scab_n who_o start_v in_o their_o sleep_n as_o if_o they_o have_v get_v bug_n about_o they_o and_o not_o only_o delight_v themselves_o in_o dream_n but_o greedy_o impose_v the_o notion_n of_o their_o pillow_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o disturb_a body_n on_o other_o when_o upon_o a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o may_v just_o attribute_v all_o to_o fancy_n and_o the_o most_o unaccountable_a imagination_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o our_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o now_o less_o precious_a nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v attend_v with_o inferior_a regard_n howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a nor_o must_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o council_n be_v less_o value_v but_o more_o since_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o propagate_a false_a doctrine_n together_o with_o schism_n and_o rebellion_n too_o in_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v mix_v with_o so_o much_o pride_n in_o the_o deliverer_n and_o so_o easy_o work_v upon_o the_o melt_a and_o ductile_a judgement_n of_o the_o hearer_n that_o both_o be_v deceive_v if_o they_o be_v not_o a_o little_a knavish_a and_o when_o matter_n be_v come_v to_o this_o pass_n i_o can_v conclude_v no_o less_o than_o that_o if_o this_o be_v permit_v the_o blind_a will_n still_o lead_v the_o blind_a till_o we_o all_o fall_v together_o into_o the_o ditch_n when_o error_n and_o mistake_n must_v lead_v the_o multitude_n and_o triumphant_o captivate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a which_o every_o where_o be_v the_o great_a number_n but_o give_v i_o leave_v far_o to_o recommend_v one_o consideration_n more_o against_o this_o extempore_o and_o rash_a way_n of_o public_a prayer_n which_o seem_v to_o render_v it_o unworthy_a of_o the_o deity_n as_o much_o as_o unbecoming_a man_n who_o yet_o pretend_v to_o consider_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o this_o and_o that_o be_v because_o when_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o universe_n such_o unconsidered_a and_o unpremeditated_a devotion_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v but_o little_a awe_n and_o dread_n upon_o their_o mind_n of_o that_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o he_o to_o who_o they_o make_v their_o address_n and_o it_o must_v cause_v stranger_n to_o their_o religion_n on_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v either_o do_v not_o regard_v what_o they_o offer_v or_o else_o have_v give_v they_o a_o large_a liberty_n to_o talk_v to_o he_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v without_o danger_n or_o punishment_n to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o god_n he_o will_v then_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o consideration_n and_o inference_n what_o will_v a_o heathen_a say_v in_o this_o case_n but_o that_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o god_n introduce_v religion_n into_o the_o world_n these_o man_n have_v no_o fear_n banish_v religion_n and_o the_o god_n together_o for_o can_v that_o person_n own_o the_o christian_n god_n who_o in_o public_a evidence_n so_o little_a fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o he_o can_v he_o dread_v the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o any_o other_o person_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v who_o value_v not_o what_o he_o say_v to_o he_o neither_o regard_v the_o method_n or_o significancy_n of_o his_o word_n or_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o he_o represent_v his_o mind_n and_o can_v any_o man_n who_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o retire_v and_o consider_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o thought_n about_o he_o conjecture_n or_o be_v positive_a in_o affirm_v that_o any_o dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v make_v due_a impression_n upon_o such_o mind_n which_o determine_v their_o spirit_n to_o their_o own_o tongue_n speak_v sudden_a and_o unpremeditated_a language_n to_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n very_o often_o at_o least_o be_v rash_a and_o unadvised_a not_o fit_a to_o be_v present_v to_o so_o great_a a_o god_n as_o all_o describe_v jehovah_n to_o be_v because_o it_o will_v very_o frequent_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o indecency_n of_o phrase_n unsoundness_n of_o expression_n or_o at_o least_o a_o immethodical_a loose_a composure_n he_o that_o do_v but_o send_v a_o message_n to_o another_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v place_v some_o step_n above_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o regard_v the_o person_n of_o he_o to_o who_o his_o errant_n be_v direct_v and_o to_o mind_v the_o main_a business_n which_o he_o intend_v how_o strange_o be_v he_o concern_v if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o inform_v his_o messenger_n so_o well_o in_o the_o affair_n that_o after_o he_o have_v invent_v the_o most_o apt_a and_o proper_a expression_n he_o can_v think_v on_o that_o may_v comport_v with_o the_o quality_n nay_o the_o very_a humour_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o send_v and_o have_v once_o deliver_v they_o to_o his_o own_o servant_n or_o another_o how_o frequent_o will_v he_o call_v he_o back_o again_o to_o re_fw-mi inform_v he_o that_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o business_n may_v not_o suffer_v diminution_n by_o any_o light_n or_o unbecoming_a word_n that_o the_o messenger_n may_v not_o spoil_v his_o design_n or_o the_o least_o failure_n in_o expression_n or_o behaviour_n obstruct_v a_o compliance_n and_o shall_v mankind_n who_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o secular_a affair_n have_v very_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o utter_v their_o want_n and_o petition_n unto_o the_o great_a god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n from_o who_o also_o we_o receive_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o perpetual_a subsistence_n nay_o when_o we_o be_v beg_v from_o he_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o most_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n to_o we_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o obtain_v we_o be_v ruin_v and_o damn_v to_o all_o eternity_n in_o those_o affair_n that_o we_o manage_v with_o man_n about_o which_o we_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o by_o any_o fail_n or_o unfortunate_a miscarriage_n can_v consist_v only_o in_o a_o prejudice_n to_o our_o estate_n damage_n to_o our_o health_n a_o blot_n to_o our_o reputation_n a_o abatement_n of_o our_o pleasure_n and_o sensual_a satisfaction_n or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v but_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o life_n and_o cut_v the_o thread_n which_o in_o a_o few_o day_n will_v grow_v rot_v and_o break_v all_o which_o thing_n if_o we_o do_v escape_v for_o that_o present_a season_n in_o which_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n we_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a space_n reprieve_v because_o they_o will_v sudden_o perish_v of_o themselves_o when_o the_o fatal_a hour_n snatch_v we_o from_o they_o and_o death_n summon_v we_o to_o the_o great_a tribunal_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o big_a with_o consideration_n in_o the_o managery_n of_o these_o low_a concern_v among_o man_n that_o our_o secular_a wish_n may_v obtain_v their_o end_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o negligent_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n when_o we_o petition_v the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o such_o favour_n which_o be_v so_o important_a to_o we_o that_o if_o we_o fail_v of_o their_o possession_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v as_o certain_o we_o must_v we_o shall_v then_o exchange_v our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n for_o such_o a_o torment_n as_o be_v unexpressible_a and_o yet_o shall_v never_o that_o we_o know_v of_o admit_v of_o a_o end_n or_o relaxation_n certain_o such_o man_n can_v have_v little_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o manage_v their_o address_n to_o this_o supreme_a be_v with_o such_o strange_a rashness_n and_o inconsideration_n especial_o when_o their_o petition_n include_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n and_o be_v offer_v to_o that_o almighty_a power_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v their_o desire_n this_o plain_o argue_v that_o neither_o the_o value_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v much_o esteem_v or_o regard_v by_o they_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v solomon_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n he_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o eccl._n 5.2_o and_o if_o this_o text_n by_o a_o narrow_a and_o subtle_a interpretation_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o vow_n only_o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o prevalent_a in_o prayer_n when_o man_n on_o earth_n speak_v to_o the_o great_a god_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o distance_n will_v be_v still_o the_o same_o betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o contempt_n and_o his_o revenge_n no_o far_o off_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v rash_a in_o this_o
workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v a_o right_a of_o be_v petition_v in_o that_o method_n himself_o have_v appoint_v especial_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o we_o who_o be_v sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n that_o without_o his_o protection_n shall_v be_v scatter_v by_o the_o wind_n and_o blow_v away_o with_o every_o storm_n and_o we_o must_v easy_o if_o we_o be_v not_o too_o obstinate_a be_v excite_v to_o exercise_v due_a affection_n with_o devout_a intention_n and_o a_o awful_a though_o brisk_a fervency_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o when_o we_o be_v not_o guard_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o frail_a and_o weak_a being_n the_o continual_a dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o our_o maker_n who_o be_v the_o great_a preserver_n of_o man_n and_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n which_o he_o demonstrate_v to_o those_o who_o reverent_o adore_v he_o and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n i_o shall_v therefore_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o particular_a by_o give_v some_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o make_v religious_a address_n chap._n iu._n the_o reason_n why_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o supreme_a veneration_n which_o we_o demonstrate_v by_o our_o solemn_a and_o most_o intense_a devotion_n in_o prayer_n can_v be_v due_a to_o none_o but_o to_o he_o who_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n which_o none_o except_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v endow_v with_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n or_o excellency_n seat_v in_o another_o independent_a of_o himself_o god_n will_v then_o be_v finite_a in_o his_o excellency_n something_o be_v suppose_v of_o perfection_n to_o be_v inherent_a in_o another_o which_o be_v not_o in_o himself_o but_o all_o creature_n be_v dependent_a and_o limit_v and_o can_v not_o be_v creature_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o whatever_o ray_n of_o glory_n or_o perfection_n shine_v upon_o and_o adorn_v other_o being_n to_o make_v they_o beautiful_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n be_v emit_v from_o that_o glorious_a sun_n which_o produce_v all_o thing_n and_o rule_v they_o by_o his_o power_n hence_o come_v that_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o pious_a david_n before_o all_o the_o congregation_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o victory_n and_o the_o majesty_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v thou_o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n o_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v as_o head_n above_o all_o both_o riches_n and_o honour_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o reign_v over_o all_o and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v power_n and_o might_n and_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o all_o 1_o chron._n chap._n 29._o v._n 11_o 12._o this_o also_o be_v most_o devout_o acknowledge_v in_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a fast_o of_o the_o jew_n nehem._n 9.6_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v lord_n alone_o thou_o have_v make_v heaven_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o their_o host_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o and_o thou_o preserve_v they_o all_o and_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n worship_v thou_o and_o therefore_o who_o shall_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o lord_n say_v the_o seven_o angel_n and_o glorify_v thy_o name_n for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a because_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v and_o worship_v before_o thou_o for_o thy_o judgement_n be_v make_v manifest_a rev._n 15.4_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n give_v god_n the_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o and_o from_o his_o dominion_n be_v infer_v his_o providence_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n as_o a_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o from_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o