only_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o that_o can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n &_o he_o only_o can_v hear_v they_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n and_o understand_v with_o what_o affection_n we_o pray_v unto_o he_o but_o suppose_v again_o that_o saint_n and_o angel_n can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o do_v know_v our_o heart_n and_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v put_v it_o to_o our_o choice_n whether_o we_o will_v pray_v to_o he_o or_o to_o they_o have_v we_o not_o more_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n then_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v but_o vessel_n of_o grace_n will_v they_o be_v so_o propitious_a as_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o will_v they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n as_o he_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o so_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v 16.23_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 16._o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o because_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v nor_o what_o to_o ask_v he_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v he_o prepar_v our_o heart_n as_o david_n say_v 10.17_o psal_n 10.17_o and_o his_o ear_n hearken_v thereunto_o and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o ask_v as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o he_o therefore_o many_o time_n prevent_v our_o ask_n &_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o request_n than_o we_o be_v to_o make_v they_o so_o he_o promise_v esay_n 65.24_o antequam_fw-la clament_fw-la ego_fw-la exaudiam_fw-la before_o they_o call_v i_o will_v answer_v and_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o speak_v i_o will_v hear_v so_o he_o deal_v with_o david_n in_o this_o 32_o psalm_n who_o have_v no_o soon_o say_v he_o will_v confess_v his_o sin_n but_o god_n forgive_v he_o nay_o as_o he_o prevent_v our_o ask_n so_o many_o time_n he_o exceed_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v of_o he_o 3.13_o 1_o king_n 3.13_o so_o he_o deal_v with_o solomon_n when_o he_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o wise_a and_o understand_a heart_n god_n give_v he_o both_o that_o which_o he_o do_v desire_n and_o tell_v he_o beside_o i_o have_v also_o give_v thâ—e_n that_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o ask_v both_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o can_v we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n than_o these_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o prayer_n and_o so_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pray_v only_o to_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o likewise_o for_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n i_o now_o proc_v unto_o the_o last_o point_n the_o time_n when_o the_o godly_a shall_v come_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n nuncly_a 〈◊〉_d time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v but_o some_o man_n may_v say_v why_o be_v there_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v will_v god_n at_o any_o time_n absent_a himself_o and_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n when_o man_n seek_v after_o he_o indeed_o befall_v priest_n 1_o king_n 18._o they_o seek_v and_o all_o to_o beseech_v their_o god_n sâ—â—â—_n morning_n to_o noon_n but_o can_v not_o find_v he_o cry_v say_v eluck_v 〈◊〉_d aloud_o unto_o your_o god_n for_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v talk_v with_o some_o body_n anâ—_n do_v not_o mark_v you_o or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v rid_v on_o of_o town_n and_o be_v in_o his_o journey_n or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v take_v a_o nap_n and_o â—â—ust_v be_v waken_v before_o he_o can_v hear_v you_o thus_o the_o prophet_n deride_v their_o counterfeit_a good_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n 4_o psal_n 12â—_n 4_o the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_v if_o david_n seek_v he_o david_n shall_v find_v he_o nay_o david_n and_o every_o godly_a man_n shall_v find_v he_o whensoever_o they_o seek_v he_o paul_n and_o silas_n can_v pray_v at_o midnight_n but_o the_o will_v hear_v they_o 18.20_o act_n 16.25_o mat._n 18.20_o two_o or_o three_o can_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n but_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o not_o be_v find_v that_o if_o thou_o offer_v thyself_o unto_o he_o with_o the_o prodigal_n he_o will_v go_v forth_o to_o meet_v thou_o 15.4.5_o luke_n 15.20_o luke_n 15.4.5_o nay_o though_o thou_o be_v stray_v away_o with_o the_o lose_a sheep_n he_o will_v go_v after_o to_o seek_v thou_o and_o never_o lin_v seek_v until_o he_o have_v find_v thou_o why_o then_o say_v david_n here_o in_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o may_v be_v find_v why_o be_v there_o a_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n as_o the_o very_a word_n imply_v when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v find_v god_n we_o must_v come_v in_o a_o time_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v the_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v