habitual_a temper_n or_o inclination_n prayer_n therefore_o thus_o perform_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v discrect_a and_o know_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o fervency_n and_o frequency_n have_v a_o most_o natutural_a influence_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v we_o to_o make_v we_o grow_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o may_v reasonable_o very_o often_o not_o always_o because_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o person_n decline_v and_o grow_v more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o all_o their_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n growth_n in_o goodness_n not_o be_v we_o present_o to_o expect_v such_o mighty_a difference_n between_o all_o those_o who_o pray_v and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o and_o then_o upon_o any_o disappointment_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o who_o use_v it_o glad_o take_v occasion_n to_o reproach_n or_o despise_v the_o duty_n as_o a_o useless_a but_o troublesome_a thing_n as_o some_o naughty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v for_o man_n may_v perform_v it_o very_o erroneous_o idle_o and_o careless_o and_o then_o they_o may_v so_o engage_v their_o affection_n with_o that_o concern_v and_o constancy_n to_o other_o object_n in_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v do_v their_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v quite_o forget_v it_o or_o drown_v and_o overcome_v the_o good_a sense_n and_o affection_n they_o have_v therein_o whence_o their_o prayer_n be_v but_o little_a effectual_a from_o all_o these_o cause_n it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o you_o may_v see_v those_o that_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o this_o duty_n or_o performance_n but_o frequent_a and_o constant_a and_o long_a too_o so_o bad_a in_o their_o temper_n life_n and_o action_n all_o the_o day_n that_o you_o can_v see_v little_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o little_o i_o say_v for_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v some_o general_a good_a usual_o by_o the_o mean_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o man_n who_o be_v bad_a will_v otherwise_o general_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o therefore_o though_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o their_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o leave_v they_o quite_o off_o for_o all_o that_o as_o for_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n excellent_a perfection_n his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n universal_a goodness_n his_o bounty_n mercy_n justice_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v another_o ingredient_n in_o a_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o often_o we_o do_v this_o the_o more_o spiritual_a our_o mind_n be_v and_o we_o see_v that_o by_o exercise_n and_o use_v we_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v these_o spiritual_a thing_n more_o strong_o and_o clear_o and_o our_o affection_n too_o of_o honour_n admiration_n reverence_n fair_a faith_n hope_n joy_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o grow_v more_o substantial_a and_o real_a more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a not_o so_o faint_a and_o languid_a so_o that_o we_o feel_v they_o in_o our_o breast_n as_o real_o and_o as_o powerful_o as_o to_o any_o other_o object_n we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o real_a understanding_n perception_n sense_n and_o affection_n for_o those_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v name_v we_o know_v and_o feel_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o have_v it_o as_o real_o in_o ourselves_o to_o honour_n fear_v and_o love_n god_n for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n though_o invisible_a as_o a_o prince_n attend_v with_o all_o his_o ensign_n of_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n and_o who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a and_o good_a as_o great_a by_o our_o frequent_a converse_n thus_o of_o our_o mind_n with_o god_n he_o become_v ready_o a_o very_a real_a thing_n to_o we_o be_v real_o perceive_v by_o we_o and_o have_v real_a influence_n upon_o our_o affection_n whereas_o before_o we_o thus_o begin_v to_o use_v ourselves_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n be_v a_o insignificant_a thing_n to_o we_o we_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o by_o it_o and_o no_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o most_o time_n than_o our_o statue_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hear_v much_o talk_n and_o read_v much_o of_o god_n indeed_o or_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n but_o little_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v we_o apprehend_v better_a and_o more_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o some_o little_a particular_a kindness_n of_o any_o honest_a or_o good_a neighbour_n than_o with_o the_o infinite_a bounâ—y_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o constant_a cause_n and_o author_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o all_o have_v and_o enjoy_v moreover_o in_o some_o prayer_n as_o secret_a prayer_n where_o we_o may_v have_v time_n to_o apply_v our_o thought_n to_o what_o we_o please_v we_o do_v not_o only_o transient_o which_o if_o frequent_a will_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o also_o fix_o and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n attend_v sometime_o to_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o whence_o a_o more_o particular_a discovery_n and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o insomuch_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v break_v forth_o into_o rapture_n of_o suitable_a passion_n that_o be_v great_a and_o sudden_a violence_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n contemplate_v the_o power_n of_o god_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o greatness_n and_o vastness_n excellency_n and_o nobleness_n and_o strangeness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v be_v it_o but_o only_o of_o the_o indefinite_o extend_v material_a world_n much_o more_o of_o the_o intellectual_a or_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n or_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n shall_v attend_v to_o this_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o and_o all_o the_o rational_a creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n know_v by_o little_a parcel_n and_o successive_o to_o eternity_n itself_o be_v all_o present_a at_o once_o to_o that_o infinite_a understanding_n or_o contemplate_v his_o goodness_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o he_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a thâ—_n immutability_n of_o it_o the_o universality_n anâ—_n that_o all_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o so_o seem_v