_o whole_a sacrifice_n when_o other_o who_o in_o their_o prayer_n only_o hide_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o body_n as_o if_o they_o be_v confine_v as_o the_o heathen_a god_n to_o a_o immovable_a and_o stiff_a statue_n separate_v the_o inward_a action_n of_o their_o soul_n from_o any_o correspondent_a gesture_n of_o their_o body_n if_o they_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o which_o they_o seem_v not_o very_o fond_a to_o declare_v yet_o they_o devote_v only_o half_a of_o themselves_o and_o honour_v he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o other_o man_n can_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v unless_o man_n have_v casement_n in_o their_o breast_n that_o be_v open_v other_o may_v look_v into_o they_o but_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n ought_v to_o accompany_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o apparent_a from_o god_n injunction_n under_o the_o law_n that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o if_o we_o argue_v for_o it_o under_o the_o establishment_n in_o the_o gospel_n from_o those_o command_v we_o sin_v in_o the_o law_n we_o have_v nothing_o return_v but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n in_o comparison_n to_o ourselves_o and_o man_n thus_o boast_v instead_o of_o have_v much_o cause_n of_o triumph_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o invective_n we_o have_v hear_v against_o the_o pitiful_a carnality_n and_o dulness_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o appear_v too_o often_o to_o our_o great_a loss_n that_o they_o be_v as_o witty_a and_o more_o cunning_a than_o ourselves_o we_o indeed_o have_v receive_v help_n and_o advantage_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a religion_n than_o they_o can_v be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o yet_o what_o be_v then_o establish_v which_o reason_n enforce_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v never_o yet_o repeat_v under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o ever_o can_v i_o may_v confident_o affirm_v may_v remain_v still_o without_o any_o check_n or_o control_v for_o use_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v to_o any_o damage_n in_o affirm_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n in_o all_o their_o public_a address_n unto_o god_n aught_o to_o accompany_v that_o of_o their_o mind_n till_o better_a argument_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o than_o any_o which_o i_o have_v yet_o hear_v or_o see_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n that_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n because_o he_o seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4.23_o yet_o all_o this_o though_o when_o it_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n make_v other_o stagger_v that_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o desert_v their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v become_v wise_a and_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o possess_v their_o soul_n and_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fright_v into_o the_o folly_n of_o other_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v when_o just_o enlarge_v on_o rebuke_v schism_n or_o idolatry_n or_o false_a worship_n but_o this_o text_n can_v authorise_v any_o detraction_n from_o external_a decency_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o abate_v from_o those_o orderly_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o promote_v uniformity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o or_o tend_v to_o the_o sixation_n and_o establishment_n of_o true_a religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o such_o circumstance_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o particular_a and_o direct_o abolish_v by_o the_o messiah_n have_v be_v before_o type_n and_o prefiguration_n of_o he_o to_o come_v if_o any_o of_o that_o external_a worship_n of_o our_o body_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o our_o christian_a superior_n our_o practice_n will_v contradict_v our_o faith_n and_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o conference_n betwixt_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prohibit_v public_a place_n of_o worship_n or_o external_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n in_o devotion_n adapt_v to_o the_o inward_a reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o establish_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n and_o the_o samaritan_n schism_n and_o idolatry_n too_o and_o brief_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o to_o be_v establish_v to_o abolish_v all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o mankind_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o consent_v in_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o worship_v god_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o their_o redeemer_n have_v live_v in_o this_o world_n with_o true_a devotion_n to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o in_o charity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o may_v at_o last_o die_v with_o comfort_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o then_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v large_o controvert_v to_o a_o victory_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o that_o text_n of_o solomon_n when_o he_o deliver_v point_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o perpetual_a establishment_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n eccles_n 5.1_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o usual_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n to_o signify_v their_o reverence_n in_o a_o sacred_a place_n by_o put_v off_o their_o sandal_n before_o they_o enter_v that_o they_o may_v not_o profane_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o render_v common_a by_o a_o defilement_n a_o holy_a place_n or_o what_o be_v separate_v from_o vulgar_a use_n to_o such_o as_o be_v sacred_a and_o relate_v unto_o god_n from_o whence_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v that_o injunction_n more_o ancient_a than_o this_o text_n pull_v off_o thy_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n exod._n 3.5_o the_o place_n be_v before_z mean_v and_o inconsiderable_a a_o toft_a of_o ground_n on_o which_o bush_n grow_v yet_o because_o god_n consecrate_v it_o by_o his_o own_o presence_n make_v it_o holy_a for_o divine_a office_n to_o give_v moses_n his_o commission_n and_o to_o declare_v his_o law_n therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o reverence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v there_o and_o external_a demonstration_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v exhibit_v now_o this_o particular_a action_n of_o