be_v twofold_a tempus_fw-la impossibilitatis_fw-la and_o tempus_fw-la improbabilitatis_fw-la the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v he_o and_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v unlikely_a to_o find_v he_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v he_o be_v when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v for_o after_o this_o life_n there_o be_v no_o time_n for_o grace_n no_o time_n for_o repentance_n no_o time_n for_o good_a work_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n say_v john_n 9.4_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v work_v by_o day_n understand_v the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n and_o by_o night_n death_n hie_v amittitur_fw-la vita_fw-la aut_fw-la reciperatur_fw-la say_v â—â—prian_a in_o this_o life_n the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o get_v he_o that_o defer_v the_o seek_v thereof_o till_o this_o life_n be_v past_a he_o knock_v with_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n when_o the_o gate_n be_v shut_v and_o then_o it_o be_v to_o late_a he_o that_o seek_v not_o for_o mercy_n till_o after_o this_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v none_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n for_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o as_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n do_v leave_v we_o so_o shall_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n find_v we_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v unlikely_a to_o find_v god_n be_v when_o he_o offer_v we_o grace_n and_o we_o reject_v the_o same_o when_o he_o call_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n and_o when_o upon_o presumption_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whensoever_o we_o repent_v we_o defer_v our_o repentance_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v never_o true_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o counsel_n be_v very_o good_a ecclesiasticus_fw-la 5.7_o make_v no_o tarry_v to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v it_o not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n may_v not_o be_v find_v so_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o he_o may_v be_v find_v &_o this_o time_n be_v likewise_o twofold_a either_o more_o common_a and_o general_a or_o more_o proper_a and_o special_a the_o common_a and_o general_a time_n when_o god_n may_v be_v find_v be_v this_o whole_a life_n time_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n till_o the_o end_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o god_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o he_o may_v be_v find_v this_o whole_a life_n time_n than_o we_o can_v begin_v to_o soon_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o therefore_o solomon_n counsel_v we_o to_o remember_v our_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v season_v with_o godliness_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n the_o more_o special_a time_n when_o god_n may_v be_v find_v be_v when_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o he_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o than_o he_o offer_v his_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o knock_v by_o his_o spirit_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v have_v entrance_n if_o we_o open_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v say_v to_o our_o soul_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v a_o delight_n herein_o but_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o give_v he_o entrance_n if_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n when_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n we_o know_v not_o when_o whether_o ever_o or_o never_o he_o will_v come_v again_o
&_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n excuse_v his_o disciple_n for_o not_o fast_v by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o time_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n fast_o while_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o 9.15_o mat._n 9.15_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o bridegroom_n with_o they_o they_o can_v fast_v give_v of_o alm_n be_v another_o duty_n which_o be_v much_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o we_o yet_o give_v of_o alm_n have_v a_o limitation_n of_o person_n for_o all_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o give_v alm_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o ability_n be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o give_v alm_n unto_o all_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n but_o as_o every_o one_o be_v enjoin_v to_o pray_v so_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n i_o exhort_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o together_o that_o every_o one_o be_v enjoin_v to_o pray_v to_o pray_v for_o all_o person_n to_o pray_v at_o all_o time_n to_o pray_v in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a duty_n because_o it_o be_v so_o general_o and_o absolute_o enjoin_v we_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o prayer_n shall_v have_v no_o limitation_n because_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v