no_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n but_o rather_o contrary_a thereunto_o chap._n v._o some_o uncommon_a consideration_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n which_o be_v more_o strict_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o more_o high_o recommend_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n than_o that_o of_o prayer_n this_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o many_o thing_n wherein_o perhaps_o you_o may_v find_v yourself_o more_o indifferent_a cool_a and_o unactive_a than_o in_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o the_o better_a to_o quicken_v you_o up_o to_o this_o sacred_a office_n i_o here_o present_v you_o with_o some_o less_o obvious_a consideration_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o 1._o consider_v that_o by_o your_o diligence_n in_o prayer_n and_o constant_a call_n upon_o god_n you_o become_v his_o remembrancer_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o you_o and_o indeed_o he_o can_v no_o more_o be_v forgetful_a of_o such_o as_o importune_v he_o with_o their_o prayer_n than_o a_o mother_n can_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n but_o if_o a_o mother_n shall_v be_v so_o unnatural_a as_o to_o stop_v her_o ear_n to_o the_o infant_n cry_v yet_o god_n will_v hearken_v unto_o the_o cry_n of_o his_o child_n and_o give_v they_o if_o not_o what_o they_o particular_o desire_v yet_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o for_o their_o good_a it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o you_o to_o conclude_v of_o his_o kindness_n towards_o you_o by_o his_o not_o speedy_o grant_v your_o request_n for_o they_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o may_v oftentimes_o with_o great_a difficulty_n work_v out_o those_o blessing_n which_o fall_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o careless_a and_o the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n know_v it_o fit_a to_o hold_v his_o best_a servant_n short_a of_o those_o favour_n which_o they_o sue_v for_o but_o than_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o patience_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o importunity_n or_o the_o double_n of_o their_o obligation_n and_o when_o he_o withhold_v his_o benefit_n for_o a_o while_n from_o his_o humble_a suppliant_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o forget_v they_o however_o if_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o forget_v any_o one_o as_o he_o be_v not_o and_o especial_o of_o those_o that_o pray_v unto_o he_o yet_o frequent_a application_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o importunity_n we_o use_v to_o one_o another_o when_o we_o want_v to_o be_v reminded_a and_o have_v our_o memory_n refresh_v it_o be_v hold_v such_o a_o continual_a converse_n with_o god_n as_o humble_o to_o let_v he_o know_v as_o jacob_n do_v the_o angel_n with_o who_o he_o strive_v that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o leave_v till_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o bless_v we_o 2._o all_o pious_a christian_n according_a to_o s._n paul_n have_v their_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3.20_o matth._n 6.20_o 21._o it_o be_v their_o property_n and_o glory_n to_o live_v here_o below_o as_o if_o they_o be_v above_o they_o bend_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o desire_n principal_o to_o heaven_n and_o though_o their_o body_n be_v on_o earth_n yet_o their_o affection_n be_v where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n now_o there_o be_v no_o ready_a way_n for_o you_o to_o have_v your_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n than_o by_o continual_o send_v up_o your_o soul_n thither_o in_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o by_o this_o you_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o the_o almighty_a maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n when_o your_o soul_n be_v not_o press_v down_o with_o earthly_a heavy_a affection_n but_o by_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n become_v light_a and_o ethereal_a than_o it_o nimble_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o thing_n on_o high_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o soar_v above_o the_o low_a creep_a concern_v of_o this_o impure_a world_n and_o to_o have_v its_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o pious_a desire_v it_o ascend_v to_o the_o bless_a mansion_n above_o whence_o you_o look_v for_o the_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o this_o be_v full_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o endear_v devotion_n to_o your_o choice_n and_o to_o oblige_v your_o care_n of_o so_o seraphic_a a_o performance_n in_o the_o three_o place_n consider_v that_o at_o the_o last_o general_a judgement_n your_o prayer_n shall_v come_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n and_o be_v both_o acknowledge_v and_o reward_v by_o he_o then_o will_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n own_o all_o devout_a soul_n for_o he_o and_o in_o the_o most_o literal_a sense_n make_v good_a what_o ought_v as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o be_v daily_o verify_v in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n you_o