to_o uâ—_n be_v permit_v or_o appoint_v out_o of_o goodness_n and_o the_o least_o of_o thing_n and_o most_o miâ—uâ—_n dispose_v by_o the_o same_o goodness_n the_o best_a waâ—_n that_o can_v be_v or_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o somâ—_n one_o or_o more_o excellent_a instance_n thereof_o â—_o his_o free_a and_o ready_a pardon_v upon_o repentance_n the_o fottish_a heedlessness_n and_o sometime_o the_o malicious_a rebellion_n and_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o his_o own_o pitiful_a creature_n against_o he_o i_o say_v a_o man_n contemplate_v these_o perfection_n thus_o and_o attend_v to_o some_o such_o thing_n therein_o will_v more_o strong_o apprehend_v they_o and_o sometime_o be_v affect_v and_o seize_v wiâ—_n the_o great_a violence_n and_o rapture_n of_o sutabâ—_n passion_n such_o as_o we_o often_o meet_v withal_o iâ—_n the_o psalm_n when_o david_n in_o his_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n glance_v at_o and_o discover_v or_o â—â—â—_o more_o steady_o and_o clear_o his_o wisdom_n power_n mercy_n goodness_n righteousness_n in_o some_o instance_n or_o effect_n as_o in_o psalm_n 36._o verse_n 5._o thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n reach_v unto_o the_o cloud_n that_o be_v thy_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n particular_o express_v itself_o in_o thy_o faithful_a perform_v thy_o promise_n be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o creation_n manife_v itself_o thy_o righteousness_n â—_o like_o the_o great_a mountain_n that_o be_v again_o thy_o universal_a goodness_n be_v vast_a as_o to_o extension_n and_o unmoveable_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o to_o duration_n for_o so_o be_v the_o mountain_n as_o far_o as_o we_o observe_v compare_v with_o other_o thing_n thy_o â—udgments_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a the_o infinite_a decree_n and_o resolution_n of_o thy_o will_n few_o of_o they_o know_v and_o all_o do_v with_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n o_o lord_n thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n all_o creature_n be_v maintain_v by_o thou_o then_o upon_o this_o contemplation_n and_o reflection_n he_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n o_o how_o excellent_a and_o precious_a be_v thy_o lovingkindness_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n shall_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n now_o the_o real_a clear_a strong_a and_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o and_o affection_n towards_o these_o divine_a attribute_n or_o this_o excellent_a nature_n of_o god_n do_v more_o powerful_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o imitation_n of_o and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o
take_v heed_n that_o nothing_o false_a be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o cause_v himself_o to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v true_a anâ—_n important_a to_o awake_v and_o inflame_v affection_n thereto_o by_o propose_v or_o urge_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o by_o upbraid_v his_o infirmity_n dulness_n ignorance_n mistake_v slavery_n in_o his_o senselesness_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n i_o think_v too_o that_o this_o assistance_n be_v principal_o in_o holy_a affection_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v right_o direct_v and_o moderate_v to_o the_o most_o excellent_a object_n and_o in_o their_o due_a degree_n more_o than_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n also_o principal_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o for_o the_o great_a need_n of_o its_o be_v well_o perform_v just_a at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o the_o necessary_a want_n of_o time_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o person_n if_o innocent_a and_o humble_a and_o therefore_o always_o especial_o to_o the_o innocent_a and_o particular_o the_o humble_a and_o modest_a not_o to_o the_o lazy_a negligent_a weak_a yet_o vain_o conceit_v presumptuous_a and_o proud_a person_n i_o rather_o think_v that_o they_o have_v most_o of_o this_o assistance_n who_o least_o pretend_v to_o it_o who_o lest_o therefore_o wilful_o neglect_v their_o own_o endeavour_n trust_v to_o it_o but_o only_o modest_o think_v it_o may_v be_v sometime_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o do_v attribute_v all_o they_o be_v or_o do_v or_o can_v perform_v ultimate_o to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o natural_a part_n or_o habitual_a gist_n or_o present_a influence_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o holy_a desire_n all_o good_a counsel_n all_o just_a work_n do_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v any_o good_a to_o other_o by_o they_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o please_v too_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o so_o it_o be_v do_v if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o afford_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o assistance_n to_o do_v good_a this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n i_o suppose_v but_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a thereof_o and_o willing_o receive_v it_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v afford_v to_o the_o world_n in_o great_a degree_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a inclination_n and_o sense_n of_o soul_n call_v grace_n and_o then_o in_o those_o perfection_n of_o our_o understaning_n which_o be_v call_v gift_n before_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o mankind_n here_o on_o earth_n have_v and_o end_v but_o then_o we_o must_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v the_o badness_n the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o many_o person_n their_o self-conceit_n swell_v with_o a_o false_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v of_o god_n contempt_n of_o other_o because_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n want_v of_o humility_n modesty_n charity_n also_o falsehood_n uncertainty_n unintelligibleness_n to_o other_o person_n wise_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o reciter_n nonsense_n or_o great_a confusion_n trivialness_n and_o uselessness_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o the_o pedantry_n or_o childishness_n of_o the_o person_n sometime_o also_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a sign_n in_o their_o degreeâ—_n non-inspiration_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o madness_n and_o contemptibleness_n of_o such_o pretence_n they_o be_v sign_n even_o of_o want_n of_o ordinary_a consideration_n reason_n judgement_n of_o ignorance_n duâ—ness_n confusion_n error_n and_o yet_o rashness_n anâ—_n confidence_n and_o where_o prayer_n and_o person_n be_v bettâ—â—_n and_o the_o clean_a contrary_n yet_o sure_o full_a easy_o may_v all_o that_o we_o now_o see_v be_v by_o the_o goodness_n the_o natural_a part_n before_o mention_v and_o by_o habitual_a