self-existent_a sufficiency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o his_o eternal_a be_v because_o among_o the_o god_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o nor_o be_v any_o work_v like_a unto_o he_o therefore_o say_v david_n all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n psal_n 86.8_o 9_o so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n worship_n be_v excellency_n and_o greatness_n and_o this_o be_v original_o and_o independent_o in_o god_n and_o in_o he_o alone_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o none_o to_o other_o but_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o by_o his_o command_n and_o particular_o that_o our_o divine_a acknowledgement_n such_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o our_o prayer_n he_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o consequent_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o devotion_n second_o i_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o from_o the_o first_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o religion_n this_o have_v its_o prime_a relation_n unto_o god_n by_o this_o we_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o according_a to_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n for_o whether_o the_o name_n be_v derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la or_o religando_fw-la according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o isidore_n or_o s._n austin_n it_o must_v still_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n or_o if_o we_o have_v rather_o accept_v of_o tully_n definition_n that_o it_o be_v virtus_fw-la quae_fw-la superiori_fw-la cuidam_fw-la naturae_fw-la cultum_fw-la ceremoniamque_fw-la affert_fw-la a_o virtue_n that_o bring_v worship_n and_o ceremony_n to_o a_o certain_a superior_a nature_n this_o superior_a nature_n determine_v by_o cuidam_fw-la be_v but_o one_o even_o the_o supreme_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v now_o prayer_n be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o i_o know_v religion_n and_o prayer_n too_o be_v term_n of_o a_o equivocal_a significancy_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o have_v many_o distinction_n frame_v concern_v they_o to_o evade_v argument_n rather_o than_o answer_v they_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o confine_v god_n worship_n to_o himself_o when_o i_o treat_v therefore_o of_o religion_n here_o though_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n it_o include_v other_o thing_n i_o intend_v only_o those_o proper_a act_n of_o duty_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o the_o supreme_a be_v flow_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o our_o own_o obligation_n prompt_v we_o to_o or_o impose_v on_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o sacred_a writ_n in_o general_a or_o particular_a injunction_n and_o by_o the_o inference_n that_o reason_n may_v most_o direct_o and_o just_o draw_v from_o it_o and_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o a_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n now_o whatever_o else_o beside_o god_n himself_o share_v in_o this_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o and_o join_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n for_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o admit_v to_o partake_v in_o such_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n become_v a_o copartner_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o universe_n consist_v of_o god_n and_o creature_n what_o ever_o else_o we_o regious_o invocate_v must_v be_v some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_n hand_n and_o then_o we_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o his_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o god_n consequent_o we_o dispose_v the_o creator_n honour_n to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o detract_v from_o the_o architect_n to_o exalt_v his_o build_n a_o affront_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o most_o worthy_a creature_n because_o he_o have_v declare_v against_o and_o forbid_v it_o but_o never_o signify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o either_o by_o his_o public_a command_n or_o permission_n unless_o because_o he_o have_v suffer_v idol_n till_o the_o worshipper_n sin_n be_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n man_n will_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o approve_v it_o and_o dare_v bold_a man_n make_v idol_n to_o themselves_o which_o god_n so_o constant_o forbid_v and_o hate_v or_o take_v other_o into_o partnership_n with_o he_o when_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a jehovah_n such_o a_o lord_n as_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v none_o other_o but_o further_a that_o god_n be_v only_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o religion_n seem_v a_o proposition_n so_o firm_o rivet_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o though_o many_o have_v mistake_v their_o god_n yet_o few_o will_v
may_v not_o pray_v to_o a_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o now_o in_o this_o i_o fear_v many_o may_v fail_v and_o in_o their_o prayer_n make_v a_o idol_n in_o their_o fancy_n when_o yet_o they_o abhor_v one_o that_o be_v sensible_a or_o material_a represent_v to_o their_o bodily_a eye_n for_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o abstraction_n a_o representation_n of_o god_n by_o something_o which_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o our_o sense_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_a join_v of_o many_o of_o these_o object_n together_o but_o this_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o false_a similitude_n which_o we_o just_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o and_o yet_o the_o difference_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o great_a whether_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o god_n in_o prayer_n be_v represent_v to_o our_o external_a sense_n or_o in_o the_o idea_n and_o image_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o frame_v such_o a_o uncouth_a picture_n there_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n inward_a to_o behold_v it_o for_o the_o fault_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v much_o alleviate_v when_o we_o refuse_v to_o frame_v a_o carve_a image_n to_o represent_v he_o to_o who_o we_o pray_v if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o create_v one_o in_o our_o own_o imagination_n and_o then_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o it_o and_o pray_v with_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o intention_n to_o it_o be_v we_o capable_a indeed_o of_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v conceive_v a_o exact_a similitude_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v become_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o our_o privilege_n to_o make_v this_o representation_n of_o he_o to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v become_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o keep_v our_o soul_n and_o mind_n intent_n but_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o this_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n something_o that_o be_v void_a of_o all_o matter_n not_o capable_a of_o part_n or_o such_o quantitative_a extension_n as_o body_n have_v and_o consequent_o we_o can_v frame_v any_o positive_a and_o proportionate_a notion_n of_o he_o all_o together_o as_o we_o can_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v but_o we_o know_v his_o be_v only_o by_o his_o attribute_n which_o we_o can_v consider_v all_o at_o once_o as_o we_o can_v the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n together_o with_o the_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n belong_v that_o god_n be_v may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o what_o manner_n of_o be_v he_o be_v to_o which_o these_o attribute_n be_v fix_v will_n i_o think_v be_v difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v by_o man_n to_o who_o the_o bare_a essence_n of_o thing_n far_o inferior_a be_v so_o latent_fw-la and_o abstruse_a so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v incomprehensible_a for_o we_o find_v that_o when_o we_o retire_v within_o ourselves_o and_o shut_v up_o our_o soul_n never_o so_o much_o from_o any_o communication_n with_o exterior_a object_n though_o we_o can_v frame_v proposition_n and_o discourse_n concern_v spirit_n yet_o we_o can_v have_v no_o representation_n of_o they_o or_o figure_n of_o proportion_n as_o we_o can_v make_v of_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n though_o they_o be_v at_o present_a at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o or_o shut_v out_o from_o our_o view_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n or_o a_o closure_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o say_v truth_n can_v a_o spirit_n be_v draw_v by_o we_o under_o a_o similitude_n it_o must_v put_v off_o its_o nature_n and_o become_v material_a whilst_o we_o draw_v a_o image_n of_o it_o &_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o our_o external_a sense_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n confute_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o samaritan_n who_o as_o mr._n mede_n have_v evidence_v worship_v god_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o plain_o tell_v the_o woman_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o because_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o direct_v their_o intention_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o resemblance_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o their_o devotion_n when_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o his_o service_n ought_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o under_o that_o notion_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o not_o by_o any_o corporal_a representation_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o draw_v lineament_n and_o proportion_n of_o god_n by_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n when_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o himself_o nor_o as_o christ_n say_v have_v any_o man_n see_v the_o father_n 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o frame_v a_o positive_a idea_n or_o any_o adequate_a representation_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n because_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o of_o finite_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v finite_a can_v frame_v or_o receive_v a_o idea_n that_o be_v infinite_a for_o what_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o be_v limit_v or_o circumscribe_v than_o a_o infinite_a space_n can_v be_v measure_v or_o draw_v into_o the_o number_n of_o proportion_n and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v because_o whatever_o a_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o must_v either_o single_o be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o else_o by_o the_o reduplication_n of_o a_o short_a measure_n we_o must_v at_o last_o sum_n up_o its_o part_n and_o proportion_n into_o one_o entire_a dimension_n in_o breadth_n depth_n and_o length_n but_o what_o infinite_a measure_n can_v we_o find_v out_o that_o shall_v stretch_v itself_o parallel_a to_o what_o be_v altogether_o infinite_a since_o what_o be_v so_o have_v no_o end_n or_o what_o number_n of_o measure_n can_v possible_o reach_v it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v run_v over_o it_o have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v call_v infinite_a if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o one_o infinite_a can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o another_o and_o no_o penetration_n yet_o admit_v then_o one_o must_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o and_o then_o neither_o can_v be_v account_v infinite_a because_o one_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o other_o if_o a_o penetration_n through_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v both_o infinite_n will_v be_v but_o one_o and_o consequent_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o measure_n must_v perish_v so_o that_o for_o a_o finite_a be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a essence_n or_o to_o frame_v a_o idea_n or_o a_o adequate_a representation_n of_o he_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o grasp_v the_o globe_n of_o earth_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n to_o carry_v the_o great_a mountain_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n when_o he_o have_v tear_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o ocean_n at_o one_o draught_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o difficult_a there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v finite_a but_o between_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a none_o at_o all_o when_o we_o can_v contain_v the_o sea_n and_o rivers_n in_o a_o empty-eggshel_a shoot_v the_o fix_a star_n down_o from_o heaven_n take_v a_o leap_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o moon_n make_v the_o least_o vessel_n to_o hold_v all_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v more_o impossible_a then_o may_v we_o attempt_v though_o we_o shall_v not_o accomplish_v it_o to_o frame_v a_o notion_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o his_o infinite_a be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o a_o notional_a idol_n whilst_o we_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v a_o substantial_a one_o yet_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o our_o invocation_n of_o god_n to_o frame_v similitude_n and_o representation_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o religious_a address_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o here_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o inform_v you_o what_o as_o i_o conceive_v ought_v to_o be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a and_o supreme_a god_n to_o who_o they_o pray_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v rational_o and_o also_o pious_o direct_v in_o this_o important_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o life_n to_o effect_v this_o it_o must_v be_v remark_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n contain_v within_o himself_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v include_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o his_o own_o declaration_n have_v