read_v of_o cornelius_n a_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jew_n one_o who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n though_o uncircumcised_a that_o he_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o act_v 10._o he_o be_v charitable_a and_o bountiful_a to_o the_o indigent_a and_o a_o constant_a observer_n of_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n and_o his_o alm_n and_o prayer_n be_v so_o please_v to_o god_n that_o they_o bring_v down_o no_o ordinary_a blessing_n upon_o he_o for_o of_o a_o jewish_a proselyte_n god_n make_v he_o a_o christian_a convert_n by_o which_o single_a instance_n you_o may_v discern_v the_o particular_a regard_n heaven_n have_v for_o those_o who_o conscientious_o observe_v slate_v time_n of_o prayer_n and_o join_v work_n of_o charity_n with_o devotion_n that_o such_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o reap_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o due_a season_n if_o they_o faint_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o singular_a satisfaction_n which_o from_o prayer_n accrue_v to_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a power_n of_o your_o soul_n all_o think_v man_n observe_v that_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o be_v your_o principal_a faculty_n meet_v with_o a_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o content_a when_o they_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o noble_a of_o their_o proper_a object_n now_o truth_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o god_n be_v the_o noble_a truth_n and_o see_v that_o in_o prayer_n the_o mind_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o he_o it_o can_v miss_v of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n nor_o fare_v it_o otherwise_o with_o the_o will_n the_o proper_a object_n whereof_o be_v what_o we_o call_v good_a either_o real_a or_o in_o appearance_n now_o in_o prayer_n the_o will_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v fix_v upon_o god_n who_o be_v goodness_n itself_o all_o those_o excellency_n which_o be_v scatter_v among_o the_o creature_n and_o denominate_v they_o to_o be_v good_a and_o all_o which_o put_v together_o be_v but_o few_o and_o small_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a do_v all_o concentre_v in_o a_o superlative_a degree_n in_o he_o to_o who_o we_o pray_v so_o that_o the_o mind_n must_v needs_o receive_v a_o sensible_a delight_n as_o be_v thereby_o conversant_a about_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n accrue_v to_o the_o soul_n through_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o pious_a familiarity_n which_o therein_o it_o enjoy_v with_o god_n can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o your_o rational_a part_n than_o to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o unload_v all_o your_o perplexity_n and_o fear_n scruple_n and_o doubt_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v bring_v more_o ease_n to_o a_o pain_a mind_n than_o free_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o your_o frailty_n but_o even_o your_o worst_a wilful_a sin_n and_o that_o too_o with_o assurance_n of_o their_o remission_n if_o they_o be_v true_o repent_v of_o and_o entire_o forsake_v that_o god_n the_o only_a maker_n preserver_n and_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v admit_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n to_o approach_v he_o and_o in_o prayer_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o high_a satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n but_o the_o great_a dignity_n and_o
concern_v matter_n of_o high_a importance_n in_o a_o grave_n and_o learned_a assembly_n will_v he_o not_o rather_o if_o he_o may_v choose_v to_o come_v prepare_v and_o compose_v and_o weigh_v every_o word_n and_o period_n before_o he_o venture_v to_o speak_v lest_o he_o expose_v himself_o by_o any_o rude_a and_o indigested_a expression_n this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o become_a piece_n of_o respect_n at_o least_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o small_a presumption_n now_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v only_o so_o much_o strong_a than_o it_o can_v be_v put_v in_o any_o worldly_a concern_v as_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o of_o awe_n due_a to_o the_o person_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o the_o business_n we_o come_v upon_o be_v of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o temporal_a can_v pretend_v to_o you_o that_o fray_v be_v but_o a_o worm_n dust_n a_o shadow_n a_o bubble_n nothing_o nay_o worse_o sinful_a pollute_a and_o abominable_a he_o to_o who_o you_o pray_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v able_a eternal_o to_o destroy_v your_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n the_o thing_n you_o may_v pray_v for_o be_v not_o of_o a_o inferior_a but_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o and_o when_o you_o have_v mature_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o make_v your_o own_o conclusion_n as_o to_o the_o preparation_n now_o speak_v of_o and_o whether_o reason_n do_v not_o convince_v you_o of_o its_o necessity_n but_o if_o your_o great_a oracle_n reason_n be_v dumb_a in_o this_o