gift_n that_o be_v those_o faculty_n endoweâ—_n with_o some_o perfection_n belong_v to_o they_o by_o god_n special_a influence_n some_o time_n or_o timeâ—_n in_o our_o life_n without_o the_o special_a influence_n â—â—_o the_o spirit_n just_o then_o and_o we_o find_v extempâ—râ—_n performance_n in_o other_o matter_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o divine_a office_n as_o in_o oration_n in_o common_a discourse_n especial_o when_o warm_v with_o talk_v and_o passion_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v attribute_v only_o to_o natural_a part_n which_o in_o some_o man_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o last_a of_o great_a variety_n conversant_a about_o more_o than_o ordinary_a thing_n and_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v term_v natural_a enthusiasm_n of_o which_o the_o bodily_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o union_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v be_v subtlety_n solidity_n copiousness_n of_o spirit_n a_o well_o constitute_v brain_n organ_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o nervous_a passage_n of_o the_o brain_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v try_v any_o man_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v even_o a_o prpohet_n and_o do_v even_o work_v miracle_n by_o such_o sign_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o they_o may_v reasonable_o in_o some_o degree_n over-weigh_a the_o great_a appear_v miracle_n themselves_o for_o i_o may_v have_v more_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v do_v by_o oâ—_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v then_o that_o any_o effect_n be_v cause_v by_o god_n immediate_a action_n or_o influence_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n teach_v or_o affirm_v and_o not_o by_o some_o natural_a and_o second_o cause_n and_o we_o see_v according_o the_o jew_n be_v admonish_v by_o moses_n that_o even_o if_o one_o shall_v rise_v up_o who_o shall_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o teach_v that_o jehovaâ—_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o shall_v draw_v they_o to_o other_o god_n and_o there_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n in_o all_o truth_n as_o clear_o manifest_v by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o but_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o put_v to_o death_n deut._n 13._o v._o 1._o as_o for_o those_o poor_a delude_v or_o hypocritical_a man_n who_o sit_v in_o deep_a silence_n a_o great_a while_n and_o of_o a_o sudden_a break_v out_o with_o abundance_n as_o be_v say_v of_o nonsensical_a stuff_n or_o prophetical_a phrase_n clutter_a together_o and_o then_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n most_o probable_o their_o silence_n be_v at_o first_o affect_v or_o if_o not_o their_o bodily_a temper_n be_v only_o dull_a and_o after_o some_o time_n their_o brain_n be_v agitate_a with_o thought_n and_o their_o heart_n with_o passion_n or_o their_o temper_n be_v fortuitous_o change_v as_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v silent_a and_o talkative_a once_o in_o two_o or_o three_o hour_n or_o at_o least_o the_o example_n of_o other_o make_v they_o begin_v to_o talk_v too_o and_o to_o show_v the_o spirit_n come_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v do_v well_o also_o to_o have_v a_o care_n there_o be_v noâ—_n something_o a_o worse_a cause_n when_o man_n so_o proud_o and_o wilful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o such_o miserable_a sottish_a delusion_n these_o few_o thing_n i_o have_v at_o present_a upon_o the_o mention_v these_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n only_o brief_o suggest_v if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n accurate_o and_o particular_o to_o determine_v in_o this_o matter_n a_o form_n premeditate_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v be_v consider_v first_o absolute_o with_o each_o one_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n good_a or_o bad_a effect_n in_o which_o again_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o extension_n as_o to_o subject_n that_o be_v person_n of_o their_o intention_n of_o their_o duration_n or_o their_o frequency_n in_o three_o word_n their_o degree_n of_o greatness_n as_o to_o extension_n and_o intention_n and_o of_o lastingness_n and_o then_o again_o they_o will_v be_v consider_v comparative_o which_o have_v most_o or_o least_o conveniency_n or_o inconvenience_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v some_o of_o both_o and_o whether_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o all_o of_o they_o will_v be_v best_a to_o obtain_v the_o great_a conveniency_n or_o good_a effect_n with_o the_o least_o bad_a one_o a_o method_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o goodness_n absolute_a or_o comparative_a of_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v which_o to_o any_o good_a effect_n man_n must_v be_v impartial_a and_o indifferent_a to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o controversy_n and_o debate_v it_o be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v admonish_v and_o dispose_v themselves_o by_o
and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o too_o in_o which_o we_o may_v mention_v in_o our_o prayer_n many_o lesser_a thing_n thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o use_n must_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o concernment_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o less_o be_v more_o and_o more_o frequent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n as_o in_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a the_o most_o comprehensive_a and_o general_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a perfection_n iâ—_n god_n that_o we_o make_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o principal_o and_o chief_o as_o that_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o general_a goodness_n to_o all_o more_o than_o his_o particular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o so_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n justice_n let_v we_o take_v those_o chief_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o large_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o be_v god_n creation_n of_o all_o thing_n preservation_n providence_n throughout_o the_o whole_a universe_n that_o towards_o mankind_n and_o especial_o the_o make_n of_o we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o faculty_n aid_n sufficiency_n opportunity_n help_v to_o improve_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n also_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o especial_a messenger_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o last_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o beloved_a son_n in_o confession_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bewail_v most_o our_o great_a sin_n that_o have_v most_o of_o iniquity_n in_o they_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o