as_o may_v consist_v with_o perspicuity_n how_o can_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o quick_a man_n subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n in_o their_o body_n that_o must_v and_o will_v many_o time_n cloud_n their_o mind_n shall_v upon_o a_o sudden_a without_o a_o previous_a and_o exact_a consideration_n word_n their_o own_o and_o the_o common_a desire_n of_o other_o man_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o method_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n invent_v digest_v and_o reduce_v both_o their_o matter_n and_o expression_n into_o a_o well_o study_v and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o adventure_n to_o pray_v extempore_o in_o a_o public_a audience_n be_v so_o selfish_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o petition_n and_o oftentimes_o so_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o expression_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v amen_o to_o several_a thing_n petition_v for_o if_o they_o at_o all_o use_n their_o understanding_n and_o do_v not_o implicit_o join_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gift_a person_n but_o you_o will_v find_v more_o of_o this_o in_o a_o place_n of_o this_o discourse_n more_o particular_o reserve_v for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o matter_n and_o word_n may_v present_v themselves_o on_o a_o sudden_a for_o private_a and_o more_o brief_a ejaculation_n or_o intermix_v themselves_o in_o our_o single_a devotion_n beyond_o the_o form_n which_o we_o may_v general_o use_v either_o through_o the_o great_a enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o upon_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a necessity_n or_o by_o recollect_v in_o our_o memory_n something_o that_o be_v either_o before_o omit_v or_o our_o form_n do_v not_o direct_o enough_o or_o in_o particular_n express_v but_o in_o public_a where_o petition_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o general_a that_o all_o present_a may_v say_v amen_o and_o by_o this_o signify_v their_o assent_n and_o wish_n it_o be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a too_o that_o man_n shall_v have_v some_o time_n to_o judge_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o their_o behalf_n before_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o otherwise_o they_o pray_v not_o with_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o ought_v to_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v their_o affection_n and_o not_o permit_v the_o passion_n to_o sally_v forth_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n now_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v without_o a_o form_n which_o those_o that_o join_v in_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o however_o methinks_v to_o we_o christian_n there_o be_v several_a argument_n to_o be_v take_v from_o universal_a pratice_fw-la in_o former_a age_n and_o reason_n also_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o affair_n and_o to_o recommend_v this_o method_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o almighty_a god_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o benediction_n wherein_o also_o prayer_n be_v include_v be_v so_o evident_a that_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o one_o religion_n supersede_v and_o evacuate_v the_o other_o under_o the_o law_n we_o find_v the_o prescription_n of_o a_o form_n by_o god_n himself_o wherewith_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n by_o invocate_a and_o wish_v that_o god_n blessing_n may_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o authoritative_a instrument_n in_o this_o method_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o they_o numb_a 6._o 22_o 23_o etc._n etc._n nay_o there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n make_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o same_o god_n for_o those_o to_o rehearse_v who_o have_v pay_v their_o tithe_n every_o three_o year_n as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v both_o the_o form_n and_o the_o command_n to_o use_v it_o deut._n 26._o from_o v._o 12._o onward_o what_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n but_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n deliver_v to_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o several_a quire_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o sing_v together_o by_o course_n in_o praise_v and_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n because_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o ezra_n 3.10_o 11._o nay_o and_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o wonder_n these_o very_a psalm_n translate_v into_o english_a metre_n be_v yet_o sing_v in_o those_o dissent_v congregation_n who_o refuse_v otherwise_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n by_o a_o form_n but_o to_o leave_v the_o form_n prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o according_o practise_v because_o according_a to_o some_o man_n of_o quick_a invention_n and_o volubility_n of_o language_n they_o be_v a_o carnal_a and_o a_o heavy_a people_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o in_o a_o dull_a and_o formal_a way_n yet_o unless_o the_o opposer_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o account_v they_o dull_a and_o carnal_a we_o shall_v find_v form_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o only_o compose_v but_o enjoin_v too_o none_o sure_o can_v be_v unacquainted_a that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v and_o give_v they_o a_o form_n not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o for_o use_v man_n do_v not_o i_o hope_v so_o learn_v christ_n it_o be_v true_a s._n matthew_n deliver_v the_o command_n after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o pay_v you_o mat._n 6.9_o yet_o s._n luke_n record_v the_o same_o prayer_n when_o in_o another_o year_n and_o on_o another_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n deliver_v it_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o our_o lord_n prescription_n in_o these_o word_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_o 11.1_o yet_o this_o difference_n can_v only_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o all_o our_o composure_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o we_o enlarge_v the_o word_n of_o our_o petition_n suitable_a to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v have_v regard_n and_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o this_o pattern_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v use_v also_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o use_v and_o such_o a_o method_n we_o find_v follow_v by_o the_o church_n till_o the_o vanity_n of_o some_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o they_o may_v be_v account_v more_o fanciful_a than_o the_o age_a design_v to_o suit_n their_o expression_n and_o tone_n to_o captivate_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o multitude_n for_o end_n at_o first_o best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o since_o with_o a_o vengeance_n declare_v to_o other_o though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o offer_v unto_o god_n fancy_n for_o devotion_n and_o out_o of_o their_o pretend_a wisdom_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o i_o pray_v god_n there_o be_v no_o knavery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v also_o intend_v to_o the_o people_n second_o i_o argue_v for_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a because_o the_o minister_n than_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o utter_v all_o by_o their_o consent_n and_o to_o pray_v in_o their_o name_n testify_v their_o unity_n of_o affection_n by_o their_o consent_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o so_o prevail_v with_o the_o great_a god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o if_o but_o two_o shall_v agree_v together_o on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o by_o the_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.19_o unity_n of_o affection_n and_o consent_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o render_v our_o public_a devotion_n so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o give_v they_o strength_n and_o virtue_n cause_v our_o prayer_n to_o ascend_v as_o incense_v and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v as_o a_o evening_n sacrifice_n now_o there_o can_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v this_o consent_n and_o unity_n of_o affection_n in_o prayer_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n that_o all_o let_v they_o come_v whence_o they_o will_v into_o any_o public_a place_n of_o devotion_n where_o a_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v to_o offer_v their_o joint_a prayer_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o frequent_v the_o church_n be_v before_o acquaint_v with_o the_o service_n and_o prayer_n which_o all_o there_o make_v to_o god_n they_o may_v unite_v themselves_o immediate_o to_o
that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v matth._n 7.7_o 8._o furthermore_o he_o confirm_v this_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o promise_n to_o use_v his_o utmost_a interest_n in_o it_o and_o his_o mediatory_a authority_n to_o bestow_v what_o we_o lawful_o pray_v for_o and_o certain_o in_o this_o state_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v full_o depend_v upon_o his_o intercession_n and_o ability_n because_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n see_v therefore_o what_o he_o engage_v for_o john_n 14.13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v and_o double_v the_o promise_n for_o the_o great_a assurance_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o repeat_v it_o with_o a_o double_a asseveration_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_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 you_o joh._n 16.23_o 24_o and_o 27._o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o prevent_v or_o scatter_v all_o those_o fear_n that_o like_o a_o cloud_n hang_v over_o his_o disciple_n head_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n they_o may_v have_v of_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o send_v the_o comforter_n to_o they_o but_o assure_v they_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o when_o in_o any_o strait_n and_o exigency_n of_o affair_n they_o shall_v through_o he_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n they_o shall_v have_v ready_a audience_n and_o a_o quick_a return_n make_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o ask_v and_o they_o shall_v receive_v that_o their_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a and_o give_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o petition_n and_o embolden_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o father_n himself_o have_v a_o great_a kindness_n for_o all_o those_o who_o evidence_n their_o affection_n to_o the_o son_n of_o his_o bosom_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o soon_o shall_v the_o earth_n be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o heaven_n melt_v than_o such_o promise_n so_o powerful_o confirm_v fail_v of_o their_o accomplishment_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n possible_o distrust_v they_o when_o he_o be_v himself_o that_o conclude_v god_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o immutable_a and_o do_v not_o think_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o great_a impostor_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o god_n have_v hear_v man_n prayer_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v ask_v even_o when_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v beforehand_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o therefore_o although_o he_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o utter_v and_o make_v they_o public_a by_o open_a address_n yet_o as_o his_o command_n for_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o audience_n take_v off_o that_o objection_n so_o if_o his_o determination_n have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v alter_v upon_o man_n devout_a prayer_n and_o humble_a supplication_n it_o do_v not_o only_o prove_v some_o decree_n conditional_a but_o sufficient_o baffle_v all_o discouragement_n to_o prayer_n which_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o any_o uncouth_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o man_n concern_v absolute_a and_o irrespective_a determination_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o being_n here_o on_o earth_n which_o in_o their_o consequence_n render_v prayer_n useless_a and_o justify_v what_o they_o