case_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v to_o the_o purpose_n they_o teach_v you_o not_o to_o come_v before_o god_n without_o have_v first_o fit_v yourself_o for_o so_o dreadful_a a_o presence_n and_o this_o you_o may_v collect_v from_o god_n command_n to_o aaron_n which_o be_v that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o son_n shall_v enter_v upon_o divine_a service_n till_o they_o have_v wash_v their_o hand_n and_o foot_n in_o the_o laver_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n exod._n 4._o a_o ceremony_n that_o among_o other_o thing_n do_v certain_o imply_v that_o all_o aught_o pious_o to_o compose_v and_o order_v themselves_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o religious_a doubt_n and_o to_o put_v away_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n ere_o they_o do_v enter_v upon_o so_o momentous_a a_o solemnity_n you_o read_v in_o esay_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v not_o look_v upon_o israel_n when_o they_o spread_v out_o their_o hand_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a manner_n of_o pray_v nor_o harken_v when_o they_o make_v many_o prayer_n because_o their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n and_o their_o action_n full_a of_o injustice_n but_o if_o they_o will_v wash_v and_o make_v themselves_o clean_o and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o do_n and_o retract_v their_o fault_n than_o he_o will_v incline_v his_o ear_n to_o their_o supplication_n and_o be_v find_v of_o they_o when_o they_o seek_v unto_o he_o but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n prayer_n and_o oblation_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o israel_n love_v to_o wander_v and_o will_v not_o refrain_v their_o foot_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o vice_n and_o will_v not_o give_v over_o their_o wicked_a course_n god_n do_v not_o only_o reject_v their_o own_o prayer_n but_o also_o the_o prayer_n that_o other_o make_v in_o their_o behalf_n for_o he_o positive_o forbid_v the_o prophet_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o jer._n 7.16_o and_o 14.12_o 11._o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v their_o cry_n when_o they_o fast_v nor_o accept_v they_o when_o they_o offer_v burn_v offering_n and_o oblation_n and_o those_o cruel_a prince_n that_o pluck_v the_o skin_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o flesh_n from_o their_o bone_n who_o chop_v they_o in_o piece_n for_o the_o pot_n and_o as_o flesh_n for_o the_o cauldron_n when_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o their_o do_n mich._n 3.2_o 3_o 4._o though_o they_o cry_v in_o my_o ear_n say_v the_o lord_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o ezek._n 8.18_o my_o eye_n shall_v not_o spare_v neither_o will_v i_o have_v pity_n you_o have_v then_o no_o hope_n that_o god_n shall_v accept_v your_o service_n whilst_o you_o continue_v impenitent_a your_o heart_n must_v be_v furnish_v with_o sincere_a piety_n if_o you_o expect_v your_o prayer_n shall_v be_v regard_v in_o god_n sight_n or_o that_o any_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v seasonable_a and_o welcome_a to_o he_o without_o repentance_n all_o the_o religious_a act_n you_o can_v possible_o execute_v be_v but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n inward_a wickedness_n hide_v under_o the_o cloak_n and_o wizard_n of_o outward_a sanctity_n till_o therefore_o you_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o a_o free_a confession_n of_o your_o sin_n and_o by_o a_o lively_a conversion_n fly_v to_o his_o mercy_n you_o can_v neither_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o pardon_n nor_o the_o acceptation_n of_o your_o prayer_n whilst_o your_o silver_n be_v dross_n and_o your_o wine_n mix_v with_o water_n whilst_o your_o life_n and_o action_n that_o shall_v be_v pure_a continue_v corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a all_o you_o do_v in_o religion_n in_o stead_n of_o appease_v will_v incense_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n chap._n vii_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n practise_v by_o the_o jew_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v now_o speak_v concern_v this_o preparation_n be_v no_o novel_a or_o upstart_a doctrine_n but_o a_o ancient_a orthodox_n truth_n teach_v and_o practise_v by_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o reject_v by_o none_o but_o the_o lewd_a and_o miscreant_n and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o ancient_a jew_n aristaeus_n report_v that_o it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o wash_v before_o they_o pray_v hist_o 72._o and_o the_o modern_a jew_n live_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n observe_v the_o same_o custom_n of_o wash_v as_o a_o preparative_a to_o prayer_n and_o read_v the_o shemaah_o and_o no_o doubt_n they_o do_v this_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o enter_v not_o upon_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o wash_v and_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o custom_n that_o david_n will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n till_o he_o have_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o be_v till_o he_o have_v prepare_v