Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
duty_n	church_n	good_a	true_a	1,044	5	4.3446	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A54945	A discourse of prayer wherein this great duty is stated, so as to oppose some principles and practices of Papists and fanaticks; as they are contrary to the publick forms of the Church of England, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament. By Thomas Pittis, D.D. one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. Wherefore, that way and profession in religion, which gives the best directions for it, (viz. prayer) with the most effectual motives to it, and most aboundeth in its observance, hath therein the advantage of all others. Dr. Owen in his preface to his late discourse of the work of the Holy SPirit in prayer, &c.	Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687.	1683 (1683)	Wing P2314; ESTC R220541	149,431	404

child_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray●●_n 〈◊〉_d though_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o shore_n ●●ct_n 21.5_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v possible_o offend_v whilst_o we_o imitate_v such_o holy_a and_o primitive_a example_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n especial_o towards_o the_o period_n of_o their_o oeconomy_n to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v that_o the_o pharisee_n like_o some_o among_o ourselves_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n math._n 6.5_o but_o because_o these_o do_v it_o that_o by_o the_o elevation_n of_o their_o body_n they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n you_o may_v not_o perhaps_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o take_v such_o for_o a_o example_n but_o howsoever_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o certain_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v sometime_o pray_v stand_v on_o their_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o kneel_v upon_o their_o knee_n for_o beside_o the_o posture_n in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v notorious_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o kneel_v in_o their_o public_a worship_n from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n but_o then_o they_o give_v these_o two_o reason_n in_o excuse_n of_o their_o posture_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v by_o some_o outward_a gesture_n and_o significant_a ceremony_n express_v their_o joy_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v in_o token_n also_o of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o these_o thing_n be_v lawful_a and_o proper_a whilst_o christianity_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o great_a temptation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o proselyte_n to_o this_o religion_n to_o apostatise_v that_o i_o may_v draw_v then_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o particular_a since_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n have_v be_v different_o use_v in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n suitable_a to_o the_o various_a way_n of_o signify_v respect_n in_o divers_a country_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o those_o church_n to_o who_o custom_n man_n subject_v themselves_o and_o since_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v still_o to_o be_v use_v in_o subordination_n to_o a_o great_a and_o more_o lofty_a end_n the_o raise_n and_o testify_v the_o affection_n and_o faith_n of_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v leave_v you_o to_o practice_v saint_n augustine_n rule_n that_o in_o private_a prayer_n you_o so_o frame_v the_o gesture_n of_o your_o body_n as_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o the_o elevation_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o great_a devotion_n in_o your_o prayer_n but_o in_o public_a that_o you_o conform_v to_o the_o command_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o christian_a church_n which_o impose_v nothing_o sinful_a as_o a_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n within_o who_o pale_a you_o be_v enclose_v that_o you_o may_v not_o become_v factious_a and_o schismatical_a divide_v from_o substantial_o for_o a_o ceremony_n nor_o rend_v the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o separation_n for_o what_o be_v real_o in_o itself_o indifferent_a humility_n and_o reverence_n do_v certain_o become_v such_o as_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v live_v here_o among_o we_o that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o our_o usual_a approach_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o their_o address_n to_o one_o another_o can_v find_v another_o gesture_n more_o apt_o and_o decent_o express_v these_o thing_n than_o bow_v the_o body_n uncover_v the_o head_n and_o bend_v the_o knee_n may_v if_o our_o superior_n please_v who_o have_v authority_n to_o order_v indifferent_a matter_n use_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o nay_o obtain_v a_o law_n to_o force_v it_o upon_o all_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v but_o little_a to_o their_o profit_n since_o i_o know_v none_o that_o upon_o such_o slender_a term_n will_v relinquish_v their_o own_o right_a to_o make_v way_n for_o other_o to_o enter_v their_o possession_n because_o they_o will_v not_o make_v religion_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n or_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o but_o howsoever_o till_o this_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v we_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n better_o fulfil_v what_o god_n once_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n that_o unto_o he_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o his_o name_n isai_n 45.23_o which_o saint_n paul_n think_v good_a to_o express_v the_o subjection_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o supreme_a be_v by_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o every_o tongue_n shall_v confess_v to_o god_n rom._n 14.11_o and_o true_o when_o any_o good_a christian_n pretend_v to_o express_v their_o real_a and_o devout_a subjection_n to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o forsake_v the_o ceremony_n which_o god_n himself_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n use_v the_o ceremony_n of_o this_o nation_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v conjoin_v with_o custom_n may_v render_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v proceed_v far_a that_o with_o the_o former_a circumstance_n suppose_v kneel_v at_o