call_v persecution_n since_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o shall_v follow_v or_o at_o least_o submit_v to_o providence_n if_o they_o state_n it_o right_o as_o well_o in_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_n misfortune_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v in_o their_o glory_n and_o in_o their_o triumph_n but_o though_o god_n providence_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o like_o a_o wise_a governor_n he_o superintend_v the_o world_n yet_o since_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o he_o and_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n his_o apparent_a command_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n for_o our_o practice_n and_o not_o his_o obscure_a and_o hide_a decree_n which_o mystical_a and_o pretend_v person_n who_o confident_o assume_v the_o monopoly_n of_o dream_n will_v fain_o have_v authority_n to_o soothsay_v upon_o that_o they_o may_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o yet_o these_o will_v willing_o when_o it_o may_v be_v propitious_a to_o their_o design_n resolve_v all_o their_o villainy_n into_o they_o but_o what_o a_o strange_a confusion_n will_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n although_o sincerity_n do_v attend_v opinion_n if_o subject_n shall_v proportion_v their_o action_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o uncertain_a conjecture_n they_o have_v of_o the_o intentention_n and_o design_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o not_o guide_v themselves_o by_o his_o know_a law_n the_o law_n will_v then_o no_o long_o be_v his_o but_o their_o own_o and_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a though_o frightful_a prevision_n they_o will_v rebel_v either_o by_o nature_n or_o instinct_n and_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n whilst_o they_o grave_o make_v providence_n their_o leader_n such_o will_v our_o deportment_n be_v towards_o god_n shall_v we_o measure_v our_o duty_n by_o god_n decree_n which_o we_o can_v never_o know_v and_o leave_v his_o write_a law_n manifest_v in_o his_o word_n by_o which_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o certain_o man_n who_o make_v providence_n to_o be_v their_o conductor_n in_o these_o affair_n though_o they_o have_v be_v in_o earnest_n yet_o now_o be_v but_o in_o jest_n with_o we_o since_o it_o seem_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o which_o they_o say_v they_o groan_v under_o and_o cry_v out_o on_o persecution_n from_o those_o who_o have_v gain_v the_o whip_n hand_n exercise_v it_o very_o gentle_o upon_o they_o nor_o will_v i_o have_v it_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n too_o severe_a upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o way_n intolerable_a on_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o true_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o a_o little_a patience_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o take_v country_n air_n to_o preserve_v their_o own_o health_n when_o they_o make_v other_o sick_a in_o the_o town_n by_o stay_v but_o however_o it_o fare_v with_o particular_a contriver_n that_o follow_v providence_n whilst_o it_o comport_v with_o their_o own_o interest_n yet_o certain_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o mystical_a conclusion_n of_o any_o enthusiastical_a man_n who_o fancy_n may_v blow_v they_o up_o to_o the_o conceit_n and_o for_o aught_o some_o other_o know_v to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o a_o inspiration_n providence_n which_o be_v always_o dark_a and_o full_a of_o riddle_n be_v never_o design_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o man_n life_n because_o from_o this_o be_v frequent_o deduce_v opposite_a and_o quite_o contrary_a conclusion_n alas_o man_n who_o when_o blow_v up_o like_o a_o bladder_n be_v no_o more_o though_o when_o break_v they_o may_v make_v a_o loud_a crack_n can_v see_v through_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n nor_o discern_v the_o council_n of_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n nor_o read_v the_o decree_n or_o record_v above_o that_o according_o they_o may_v act_v here_o on_o earth_n mortal_a man_n in_o this_o variable_a state_n below_o be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o any_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n whatever_o illumination_n they_o may_v pretend_v it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n within_o they_o isai_n 8.20_o and_o very_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v if_o our_o maker_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o design_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o that_o i_o may_v affirm_v without_o any_o dangerous_a opposition_n that_o his_o secret_a will_n do_v not_o contradict_v his_o reveal_v notwithstanding_o the_o boldness_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n or_o as_o the_o symbol_n and_o infallible_a test_n of_o one_o party_n renounce_v all_o symbolical_a ceremony_n have_v thus_o too_o large_o prefaced_a that_o which_o i_o promise_v to_o prove_v which_o i_o strive_v to_o check_v my_o pen_n in_o but_o my_o understanding_n will_v dictate_v to_o my_o will_n and_o both_o must_v unavoidable_o guide_v my_o hand_n i_o come_v now_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n where_o prayer_n have_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v petition_n when_o yet_o he_o have_v seem_v to_o have_v determine_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o fetch_v too_o large_a a_o compass_n but_o name_v a_o few_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o israelite_n when_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n on_o the_o mount_n beyond_o their_o expectation_n they_o have_v cause_v a_o melt_a
he_o have_v a_o brow_n of_o brass_n may_v say_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v not_o or_o else_o never_o look_v into_o their_o allow_a breviary_n or_o their_o common_a and_o establish_a mass-book_n that_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o what_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o i_o must_v instance_n in_o a_o few_o particular_n in_o which_o prayer_n be_v make_v to_o glorify_a creature_n and_o to_o some_o inanimate_a thing_n too_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n since_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o that_o religion_n be_v so_o bold_a and_o apparent_o wicked_a that_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o will_v affirm_v it_o be_v dark_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o light_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o nothing_o almost_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n of_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n if_o they_o take_v also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o probable_a opinion_n in_o to_o their_o assistance_n can_v be_v propound_v but_o they_o may_v either_o affirm_v or_o deny_v as_o it_o make_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o church_n nay_o they_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o bellarmin_n to_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n if_o the_o pope_n so_o conclude_v either_o but_o yet_o my_o present_a charge_n be_v so_o apparent_o true_a that_o all_o must_v own_v it_o to_o any_o that_o have_v knowledge_n of_o their_o public_a service_n whatever_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n reply_n to_o the_o ignorant_a that_o receive_v the_o charge_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o for_o in_o their_o commune_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la there_o be_v a_o hymn_n consist_v both_o of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o which_o we_o find_v these_o expression_n vos_fw-fr saecli_fw-la justi_fw-la judices_fw-la etc._n etc._n speak_v to_o the_o apostle_n they_o say_v o_o you_o just_a judge_n and_o light_n of_o the_o world_n we_o beseech_v you_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o your_o supplicant_n you_o that_o shut_v the_o heaven_n with_o a_o word_n and_o unlock_v they_o again_o lose_v we_o we_o pray_v you_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n by_o your_o command_n you_o to_o who_o authority_n be_v subject_a both_o the_o health_n and_o misery_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n in_o their_o office_n to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n you_o have_v these_o expression_n o_o marry_o mother_n of_o grace_n mother_n of_o mercy_n protect_v we_o from_o the_o enemy_n and_o receive_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o let_v the_o virgin_n mary_n together_o with_o her_o offspring_n bestow_v her_o blessing_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v instance_n yet_o in_o one_o more_o although_o many_o know_v i_o may_v translate_v a_o multitude_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n into_o this_o discourse_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o service_n relate_v to_o one_o who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a sect_n that_o ever_o infest_a the_o christian_a world_n in_o comparison_n to_o many_o of_o who_o the_o gnostic_n be_v saint_n the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n be_v of_o a_o religious_a order_n the_o great_a turk_n become_v a_o christian_n and_o the_o wild_a fanatic_a be_v temperate_a and_o mild_a i_o mean_v ignatius_n loyola_n who_o found_v the_o first_o society_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v the_o council_n of_o prince_n and_o carry_v on_o mischievous_a design_n against_o we_o as_o well_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o top_n as_o those_o that_o remain_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o ladder_n in_o the_o service_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o festival_n there_o be_v this_o prayer_n or_o collect_v on_o the_o one_o and_o thirty_o day_n of_o july_n o_o god_n who_o for_o the_o great_a propagation_n of_o thy_o glory_n have_v strengthen_v thy_o church_n militant_a proper_o so_o indeed_o under_o the_o command_n of_o a_o jesuit_n with_o a_o new_a aid_n by_o bless_a ignatius_n grant_v that_o we_o who_o strive_v or_o fight_v on_o earth_n by_o the_o imitation_n and_o help_n of_o he_o may_v deserve_v with_o he_o to_o be_v crown_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o if_o they_o all_o deserve_v the_o same_o lot_n may_v they_o together_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v as_o troublesome_a to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o this_o but_o i_o will_v no_o long_o employ_v myself_o in_o translate_n their_o prayer_n many_o instance_n of_o their_o petition_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n have_v be_v expose_v to_o view_v in_o most_o book_n that_o have_v be_v by_o protestant_n write_v against_o they_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o those_o who_o use_v such_o prayer_n understand_v they_o better_o because_o they_o will_v then_o more_o easy_o see_v how_o poison_n be_v wrap_v in_o gild_a pill_n why_o shall_v i_o relate_v the_o attribute_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o great_a as_o to_o he_o who_o suffer_v on_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o method_n to_o shift_v their_o blasphemy_n but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o they_o translate_v their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n too_o from_o the_o cross_n to_o he_o who_o die_v upon_o it_o and_o though_o i_o love_v not_o to_o pursue_v a_o lion_n to_o his_o den_n for_o fear_v that_o be_v weary_a he_o may_v be_v hungry_a too_o and_o take_v some_o opportunity_n to_o rend_v and_o devour_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a expression_n from_o a_o protestant_n mouth_n that_o which_o must_v needs_o grate_v upon_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v only_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n sancta_fw-la crux_fw-la or_o a_o pro_fw-la nobis_fw-la holy_a cross_n pray_v for_o we_o and_o ave_fw-la crux_fw-la spes_fw-la unica_fw-la hail_v cross_v our_o only_a hope_n will_v be_v word_n that_o to_o we_o will_v not_o only_o seem_v ridiculous_a but_o abominable_a and_o if_o at_o all_o consider_v to_o any_o that_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o he_o who_o suffer_v and_o dye_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o be_v thing_n as_o common_a with_o the_o papist_n as_o whine_v and_o another_o sort_n of_o nonsense_n be_v among_o some_o separatist_n that_o pretend_v to_o set_v themselves_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o nay_o any_o may_v see_v if_o they_o have_v skill_n and_o leisure_n to_o peruse_v it_o in_o a_o office_n of_o or_o relate_v to_o the_o holy_a cross_n print_v at_o paris_n 1664._o by_o public_a authority_n such_o strange_a expression_n as_o these_o be_v after_o it_o have_v begin_v with_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o free_a man_n from_o their_o enemy_n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o thousand_o time_n upon_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v quit_v from_o those_o that_o be_v so_o devout_a to_o it_o we_o find_v afterward_o these_o expression_n o_o crux_fw-la venerabilis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o may_v edify_v in_o latin_a but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o they_o sound_v harsh_a in_o english_a and_o good_a or_o bad_a thus_o they_o run_v o_o venerable_a cross_n who_o have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o we_o miserable_a with_o what_o praise_n shall_v i_o extol_v thou_o because_o thou_o have_v prepare_v heavenly_a life_n for_o we_o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o another_o hymn_n the_o style_n though_o a_o new_a one_o be_v in_o these_o word_n o_o victory_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o admirable_a sign_n make_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o the_o celestial_a court_n or_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o ungrateful_a task_n to_o i_o thus_o to_o transcribe_v the_o most_o abominable_a popish_a prayer_n and_o as_o unpleasant_a as_o it_o can_v be_v to_o protestant_n to_o read_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o fill_v these_o paper_n with_o those_o particular_a address_n which_o many_o of_o they_o make_v to_o individual_a saint_n as_o they_o account_v they_o who_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n for_o particular_a thing_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o single_o to_o bestow_v whilst_o they_o appropriate_v one_o faculty_n to_o one_o and_o a_o second_o to_o another_o whilst_o they_o constitute_v a_o first_o to_o be_v a_o patron_n to_o their_o horse_n another_o to_o their_o sheep_n a_o three_o to_o their_o hog_n and_o another_o to_o keep_v off_o some_o disease_n from_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o cure_v it_o and_o so_o they_o make_v they_o groom_n or_o farrier_n or_o swiniard_n or_o shepherd_n or_o physician_n or_o mountebank_n or_o what_o they_o please_v for_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o rake_v in_o such_o a_o dunghill_n in_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o barley-corn_n nor_o jewel_n