himself_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a protection_n or_o any_o gracious_a answer_n to_o the_o prayer_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o join_v purity_n to_o devotion_n and_o have_v a_o heart_n as_o clean_o as_o the_o hand_n he_o have_v wash_v and_o that_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n be_v as_o purify_v as_o his_o body_n and_o though_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o jew_n in_o any_o solemn_a business_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n in_o protestation_n of_o their_o innocency_n yet_o this_o ceremony_n be_v especial_o use_v before_o they_o say_v their_o prayer_n which_o show_v the_o great_a esteem_n they_o have_v for_o that_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o think_v it_o of_o such_o holiness_n and_o purity_n as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v right_o perform_v without_o a_o preparation_n answerable_a thereunto_o and_o this_o you_o may_v further_o collect_v from_o the_o several_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o rabbin_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v and_o 1._o the_o master_n forbid_v any_o to_o enter_v the_o temple_n with_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n which_o prohibition_n they_o found_v on_o those_o word_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n exod._n 3.5_o put_v thy_o shoe_n off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n which_o command_n be_v also_o give_v to_o joshua_n 5.15_o by_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n host_n god_n do_v not_o bid_v they_o to_o put_v off_o their_o shoe_n as_o if_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v be_v holy_a by_o a_o internal_a or_o perpetual_a quality_n but_o because_o of_o god_n presence_n which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o place_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n to_o exhibit_v and_o from_o this_o injunction_n give_v to_o these_o two_o worthy_n solomon_n likely_a give_v that_o general_n rule_n namely_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v take_v heed_n to_o his_o foot_n when_o he_o enter_v the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o text_n the_o targum_fw-la explain_v thus_o thou_o son_n of_o man_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o enterest_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o
on_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o s._n paul_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o phillippian_o that_o in_o their_o devotion_n they_o shall_v be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4.6_o the_o soul_n of_o itself_o be_v nimble_a and_o active_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n can_v mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n psal_n 25.1_o but_o earthly-mindedness_a keep_v it_o flutter_v below_o and_o fasten_v its_o affection_n to_o the_o dust_n which_o do_v so_o clog_v they_o that_o they_o can_v aspire_v to_o the_o thing_n above_o you_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n which_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o your_o thought_n and_o which_o distract_v they_o in_o your_o supplication_n for_o whilst_o you_o cherish_v immoderate_a desire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v either_o hinder_v you_o from_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o from_o pray_v as_o you_o ought_v iii_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n may_v be_v another_o occasion_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n for_o perhaps_o you_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o suppress_v and_o correct_v the_o extravagance_n of_o your_o thought_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o neglect_n your_o soul_n become_v like_o the_o field_n of_o the_o slothful_a and_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n which_o be_v all_o grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone-wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o but_o to_o whatever_o occasion_n the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v impute_v it_o high_o concern_v you_o industrious_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o if_o you_o use_v that_o due_a attention_n and_o zeal_n in_o prayer_n which_o you_o must_v own_v to_o be_v whole_o requisite_a and_o needful_a and_o first_o you_o must_v use_v all_o due_a attention_n for_o by_o it_o you_o fix_v your_o thought_n upon_o god_n and_o frame_v to_o yourself_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o possess_v your_o heart_n with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n ever_o have_v in_o mind_n that_o your_o prayer_n be_v to_o he_o in_o who_o you_o live_v move_v and_o have_v your_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n enter_v the_o synagogue_n they_o for_o a_o while_o stand_v silent_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o prayer_n before_o they_o begin_v it_o in_o which_o time_n they_o labour_v to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n 5._o buxtorf_n syn._n jud._n l._n 5._o who_o they_o be_v come_v to_o worship_n that_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o may_v help_v the_o better_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a and_o one_o of_o their_o