the_o same_o if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o offer_v goat_n and_o bullock_n unto_o he_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a may_v have_v excuse_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o ubility_n if_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n into_o faâ—re_v country_n and_o there_o do_v he_o service_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a may_v have_v excuse_v themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o impotency_n but_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v any_o just_a excuse_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o pray_v because_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o thus_o much_o brief_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n the_o object_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n object_n of_o prayer_n you_o see_v be_v god_n every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a shall_v pray_v unto_o thou_o he_o do_v not_o say_v shall_v pray_v to_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o the_o virgin_n but_o unto_o thou_o for_o this_o be_v the_o title_n which_o david_n give_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n psal_n 65.25_o o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n service_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v give_v to_o no_o other_o but_o god_n therefore_o god_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o call_v upon_o i_o faith_n god_n in_o the_o fifty_o psalm_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 4.6_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v instruct_v to_o who_o we_o must_v pray_v can_v we_o have_v better_a instructer_n than_o these_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a guest_n who_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n only_o therefore_o if_o we_o search_v all_o over_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n among_o all_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v register_v therein_o among_o all_o the_o psalm_n one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o whereof_o two_o part_n at_o the_o least_o be_v prayer_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o one_o prayer_n among_o they_o all_o which_o be_v ever_o make_v to_o cherubin_n or_o seraphim_n to_o raphael_n gabriel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o angeb_n to_o abraham_n or_o isaac_n or_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n to_o moses_n or_o samuel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n to_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o only_o to_o god_n thus_o if_o we_o will_v have_v precedent_n of_o prayer_n can_v we_o have_v better_a precedent_n than_o these_o which_o the_o scripture_n record_v and_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o pray_v to_o any_o other_o but_o god_n and_o they_o know_v beside_o that_o god_n and_o no_o other_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o see_v our_o want_n indeed_o the_o papist_n who_o prey_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n hold_v that_o they_o can_v but_o see_v our_o want_n and_o hear_v our_o prayer_n for_o how_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n who_o sea_n the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o see_v all_o thing_n as_o if_o by_o see_v god_n they_o must_v see_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n see_v which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a their_o knowledge_n you_o know_v must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a as_o god_n be_v and_o beside_o this_o be_v plain_o confute_v by_o christ_n for_o christ_n who_o tell_v we_o math._n 18._o 13.32_o mat._n 18.10_o mar._n 13.32_o that_o the_o angel_n do_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o mark_v 13._o that_o the_o angel_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o for_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o know_v no_o more_o what_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v no_o understanding_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o live_n so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 9_o that_o the_o dead_a know_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o more_o a_o portion_n for_o ever_o 9.6_o eceles_n 9.6_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n if_o any_o of_o the_o dead_a shall_v have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o live_n then_o questionless_a prince_n of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o father_n of_o their_o child_n but_o that_o prince_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v have_v not_o any_o knowledge_n of_o their_o subject_n we_o see_v by_o josias_n where_o god_n gracious_o promise_v to_o take_v he_o away_o 22.20_o 2_o king_n 22.20_o that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o father_n have_v no_o knowledge_n after_o their_o departure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o child_n job_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o 14._o chapter_n the_o 20._o verse_n speak_v of_o a_o father_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o leave_v child_n behind_o he_o his_o son_n say_v he_o come_v to_o honour_n