depravedness_n inordinacy_n of_o our_o will_n include_v the_o great_a aversation_n from_o righteousness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o mischievous_a self-love_n in_o a_o usual_a phrase_n our_o most_o aggravate_v sin_n consequent_o let_v we_o confess_v our_o dear_a most_o please_a and_o delightful_a sin_n for_o our_o great_a degree_n of_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o our_o duty_n argue_v a_o degree_n of_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o depravedness_n of_o our_o will_n as_o to_o intenseness_n those_o also_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_a contrariwise_o let_v we_o not_o confess_v little_a sin_n much_o and_o neglect_v great_a one_o or_o more_o than_o those_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o can_v more_o easy_o forsake_v and_o neglect_v those_o which_o be_v most_o sweet_a pass_v over_o they_o or_o slight_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o commit_v rare_o and_o neglect_v those_o which_o we_o do_v frequent_o when_o this_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o confession_n pure_o through_o ignorance_n through_o want_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o will_n which_o i_o scarce_o believe_v it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o superstition_n that_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o some_o action_n be_v more_o or_o less_o displease_v to_o god_n than_o indeed_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o do_v some_o of_o they_o and_o of_o god_n anger_n or_o punishment_n for_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o other_o again_o less_o which_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a effect_n and_o do_v much_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v as_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o render_v we_o less_o capable_a of_o any_o happy_a condition_n till_o we_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o they_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o conscientious_a and_o love_n that_o which_o we_o judge_v right_a and_o our_o duty_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o most_o ignorant_a superstition_n proceed_v from_o unconscientiousness_n but_o when_o this_o fault_n proceed_v out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o sin_n both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v extreme_o bad_a if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o confess_v national_a sin_n or_o those_o which_o be_v most_o practise_v frequent_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v we_o a_o care_n to_o confess_v those_o principal_o and_o most_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a both_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o effect_n those_o that_o argue_v and_o include_v the_o great_a degree_n and_o neglect_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n thereof_o compare_v with_o other_o object_n or_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ultimate_a self-love_n compare_v with_o or_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a or_o do_v the_o great_a hurt_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v some_o the_o more_o colourable_a and_o undiscerned_a sin_n of_o malice_n pride_n envy_n ambition_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n equality_n liberty_n add_v tyranny_n disobedience_n revenge_n oppression_n covetousness_n fraud_n hypocrisei_n or_o want_v of_o integrity_n and_o other_o more_o notorious_a of_o profaneness_n irreligion_n atheism_n unbelief_n disbelief_n of_o christian_a religion_n sensuality_n lasciviousness_n intemperance_n etc._n etc._n those_o sin_n also_o which_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o continual_a in_o several_a or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v to_o be_v principal_o confess_v in_o thankfulness_n likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o most_o frequent_o and_o most_o ardent_o for_o the_o great_a favour_n those_o that_o be_v most_o public_a diffuse_v and_o general_a those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a those_o that_o appertain_v more_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n those_o among_o spiritual_a one_o which_o concern_v our_o will_n or_o inclination_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o our_o affection_n call_v general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o sanctification_n or_o regeneration_n purify_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o one_o word_n usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n then_o afterward_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o quick_a and_o plentiful_a suggestion_n revelation_n illumination_n in_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a excellency_n use_v and_o good_a effect_n for_o ability_n to_o signify_v convey_v or_o propagate_v these_o such_o as_o ready_a invention_n memory_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o gift_n then_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o body_n or_o in_o it_o as_o the_o subject_n as_o strength_n health_n comeliness_n plenty_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o food_n and_o diet_n raiment_n habitation_n with_o their_o ornament_n etc._n etc._n which_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o corporeal_a pain_n which_o the_o most_o necessary_o affect_v we_o and_o consequent_o from_o necessary_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v it_o etc._n etc._n then_o for_o the_o external_n good_a thing_n without_o we_o of_o riches_n reputation_n liberty_n magistracy_n friend_n relation_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o personal_a than_o public_a benefit_n as_o it_o do_v usual_o proceed_v from_o so_o it_o will_v increase_v a_o particular_a and_o selfish_a spirit_n to_o thank_v he_o more_o for_o bodily_a or_o external_a sensible_a good_a thing_n than_o for_o spiritual_a be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o cause_n of_o sensuality_n in_o we_o i_o e._n it_o do_v proceed_v from_o and_o confirm_v our_o excessive_a love_n to_o corporeal_a and_o sensible_a good_a in_o compare_n with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v ordinary_o observe_v viz._n that_o man_n be_v usual_o much_o more_o sensible_a of_o and_o grateful_a to_o god_n for_o bodily_a good_a and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o for_o spirtual_a or_o intellectual_a and_o so_o likewise_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o gift_n than_o grace_n though_o both_o spiritual_a thing_n confirm_v one_o in_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o love_n for_o gift_n compare_v with_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v incomparable_o inferior_a to_o they_o gift_n sometime_o may_v be_v â—ill_o use_v be_v mischievous_a and_o hurtful_a which_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o grace_n can_v never_o in_o the_o least_o be_v knowledge_n puff_v up_o without_o charity_n and_o be_v contentious_a affect_v contemptuous_a but_o charity_n edifi_v say_v the_o apostle_n charity_n even_o without_o knowledge_n can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_o tend_v to_o do_v good_a now_o although_o this_o be_v better_o than_o not_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n at_o all_o than_o to_o thank_v he_o