those_o to_o who_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o civil_a respect_n to_o be_v just_a and_o due_a this_o be_v only_o a_o estimation_n express_v by_o outward_a sign_n and_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o their_o being_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o however_o man_n of_o contrary_a persuasion_n especial_o the_o romanist_n who_o pretend_v to_o proportion_v their_o practice_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v save_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n by_o state_v curious_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n yet_o they_o can_v free_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a from_o error_n and_o presumption_n from_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o will-worship_n when_o they_o pay_v such_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o creature_n in_o glory_n as_o approach_v so_o near_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o betwixt_o it_o and_o idolatry_n there_o hang_v no_o more_o than_o a_o small_a cobweb_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o thin_a distinction_n but_o we_o dare_v not_o constitute_v mediator_n of_o our_o own_o when_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o for_o we_o one_o even_a as_o god_n be_v so_o and_o consequent_o must_v exclude_v other_o there_o be_v one_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o nor_o will_v any_o distinction_n here_o serve_v because_o our_o mediator_n intercede_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mediator_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n more_o must_v have_v shed_v their_o blood_n on_o earth_n we_o desire_v indeed_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n live_v among_o ourselves_o as_o s._n paul_n do_v when_o he_o beseech_v the_o brethren_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o we_o do_v not_o invocate_v they_o by_o act_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o beg_v this_o charitable_a office_n from_o they_o not_o do_v we_o entrench_v upon_o the_o great_a intercessor_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n when_o we_o desire_v these_o intercession_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o only_o that_o the_o incense_n of_o other_o man_n prayer_n ascend_v through_o the_o sky_n to_o the_o supreme_a palace_n of_o the_o most_o high_a may_v be_v present_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n resident_a there_o not_o only_o as_o a_o token_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o victory_n whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o reassume_v the_o right_n belong_v to_o his_o god_n head_n but_o on_o purpose_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v receive_v notice_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o we_o know_v how_o to_o signify_v our_o want_n to_o they_o and_o present_v our_o grievance_n to_o their_o apprehension_n as_o we_o do_v to_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o we_o here_o it_o be_v then_o probable_a that_o many_o man_n will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v that_o their_o desire_n to_o they_o though_o not_o by_o a_o religious_a act_n of_o prayer_n which_o now_o they_o conjecture_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a because_o their_o own_o necessity_n themselves_o be_v not_o yet_o complete_o glorify_v may_v incline_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o man_n who_o they_o leave_v in_o this_o low_a world_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o fulfil_n the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o the_o hasten_v that_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v be_v complete_v hereafter_o that_o all_o partake_n in_o a_o glorious_a translation_n or_o resurrection_n they_o themselves_o may_v have_v the_o compleatment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o now_o desire_v but_o shall_v not_o full_o possess_v till_o the_o reunion_n of_o their_o body_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o death_n yet_o keep_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o soul_n now_o in_o heaven_n can_v but_o be_v advance_v and_o extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a unless_o we_o suppose_v their_o understanding_n and_o memory_n to_o die_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v now_o so_o mindful_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n in_o general_a that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o a_o miserable_a world_n as_o to_o exert_v some_o act_n in_o common_a that_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o prayer_n for_o we_o so_o can_v man_n who_o be_v yet_o resident_a on_o the_o earth_n know_v any_o method_n of_o signify_v their_o particular_a desire_n to_o they_o they_o may_v perhaps_o insert_v they_o in_o their_o wish_n and_o make_v such_o petition_n their_o own_o for_o if_o the_o rich_a glutton_n in_o hell_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o brethren_n danger_n as_o to_o beg_v abraham_n to_o send_v lazarus_n to_o they_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o future_a torment_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v much_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n to_o carry_v away_o with_o they_o such_o notice_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o hazard_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o enlarge_a charity_n may_v cause_v they_o in_o general_a to_o petition_v for_o their_o relief_n but_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o saint_n above_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a accident_n in_o this_o world_n which_o now_o happen_v since_o their_o departure_n nor_o do_v bellarmine_n make_v a_o look_a glass_n of_o his_o maker_n at_o all_o help_n the_o contrary_a assertion_n the_o view_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n tanquam_fw-la in_o speculo_fw-la be_v as_o unintelligible_a by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v invisible_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o something_n which_o happen_v here_o and_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n luke_o 15.10_o but_o that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n to_o saint_n depart_v we_o have_v no_o evidence_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v assert_v in_o sacred_a writ_n for_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n acknowledge_v we_o not_o isa_n 63.16_o and_o therefore_o nesciunt_fw-la mortui_fw-la etiam_fw-la sancti_fw-la quid_fw-la agunt_fw-la vivi_fw-la etiam_fw-la eorum_fw-la silij_fw-la say_v s._n austin_n in_o curâ_fw-la pro_fw-la mortuis_fw-la the_o saint_n that_o be_v dead_a know_v not_o what_o the_o live_a do_v nay_o their_o very_a child_n in_o vain_a therefore_o will_v it_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n and_o religious_a invocation_n to_o desire_v any_o help_n from_o those_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o want_n nor_o any_o where_o appoint_v to_o convey_v blessing_n to_o we_o nay_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o know_v all_o our_o particular_a need_n as_o they_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o implore_v their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n especial_o with_o such_o solemnity_n and_o devotion_n as_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n because_o god_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v direction_n for_o the_o substantial_o and_o essential_a method_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v no_o where_o command_v such_o circular_a prayer_n that_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o we_o be_v direct_v only_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o answer_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n say_v christ_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o john_n 16.23_o and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n plain_o exhort_v that_o since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.6_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o similitude_n from_o court_n below_o to_o teach_v we_o method_n of_o address_n to_o he_o by_o who_o prince_n reign_v or_o if_o there_o be_v what_o man_n that_o may_v himself_o present_v his_o petition_n to_o a_o earthly_a king_n and_o discourse_v his_o affair_n free_o with_o he_o will_v use_v the_o mediation_n of_o a_o master_n of_o request_n especial_o if_o the_o king_n himself_o have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o this_o business_n to_o his_o son_n we_o need_v not_o argue_v ourselves_o to_o reverence_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o distance_n and_o disproportion_n betwixt_o he_o and_o ourselves_o that_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n and_o we_o the_o
that_o have_v be_v due_o educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o gaudy_a luxuriance_n of_o a_o orator_n not_o welt_a with_o metaphor_n nor_o darken_v by_o any_o figurative_a allusion_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o naked_a as_o truth_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o as_o plain_a and_o open_a as_o innocence_n itself_o this_o must_v not_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o oracle_n in_o word_n that_o may_v beguile_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o the_o question_n of_o the_o inquirer_n be_v otherwise_o let_v the_o language_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n amuse_v only_o but_o not_o edify_v the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o person_n who_o do_v not_o apprehend_v it_o rational_o pronounce_v amen_n to_o it_o because_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a which_o man_n will_v not_o do_v in_o other_o case_n nay_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v to_o that_o which_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o such_o prayer_n s._n paul_n both_o redargues_fw-la and_o condemn_v 1_o cor._n 14._o second_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a not_o intermix_v with_o the_o levities_n of_o a_o stage_n as_o if_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v to_o be_v theatrical_a in_o prayer_n and_o a_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o raree_o show_v in_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o turn_v our_o devotion_n into_o a_o cant_a burlesque_fw-la nor_o cause_v the_o weighty_a conception_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v breathe_v forth_o in_o air_n and_o fancy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v court_v a_o mistress_n or_o a_o common_a hall_n but_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v wise_a and_o grave_a the_o business_n of_o thought_n and_o careful_a premeditation_n and_o our_o word_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o weight_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n beg_v by_o a_o romance_n and_o to_o adorn_v his_o rag_n with_o joques_fw-la or_o flower_n this_o better_a proclaim_v his_o madness_n than_o his_o want_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o a_o person_n come_v to_o beg_v a_o alm_n and_o yet_o rant_v aâ—_n and_o tear_n his_o benefactor_n who_o shall_v be_v stow_v it_o this_o may_v be_v expect_v at_o bethlem_n only_o but_o not_o in_o a_o church_n certain_o therefore_o it_o must_v startle_v and_o amaze_v we_o to_o see_v and_o hear_v bold_a man_n thuâ—_n act_v towards_o god_n almighty_a himself_o to_o find_v person_n rave_v in_o their_o prayerâ—_n as_o if_o they_o will_v hector_n the_o greâ—â—_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o scaâ—â—_n he_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o â—_z by_o a_o loud_a noise_n bold_a word_n 〈◊〉_d too_o confident_a importunity_n woulâ—_n make_v a_o rational_a and_o wise_a man_n woâ—der_n where_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o trade_n or_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n ridiculous_o groan_v and_o yelp_a out_o his_o prayer_n in_o tone_n unbecoming_a solemnity_n make_v grimace_n and_o wry_a face_n as_o he_o have_v the_o gripe_n