master_n teach_v his_o scholar_n that_o before_o they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n they_o shall_v think_v a_o while_n on_o he_o to_o who_o they_o make_v they_o and_o it_o will_v doubtless_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o restraint_n and_o amendment_n of_o that_o wander_a in_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o wonderful_o prone_a to_o consider_v in_o who_o presence_n you_o be_v and_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o for_o you_o can_v no_o soon_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n to_o who_o you_o speak_v in_o prayer_n but_o the_o thought_n thereof_o will_v quicken_v your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o apprehensive_a and_o make_v you_o in_o a_o dread_n and_o surprise_v if_o you_o find_v yourself_o heedless_a and_o unconcern_v in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n second_o attention_n be_v a_o proper_a cure_n for_o wander_v in_o prayer_n because_o it_o keep_v your_o mind_n and_o thought_n to_o every_o sentence_n and_o word_n thereof_o for_o that_o attention_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v prayer_n be_v a_o settle_a and_o compose_v temper_n of_o mind_n which_o gather_v all_o your_o thought_n together_o and_o fix_v they_o upon_o the_o solemn_a business_n you_o be_v about_o and_o though_o idle_a impertinent_a wander_v thought_n will_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o thrust_v themselves_o upon_o you_o and_o intrude_v into_o your_o holy_a office_n so_o that_o you_o can_v be_v always_o total_o free_a from_o they_o yet_o by_o attention_n you_o may_v much_o hinder_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o make_v any_o stay_n or_o get_v the_o dominion_n over_o you_o so_o far_o as_o to_o corrupt_v or_o captivate_v the_o will._n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o this_o wander_v to_o which_o you_o be_v liable_a may_v be_v your_o unhappiness_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v your_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o your_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o though_o you_o can_v never_o entire_o conquer_v this_o wander_v of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n yet_o you_o may_v restrain_v and_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o abraham_n with_o the_o ravenous_a bird_n which_o he_o continual_o drive_v away_o when_o they_o come_v to_o devour_v his_o sacrifice_n gen._n 15.11_o causinus_n who_o be_v no_o contemptible_a director_n of_o devotion_n advise_v his_o suppliant_a to_o stay_v upon_o every_o sentence_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o space_n of_o a_o breathe_n and_o in_o that_o time_n to_o ponder_v the_o word_n he_o pronounce_v and_o to_o consider_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n he_o will_v likewise_o have_v he_o so_o to_o apply_v the_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a use_n and_o to_o espouse_v all_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o prayer_n have_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n move_v he_o to_o compose_v it_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o composition_n but_o your_o want_n of_o attention_n will_v hinder_v you_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o advice_n and_o will_v also_o hinder_v god_n from_o regard_v your_o prayer_n for_o can_v you_o expect_v god_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o prayer_n to_o which_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v yourself_o can_v you_o hope_v that_o he_o with_o a_o paternal_a kindness_n and_o affection_n shall_v open_v his_o ear_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o serious_a before_o he_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o call_v to_o heaven_n your_o thought_n be_v so_o set_v upon_o earthly_a concern_v so_o that_o when_o you_o have_v do_v pray_v you_o scarce_o know_v what_o you_o have_v be_v do_v be_v not_o this_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n who_o be_v rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a in_o their_o heart_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n not_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o they_o on_o the_o earth_n eccles_n 5.2_o you_o be_v not_o then_o to_o run_v over_o your_o prayer_n by_o rote_n but_o with_o recollect_v thought_n to_o weigh_v and_o be_v attentive_a to_o what_o you_o say_v unto_o he_o with_o who_o be_v terrible_a majesty_n and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n three_o it_o will_v not_o a_o little_o conduce_v to_o your_o exercise_n of_o attention_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o your_o prayer_n be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o your_o attention_n and_o that_o the_o more_o attentive_a you_o be_v in_o prayer_n the_o great_a benefit_n you_o receive_v by_o it_o and_o here_o one_o way_n to_o mend_v your_o attention_n be_v to_o repeat_v the_o prayer_n again_o wherein_o you_o have_v find_v it_o defective_a and_o to_o continue_v this_o course_n till_o you_o find_v your_o heedlessness_n wear_v off_o and_o remove_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o will_v defeat_v the_o devil_n who_o occasion_n your_o unattentiveness_n by_o inject_v wicked_a thought_n into_o your_o