and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o they_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o he_o perceive_v it_o not_o nay_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o god_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v multiply_v his_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n after_o his_o departure_n what_o become_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o israelite_n esay_n 63.16_o ver_fw-la acknowledge_v that_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n that_o be_v dead_a have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o their_o misery_n doubtless_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o jacob_n know_v we_o not_o yet_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v our_o father_n and_o redeemer_n thy_o name_n be_v for_o ever_o si_fw-mi tanti_fw-la patriarche_n etc._n etc._n if_o say_v st._n augustine_n so_o great_a patriarch_n be_v ignorant_a what_o become_v of_o the_o people_n that_o come_v from_o their_o loin_n how_o shall_v the_o dead_a have_v aught_o to_o do_v in_o the_o knowledge_n or_o aid_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o action_n of_o their_o dear_a surviver_n but_o suppose_v they_o do_v know_v our_o affair_n and_o action_n yet_o our_o heart_n they_o can_v know_v for_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o our_o heart_n you_o know_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o lip_n do_v but_o vent_v they_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o king_n the_o 8._o chapter_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o no_o other_o but_o god_n because_o god_n and_o no_o other_o can_v hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o he_o only_o know_v our_o heart_n hear_v thou_o say_v he_o 8.39_o 1_o king_n 8.39_o in_o heaven_n thy_o dwell_a place_n and_o do_v and_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n who_o heart_n thou_o know_v for_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o that_o he_o
we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o yield_v he_o obedience_n and_o to_o live_v as_o become_v his_o servant_n or_o he_o will_v not_o save_v we_o and_o therefore_o only_a the_o godly_a that_o serve_v he_o in_o their_o life_n can_v with_o comfort_n commend_v their_o soul_n unto_o he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o say_v as_o steven_n do_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n he_o pray_v not_o for_o his_o body_n but_o for_o his_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v his_o body_n which_o be_v here_o in_o danger_n while_o the_o jew_n be_v ston_a he_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o body_n but_o it_o be_v his_o soul_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o as_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o his_o future_a estate_n then_o of_o his_o present_a condition_n and_o not_o so_o much_o regard_v this_o present_a life_n as_o the_o life_n to_o come_v many_o in_o their_o life_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n be_v careful_a for_o their_o body_n think_v of_o the_o great_a pain_n which_o their_o body_n be_v to_o suffer_v when_o death_n seize_v upon_o they_o and_o take_v care_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o same_o this_o care_n trouble_v many_o that_o be_v good_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o more_o afraid_a of_o death_n for_o the_o pain_n thereof_o and_o imagine_v the_o pain_n to_o be_v great_a than_o it_o be_v that_o death_n be_v painful_a there_o be_v not_o any_o question_n si_fw-mi nulla_fw-la esset_fw-la mortis_fw-la amaritudo_fw-la non_fw-la magna_fw-la esset_fw-la martyrum_fw-la fortitudo_fw-la say_v augustine_n if_o there_o be_v no_o sharpness_n and_o pain_n in_o death_n it_o be_v no_o great_a fortitude_n in_o the_o martyr_n to_o suffer_v it_o but_o though_o death_n be_v painful_a yet_o we_o must_v remember_v this_o for_o our_o comfort_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o painful_a to_o we_o than_o it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o undergo_v that_o which_o all_o the_o godly_a have_v undergo_v before_o we_o will_v not_o any_o man_n be_v content_a to_o be_v put_v to_o that_o whereunto_o the_o king_n put_v his_o chief_a favourite_n for_o he_o will_v think_v with_o himself_o if_o i_o be_v put_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o king_n favourite_n be_v i_o shall_v fare_v well_o enough_o the_o godly_a you_o know_v be_v god_n chief_a favourite_n god_n love_v and_o favour_n they_o above_o all_o other_o if_o therefore_o they_o have_v suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n and_o have_v not_o be_v exempt_v by_o god_n from_o it_o we_o may_v well_o be_v the_o less_o careful_a to_o undergo_v it_o and_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o though_o the_o pain_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v both_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v it_o and_o as_o cyprian_n say_v qui_fw-la semel_fw-la pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la mortem_fw-la vicit_fw-la semper_fw-la vincet_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la he_o that_o once_o overcome_v death_n for_o we_o will_v always_o overcome_v it_o in_o we_o and_o