the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o then_o 2_o after_o these_o general_a petition_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v there_o be_v other_o as_o particular_a as_o may_v be_v especial_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o sometime_o in_o lesser_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o importance_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o apprehend_v they_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o better_o apprehend_v and_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o particular_a thing_n than_o with_o general_n thus_o let_v we_o pray_v sometime_o for_o particular_a virtue_n or_o grace_n part_n or_o gift_n bodily_a or_o external_a good_a thing_n sometime_o for_o many_o and_o a_o great_a number_n together_o at_o one_o time_n we_o may_v long_o insist_v upon_o some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o only_a at_o another_o time_n upon_o other_o much_o according_a to_o our_o need_n and_o want_v and_o consequent_o also_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehend_v our_o want_n thereof_o and_o be_v affect_v therewith_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o man_n shall_v make_v reflection_n upon_o their_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a condition_n see_v what_o they_o want_v and_o what_o they_o have_v and_o according_o direct_v their_o endeavour_n and_o their_o prayer_n they_o shall_v observe_v whether_o they_o want_v any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n or_o strength_n against_o any_o sin_n or_o lust_n or_o any_o other_o especial_o more_o useful_a thing_n and_o remember_v the_o next_o time_n to_o propound_v it_o and_o beseech_v it_o of_o god_n more_o earnest_o and_o solemn_o as_o they_o may_v then_o and_o at_o other_o time_n with_o frequent_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n man_n be_v common_o here_o more_o careless_a of_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v be_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v any_o care_n to_o obtain_v they_o ought_v also_o to_o ask_v god_n favour_n in_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o we_o ourselves_o can_v already_o do_v our_o whole_a power_n and_o ability_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v from_o god_n and_o perpetual_o dependent_a upon_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o he_o can_v increase_v in_o we_o as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v as_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n for_o we_o without_o make_v any_o use_n of_o we_o st._n paul_n command_v it_o philip._n 4._o verse_n 6._o saying_n 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 the_o heathen_n themselves_o in_o any_o considerable_a affair_n of_o life_n nay_o the_o vulgar_a in_o the_o small_a and_o trifle_v use_v to_o invoke_v or_o by_o some_o rite_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o some_o of_o their_o great_a or_o lesser_a deitys_n again_o let_v our_o petition_n be_v as_o extensive_a as_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o person_n too_o even_o to_o all_o who_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v for_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o â—onsine_n our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n to_o our_o â—elves_n for_o confession_n let_v they_o be_v at_o least_o mostwhat_o very_o comprehensive_a and_o sometime_o as_o â—ften_o as_o be_v meet_v which_o our_o prudence_n must_v determine_v more_o or_o less_o particular_a especial_o of_o frequent_a sin_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n of_o for_o the_o future_a we_o may_v add_v our_o profession_n of_o obedience_n to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o universal_a in_o the_o most_o general_a term_n and_o sometime_o more_o or_o less_o particular_o and_o these_o be_v some_o direction_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o object_n of_o the_o various_a operation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o they_o sect_n v._o ii_o some_o direction_n concern_v the_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n iâ—_n prayer_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o very_o brief_o to_o recite_v they_o once_o more_o be_v attention_n to_o and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n consequent_a affection_n anâ—_n motion_n of_o our_o will_n such_o as_o be_v fear_n of_o hâ—_n power_n and_o justice_n if_o we_o do_v offend_v and_o persâ—_n so_o to_o do_v trust_v in_o his_o power_n and_o merâ—â—_n one_o branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o worlâ—_n as_o justice_n strict_o so_o call_v be_v the_o other_o â—â—_o far_o as_o we_o be_v innocent_a or_o repent_v admiration_n honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o he_o for_o aâ—_n his_o perfection_n together_o or_o for_o any_o in_o particular_a unreserved_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o infinitâ—_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n or_o universe_n goodness_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n fit_a and_o just_a to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o universal_a goodness_n love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o universal_a goodness_n thankfulness_n for_o his_o instance_n of_o bounty_n to_o all_o and_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v also_o a_o distinct_a particular_a ingredient_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o these_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o prayer_n before_o mention_v confession_n of_o our_o sin_n profession_n of_o â—ur_n obedience_n thanksgiving_n recital_n of_o â—ur_n case_n or_o condition_n unfeigned_a desire_n â—r_o petition_n these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n concern_v which_o i_o propound_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o pretend_v only_o but_o â—eally_o in_o thy_o soul_n and_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o which_o thou_o use_v the_o fit_a and_o proper_a sign_n â—hat_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o external_n or_o other_o sign_n but_o also_o the_o thing_n signify_v that_o â—here_o be_v not_o only_a word_n with_o their_o loudness_n â—r_o lowness_n quickness_n or_o flowness_n and_o vaâ—ous_a order_n and_o position_n of_o these_o and_o so_o â—ther_o gesture_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n beâ—re_v name_v when_o there_o be_v want_v sense_n â—nd_v understanding_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o atâ—â—tion_n thereto_o and_o all_o other_o those_o inward_a motion_n and_o action_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o