prayer_n will_v become_v a_o duty_n where_o the_o formention_v impediment_n do_v not_o plead_v for_o a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a dispensation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a yet_o something_o it_o do_v if_o not_o conjoin_v with_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o this_o accomplish_v the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v most_o rational_o design_v it_o than_o become_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n with_o which_o god_n be_v well_o please_v i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o brethren_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a divine_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o nay_o we_o do_v not_o worship_v with_o the_o whole_a man_n when_o we_o neglect_v god_n service_n with_o a_o part_n moreover_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n when_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n do_v not_o accompany_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o both_o be_v join_v together_o in_o this_o world_n we_o think_v it_o to_o be_v rational_a to_o express_v the_o petition_n conceive_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o language_n of_o our_o tongue_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o signify_v our_o humility_n that_o must_v accompany_v such_o prayer_n as_o god_n accept_v by_o those_o gesture_n that_o represent_v and_o express_v it_o it_o be_v exceed_o natural_a to_o mankind_n to_o make_v show_n of_o their_o inward_a affection_n by_o external_a sign_n and_o the_o kind_a demonstration_n that_o the_o action_n of_o their_o body_n be_v able_a to_o represent_v and_o we_o put_v a_o force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o ourselves_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o manifest_v it_o by_o our_o action_n and_o deportment_n but_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v create_v the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o both_o and_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a man_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o partial_a sacrifice_n we_o must_v worship_v therefore_o and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n our_o redemption_n also_o no_o less_o call_v for_o the_o homage_n of_o our_o body_n than_o it_o do_v for_o the_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o apostle_n say_v you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n 1._o cor._n 6.20_o nay_o if_o we_o expect_v the_o final_a glorification_n of_o both_o it_o be_v but_o equal_a that_o they_o shall_v both_o conspire_v in_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n where_o both_o may_v contribute_v their_o several_a part_n that_o so_o since_o their_o interest_n be_v unite_v they_o may_v in_o conjunction_n work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a last_o the_o humble_a and_o decent_a posture_n of_o our_o body_n when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n do_v not_o only_o demonstrate_v the_o internal_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o except_v such_o as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o make_v the_o experiment_n they_o excite_v and_o continue_v our_o internal_a affection_n recall_v our_o wander_n and_o put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v about_o if_o

we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n o●_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n

state_n and_o condition_n he_o devout_o beg_v what_o he_o want_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o himself_o alone_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n or_o else_o as_o he_o be_v within_o a_o large_a community_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o that_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o a_o sufficient_a caveat_n to_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o that_o either_o in_o and_z with_o our_o family_n which_o be_v indeed_o small_a congregation_n when_o the_o master_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_z in_o his_o absence_n have_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o intercede_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o become_v the_o mouth_n and_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n that_o altogether_o by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o affection_n and_o unity_n in_o word_n may_v petition_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o those_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o family_n and_o to_o each_o other_o but_o 2._o prayer_n that_o be_v more_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n consign_v to_o these_o public_a office_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n set_v apart_o to_o sacred_a and_o divine_a use_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o special_a regard_n to_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n in_o this_o discourse_n though_o man_n may_v also_o apply_v the_o particular_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n as_o frequent_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o rational_o suit_v and_o in_o this_o i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o disciple_n which_o they_o in_o reason_n may_v refuse_v to_o bear_v now_o public_a prayer_n in_o more_o solemn_a convention_n and_o among_o great_a number_n assemble_v together_o have_v so_o apparent_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n that_o the_o pretention_n to_o a_o proof_n can_v not_o but_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o foolish_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o reason_n and_o assemble_v together_o for_o common_a worship_n be_v a_o duty_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v their_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o require_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o from_o reason_n we_o may_v present_o understand_v that_o by_o this_o god_n honour_n be_v exalt_v when_o we_o joint_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o this_o we_o propagate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o our_o example_n provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o ourselves_o that_o common_a request_n such_o as_o in_o public_a we_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v to_o which_o every_o individual_a may_v say_v amen_o require_v a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v thus_o connect_v with_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o gain_v great_a degree_n of_o power_n like_o a_o twist_a cord_n