in_o his_o belly_n 〈◊〉_d will_v think_v he_o walk_v the_o field_n oâ—ten_o and_o have_v take_v note_n from_o the_o very_a cripple_n nay_o to_o a_o strange_a that_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v both_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o consideration_n to_o guess_v which_o be_v the_o inventor_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o he_o will_v conclude_v both_o to_o be_v artificial_a but_o neither_o to_o be_v fit_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n almighty_n nay_o though_o we_o pray_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o promise_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v die_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o urge_v god_n gracious_a and_o free_a promise_n in_o such_o dare_a and_o strange_a language_n as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v his_o kindness_n to_o make_v they_o or_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o he_o can_v not_o suspend_v the_o favour_n that_o we_o petition_n for_o destroy_v that_o free_a grace_n which_o at_o other_o time_n we_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o little_a or_o no_o duty_n to_o perform_v as_o if_o god_n must_v present_o be_v unjust_a to_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o when_o we_o please_v answer_v our_o petition_n and_o give_v we_o our_o reward_n strange_a that_o man_n in_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n shall_v no_o better_o consider_v their_o distance_n and_o dependence_n but_o assume_v to_o themselves_o such_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n as_o if_o they_o be_v either_o his_o equal_n or_o superior_n thus_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a cloth_n themselves_o with_o shame_n but_o shall_v the_o potsherd_n fly_v at_o the_o potter_n head_n or_o dust_n and_o ash_n endeavour_v to_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a heaven_n shall_v we_o do_v thus_o who_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n who_o one_o word_n from_o he_o to_o who_o we_o thus_o rude_o address_v can_v sentence_v to_o a_o everlasting_a silence_n and_o make_v the_o shade_n below_o our_o habitation_n nay_o shall_v he_o that_o can_v cast_v our_o body_n into_o a_o grave_n and_o our_o soul_n into_o most_o horrid_a darkness_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o both_o at_o last_o into_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o shall_v he_o be_v address_v to_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o be_v his_o familiar_a acquaintance_n certain_o the_o most_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n prayer_n seem_v to_o make_v he_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o argue_v with_o such_o rude_a and_o careless_a man_n mal._n 1.6_o a_o son_n say_v he_o honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o i_o be_v then_o a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n unto_o you_o o_o priest_n that_o despise_v my_o name_n and_o yet_o say_v wherein_o have_v we_o despise_v it_o the_o psalmist_n give_v excellent_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n nay_o our_o very_a rejoice_v must_v be_v with_o reverence_n psal_n 2.11_o and_o if_o the_o great_a king_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o david_n there_o speak_v must_v thus_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a much_o more_o ought_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a allay_n to_o be_v admonish_v not_o to_o be_v malepert_a with_o their_o maker_n lest_o instead_o of_o favour_n they_o receive_v vengeance_n and_o he_o give_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o a_o speech_n of_o hailstone_n and_o coal_n of_o fire_n let_v man_n therefore_o use_v such_o expression_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n as_o may_v evidence_n some_o dread_a and_o awe_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o declare_v such_o humility_n and_o reverence_n as_o become_v those_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n saint_n paul_n justify_v himself_o to_o the_o ephesian_a bishop_n by_o his_o deportment_n among_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o have_v serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherways_o discern_v but_o by_o the_o outward_a agreement_n of_o his_o word_n and_o action_n act._n 20.19_o and_o since_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o express_v our_o inward_a sentiment_n the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a and_o serious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o as_o necessary_a too_o as_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o virtue_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v or_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o one_o be_v so_o natural_a a_o sign_n of_o the_o other_o that_o when_o gravity_n and_o humility_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n they_o will_v sprout_v forth_o and_o spread_v their_o branch_n in_o the_o word_n of_o man_n mouth_n and_o deportment_n of_o their_o body_n so_o that_o where_o these_o last_o thing_n be_v want_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v nay_o conclude_v the_o profession_n or_o affirmation_n that_o man_n have_v the_o other_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o pretence_n three_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v expressive_a and_o full_a because_o otherwise_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o
they_o be_v utter_v for_o since_o all_o our_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v also_o design_v to_o signify_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o both_o shall_v run_v parallel_n and_o our_o expression_n equal_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n or_o else_o our_o language_n can_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o utter_v word_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o man_n in_o private_a may_v be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n to_o express_v and_o there_o a_o sigh_n or_o a_o groan_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o what_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o utter_v there_o as_o the_o reverend_n dr._n owen_n more_o clear_o express_v it_o they_o may_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n and_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o condition_n but_o in_o public_a prayer_n when_o one_o become_v the_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n petition_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o to_o express_v the_o general_a want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n that_o all_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o common_a request_n and_o join_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n and_o with_o undivided_a affection_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o yet_o four_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v as_o few_o and_o our_o petition_n as_o brief_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n not_o only_o because_o what_o be_v over_o and_o beyond_o this_o seem_v redundant_fw-la and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o unreasonable_a nor_o only_a because_o a_o tedious_a protraction_n and_o unnecessary_a length_n in_o devotion_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o make_v our_o affection_n unactive_a and_o stupid_a it_o quench_v the_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o turn_n much_o of_o our_o prayer_n all_o whilst_o we_o remain_v thus_o indispose_v into_o mere_a babble_n and_o effusion_n of_o word_n when_o our_o mind_n can_v accompany_v our_o expression_n or_o the_o language_n of_o another_o utter_v in_o our_o behalf_n but_o as_o we_o have_v no_o example_n of_o a_o tedious_a and_o long_a prayer_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o have_v we_o prohibition_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o solomon_n exhort_v to_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o man_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v he_o and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o ecclesiast_fw-la 5.1_o 2._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o restrain_v this_o text_n only_o to_o the_o subsequent_a vow_n yet_o the_o argument_n urge_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v then_o spare_v of_o their_o word_n will_v as_o well_o conclude_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o vow_n in_o both_o which_o thing_n we_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o god_n as_o be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o earth_n our_o saviour_n advice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v when_o thou_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o he_o present_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n the_o form_n of_o a_o full_a and_o most_o expressive_a prayer_n mat._n 6_o 7._o nay_o if_o we_o will_v be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o example_n which_o any_o will_v think_v that_o christian_n ought_v even_o then_o when_o by_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o religion_n will_v conclude_v he_o to_o be_v devout_a be_v fill_v with_o pain_n and_o fear_n of_o far_a torture_n that_o attend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n so_o great_a that_o his_o sweat_n be_v as_o it_o be_v large_a glutinous_a drop_n of_o blood_n when_o as_o s._n matthew_n say_v his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o s._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o even_o than_o we_o find_v his_o word_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o these_o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luke_o 22.42_o nor_o do_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o strong_a desire_n force_v his_o thought_n to_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flood_n of_o expression_n but_o allow_v himself_o some_o small_a interval_n continue_v his_o devotion_n he_o return_v to_o his_o prayer_n repeat_v again_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o of_o these_o text_n hereafter_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o brevity_n be_v a_o ornament_n to_o our_o prayer_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o usual_a custom_n of_o petition_n will_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a convince_a testimony_n to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o very_o odd_a conception_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o make_v religious_a address_n these_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v then_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a draw_v when_o they_o include_v brevity_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o short_a do_v we_o usual_o frame_v they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o great_a man_n that_o be_v in_o public_a employment_n will_v not_o permit_v much_o diversion_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o discern_a able_a to_o understand_v quick_a than_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a station_n a_o breviate_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v some_o man_n when_o other_o must_v be_v large_o instruct_v from_o point_n to_o point_n and_o must_v have_v thing_n various_o diversify_v and_o often_o reiterated_a before_o they_o will_v suit_v with_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o omniscient_a god_n who_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o petition_v to_o be_v less_o intelligent_a or_o compassionate_a than_o man_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o many_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n to_o cause_v he_o to_o understand_v or_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o grant_v what_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o but_o this_o will_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o a_o large_a manner_n in_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v conclude_v with_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o one_o plea_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o a_o long_a continue_a prayer_n the_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v engage_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n luke_o 6.12_o and_o some_o other_o expression_n and_o example_n too_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v some_o length_n in_o prayer_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o and_o be_v either_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n or_o so_o circumstantiate_v that_o they_o differ_v exceed_o from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n unto_o we_o or_o else_o when_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n continue_v long_o in_o prayer_n by_o give_v themselves_o short_a respite_n and_o allow_v some_o interval_n between_o they_o return_v to_o the_o same_o prayer_n again_o which_o may_v be_v short_a enough_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o assistance_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o revelation_n as_o the_o have_v and_o fall_v under_o their_o circumstance_n which_o can_v never_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a practice_n may_v become_v a_o copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n since_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n a_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v convenient_a and_z for_o the_o most_o part_n necessary_a too_o that_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v fix_v and_o premeditate_a for_o if_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a if_o they_o must_v be_v both_o grave_n and_o serious_a if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v full_a in_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o want_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a