therefore_o whether_o we_o die_v for_o the_o lord_n or_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o may_v well_o lay_v the_o care_n of_o our_o body_n aside_o and_o may_v cheerful_o commend_v our_o soul_n unto_o christ_n as_o steven_n here_o do_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n doct._n i_o may_v hence_o observe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o though_o the_o body_n do_v die_v yet_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a this_o be_v signify_v by_o those_o word_n of_o solomon_n 12.7_o eccles_n 12.7_o that_o the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v take_v and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v return_v unto_o god_n who_o give_v it_o 10.28_o mat._n 10.28_o and_o by_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n fear_v not_o those_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o i_o will_v pass_v this_o over_o and_o come_v brief_o to_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o persecutor_n he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n where_o first_o observe_v the_o gesture_n he_o use_v he_o kneel_v down_o when_o he_o pray_v the_o jew_n do_v common_o stand_v when_o they_o pray_v therefore_o christ_n allude_v to_o this_o their_o custom_n mark_v 11._o when_o you_o stand_v say_v he_o and_o pray_v if_o you_o have_v aught_o against_o any_o man_n forgive_v he_o and_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o saying_n sine_fw-la stationibus_fw-la non_fw-la consisteret_fw-la mundus_fw-la that_o the_o world_n can_v not_o consist_v without_o stand_v that_o be_v without_o pray_v because_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o pray_v stand_v 17.16_o 1_o king_n 19.4_o 1_o chro._n 17.16_o the_o prophet_n eliah_n when_o he_o flee_v from_o jezabel_n he_o pray_v sit_v and_o we_o read_v the_o like_a of_o david_n that_o he_o sit_v and_o pray_v other_o kind_n of_o gesture_n we_o use_v in_o our_o prayer_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n such_o as_o we_o use_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o hope_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o reverence_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o hope_n we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o stretch_v forth_o our_o hand_n as_o expect_v and_o require_v god_n help_v and_o assistance_n so_o david_n in_o the_o 121._o psalm_n i_o will_v lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o the_o hill_n from_o whence_o come_v my_o help_n and_o moses_n pray_v for_o the_o israclete_v exod._n 17._o that_o they_o may_v prevale_n against_o amaleck_n he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n for_o as_o saint_n austin_n say_v oculus_fw-la erectus_fw-la expectat_fw-la manus_fw-la extensa_fw-la postulat_fw-la the_o eye_n be_v lift_v up_o expect_v help_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v stretch_v forth_o do_v seem_v to_o reuqire_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o humiliation_n and_o reverence_n we_o uncover_v our_o head_n we_o bow_v down_o our_o body_n and_o we_o kneel_v on_o our_o knee_n we_o uncover_v our_o head_n which_o be_v magnificentia_fw-la depositio_fw-la a_o lay_v aside_o of_o our_o greatness_n and_o thus_o king_n and_o prince_n when_o they_o pray_v unto_o god_n do_v uncover_v their_o head_n lay_v aside_o their_o state_n and_o acknowledge_v thereby_o that_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n so_o we_o prostrate_v ourselves_o and_o fall_v down_o on_o our_o knee_n as_o steven_n here_o do_v in_o token_n of_o the_o reverence_n we_o owe_v unto_o god_n in_o offer_v our_o prayer_n and_o this_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v often_o use_v by_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o the_o magdeburgenses_n who_o write_v the_o century_n affirm_v have_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a gesture_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o most_o use_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n peter_z as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o ast_n and_o paul_n in_o the_o 20._o do_v pray_v kneel_v so_o do_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n in_o his_o sixth_o chapter_n saint_n james_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o frequent_a in_o pray_v on_o his_o knee_n that_o he_o make_v his_o knee_n as_o hard_o as_o the_o hoof_n of_o a_o camel_n with_o continual_a kneel_v and_o the_o like_a do_v asella_n as_o we_o read_v in_o st._n jerome_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v and_o not_o the_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n which_o god_n respect_v but_o withal_o this_o be_v true_a that_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o pray_v reverent_o do_v never_o pray_v hearty_o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o bend_v the_o knee_n unto_o god_n much_o less_o out_o of_o doubt_n will_v he_o bend_v the_o heart_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o say_v the_o psalm_a and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n 6.6_o psal_n 95.6_o micah_n 6.6_o where_o withal_o shall_v i_o come_v say_v the_o prophet_n micah_n in_o his_o sixth_o chapter_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n to_o show_v that_o