mind_n and_o present_v you_o with_o amuse_v object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v satan_n interest_n to_o give_v over_o tempt_v you_o thus_o to_o wander_v in_o prayer_n if_o once_o he_o find_v your_o sense_n of_o it_o arm_v you_o against_o such_o wander_v and_o quicken_a your_o attention_n and_o render_v you_o more_o circumspect_a now_o this_o repetition_n come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o our_o lord_n censure_v for_o vain_a and_o idle_a matth._n 6.7_o for_o in_o this_o case_n you_o do_v not_o repeat_v your_o prayer_n over_o and_o over_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n that_o god_n will_v the_o soon_o be_v move_v to_o hear_v you_o or_o that_o by_o your_o repetition_n he_o better_a understand_v your_o meaning_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o repetition_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v
now_o recommend_v as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o the_o wander_a of_o your_o thought_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n whereof_o you_o can_v not_o be_v guilty_a when_o you_o pray_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n with_o ardent_a desire_n with_o a_o fervent_a mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o that_o zeal_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n kindle_v in_o it_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o prayer_n which_o you_o offer_v when_o you_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o your_o affection_n and_o chafe_v your_o desire_n and_o move_v your_o mind_n into_o a_o warmth_n the_o great_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o listen_v to_o cold_a lukewarm_a devotion_n such_o prayer_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n which_o want_n zeal_n and_o love_n the_o only_a wing_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o thither_o be_v careful_a then_o when_o you_o approach_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n that_o you_o be_v able_a and_o because_o that_o of_o yourself_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o beseech_v the_o divine_a omnipotence_n to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o devotion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v obtain_v beware_v of_o quench_v it_o with_o wilful_a sin_n or_o let_v it_o go_v out_o again_o for_o want_v of_o fuel_n or_o stir_v up_o and_o employ_v it_o and_o there_o want_v no_o motive_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o this_o fervency_n in_o prayer_n when_o you_o consider_v god_n wonderful_a kindness_n and_o carry_v the_o thought_n thereof_o through_o your_o whole_a devotion_n for_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o communicate_v his_o benefit_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a upon_o your_o repentance_n to_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n and_o to_o be_v merciful_a to_o your_o sin_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v good_a inward_a motive_n to_o raise_v your_o heart_n into_o zeal_n when_o you_o lift_v up_o your_o voice_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n either_o in_o his_o house_n or_o your_o own_o and_o first_o when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o join_v in_o public_a prayer_n you_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n to_o show_v your_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n god_n have_v promise_v a_o special_a blessing_n to_o the_o joint_a request_n which_o the_o faithful_a make_v in_o his_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o bestow_v his_o mercy_n and_o set_v mark_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o your_o absence_n from_o the_o public_a prayer_n can_v be_v excuse_v without_o a_o important_a occasion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v wilful_a and_o deliberate_a you_o cut_v yourself_o off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o partake_n of_o those_o prayer_n wherein_o all_o be_v in_o common_a concern_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o yourself_o even_o a_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v never_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n but_o in_o case_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a offence_n the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n be_v also_o requisite_a in_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o your_o family_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o common-prayer_n because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o household_n join_v therein_o and_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n careful_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o office_n and_o to_o see_v nothing_o be_v want_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v under_o his_o government_n for_o the_o family_n be_v heathenish_a where_o god_n be_v not_o worship_v and_o where_o the_o master_n do_v not_o resolve_v with_o joshua_n that_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n josh_n 24.15_o and_o as_o to_o the_o prayer_n you_o make_v apart_o when_o you_o be_v solus_fw-la cum_fw-la solo_fw-la and_o have_v no_o witness_n of_o what_o you_o do_v but_o only_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n yet_o because_o that_o