they_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n they_o offer_v a_o sacred_a violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n draw_v down_o favour_n from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n moreover_o such_o prayer_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o sacred_a place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o present_a at_o least_o by_o his_o disperse_a train_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n cast_v a_o secret_a awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o public_a and_o divine_a worship_n attend_v with_o proper_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o to_o humility_n and_o adoration_n to_o excite_v within_o we_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o their_o object_n make_v our_o passion_n such_o as_o be_v divine_a and_o recall_v those_o swim_n and_o toss_v thought_n which_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v and_o final_o when_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n shall_v be_v offer_v by_o a_o ordain_v or_o consecrate_v person_n sacred_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o employment_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n by_o resignation_n and_o solemnity_n by_o his_o own_o devotion_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o secondary_a intercessor_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o creator_n he_o weep_v betwixt_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o heaven_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n in_o that_o sacred_a language_n spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o service_n must_v sound_v as_o pleasant_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o rapturous_a to_o good_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o gather_v together_o exercise_v the_o most_o exalt_a strain_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v screw_v beyond_o ordinary_a proportion_n christ_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o he_o join_v in_o our_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a angel_n spread_v their_o wing_n over_o we_o to_o adorn_v the_o solemnity_n and_o god_n himself_o behold_v we_o from_o above_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n with_o smile_n upon_o we_o smell_v a_o sweetness_n from_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v look_v far_o dissipate_v all_o intercept_n cloud_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o prayer_n be_v chap._n ii_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n the_o euchites_n of_o old_a be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v such_o precept_n and_o phrase_n as_o pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o man_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v yet_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o both_o as_o christian_n and_o man_n too_o abundant_o refute_v such_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o the_o allotment_n of_o all_o moral_a or_o pious_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o their_o end_n as_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o dose_n of_o physic_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o patient_n vary_v so_o to_o temperament_n and_o season_n as_o may_v best_o expel_v the_o venom_n of_o the_o disease_n resist_v its_o violence_n and_o recover_v health_n to_o he_o that_o want_v it_o now_o a_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o ought_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o due_a order_n and_o sally_n of_o our_o affection_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o s._n austin_n that_o the_o christian_n in_o egypt_n have_v frequent_a prayer_n be_v brief_a ejaculation_n and_o short_a collect_v that_o a_o tedious_a continuation_n may_v not_o weary_a their_o affection_n but_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v intend_v suitable_a to_o the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v either_o flat_a or_o stupid_a lest_o the_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o effusion_n of_o word_n without_o attention_n or_o manifestation_n of_o affection_n from_o whence_o also_o our_o own_o church_n have_v order_v her_o public_a service_n so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o distinct_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o all_o may_v be_v successive_o employ_v and_o none_o at_o once_o too_o long_o burden_v and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v usual_o brief_a give_v intervall_n and_o respite_n both_o to_o priest_n and_o people_n that_o their_o soul_n and_o affection_n

can_v reasonable_o give_v a_o check_n to_o our_o devotion_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o invoke_v the_o deity_n especial_o if_o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o point_n and_o fix_v prayer_n as_o a_o duty_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v predetermine_v by_o their_o creator_n not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a too_o in_o what_o order_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o regard_n they_o shall_v bear_v to_o each_o other_o nay_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n yet_o since_o all_o must_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a application_n of_o active_n to_o passives_n by_o invigorate_n cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n or_o withdraw_v their_o force_n or_o by_o new_a mixture_n alter_v their_o nature_n as_o may_v best_o comport_v with_o the_o particular_a end_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n since_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o mean_n be_v use_v by_o the_o supreme_a governor_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n who_o know_v but_o prayer_n may_v be_v one_o especial_o since_o it_o infallible_o operate_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o any_o rhetorical_a exhortation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o change_v evil_a resolution_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a be_v although_o it_o can_v not_o incline_v he_o to_o alter_v any_o decree_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n nor_o break_v any_o link_n in_o the_o fix_a and_o determine_v chain_n of_o providence_n nay_o we_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o 2._o we_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o infinite_a wisdom_n never_o design_v such_o great_a solemnity_n to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v he_o only_o appoint_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v beneficial_a unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v st._n james_n chap._n 5.13_o be_v any_o among_o you_o afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a st._n paul_n have_v petition_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o satan_n stir_v up_o some_o potent_a lust_n in_o his_o own_o flesh_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o severe_a adversary_n to_o buffet_v he_o if_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o convey_v relief_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o thrice_o intercede_v in_o his_o own_o behalf_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o afflict_a evil_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o and_o though_o he_o may_v not_o obtain_v the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o yet_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o gain_v grace_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o triumph_v over_o his_o infirmity_n and_o snare_n but_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o how_o great_a and_o formidable_a objection_n be_v by_o which_o carnal_a and_o indevout_a man_n quarrel_v that_o which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o loose_a and_o ungodly_a temper_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o have_v endeavour_v from_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o render_v god_n propitious_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o any_o outward_a revelation_n have_v be_v legible_a to_o the_o world_n we_o find_v prayer_n a_o ingredient_n in_o man_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n command_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o christ_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o regard_v fallacious_a and_o ill-grounded_a argument_n for_o against_o so_o solemn_a and_o universal_a a_o duty_n when_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o promise_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o when_o we_o read_v those_o precept_n of_o the_o inspire_v and_o bless_v apostle_n st._n paul_n pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a when_o we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n be_v constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o from_o they_o it_o have_v be_v derive_v downward_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o we_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o unless_o final_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o sacred_a text_n to_o be_v apocryphal_a phil._n 4.6_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o who_o will_v willing_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n cancel_v such_o a_o duty_n which_o beside_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n man_n conversant_a in_o it_o receive_v in_o the_o performance_n be_v devout_o and_o orderly_o act_v towards_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o obtain_v temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n elijah_n pray_v for_o rain_n in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n and_o the_o heaven_n quick_o relent_v weep_v 1_o king_n 18_o chap._n hannah_n petition_v god_n for_o a_o son_n and_o then_o bring_v forth_o samuel_n for_o this_o child_n say_v she_o i_o pray_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v i_o my_o petition_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 1.27_o ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o god_n soon_o grant_v the_o request_n for_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 31.20_o so_o reasonable_a be_v that_o exhortation_n of_o saint_n james_n chap._n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o david_n at_o once_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o beg_v pardon_n and_o god_n forgive_v he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o sin_n psal_n 32.5_o and_o therefore_o he_o most_o just_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o encourage_v other_o to_o this_o sacred_a duty_n for_o this_o say_v he_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a prey_n unto_o god_n in_o a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v last_o we_o find_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o his_o short_a prayer_n obtain_v this_o answer_n verily_a say_v our_o saviour_n i_o declare_v to_o thou_o that_o to_o day_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n luke_o 23.48_o so_o that_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o this_o case_n by_o which_o we_o may_v determine_v our_o duty_n as_o plain_o there_o be_v yet_o when_o two_o probability_n appear_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o make_v our_o choice_n in_o thing_n where_o one_o must_v become_v our_o option_n according_a to_o the_o weight_n of_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o equal_a standard_n we_o can_v possible_o neglect_v or_o recede_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n since_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o be_v solve_v be_v neither_o proportionate_a for_o weight_n or_o number_n to_o the_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o prayer_n especial_o if_o 3._o we_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o we_o offer_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concern_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o that_o prayer_n cause_v we_o to_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o discovery_n of_o those_o weakness_n and_o breach_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n or_o age_n in_o sin_v or_o want_v of_o repair_n by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v make_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o also_o discern_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o how_o accident_n in_o the_o world_n betray_v we_o into_o misfortune_n against_o all_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o aid_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o thus_o it_o become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n nay_o some_o man_n though_o i_o know_v not_o well_o upon_o what_o certain_a foundation_n build_v the_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n upon_o this_o thing_n but_o by_o this_o they_o pass_v it_o into_o a_o exhortation_n only_o and_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o transubstantiate_v it_o and_o abate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n that_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o raise_v affection_n but_o from_o the_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o it_o one_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o human_a