he_o may_v not_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n but_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o therefore_o this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v those_o that_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o reverence_n unto_o god_n 4â—_n 2_o chr._n 6.13_o luke_n 22_o 4â—_n when_o they_o come_v before_o he_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n we_o see_v that_o solomon_n when_o he_o consecrate_v the_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 6._o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o a_o great_a than_o solomon_n our_o bless_a saviour_n luke_n 22._o kneel_v down_o when_o he_o pray_v be_v for_o his_o passion_n if_o he_o therefore_o use_v such_o reverence_n in_o prayer_n shall_v not_o we_o much_o more_o for_o shall_v mercy_n bend_v her_o knee_n and_o shall_v not_o misery_n shall_v the_o physician_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o patient_n shall_v
preach_v as_o know_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n will_v be_v most_o welcome_a unto_o they_o because_o it_o offer_v grace_n unto_o those_o who_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o want_n of_o grace_n do_v unfeigned_o and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o same_o here_o than_o we_o see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v fit_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o do_v find_v comfort_n in_o hear_v of_o it_o namely_o such_o as_o do_v see_v their_o spiritual_a poverty_n and_o feel_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o want_n of_o grace_n &_o therefore_o renounce_v their_o own_o righteousness_n do_v fly_v unto_o christ_n to_o findâ—rest_v to_o their_o soul_n 11.28_o mat._n 11.28_o therefore_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n invite_v only_o such_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o find_v themselves_o weary_a &_o heavy_a lade_v and_o reject_v the_o pharisee_n that_o trust_v in_o themselves_o 9.13_o mat._n 9.12_o mat._n 18.11_o mat._n 9.13_o because_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o he_o come_v not_o as_o he_o say_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n to_o draw_v then_o brief_o to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o if_o we_o will_v reap_v comfort_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o see_v our_o spiritual_a poverty_n to_o find_v in_o ourselves_o our_o want_n of_o knowledge_n our_o want_n of_o faith_n our_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o the_o good_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v as_o welcome_v to_o we_o as_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o traveller_n that_o be_v weary_a 25.25_o prov._n 25.25_o and_o as_o the_o bring_n of_o good_a news_n from_o a_o far_a country_n finis_fw-la the_o eleven_o sermon_n canticle_n 3.1_o by_o night_n on_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o church_n express_v her_o long_a desire_n after_o christ_n division_n division_n and_o in_o the_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n the_o act_n the_o object_n and_o the_o circumstance_n the_o act_n seek_v the_o object_n christ_n i_o seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v and_o the_o circumstance_n be_v two_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n the_o time_n when_o she_o seek_v he_o i_o seek_v he_o by_o night_n and_o the_o place_n where_o she_o seek_v he_o i_o seek_v he_o on_o my_o bed_n by_o night_n on_o my_o bed_n i_o seek_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v and_o these_o be_v the_o part_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o circumstance_n because_o they_o be_v set_v down_o first_o in_o the_o word_n and_o first_o for_o the_o time_n when_o she_o seek_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o night_n now_o night_n be_v take_v two_o way_n in_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o literal_o sometime_o metaphorical_o literal_o for_o the_o time_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o day_n when_o the_o sun_n have_v pass_v over_o our_o horizon_n and_o leave_v we_o darkness_n through_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o earth_n between_o the_o sun_n &_o we_o so_o the_o night_n be_v take_v literal_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v thes_n 5.7_o they_o that_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n imply_v thereby_o that_o then_o drunkard_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v drink_v in_o the_o day_n which_o now_o a_o day_n they_o be_v not_o but_z be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o conceal_v it_o sometime_o night_n be_v take_v metaphorical_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 13._o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v 13.12_o rom._n 13.12_o the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v we_o therefore_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o let_v we_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n but_o in_o my_o text_n as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o night_n be_v not_o take_v metaphorical_o because_o it_o be_v add_v by_o night_n on_o my_o bed_n which_o be_v join_v together_o do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v