from_o the_o lord_n who_o do_v not_o ask_v in_o faith_n but_o for_o want_v of_o god_n promise_n must_v waver_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o he_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o success_n james_n 1.6_o 7._o to_o make_v god_n promise_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o petition_n will_v hinder_v our_o prayer_n from_o interfere_v with_o his_o will_n to_o which_o our_o desire_n must_v always_o be_v subject_v by_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o even_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o diversion_n of_o his_o passion_n nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luk._n 22.42_o and_o this_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o comprehensive_a petition_n in_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o in_o and_o by_o they_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o use_v and_o imitate_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n now_o this_o exclude_v three_o thing_n from_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o we_o in_o that_o rank_n and_o station_n in_o which_o we_o live_v or_o if_o it_o may_v be_v better_o express_v according_a to_o the_o figure_n we_o make_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o prayer_n for_o other_o thing_n above_o we_o argue_v nothing_o less_o than_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o then_o we_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v thus_o possess_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v we_o such_o petition_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n the_o thing_n we_o ask_v be_v superfluous_a to_o we_o in_o that_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a our_o prayer_n must_v not_o exceed_v our_o station_n till_o god_n providence_n move_v we_o to_o a_o high_a seat_n 2._o those_o thing_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o our_o prayer_n that_o be_v inconvenient_a for_o god_n to_o grant_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o circumstance_n attend_v may_v yet_o be_v so_o unsuitable_a to_o god_n providence_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o concession_n of_o they_o may_v thwart_v and_o contradict_v it_o again_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v because_o such_o may_v be_v our_o temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o when_o we_o possess_v they_o we_o may_v prove_v troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o or_o very_o great_a disturber_n of_o other_o for_o some_o man_n that_o may_v be_v quiet_a peaceable_a and_o keep_v in_o order_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n may_v prove_v factious_a and_o turbulent_a when_o mount_v into_o a_o high_a sphere_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o dictator_n draw_v from_o the_o plough_n tail_n who_o yet_o have_v behave_v himself_o excellent_o in_o his_o office_n and_o we_o have_v have_v some_o good_a bishop_n who_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o parish_n priest_n but_o rare_a example_n will_v not_o annul_v general_a observation_n when_o divine_a providence_n make_v man_n leap_v into_o seat_n of_o honour_n god_n overlook_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o order_n the_o part_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a his_o way_n be_v oftentimes_o unsearchable_a and_o his_o path_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o as_o power_n and_o authority_n discover_v the_o disposition_n of_o he_o that_o have_v it_o though_o his_o low_a condition_n may_v hide_v it_o before_o so_o person_n that_o may_v be_v modest_a and_o humble_a while_o god_n keep_v they_o in_o a_o inferior_a order_n may_v become_v proud_a and_o insolent_a when_o they_o be_v place_v under_o a_o canopy_n of_o honour_n and_o have_v a_o large_a confluence_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o may_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o man_n petition_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v in_o anger_n to_o they_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o other_o or_o for_o many_o design_n hide_v from_o we_o we_o usual_o find_v this_o true_a that_o asperius_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n last_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n the_o support_v the_o wretched_a tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a psal_n 11.7_o and_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o prayer_n wish_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o shall_v find_v any_o acceptance_n with_o god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n or_o bestow_v thing_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o may_v sstrengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o wickedness_n or_o give_v encouragement_n to_o their_o sin_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v why_o god_n many_o time_n suspend_v his_o answer_n or_o deny_v our_o request_n as_o he_o do_v afflict_v his_o people_n in_o faithfulness_n so_o do_v he_o in_o kindness_n reject_v their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o grant_v or_o deny_v some_o in_o wrath_n for_o sometime_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o present_a capacity_n to_o receive_v what_o we_o ask_v and_o most_o earnest_o desire_v we_o frequent_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n when_o yet_o our_o sin_n lay_v at_o the_o door_n and_o most_o abominable_a hypocrisy_n lodge_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v not_o many_o time_n prepare_v our_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o either_o for_o want_v of_o humility_n or_o charity_n we_o must_v leave_v our_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n or_o when_o we_o offer_v it_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v it_o with_o true_a devotion_n and_o a_o suitable_a and_o earnest_a intention_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o oftentimes_o pray_v amiss_o and_o so_o lose_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o request_n nay_o we_o fail_v not_o only_o in_o the_o design_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o even_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n we_o be_v not_o like_o the_o importunate_a widow_n which_o parable_n be_v deliver_v to_o this_o end_n to_o encourage_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v luk._n 18.1_o or_o else_o we_o do_v not_o as_o cornelius_n do_v join_v alm_n with_o our_o prayer_n for_o these_o be_v a_o admirable_a preparative_n to_o devotion_n or_o a_o excellent_a conclusion_n to_o close_v our_o petition_n with_o they_o help_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o desire_n to_o heaven_n be_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n with_o which_o god_n be_v well_o please_v heb._n 13.16_o or_o else_o we_o come_v before_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n with_o some_o great_a sin_n waste_v our_o conscience_n which_o we_o have_v not_o confess_v and_o repent_v of_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o may_v just_o contract_v our_o heart_n and_o imprison_v our_o spirit_n and_o whilst_o this_o hover_v over_o our_o head_n we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o nor_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o want_v faith_n our_o petition_n can_v neither_o be_v accept_v or_o answer_v our_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o hang_v over_o we_o as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n hinder_v our_o prayer_n from_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n and_o intercept_v the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o recoil_v back_o to_o himself_o nay_o we_o too_o frequent_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o heart_n ungrateful_a for_o the_o mercy_n we_o have_v receive_v and_o though_o we_o have_v obtain_v what_o divine_a providence_n both_o in_o spiritual_n and_o temporal_n flow_v from_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n have_v hitherto_o think_v fit_v to_o bestow_v we_o instead_o of_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o receipt_n murmur_n and_o repine_v because_o we_o have_v no_o more_o like_a person_n here_o below_o we_o be_v perpetual_o grumble_a at_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o have_v not_o what_o we_o wish_v for_o though_o perhaps_o we_o have_v more_o than_o we_o deserve_v and_o further_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o we_o take_v not_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o ourselves_o so_o we_o be_v extreme_o willing_a that_o god_n thought_n shall_v be_v like_o our_o own_o rather_o than_o our_o wish_n shall_v be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o frequent_o deny_v our_o request_n in_o prayer_n because_o be_v guide_v by_o our_o narrow_a and_o short_a prospect_n of_o thing_n we_o sometime_o ask_v that_o which_o if_o grant_v will_v prove_v our_o ruin_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v rom._n 8.26_o we_o have_v not_o the_o just_a view_n of_o ourselves_o and_o can_v with_o certainty_n see_v what_o be_v future_a and_o
god_n or_o without_o such_o a_o resolution_n to_o relinquish_v their_o sin_n as_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o perfect_a effect_n in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o life_n when_o they_o do_v not_o smite_v on_o their_o breast_n with_o the_o publican_n but_o either_o conceal_v their_o sin_n as_o david_n do_v sometime_o his_o adultery_n and_o murder_n or_o justify_v they_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o call_v evil_a good_a for_o he_o that_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whoso_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n pro._n 28.13_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o a_o full_a resolution_n to_o cherish_v those_o sin_n which_o he_o so_o much_o hate_v be_v to_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o very_a face_n to_o spread_v our_o defile_a garment_n before_o he_o as_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o clean_a or_o his_o eye_n can_v now_o behold_v iniquity_n this_o be_v like_o a_o accurse_a traitor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o ask_v preferment_n of_o a_o king_n when_o he_o shall_v beg_v pardon_n with_o a_o halter_n about_o his_o neck_n to_o be_v like_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n with_o a_o kiss_n and_o bold_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o innocence_n of_o our_o face_n must_v incline_v god_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o honest_a man_n much_o more_o must_v it_o be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o some_o man_n strange_o presume_v it_o may_v be_v conjecture_v that_o he_o will_v overlook_v our_o crime_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v by_o our_o infirmity_n of_o this_o impenitent_a state_n may_v we_o understand_v that_o of_o david_n psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o abomination_n nay_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v neither_o lie_v nor_o equivocate_v say_v of_o such_o man_n that_o they_o offer_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n to_o no_o purpose_n i._n e._n if_o they_o present_v they_o with_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o acceptance_n as_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v shall_v be_v appease_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o that_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o forbid_v they_o to_o bring_v any_o more_o vain_a oblation_n till_o they_o have_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 from_o before_o his_o eye_n till_o they_o have_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learned_a to_o do_v well_o otherwise_o say_v he_o incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n isaiah_n 1_o 3._o wicked_a man_n must_v not_o expect_v god_n favourable_a answer_n when_o they_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n the_o concession_n of_o which_o may_v give_v too_o great_a and_o direct_a occasion_n for_o other_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n give_v countenance_n to_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will_n or_o in_o both_o as_o for_o example_n that_o such_o man_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o support_v their_o sinful_a and_o diabolical_a design_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o when_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v purchase_v the_o power_n of_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o his_o own_o disciple_n because_o this_o will_v have_v confirm_v his_o devilish_a doctrine_n among_o the_o people_n and_o that_o sacred_a gift_n and_o authority_n be_v too_o pure_a for_o his_o impious_a and_o defile_a hand_n s._n peter_n make_v a_o reply_n to_o he_o as_o sharp_a and_o severe_a as_o it_o be_v quick_a and_o sudden_a thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o thou_o have_v neither_o lot_n nor_o part_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n act_n 8.20_o 21._o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n also_o of_o the_o say_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a john_n 9.31_o now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n for_o we_o find_v the_o jew_n ver_fw-la 24._o exhort_v the_o man_n to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o cure_n but_o none_o to_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o authority_n