make_v bare_a the_o foot_n be_v a_o outward_a testimony_n of_o respect_n in_o those_o country_n where_o this_o be_v command_v it_o sufficient_o instruct_v all_o subsequent_a posterity_n of_o man_n that_o external_a sign_n of_o humility_n and_o submission_n must_v be_v give_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o deity_n especial_o such_o in_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o in_o those_o place_n that_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o since_o divers_a country_n use_v distinct_a mode_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n according_a to_o their_o customary_a signification_n and_o acceptance_n as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o japan_n salute_v by_o pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n when_o we_o do_v the_o same_o by_o pull_v off_o our_o hat_n and_o uncover_v our_o head_n we_o may_v therefore_o fair_o conclude_v that_o if_o solomon_n in_o the_o forecited_a text_n have_v speak_v to_o person_n use_v to_o our_o custom_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nation_n he_o will_v have_v say_v pull_v off_o thy_o hat_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o then_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o will_v be_v that_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n on_o which_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n be_v inscribe_v where_o we_o pretend_v to_o offer_v our_o christian_a sacrifice_n to_o testify_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o outward_a
manifest_v to_o the_o world_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n have_v lawful_o and_o by_o good_a consequence_n conclude_v to_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a in_o themselves_o he_o must_v be_v endow_v therefore_o with_o all_o knowledge_n power_n goodness_n impassibility_n justice_n truth_n mercy_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o like_a with_o self_n existency_n and_o eternity_n crown_v and_o add_v a_o ornament_n to_o the_o whole_a to_o this_o god_n then_o under_o such_o glorious_a notion_n adorn_v with_o such_o transcendent_a attribute_n and_o all_o possible_a perfection_n imaginable_a to_o this_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n we_o be_v to_o give_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n adore_v those_o attribut_n of_o which_o we_o be_v transcribe_v the_o copy_n as_o far_o as_o frail_a humane_a nature_n will_v permit_v and_o by_o which_o only_o we_o can_v declare_v his_o essence_n to_o this_o transcendent_a be_v we_o ought_v to_o pray_v without_o pretend_v to_o form_v a_o idea_n or_o similitude_n of_o his_o live_a substance_n which_o we_o can_v make_v any_o likeness_n of_o nor_o frame_v a_o due_a image_n of_o his_o be_v without_o notion_n attend_v that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o such_o accident_n as_o will_v be_v blemish_n and_o imperfection_n at_o once_o lead_v we_o into_o impiety_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o to_o such_o a_o be_v when_o we_o have_v once_o settle_v a_o notion_n of_o he_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o we_o may_v address_v our_o lawful_a petition_n and_o direct_v all_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o frame_v any_o similitude_n and_o worship_v he_o who_o be_v and_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n sustain_v the_o creation_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o influence_n the_o whole_a by_o his_o daily_a providence_n who_o as_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v draw_v otherwise_o by_o the_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n the_o most_o tower_a fancy_n or_o sublimest_n and_o most_o retire_a contemplation_n because_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o this_o universal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o other_o if_o we_o thus_o direct_v suitable_a petition_n we_o shall_v worship_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o john_n 4._o 23._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o address_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o particular_a to_o make_v inquiry_n into_o that_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n now_o this_o in_o general_a aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o expressive_a of_o our_o humility_n reverence_n profound_a devotion_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n in_o the_o region_n and_o country_n in_o which_o we_o live_v for_o prayer_n testify_v our_o religion_n to_o other_o and_o by_o our_o outward_a example_n for_o they_o can_v know_v our_o inward_a thought_n draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o act_n of_o devotion_n with_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o our_o maker_n to_o raise_v and_o signify_v our_o own_o disposition_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o since_o therefore_o other_o man_n can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o by_o those_o representation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o external_a act_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v such_o in_o prayer_n as_o may_v best_o signify_v those_o to_o they_o which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o by_o which_o we_o represent_v both_o our_o humility_n and_o affection_n to_o those_o person_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n have_v command_v any_o one_o gesture_n in_o prayer_n so_o strict_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o for_o in_o these_o thing_n a_o absolute_a necessity_n at_o any_o time_n become_v a_o reasonable_a dispensation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v enseeble_v in_o his_o limb_n lay_v stretch_v upon_o a_o bed_n of_o languish_v be_v move_v to_o ejaculation_n when_o he_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o trade_n or_o occupation_n he_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o pray_v when_o he_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o field_n or_o travel_v on_o a_o journey_n and_o may_v often_o be_v lift_v his_o thought_n to_o god_n when_o he_o be_v sit_v at_o his_o ordinary_a meal_n in_o such_o case_n and_o other_o like_v they_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v his_o posture_n but_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o secret_a whisper_n or_o more_o outward_o express_v language_n nay_o the_o humble_a breathe_n and_o wish_n of_o his_o mind_n with_o or_o without_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o further_a yet_o sometime_o even_o in_o public_a assembly_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n may_v be_v in_o a_o crowd_n or_o his_o knee_n so_o benumb_v and_o his_o body_n weary_v with_o the_o length_n of_o his_o devotion_n that_o any_o one_o posture_n may_v be_v so_o uneasy_a and_o painful_a too_o