mention_v or_o the_o degree_n thereof_o which_o be_v proper_o signify_v by_o they_o when_o thou_o conceive_v or_o utter_v word_n know_v what_o thou_o say_v attend_v to_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v best_a signify_v thereby_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v talk_v not_o like_o a_o parrot_n or_o rather_o like_o young_a child_n at_o school_n when_o they_o say_v their_o lesson_n when_o thy_o voice_n be_v vehement_a or_o loud_a let_v it_o not_o be_v mere_o customary_a or_o because_o thou_o affect_v it_o only_o for_o some_o undue_a end_n for_o some_o undue_a end_n i_o say_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v to_o quicken_v thy_o invention_n or_o memory_n or_o clear_v thy_o conception_n or_o because_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o thing_n thou_o on_o purpose_n excite_a and_o use_v the_o help_n of_o thy_o corporeal_a passion_n to_o affect_v or_o determine_v thy_o soul_n all_o which_o sometime_o be_v and_o may_v appear_v to_o other_o with_o approbation_n to_o be_v no_o unfit_a reason_n let_v thy_o affection_n in_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o convey_v it_o and_o to_o excite_v it_o more_o in_o other_o or_o thyself_o or_o thy_o great_a admiration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o whatever_o passion_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o any_o degree_n be_v proper_o and_o fit_o signify_v by_o thy_o vehemency_n of_o voice_n go_v before_o it_o and_o be_v real_o inherent_a in_o thy_o soul_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v if_o thou_o compose_v thy_o countenance_n or_o take_v thy_o sense_n from_o other_o object_n let_v there_o real_o be_v great_a and_o serious_a attention_n if_o thou_o lifte_v up_o thy_o eye_n or_o hand_n let_v it_o proceed_v from_o inward_a desire_n address_v to_o god_n and_o approbation_n if_o thou_o bende_v thy_o knee_n or_o body_n or_o erect_a it_o by_o stand_v up_o let_v there_o be_v true_o and_o real_o these_o thing_n in_o thy_o soul_n although_o i_o know_v too_o that_o many_o of_o these_o sign_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_o proper_a to_o these_o affection_n and_o action_n of_o soul_n but_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v do_v from_o and_o sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o in_o some_o circumstance_n than_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v a_o needless_a offence_n and_o a_o certain_a christian_a humanity_n and_o civility_n nay_o not_o only_o word_n and_o gesture_n of_o body_n be_v to_o be_v true_a sign_n of_o inward_a operation_n of_o soul_n but_o also_o some_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n true_o signify_v be_v much_o sign_n again_o of_o other_o
appellation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o like_a in_o prayer_n common_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o first_o fault_n of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o thought_n or_o conception_n and_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n slowness_n and_o dulness_n or_o carelessness_n and_o consequent_o scarcity_n of_o invention_n or_o memory_n for_o want_v of_o something_o to_o succeed_v a_o man_n repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n till_o something_o else_o do_v come_v and_o then_o for_o the_o same_o want_n of_o invention_n in_o word_n too_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n express_v by_o the_o same_o word_n this_o tautology_n as_o it_o spend_v time_n needless_o so_o it_o offend_v also_o the_o auditor_n and_o dispose_v they_o at_o least_o not_o to_o mind_n or_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n the_o speaker_n say_v either_o because_o they_o judge_v it_o probable_a he_o will_v say_v nothing_o considerable_a or_o that_o they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v punish_v he_o for_o or_o discourage_v or_o disapprove_v such_o ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n or_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n that_o advisement_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o in_o their_o prayer_n use_v vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v because_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_v matth._n 6._o verse_n 7._o as_o it_o may_v in_o general_n forbid_v all_o needless_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o thing_n or_o word_n in_o prayer_n so_o more_o particular_o as_o one_o example_n or_o instance_n of_o that_o general_a to_o use_v as_o the_o heathen_n do_v multitude_n of_o thing_n and_o word_n whether_o various_a or_o the_o same_o whether_o proper_o tautology_n or_o not_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v hear_v or_o shall_v procure_v they_o audience_n and_o that_o either_o because_o they_o think_v their_o god_n may_v not_o present_o hear_v they_o but_o may_v be_v employ_v about_o some_o other_o affair_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o either_o know_v they_o pray_v to_o they_o or_o not_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v or_o because_o they_o think_v their_o god_n to_o be_v imperious_a that_o they_o will_v be_v much_o court_v and_o long_o wait_v upon_o and_o will_v give_v their_o orator_n some_o tediousness_n and_o trouble_n be_v ultimate_o please_v in_o such_o sign_n of_o superiority_n above_o and_o be_v honour_v by_o their_o worshipper_n whence_o also_o they_o may_v use_v many_o title_n or_o appellation_n of_o their_o god_n conjecture_v by_o a_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d much_o speak_n mention_v by_o christ_n by_o which_o also_o they_o conceive_v their_o god_n will_v think_v themselves_o more_o honour_v or_o because_o last_o they_o think_v their_o god_n do_v not_o particular_o know_v and_o understand_v all_o they_o want_v if_o they_o propound_v it_o only_o in_o general_n and_o do_v not_o particular_o explicate_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o minute_n petition_v this_o last_o cause_n seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v from_o the_o 8_o verse_n subjoin_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o use_v vain_a repetition_n or_o rather_o vain_a and_o useless_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o thing_n whether_o the_o same_o or_o not_o viz._n because_o their_o heavenly_a father_n know_v what_o thing_n they_o have_v need_n of_o before_o they_o ask_v he_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o think_v or_o know_v certain_o so_o concern_v their_o god_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v have_v need_n of_o their_o information_n at_o least_o sometime_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o prohibit_v not_o all_o long_a prayer_n but_o only_a superfluity_n in_o general_a nor_o all_o very_a particular_a petition_v of_o god_n which_o be_v often_o extraordinary_a useful_a but_o only_o to_o use_v it_o with_o the_o belief_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n may_v be_v hear_v and_o that_o otherwise_o god_n may_v know_v and_o understand_v his_o