both_o to_o be_v take_v literal_o first_o than_o here_o observe_v the_o church_n sincerity_n by_o prayer_n she_o seek_v christ_n not_o open_o in_o the_o day_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o pray_v in_o the_o street_n but_o secret_o in_o the_o night_n 6.5_o mat._n 6.5_o when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v what_o she_o do_v ille_fw-la colit_fw-la veer_fw-la qui_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la colit_fw-la he_o worship_v christ_n true_o who_o worship_v he_o when_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o it_o many_o will_v do_v that_o open_o where_o they_o may_v be_v see_v and_o commend_v which_o they_o will_v not_o do_v secret_o where_o they_o be_v not_o see_v to_o do_v it_o like_o the_o monk_n that_o will_v fast_v whole_a day_n together_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o monastery_n where_o man_n see_v and_o commend_v he_o for_o fast_v so_o long_o but_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n he_o can_v not_o fast_o because_o there_o be_v none_o to_o see_v he_o this_o be_v hypocrisy_n but_o where_o there_o be_v sincerity_n a_o man_n will_v rather_o do_v good_a in_o secret_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v know_v to_o do_v it_o so_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o teach_v we_o to_o fast_o when_o thou_o fastâ—st_v 6.17_o mat._n 6.17_o anoint_v thy_o head_n and_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o seem_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o so_o he_o teach_v we_o there_o to_o give_v alm_n 6.3_o mat._n 6.3_o when_o thou_o do_v thy_o alm_n let_v not_o thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o right_a hand_n doâ—th_v so_o he_o teach_v we_o there_o to_o pray_v 6.6_o mat._n 6.6_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o shut_v thy_o door_n all_o to_o be_v do_v in_o secret_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v see_v to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o church_n here_o seek_v christ_n by_o night_n second_o here_o observe_v the_o church_n wisdom_n she_o seek_v christ_n by_o prayer_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o night_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n to_o pray_v in_o when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o night_n our_o ear_n and_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o variety_n of_o object_n which_o many_o time_n so_o hinder_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o day_n that_o we_o can_v mind_v our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o common_o when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n we_o set_v our_o hand_n or_o our_o hat_n before_o our_o eye_n make_v the_o day_n as_o it_o be_v night_n that_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o trouble_v with_o outward_a object_n our_o heart_n may_v the_o better_a mind_n our_o prayer_n last_o here_o observe_v the_o church_n importunity_n for_o that_o which_o be_v here_o translate_v by_o night_n be_v by_o night_n in_o the_o original_n imply_v that_o she_o seek_v he_o night_n by_o night_n and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o but_o continue_v importunate_a like_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n 15._o mat._n 15._o till_o she_o have_v obtain_v her_o desire_n christ_n like_v a_o importunate_a suitor_n that_o will_v take_v no_o demall_a a_o wearilesse_o seeker_n that_o seek_v while_o he_o find_v and_o till_o he_o find_v what_o he_o seek_v will_v never_o give_v over_o such_o a_o suitor_n such_o a_o seeker_n be_v the_o church_n here_o she_o seek_v he_o night_n by_o night_n and_o though_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o word_n she_o find_v he_o not_o yet_o she_o still_o persevere_v and_o never_o lin_v seek_v until_o she_o have_v find_v he_o and_o as_o she_o seek_v he_o by_o night_n so_o on_o her_o bed_n as_o the_o night_n be_v the_o time_n so_o the_o bed_n be_v the_o place_n to_o rest_v in_o but_o when_o other_o be_v asleep_o and_o take_v their_o rest_n the_o church_n be_v awake_a and_o her_o thought_n and_o desire_n whole_o set_v upon_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o origen_n say_v of_o mary_n magdalene_n when_o she_o come_v to_o christ_n sepulchre_n and_o find_v he_o not_o there_o maria_fw-la ibi_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la ubi_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la quia_fw-la tota_fw-la ibi_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la ubi_fw-la magister_fw-la erat_fw-la mary_n be_v not_o there_o where_o she_o be_v but_o be_v whole_o there_o where_o her_o master_n be_v so_o the_o church_n be_v not_o there_o where_o she_o seek_v christ_n but_o be_v whole_o there_o where_o christ_n be_v who_o she_o seek_v so_o whole_o with_o he_o in_o desire_n and_o affection_n that_o she_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n no_o not_o in_o the_o place_n of_o rest_n but_o in_o think_v of_o he_o as_o the_o church_n here_o seek_v christ_n so_o must_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n we_o must_v seek_v he_o by_o prayer_n night_n by_o night_n in_o our_o bed_n not_o suffer_v our_o eye_n any_o night_n to_o sleep_v nor_o the_o temple_n of_o our_o