as_o to_o blunt_v the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o hinder_v the_o most_o acceptable_a intention_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o our_o devotion_n shall_v be_v slacken_v or_o interrupt_v by_o the_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o body_n for_o this_o will_v render_v they_o not_o only_o the_o restrain_v prison_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o their_o jailer_n too_o and_o certain_o he_o to_o who_o our_o prayer_n be_v direct_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a will_v not_o enjoin_v any_o burden_n upon_o man_n who_o be_v humble_a and_o devout_a which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o forefather_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v i_o can_v therefore_o sufficient_o admire_v the_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o our_o own_o church_n who_o service_n be_v so_o admirable_o contrive_v that_o the_o frequent_a intermixture_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n reading_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v frequent_a relief_n to_o the_o age_a or_o weary_v body_n of_o man_n by_o enjoin_v suitable_a though_o uniform_a posture_n that_o by_o their_o variation_n become_v easy_a and_o delightsome_a and_o advance_v the_o fervour_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o deviate_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n we_o find_v goodman_n in_o sacred_a writ_n sometime_o worship_v by_o prostration_n on_o the_o ground_n sometime_o adore_v by_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o without_o doubt_n kiss_v their_o hand_n as_o the_o act_n of_o adore_v proper_o signify_v sometime_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n and_o sometime_o kneel_v upon_o their_o knee_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o latter_a be_v more_o frequent_a though_o prostration_n be_v a_o posture_n more_o lowly_a than_o this_o when_o saint_n stephen_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o become_v the_o first_o martyr_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n next_o to_o himself_o and_o like_o his_o master_n signalise_v his_o charity_n in_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n act._n 7.60_o when_o saint_n paul_n pray_v among_o the_o bishop_n at_o miletus_n he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o act_n 20.36_o when_o saint_n peter_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o that_o eminent_a miracle_n of_o raise_v dorcas_n from_o the_o dead_a we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v act._n 9.40_o and_o the_o bless_a and_o holy_a jesus_n himself_o who_o be_v more_o worthy_a than_o all_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o just_a and_o proportionable_a sacrifice_n for_o they_o and_o redeem_v those_o who_o be_v prisoner_n to_o death_n and_o hell_n yet_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v the_o great_a humility_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o mind_n do_v not_o only_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n but_o prostrate_v himself_o with_o his_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n when_o with_o a_o reserve_a submission_n to_o his_o father_n will_n he_o pray_v say_v o_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o matth._n 26.39_o when_o saint_n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o tribulation_n he_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 3_o 14._o and_o when_o in_o his_o voyage_n towards_o jerusalem_n he_o land_v at_o tyre_n at_o his_o departure_n from_o thence_o himself_o with_o the_o disciple_n their_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d
in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o wilful_a or_o at_o least_o ignorant_a separatist_n pretend_v still_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n to_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o the_o only_a worfhipper_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o this_o assertion_n be_v vain_a and_o fond_a because_o first_o they_o usual_o separate_v what_o the_o great_a god_n have_v join_v and_o accept_v together_o nor_o do_v they_o worship_v he_o or_o at_o least_o they_o account_v it_o not_o necessary_a with_o their_o outward_a man_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o bodily_a worship_n profit_v little_a yet_o something_o it_o do_v but_o nothing_o at_o all_o when_o it_o be_v divorce_v from_o the_o intention_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v very_o odious_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o yet_o man_n can_v well_o pretend_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o mind_n especial_o so_o as_o to_o convince_v other_o when_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o humble_a and_o suitable_a deportment_n of_o their_o body_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v to_o man_n bodily_a gesture_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o pay_v homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n then_o if_o we_o argue_v like_o man_n that_o have_v reasonable_a soul_n give_v they_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a it_o must_v be_v because_o our_o maker_n know_v the_o design_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o expect_v external_a demonstration_n of_o what_o he_o conclude_v to_o be_v lodge_v within_o we_o but_o then_o we_o need_v no_o other_o pain_n to_o address_v ourselves_o but_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o conception_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o fix_a thought_n nimble_a apprehension_n will_v be_v enough_o to_o compose_v a_o prayer_n and_o it_o will_v be_v utterance_n sufficient_a if_o we_o do_v but_o only_o temper_v our_o lip_n cough_v and_o raiseflegm_n into_o our_o throat_n nay_o without_o any_o action_n of_o our_o body_n at_o all_o if_o our_o prayer_n be_v compose_v or_o rather_o intend_v within_o ourselves_o without_o the_o delivery_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n or_o any_o signification_n of_o the_o purport_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o language_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o if_o this_o be_v right_a woman_n themselves_o may_v bring_v forth_o too_o without_o any_o travail_n or_o pain_n to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n but_o alas_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o in_o those_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o common_a do_v not_o signify_v so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n that_o gape_v when_o he_o ought_v to_o speak_v for_o even_o word_n in_o prayer_n serve_v only_o to_o utter_v our_o mind_n and_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a sign_n and_o representation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v