condition_n and_o what_o in_o particular_a he_o want_v as_o the_o heathen_n here_o probable_o do_v this_o and_o all_o the_o former_a direction_n for_o our_o speech_n and_o gesture_n as_o have_v be_v suggest_v in_o some_o of_o they_o be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o for_o the_o great_a part_n now_o and_o then_o our_o general_a prudence_n whereby_o we_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o last_o end_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o do_v good_a may_v see_v good_a reason_n to_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o remember_v we_o that_o there_o be_v few_o if_o any_o rule_n that_o have_v not_o their_o exception_n which_o most_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o till_o a_o objection_n oblige_v they_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o dispatch_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o direction_n concern_v prayer_n viz._n to_o suggest_v some_o considerable_a due_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n one_a of_o the_o thing_n two_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o thing_n one_a of_o the_o object_n or_o sense_n two_o of_o the_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o these_o last_o direction_n concern_v the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o peculiar_a thereto_o but_o general_a thing_n of_o good_a use_n particular_o apply_v and_o which_o one_o may_v never_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o discourse_v in_o their_o due_a place_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v mention_v in_o a_o particular_a argument_n i_o shall_v only_o just_o observe_v before_o i_o mention_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o direction_n that_o these_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n mention_v will_v direct_v we_o to_o some_o considerable_a conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o determine_v concern_v several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n compare_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o in_o what_o respect_v for_o example_n whether_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o select_v out_o of_o a_o national_a church_n for_o a_o whole_a nation_n and_o for_o a_o age_n or_o two_o or_o more_o constant_o or_o frequent_o to_o be_v use_v or_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v best_a to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a and_o private_a or_o prayer_n compose_v by_o a_o private_a person_n for_o his_o own_o constant_a or_o frequent_a use_n or_o one_o each_o time_n he_o have_v occasion_n call_v premeditate_a prayer_n or_o prayer_n leave_v to_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o invention_n memory_n inspiration_n of_o private_a person_n call_v extempore_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o general_o speak_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v exception_n and_o sometime_o very_o numerous_a one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n justice_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o sense_n in_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o best_a conveyance_n or_o signification_n thereof_o public_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o respect_n of_o extensiveness_n in_o particular_n and_o consequent_o variety_n premeditate_a prayer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o sincerity_n in_o the_o reciter_n and_o of_o fervency_n and_o seasonableness_n premeditate_a prayer_n again_o a_o premeditate_a prayer_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o their_o order_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o word_n and_o speech_n except_o one_o word_n or_o so_o as_o a_o sign_n to_o the_o memory_n for_o a_o matter_n which_o may_v take_v up_o many_o sentence_n to_o express_v which_o may_v be_v furnish_v by_o a_o habitual_a memory_n seem_v to_o be_v better_a than_o with_o every_o one_o premeditate_a word_n or_o sentence_n for_o attend_v exact_o to_o each_o word_n and_o sentence_n and_o their_o order_n take_v off_o the_o attention_n from_o the_o thing_n and_o consequent_o our_o suitable_a affection_n even_o in_o compose_v the_o prayer_n but_o in_o recite_v it_o by_o heart_n much_o more_o the_o care_n or_o attention_n to_o those_o particular_a expression_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o memory_n and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n cause_v a_o man_n less_o to_o attend_v to_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v but_o then_o this_o habitual_a memory_n of_o language_n must_v be_v gain_v by_o more_o or_o less_o use_n and_o excercise_n if_o this_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o part_n or_o time_n or_o diligence_n it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v premeditate_v every_o word_n and_o keep_v themselves_o thereto_o than_o hesitate_n falter_n express_v themselves_o improper_o rude_o slovenly_a childish_o or_o otherwise_o unfit_o but_o for_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o any_o length_n i_o mean_v not_o short_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n the_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o be_v so_o much_o great_a and_o the_o conveniency_n so_o much_o less_o than_o in_o form_n or_o premeditate_a prayer_n
certain_a from_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n too_o that_o there_o be_v better_a consequence_n of_o willing_a to_o pray_v and_o of_o pray_v or_o desire_v thing_n from_o god_n than_o of_o omit_v or_o neglect_v it_o and_o particular_o beside_o those_o many_o other_o excellent_a one_o a_o little_a before_o mention_v the_o receive_n of_o many_o good_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o some_o the_o best_a we_o be_v capable_a of_o better_a consequence_n than_o these_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o petition_v god_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o nay_o hence_o also_o it_o further_a still_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o liberty_n or_o faculty_n of_o self-determination_n it_o be_v not_o only_o our_o perfection_n to_o pray_v but_o also_o our_o obligation_n such_o be_v my_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n for_o certain_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o will_n and_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v our_o perfection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o great_a good_a as_o sure_o we_o do_v not_o see_v this_o to_o be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o pretence_n sect_n ii_o 2._o a_o second_o pretence_n man_n make_v use_v of_o be_v want_n of_o ability_n to_o pray_v alas_o they_o for_o their_o part_n be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o and_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n justice_n importance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n they_o know_v very_o little_a they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n they_o know_v or_o can_v remember_v very_o