even_o here_o you_o be_v subject_a to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n as_o well_o as_o you_o be_v in_o company_n you_o have_v need_n of_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o attention_n to_o correct_v it_o in_o your_o private_a devotion_n you_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a according_a to_o your_o personal_a necessity_n and_o you_o may_v use_v therein_o a_o great_a freedom_n both_o in_o word_n and_o gesture_n than_o you_o can_v in_o public_a but_o still_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v therein_o require_v as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n principal_o regard_v and_o as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o perform_v all_o these_o sort_n of_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v likewise_o your_o duty_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o attentive_a at_o they_o all_o prayer_n in_o your_o family_n and_o closet_n will_v not_o excuse_v your_o prayer_n at_o church_n all_o be_v require_v all_o be_v necessary_a and_o one_o must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o exchange_n for_o the_o other_o and_o whosoever_o be_v diligent_a in_o public_a prayer_n and_o yet_o negligent_a in_o private_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o rather_o seek_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o man_n than_o to_o god_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o command_v you_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o expect_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o from_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o men._n you_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v that_o prayer_n be_v that_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o have_v also_o be_v tell_v with_o what_o circumspection_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o observe_v that_o though_o prayer_n be_v a_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o body_n have_v its_o share_n and_o part_v therein_o for_o both_o be_v god_n workmanship_n and_o purchase_n both_o aught_o to_o give_v he_o homage_n and_o observance_n now_o the_o observance_n the_o body_n ought_v to_o pay_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n consist_v in_o such_o lowly_a decent_a and_o reverend_a gesture_n as_o may_v testify_v the_o humility_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o soul_n bowing_n prostration_n and_o the_o like_a external_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v a_o particular_a right_a belong_v to_o god_n before_o who_o you_o be_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v for_o he_o be_v your_o maker_n your_o shepherd_n your_o protector_n the_o royal_a author_n of_o the_o 95._o psalm_n do_v affectionate_o call_v upon_o every_o one_o joint_o to_o adore_v worship_n and_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o partner_n and_o witness_n of_o the_o real_a devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o join_v inward_a and_o outward_a reverence_n together_o that_o the_o submissive_a and_o lowly_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v and_o signify_v the_o sincere_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o humble_a external_a bodily_a gesture_n be_v the_o least_o considerable_a thing_n in_o prayer_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o proportion_n to_o the_o necessary_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o moment_n that_o if_o you_o pray_v without_o they_o it_o look_v as_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v or_o know_v what_o a_o weighty_a business_n you_o be_v about_o nor_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n dignity_n or_o of_o your_o own_o vileness_n but_o in_o these_o bodily_a gesture_n you_o be_v careful_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o be_v vain_a fantastical_a and_o superstitious_a and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o decency_n and_o prudence_n and_o your_o gesture_n be_v thus_o conduct_v they_o will_v help_v to_o heighten_v inward_a devotion_n in_o yourself_o and_o be_v a_o happy_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o but_o i_o leave_v the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o particular_a to_o consider_v of_o the_o frequency_n you_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o prayer_n chap._n xii_o of_o frequency_n in_o prayer_n though_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o you_o be_v never_o to_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o text_n in_o scripture_n that_o determine_v how_o often_o you_o be_v to_o use_v it_o the_o inspire_a word_n positive_o command_v you_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o it_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o your_o conscience_n how_o frequent_o you_o be_v to_o do_v it_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v most_o peremptory_a in_o this_o particular_a be_v 1_o thes_n 5.17_o where_o s._n paul_n exhort_v to_o pray_v without_o cease_v by_o which_o text_n you_o be_v certain_o oblige_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o not_o to_o grow_v restive_a in_o prayer_n but_o therein_o to_o be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v it_o be_v a_o homage_n you_o be_v to_o pay_v