before_o inward_o conceive_v and_o since_o this_o be_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n account_v to_o be_v a_o service_n acceptable_a to_o god_n why_o may_v he_o not_o receive_v the_o signature_n and_o impression_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o any_o other_o corporal_a demonstration_n why_o can_v the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o our_o mouth_n and_o kiss_v they_o as_o in_o old_a time_n be_v proper_a adoration_n why_o can_v incline_v our_o head_n or_o bow_v our_o body_n still_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n and_o of_o worship_n too_o why_o can_v kneeling_z or_o prostration_n upon_o the_o ground_n religious_o signify_v the_o humility_n devotion_n and_o the_o most_o profound_a lowliness_n of_o our_o mind_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v as_o old_a as_o david_n to_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o to_o kneel_v also_o before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n but_o if_o such_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v by_o those_o who_o account_v all_o reason_n carnal_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o especial_o when_o it_o contradict_v themselves_o if_o man_n can_v at_o all_o be_v bring_v to_o themselves_o nay_o but_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o think_v that_o adam_n fall_n have_v not_o beat_v out_o the_o brain_n of_o his_o posterity_n if_o we_o approve_o use_v word_n in_o our_o devotion_n to_o god_n although_o he_o know_v our_o conceive_a petition_n when_o no_o expression_n be_v utter_v by_o our_o mouth_n discern_v our_o thought_n a_o far_o off_o nor_o do_v i_o desire_v that_o even_o this_o plain_a position_n may_v be_v precarious_a or_o grant_v by_o adversary_n without_o proof_n since_o if_o they_o will_v but_o yield_v god_n to_o be_v a_o spirit_n they_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v that_o he_o can_v be_v more_o quick_o sensible_a of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n especial_o if_o they_o account_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a too_o by_o a_o certain_a near_o and_o pry_a intuition_n the_o mode_n of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o adapt_v to_o our_o apprehension_n than_o have_v not_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v and_o express_v thing_n he_o can_v be_v say_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n but_o for_o all_o this_o in_o public_a prayer_n we_o have_v other_o to_o join_v with_o we_o as_o we_o use_v word_n to_o signify_v our_o petition_n which_o express_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n so_o do_v we_o also_o by_o habit_n and_o gesture_n represent_v our_o devotion_n and_o conception_n to_o other_o to_o raise_v their_o affection_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o own_o that_o they_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a understand_v what_o we_o be_v about_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o assent_v and_o say_v amen_o and_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o frame_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o resemblance_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n that_o there_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o unity_n in_o our_o common_a worship_n but_o uniformity_n too_o and_o if_o these_o other_o sign_n beside_o word_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o our_o body_n or_o both_o in_o conjunction_n may_v effectual_o conduce_v to_o the_o same_o end_n which_o be_v the_o raise_n and_o signify_v our_o devotion_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o action_n of_o other_o member_n of_o our_o body_n beside_o the_o articulate_a motion_n of_o our_o tongue_n that_o notorious_o declare_v profound_a humility_n and_o present_v our_o devotion_n and_o signify_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o shut_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n to_o avoid_v the_o argument_n our_o homage_n to_o and_o dependence_n on_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v in_o worship_v our_o maker_n as_o well_o as_o word_n which_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o understand_v one_o another_o have_v improve_v and_o make_v copious_a by_o custom_n and_o art_n and_o a_o long_a time_n since_o be_v render_v fashionable_a in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v more_o ready_a than_o other_o sign_n and_o representation_n from_o any_o different_a member_n of_o the_o body_n for_o these_o be_v also_o the_o action_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o lip_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n that_o in_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o accompany_v the_o mind_n they_o be_v such_o intimate_a and_o unite_a friend_n that_o both_o make_v but_o one_o man_n because_o any_o that_o in_o private_a address_v themselves_o to_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o different_a apartment_n from_o one_o another_o and_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o their_o closet_n and_o be_v still_o if_o they_o pray_v with_o any_o earnestness_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v to_o it_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o great_a god_n to_o who_o they_o address_v their_o own_o meanness_n when_o compare_v to_o he_o or_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o obtain_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o petition_v for_o they_o express_v their_o mind_n with_o such_o server_fw-la and_o humility_n as_o affect_v their_o body_n and_o cast_v they_o into_o posture_n that_o customary_o signify_v and_o represent_v these_o thing_n to_o other_o man_n however_o methinks_v they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n be_v advance_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o other_o oughts_z in_o justice_n to_o declaim_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o man_n body_n since_z common_o the_o motion_n and_o activity_n of_o their_o body_n in_o all_o even_o their_o public_a devotion_n be_v that_o which_o more_o recommend_v they_o to_o their_o people_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o petition_n or_o the_o decency_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o they_o express_v it_o but_o let_v we_o argue_v this_o thing_n fair_o with_o ourselves_o and_o then_o can_v any_o man_n who_o have_v strip_v himself_o of_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n in_o his_o inquiry_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o his_o maker_n do_v otherwise_o than_o conclude_v that_o we_o near_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o homage_n due_a to_o he_o by_o how_o much_o
understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o text_n forbid_a either_o by_o what_o be_v translate_v vain_a repetition_n or_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o be_v say_v to_o use_v they_o the_o word_n use_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o you_o pray_v do_v not_o speak_v as_o battus_n do_v now_o though_o suidas_n explain_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v much_o yet_o the_o text_n even_o in_o the_o prime_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n prohibit_v all_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o language_n as_o one_o battus_n do_v from_o who_o name_n part_n of_o the_o compound_a verb_n be_v take_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o text_n who_o make_v long_a hymn_n full_a of_o tautology_n he_o be_v a_o very_a idle_a and_o empty_a poet._n as_o to_o what_o maldonate_fw-it mention_n of_o another_o of_o the_o same_o name_n who_o have_v a_o hesitation_n or_o stammer_n in_o his_o speech_n deliver_v such_o thick_a and_o swift_a language_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o understand_v he_o this_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o be_v only_o a_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o not_o any_o careless_a or_o affect_v extravagance_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o caution_n and_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o jesuit_n himself_o second_o we_o may_v more_o full_o understand_v what_o be_v here_o forbid_a by_o a_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o say_v the_o text_n use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v now_o the_o heathen_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o their_o tragedian_n be_v wont_a many_o time_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o make_v repetition_n of_o the_o same_o word_n especial_o of_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n which_o they_o pray_v unto_o and_o they_o conjecture_v also_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o loud_o and_o more_o shrill_a their_o speech_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o ready_a will_v their_o god_n be_v to_o give_v they_o audience_n and_o to_o return_v answer_n to_o their_o petition_n to_o this_o custom_n do_v elijah_n seem_v to_o allude_v when_o he_o speak_v ironical_o to_o baal_n prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.27_o cry_v aloud_o for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n either_o he_o be_v talk_v or_o he_o be_v pursue_v or_o he_o be_v on_o a_o journey_n or_o peradventure_o he_o sleep_v and_o must_v be_v awake_v now_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o separatist_n be_v conceive_v extempore_o he_o deliver_v those_o thing_n and_o word_n that_o a_o quick_a fancy_n and_o sudden_a invention_n prompt_v he_o to_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o worship_n he_o will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o use_v these_o prohibit_v repetition_n for_o where_o matter_n and_o method_n yea_o and_o expression_n too_o be_v not_o before_o hand_n study_v and_o compose_v and_o put_v into_o some_o decent_a order_n the_o memory_n can_v firm_o retain_v what_o have_v be_v before_o utter_v when_o the_o fancy_n and_o invention_n have_v all_o along_o be_v so_o strict_o employ_v which_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o a_o gift_a man_n who_o speak_v extempore_o can_v afterward_o remember_v his_o own_o prayer_n or_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n to_o man_n of_o what_o he_o have_v before_o speak_v to_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o in_o this_o attempt_n but_o something_o both_o in_o matter_n and_o phrase_n will_v often_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n again_o and_o several_a petition_n escape_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a pretender_n that_o have_v more_o than_o once_o be_v present_v before_o for_o their_o prayer_n be_v wire-drawn_a into_o one_o length_n or_o deliver_v in_o a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a chain_n of_o language_n and_o expression_n that_o must_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o large_a chasm_n or_o long_a intermission_n but_o one_o thing_n must_v follow_v close_o at_o the_o back_n of_o another_o how_o can_v it_o be_v consider_v humane_a frailty_n and_o indisposition_n but_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o present_a and_o ready_a invention_n there_o must_v be_v some_o large_a gape_a silence_n or_o else_o barrenness_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o the_o repetition_n of_o what_o have_v go_v before_o nay_o how_o often_o have_v we_o hear_v lord_n lord_n and_o we_o pray_v thou_o and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o invention_n or_o to_o draw_v a_o cover_n over_o inadvertent_n and_o incoherent_a thought_n of_o the_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v much_o gift_v in_o this_o affair_n so_o that_o then_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o stop_v gap_n in_o stead_n of_o make_v a_o new_a hedge_n he_o cough_v and_o spit_n in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o full_a stream_n of_o language_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v like_o a_o pump_n when_o the_o water_n be_v go_v away_o with_o a_o hiss_n make_v a_o great_a hollow_a noise_n with_o little_a sense_n or_o signification_n and_o like_o the_o heathen_a priest_n that_o worship_v baal_n who_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n cry_v out_o o_o baal_n hear_v we_o 1_o king_n 18.26_o and_o very_o probable_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n whilst_o there_o be_v no_o voice_n nor_o any_o that_o answer_n or_o else_o like_o those_o mutinous_a ephesian_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o a_o silver-smith_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o trade_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o long_a hour_n cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n act_n 19.34_o and_o whether_o such_o a_o worship_n when_o strong_a lung_n become_v the_o bellows_o to_o blow_v man_n up_o that_o they_o may_v vent_v themselves_o in_o tautology_n and_o repetition_n and_o break_a sentence_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o utter_v a_o continue_a prayer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o be_v present_v in_o such_o loose_a petition_n to_o he_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o glorious_a intercede_v redeemer_n let_v any_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v prejudice_v against_o any_o reason_n in_o this_o affair_n and_o be_v not_o stupid_a or_o wilful_a to_o a_o proverb_n consider_v first_o and_o then_o in_o god_n name_n let_v they_o judge_v but_o lest_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o usual_a recrimination_n in_o this_o particular_a i_o must_v observe_v here_o what_o be_v easy_o