little_a of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o action_n what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o sin_n and_o of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v or_o be_v guilty_a and_o as_o little_a still_o be_v they_o able_a to_o know_v and_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o particular_a favour_n and_o benefit_n they_o have_v receive_v or_o the_o thing_n they_o want_v or_o shall_v desire_v especial_o spiritual_a one_o they_o want_v prudence_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v seasonable_a 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invent_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o as_o for_o our_o apprehend_n conceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o prayer_n shall_v contain_v many_o thing_n we_o can_v in_o some_o measure_n apprehend_v and_o be_v affect_v withal_o in_o general_a as_o god_n power_n his_o omnipresence_n his_o universal_a goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o justice_n our_o own_o temporal_a want_n and_o mercy_n at_o least_o some_o very_a gross_a and_o palpable_a sin_n begin_v we_o here_o and_o mind_n we_o these_o thing_n first_o and_o then_o as_o for_o other_o more_o particular_a and_o more_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o must_v and_o may_v apply_v our_o mind_n excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o they_o the_o often_o we_o do_v this_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o let_v we_o begin_v and_o try_v and_o use_v ourselves_o to_o it_o a_o while_n how_o many_o who_o make_v this_o excuse_n of_o non-ability_n be_v unwilling_a and_o backward_o so_o much_o as_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o pray_v either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a a_o sign_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n or_o inclination_n to_o it_o they_o care_v not_o for_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v and_o do_v so_o still_o and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o let_v person_n but_o use_n themselves_o to_o come_v and_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n they_o will_v find_v in_o time_n some_o good_a or_o other_o of_o it_o they_o will_v sometime_o or_o other_o apprehend_v something_o sometime_o or_o other_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v touch_v and_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o find_v something_o which_o may_v please_v there_o howsoever_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o averse_a thereform_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o tedious_a to_o they_o this_o especial_o if_o people_n live_v pretty_a sober_a life_n and_o they_o be_v not_o addict_v to_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v material_o evil_a and_o naught_o but_o their_o chief_a fault_n have_v be_v they_o have_v not_o mind_v their_o due_a end_n in_o their_o action_n so_o much_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v 2._o all_o this_o non-ability_n except_o again_o that_o of_o ineptness_n to_o apprehend_v and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remedy_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v no_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o use_v other_o prayer_n or_o form_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o compose_v by_o judicious_a and_o pious_a person_n for_o here_o again_o be_v good_a matter_n and_o word_n ready_a for_o we_o and_o can_v we_o read_v or_o repeat_v these_o with_o understanding_n and_o hearty_a affection_n or_o learn_v they_o and_o repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v or_o can_v read_v the_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a and_o those_o who_o can_v read_v who_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v every_o day_n few_o can_v learn_v some_o such_o prayer_n without_o book_n short_a or_o long_o few_o or_o more_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o prayer_n none_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o memory_n as_o to_o do_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o that_o all_o may_v have_v the_o less_o excuse_n let_v parent_n and_o those_o who_o educate_v child_n teach_v they_o some_o such_o prayer_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v that_o person_n may_v begin_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_a thing_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o sustainer_n from_o who_o they_o have_v every_o thing_n 3._o i_o have_v propound_v some_o mean_n already_o which_o man_n be_v able_a to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o man_n may_v either_o be_v present_a at_o and_o join_v with_o other_o prayer_n or_o read_v and_o repeat_v judicious_a and_o devout_a form_n of_o prayer_n with_o understanding_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o and_o they_o may_v still_o further_o advance_v some_o at_o least_o to_o compose_v prayer_n of_o their_o own_o out_o of_o other_o prayer_n or_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o observation_n or_o both_o together_o can_v we_o not_o read_v nor_o hear_v read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o understand_v the_o plain_a place_n and_o some_o of_o we_o the_o obscure_a by_o other_o explication_n can_v we_o not_o read_v other_o good_a religious_a book_n or_o hear_v they_o read_v can_v we_o not_o sometime_o retire_v meditate_v reflect_v think_v of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v what_o we_o will_v be_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v can_v we_o not_o read_v observe_v commit_v to_o memory_n the_o pattern_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o good_a christian_n whether_o speak_v or_o write_v can_v we_o not_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o obtain_v one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o good_a prayer_n especial_o sincerity_n and_o fervency_n i_o say_v can_v person_n use_v these_o mean_n i_o think_v they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o some_o or_o other_o more_o or_o less_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o degree_n in_o these_o thing_n some_o man_n can_v make_v use_n of_o more_o of_o these_o mean_n and_o more_o frequent_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o like_a ability_n or_o opportunity_n but_o all_o have_v some_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o the_o most_o busy_a dull_a ignorant_a and_o inept_v person_n may_v use_v more_o mean_n to_o be_v better_a than_o they_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v imperfect_a and_o bad_a do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o become_v better_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o beggar_n who_o go_v from_o door_n to_o door_n or_o sit_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n or_o wait_v upon_o swine_n and_o beast_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v sure_a whatever_o else_o will_v and_o which_o will_v condemn_v they_o sect_n iii_o 3._o a_o three_o