infer_v from_o a_o transient_a reflection_n upon_o the_o former_a exposition_n that_o all_o repetition_n be_v not_o vain_a nor_o such_o as_o be_v prohibit_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o as_o maldonate_fw-it express_v it_o he_o forbid_v supervacaneam_fw-la &_o inanem_fw-la study_v affectatam_fw-la verborum_fw-la copiam_fw-la a_o superfluous_a and_o a_o empty_a affect_a plenty_n of_o word_n when_o we_o permit_v our_o language_n too_o much_o to_o overflow_v our_o sense_n and_o abound_v in_o expression_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v because_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_v they_o conjecture_v it_o seem_v that_o such_o plenty_n of_o word_n may_v cause_v the_o deaf_a of_o their_o god_n to_o hear_v they_o when_o they_o pelt_v they_o with_o volley_n of_o thick_a language_n and_o that_o they_o will_v better_o understand_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o they_o offer_v in_o their_o petition_n and_o more_o easy_o remember_v all_o when_o thing_n be_v so_o frequent_o inculcate_v by_o repetition_n but_o alas_o the_o heathen_n worship_v one_o sort_n of_o god_n but_o the_o christian_n present_v their_o prayer_n to_o another_o and_o as_o man_n notion_n concern_v the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v vary_v so_o will_v their_o worship_n vary_v too_o if_o they_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o argument_n and_o inference_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n if_o man_n therefore_o who_o so_o bustle_v in_o this_o world_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o deity_n will_v but_o impartial_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o they_o devote_v their_o act_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o compare_v their_o worship_n which_o they_o give_v he_o with_o those_o attribute_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v he_o and_o inquire_v diligent_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o we_o need_v not_o have_v so_o many_o division_n where_o all_o worship_n the_o same_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v nor_o foment_n disturbance_n about_o those_o that_o be_v since_o it_o can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v require_v worship_n from_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o correspond_v to_o his_o essence_n and_o attribute_n when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v and_o to_o return_v to_o the_o
object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o one_o in_o who_o we_o may_v confide_v and_o trust_v since_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n there_o be_v safety_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o and_o the_o mark_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o our_o being_n live_v and_o our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o his_o wonderful_a redemption_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o ransom_n for_o we_o all_o and_o receive_v he_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n make_v on_o earth_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o bloody_a sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o god_n will_v be_v both_o ungrateful_a and_o inhuman_a to_o be_v the_o most_o surly_a and_o vile_a pensioner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o provoke_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o we_o must_v unman_v ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o ungod_o the_o deity_n last_o that_o i_o may_v urge_v a_o most_o conclude_a argument_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o have_v prohibit_v the_o offering_n our_o religious_a devotion_n to_o any_o other_o this_o be_v engraven_v upon_o the_o table_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a establishment_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idol_n to_o worship_n nor_o the_o similitude_n of_o any_o thing_n religious_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o exod._n 20._o and_o he_o back_v the_o prohibition_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o jealousy_n he_o have_v of_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v severe_o punish_v the_o guilty_a we_o find_v therefore_o that_o when_o aaron_n to_o appease_v the_o multitude_n make_v a_o melt_a calf_n which_o the_o people_n suppose_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o deliverer_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n rear_v a_o altar_n upon_o which_o they_o make_v their_o burn_a and_o peace_n offering_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o terminate_v their_o worship_n in_o god_n transfer_v their_o oblation_n through_o this_o representation_n to_o he_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o offering_n and_o the_o idol_n make_v god_n the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o devotion_n by_o proclaim_v this_o to_o be_v a_o feast_n unto_o jehovah_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o fire_n kindle_v for_o this_o sacrifice_n make_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o burn_v nor_o can_v moses_n intercession_n expiate_v the_o crime_n but_o he_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n there_o be_v immediate_o slay_v three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o god_n continue_v to_o plague_v the_o people_n scatter_v their_o carcase_n about_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o their_o progress_n visit_v this_o sin_n upon_o they_o exod._n 33._o nay_o man_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o caution_v by_o many_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o approach_v not_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v god_n glory_n to_o another_o or_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_v or_o melt_a image_n too_o numerous_a for_o i_o to_o reckon_v up_o here_o and_o grant_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o those_o scripture_n but_o god_n have_v sufficient_o forbid_v it_o under_o the_o new_a where_o he_o have_v appoint_v his_o worship_n more_o proportionate_a to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o service_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n neither_o with_o the_o corporal_a representation_n of_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o in_o their_o schism_n nor_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o bloody_a sacrifice_n or_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n prefigure_v any_o messiah_n to_o come_v nor_o yet_o as_o the_o gentile_n by_o any_o of_o their_o inferior_a daemon_n when_o satan_n tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o the_o same_o bait_n which_o other_o make_v a_o tender_a of_o to_o those_o who_o they_o endeavour_v to_o proselyte_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o he_o present_o repel_v he_o with_o disdain_n and_o scorn_v get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o if_o god_n will_v have_v be_v worship_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o but_o the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n he_o will_v not_o have_v leave_v mankind_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o there_o will_v have_v appear_v light_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n that_o seem_v not_o so_o considerable_a to_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o he_o expect_v in_o his_o solemn_a worship_n from_o they_o but_o no_o direction_n to_o this_o appear_v nor_o can_v the_o scripture_n at_o all_o patronize_v it_o unless_o corrupt_v by_o false_a gloss_n and_o force_v interpretation_n yet_o the_o contrary_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o all_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a may_v behold_v it_o angel_n themselves_o those_o glorious_a creature_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o civil_a respect_n to_o they_o refuse_v to_o share_v in_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o prohibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o angel_n which_o appear_v to_o converse_v with_o saint_n john_n when_o this_o belove_a disciple_n prostrate_v himself_o to_o worship_v he_o sudden_o reply_v see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o and_o urge_v two_o argument_n to_o enforce_v his_o prohibition_n enough_o to_o deter_v all_o mankind_n from_o pay_v act_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o creature_n 1._o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n the_o offspring_n of_o the_o universal_a parent_n therefore_o such_o honour_n be_v not_o due_a to_o i_o 2._o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o adoration_n such_o homage_n be_v just_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o angel_n worship_n god_n rev._n 19.10_o nay_o worship_a god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n beguile_v christian_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o col._n 2.18_o and_o much_o more_o must_v they_o miss_v their_o recompense_n if_o they_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o beg_v of_o they_o what_o be_v part_n of_o god_n prerogative_n to_o grant_v now_o as_o the_o invocation_n of_o these_o detract_v so_o much_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o derogate_v from_o his_o honour_n if_o we_o make_v religious_a petition_n unto_o saint_n for_o these_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a classis_fw-la their_o nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o those_o embellishment_n that_o adorn_v angel_n therefore_o when_o cornelius_n fall_v down_o and_o worship_v saint_n peter_n he_o snatch_v he_o up_o and_o bid_v he_o stand_v upon_o his_o foot_n and_o forbear_v such_o signal_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o which_o be_v usual_o pay_v in_o act_n of_o devotion_n for_o say_v he_o i_o myself_o also_o be_o a_o man_n act_v 10.26_o thus_o also_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n refuse_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o lycaonian_o rend_v their_o clothes_n at_o their_o public_a blasphemy_n and_o intend_a idolatry_n and_o stop_v their_o sacrifice_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o methinks_v shall_v startle_v other_o we_o also_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o you_o act_n 14.15_o this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n therefore_o why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o sacred_a writ_n and_o forbid_v to_o offer_v our_o devotion_n to_o another_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o my_o three_o enquiry_n by_o show_v we_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n chap._n v._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mode_n of_o our_o address_n to_o the_o great_a god_n who_o for_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n we_o adore_v and_o worship_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o religious_a devotion_n in_o which_o solemn_a prayer_n bear_v a_o great_a share_n in_o this_o some_o of_o the_o controversy_n among_o we_o raise_v by_o person_n who_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o will_v be_v something_o though_o not_o as_o much_o as_o i_o intend_v regard_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o with_o
may_v not_o pray_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o now_o in_o this_o i_o fear_v many_o may_v fail_v and_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v a_o idol_n in_o their_o fancy_n when_o yet_o they_o abhor_v one_o that_o be_v sensible_a or_o material_a represent_v to_o their_o bodily_a eye_n for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o abstraction_n a_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o something_o which_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_a join_v of_o many_o of_o these_o object_n together_o but_o this_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o false_a similitude_n which_o we_o just_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o and_o yet_o the_o difference_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o great_a whether_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v represent_v to_o our_o external_a sense_n or_o in_o the_o idea_n and_o image_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o frame_v such_o a_o uncouth_a picture_n there_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n inward_a to_o behold_v it_o for_o the_o fault_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v much_o alleviate_v when_o we_o refuse_v to_o frame_v a_o carve_a image_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o who_o we_o pray_v if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o create_v one_o in_o our_o own_o imagination_n and_o then_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o it_o and_o pray_v with_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o it_o be_v we_o capable_a indeed_o of_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v conceive_v a_o exact_a similitude_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v become_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o privilege_n to_o make_v this_o representation_n of_o he_o to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o soul_n and_o mind_n intent_n but_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n something_o that_o be_v void_a of_o all_o matter_n not_o capable_a of_o part_n or_o such_o quantitative_a extension_n as_o body_n have_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v frame_v any_o positive_a and_o proportionate_a notion_n of_o he_o all_o together_o as_o we_o can_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v but_o we_o know_v his_o be_v only_o by_o his_o attribute_n which_o we_o can_v consider_v all_o at_o once_o as_o we_o can_v the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n together_o with_o the_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n belong_v that_o god_n be_v may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o what_o manner_n of_o be_v he_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n be_v fix_v will_n i_o think_v be_v difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v by_o man_n to_o who_o the_o bare_a essence_n of_o thing_n far_o inferior_a be_v so_o latent_fw-la and_o abstruse_a so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a for_o we_o find_v that_o when_o we_o retire_v within_o ourselves_o and_o shut_v up_o our_o soul_n never_o so_o much_o from_o any_o communication_n with_o exterior_a object_n though_o we_o can_v frame_v proposition_n and_o discourse_n concern_v spirit_n yet_o we_o can_v have_v no_o representation_n of_o they_o or_o figure_n of_o proportion_n as_o we_o can_v make_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n though_o they_o be_v at_o present_a at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o or_o shut_v out_o from_o our_o view_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n or_o a_o closure_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o say_v truth_n can_v a_o spirit_n be_v draw_v by_o we_o under_o a_o similitude_n it_o must_v put_v off_o its_o nature_n and_o become_v material_a whilst_o we_o draw_v a_o image_n of_o it_o &_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o our_o external_a sense_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n confute_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o samaritan_n who_o as_o mr._n mede_n have_v evidence_v worship_v god_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o woman_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o because_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o intention_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o resemblance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o their_o devotion_n when_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o his_o service_n ought_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o under_o that_o notion_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o by_o any_o corporal_a representation_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o draw_v lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o god_n by_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n when_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o himself_o nor_o as_o christ_n say_v have_v any_o man_n see_v the_o father_n 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o frame_v a_o positive_a idea_n or_o any_o adequate_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n because_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o of_o finite_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v finite_a can_v frame_v or_o receive_v a_o idea_n that_o be_v infinite_a for_o what_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o be_v limit_v or_o circumscribe_v than_o a_o infinite_a space_n can_v be_v measure_v or_o draw_v into_o the_o number_n of_o proportion_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v because_o whatever_o a_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o must_v either_o single_o be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o else_o by_o the_o reduplication_n of_o a_o short_a measure_n we_o must_v at_o last_o sum_n up_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n into_o one_o entire_a dimension_n in_o breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n but_o what_o infinite_a measure_n can_v we_o find_v out_o that_o shall_v stretch_v itself_o parallel_a to_o what_o be_v altogether_o infinite_a since_o what_o be_v so_o have_v no_o end_n or_o what_o number_n of_o measure_n can_v possible_o reach_v it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v run_v over_o it_o have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v infinite_a if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o one_o infinite_a can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o another_o and_o no_o penetration_n yet_o admit_v then_o one_o must_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o and_o then_o neither_o can_v be_v account_v infinite_a because_o one_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o other_o if_o a_o penetration_n through_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v both_o infinite_n will_v be_v but_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o measure_n must_v perish_v so_o that_o for_o a_o finite_a be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a essence_n or_o to_o frame_v a_o idea_n or_o a_o adequate_a representation_n of_o he_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o grasp_v the_o globe_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n to_o carry_v the_o great_a mountain_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n when_o he_o have_v tear_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o ocean_n at_o one_o draught_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o difficult_a there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v finite_a but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a none_o at_o all_o when_o we_o can_v contain_v the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n in_o a_o empty-eggshel_a shoot_v the_o fix_a star_n down_o from_o heaven_n take_v a_o leap_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o moon_n make_v the_o least_o vessel_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o impossible_a then_o may_v we_o attempt_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o accomplish_v it_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o infinite_a be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o notional_a idol_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v a_o substantial_a one_o yet_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o our_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o frame_v similitude_n and_o representation_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o here_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o inform_v you_o what_o as_o i_o conceive_v ought_v to_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a god_n to_o who_o they_o pray_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v rational_o and_o also_o pious_o direct_v in_o this_o important_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o life_n to_o effect_v this_o it_o must_v be_v remark_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n contain_v within_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v include_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o own_o declaration_n have_v
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v