he_o be_v make_v whole_a who_o have_v not_o sight_n restore_v but_o give_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v say_v they_o meaning_n christ_n that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n to_o work_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o which_o the_o enlighten_v person_n reply_v thus_o to_o confute_v their_o calumny_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n be_v apparent_a now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v god_n will_v not_o attend_v the_o petition_n of_o any_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o impostor_n as_o you_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v who_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n and_o give_v sight_n to_o i_o to_o cause_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v harden_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n and_o confirm_v his_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n hear_v none_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o but_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n it_o follow_v that_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o thought_n of_o he_o for_o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n nor_o gain_v such_o a_o power_n from_o above_o as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o open_v my_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o now_o though_o god_n hear_v not_o the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o petition_v he_o in_o the_o forementioned_a circumstance_n or_o with_o a_o design_n to_o obtain_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o alter_v when_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o great_a humility_n of_o soul_n they_o make_v their_o approach_n with_o confession_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o a_o real_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v those_o sin_n that_o have_v hitherto_o separate_v betwixt_o their_o maker_n and_o themselves_o god_n be_v willing_a then_o to_o hearken_v to_o they_o to_o adopt_v they_o into_o his_o family_n to_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o his_o care_n and_o more_o especial_a providence_n and_o to_o cause_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o sinner_n that_o repent_v he_o call_v to_o they_o then_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o although_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n isa_n 1.18_o god_n cherish_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o amendment_n and_o he_o will_v neither_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o he_o encourage_v the_o first_o motion_n to_o a_o return_n accept_v our_o sincerity_n and_o quicken_v and_o crown_v our_o faithful_a endeavour_n and_o when_o wicked_a man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n address_v themselves_o to_o a_o gracious_a god_n they_o will_v lose_v by_o degree_n their_o former_a denomination_n and_o quick_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n they_o may_v come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v they_o in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o god_n with_o that_o humility_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o the_o centurion_n clothe_v and_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 8.8_o lord_n i_o be_o unworthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n they_o may_v then_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o pious_o expect_v that_o according_a to_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n have_v no_o soon_o say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n but_o christ_n know_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o now_o discover_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o his_o associate_n present_o reply_v to_o day_n thou_o shall_v
secret_n of_o prince_n and_o administer_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o indeed_o aught_o to_o introduce_v who_o undertake_v to_o be_v so_o particular_a and_o nice_a in_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n or_o pray_v for_o the_o thing_n individual_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o to_o proceed_v by_o our_o absolution_n the_o true_a penitent_n be_v only_o encourage_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n leave_v with_o his_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n cease_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v with_o triumph_n to_o his_o father_n joh._n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v furthermore_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n to_o say_v our_o prayer_n day_n by_o day_n that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o cease_v and_o continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o adoption_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o this_o because_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o give_v we_o both_o a_o pattern_n and_o direction_n for_o when_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n and_o support_v of_o our_o life_n day_n by_o day_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o make_v our_o supplication_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o admit_v no_o creature_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o either_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o public_a prayer_n be_v such_o as_o include_v our_o general_a want_n we_o always_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o temptation_n and_o evil_n we_o petition_v also_o for_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o it_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a we_o ask_v those_o theological_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v we_o pray_v more_o especial_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v even_o when_o they_o be_v persecute_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o they_o we_o may_v lead_v godly_a and_o quiet_a life_n nay_o we_o petition_v for_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o none_o may_v be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o we_o beg_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o our_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n we_o pray_v for_o happy_a season_n of_o the_o year_n for_o prevention_n of_o and_o deliverance_n from_o all_o plague_n that_o may_v hurt_v the_o body_n and_o all_o evil_n that_o may_v assault_v the_o soul_n we_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o bad_a accident_n and_o misfortune_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v escape_v violence_n and_o sudden_a death_n because_o notwithstanding_o the_o notion_n some_o have_v of_o predestination_n death_n may_v be_v too_o surprise_v to_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o prevent_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v advance_v towards_o and_o seize_v we_o too_o before_o we_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o further_a petition_n heaven_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o our_o last_o encounter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v submit_v with_o christian_a comfort_n and_o courage_n to_o and_o have_v a_o safe_a deliverance_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o pray_v not_o indeed_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o low_a world_n because_o we_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o as_o death_n find_v we_o so_o will_v judgement_n too_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v and_o how_o can_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v reveal_v of_o any_o middle_a place_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v suffer_v to_o their_o improvement_n and_o be_v purge_v by_o any_o material_a fire_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o operate_v upon_o a_o immaterial_a be_v yet_o we_o pray_v as_o far_o for_o man_n depart_v this_o life_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n ever_o do_v and_o the_o form_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n teach_v we_o in_o that_o petition_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v viz._n that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n god_n will_v bring_v the_o just_a that_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n to_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n that_o so_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v militant_a on_o earth_n may_v final_o become_v triumphant_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o we_o always_o give_v thanks_o for_o the_o example_n and_o triumph_n of_o those_o who_o have_v die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o they_o who_o joy_n be_v now_o full_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v our_o liturgy_n be_v so_o excellent_o frame_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o petition_n for_o so_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v cast_v into_o but_o the_o whole_a community_n who_o join_v in_o our_o service_n share_n with_o we_o in_o sympathy_n and_o affection_n because_o they_o must_v remember_v we_o in_o our_o common_a church_n prayer_n and_o of_o this_o the_o litany_n be_v so_o full_a and_o expressive_a that_o particular_a collect_v seem_v to_o be_v redundant_fw-la when_o this_o be_v use_v yet_o we_o have_v even_o these_o too_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o any_o that_o will_v desire_v that_o their_o grievance_n may_v be_v express_v to_o almighty_a god_n by_o he_o who_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o far_o as_o modesty_n and_o cleanness_n of_o language_n be_v able_a to_o present_v they_o though_o not_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v former_o pitch_v up_o with_o a_o fork_n to_o load_v a_o pulpit_n and_o the_o minister_n hearty_a wish_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o devout_a affection_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n our_o church_n direct_v and_o her_o true_a obedient_a son_n practice_v what_o the_o apostle_n advise_v the_o philippian_n to_o do_v chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 6._o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n our_o creed_n in_o which_o we_o make_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n contain_v all_o article_n but_o yet_o no_o more_o than_o the_o pure_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o their_o religion_n declare_v they_o be_v neither_o stuff_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o have_v we_o abate_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n or_o any_o that_o bear_v a_o new_a date_n nor_o do_v we_o receive_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o own_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o general_o doubt_v book_n our_o fellowship_n or_o society_n be_v uphold_v as_o all_o other_o must_v be_v by_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o ruler_n we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v yet_o protestant_a in_o that_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o who_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o personal_a failure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o be_v call_v man_n be_v subject_a or_o the_o malicious_a imputation_n of_o any_o wicked_a and_o 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we_o may_v know_v their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n too_o in_o this_o point_n from_o bellarmin_n who_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o at_o the_o close_a of_o every_o tome_n of_o his_o controversy_n he_o join_v the_o virgin_n mary_n with_o god_n in_o the_o thanks_o he_o render_v for_o help_v in_o the_o composure_n praise_v be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n nay_o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentia_n exceed_v he_o in_o the_o transport_n for_o he_o possible_o as_o he_o think_v from_o good_a manner_n put_v the_o virgin_n before_o her_o son_n in_o the_o close_a of_o some_o of_o his_o book_n and_o say_v laus_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o beatae_fw-la virgini_fw-la mariae_fw-la &_o domino_fw-la jesus_n christo_fw-la praise_n be_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o whether_o his_o meaning_n be_v to_o constitute_v a_o new_a trinity_n by_o discard_n the_o old_a omit_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o change_v that_o sacred_a person_n for_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o the_o conquest_n in_o the_o battle_n at_o lepanto_n be_v plain_o ascribe_v not_o to_o god_n but_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n which_o appear_v by_o their_o festival_n in_o memory_n of_o it_o call_v festum_fw-la sanctae_fw-la mariae_fw-la à _fw-la victoriâ_fw-la celebrate_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o october_n it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o the_o romanist_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v they_o to_o intercedein_a their_o behalf_n when_o intercession_n for_o man_n in_o heaven_n be_v plain_o found_v on_o their_o redemption_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n be_v alone_o capacitate_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o they_o rely_v also_o on_o those_o who_o they_o invoke_v in_o such_o case_n for_o aid_n and_o protection_n nay_o for_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o and_o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o all_o their_o curious_o invent_a distinction_n will_v never_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o the_o horrid_a guilt_n of_o give_v away_o god_n glory_n to_o another_o since_o by_o their_o petition_n they_o imply_v a_o dependence_n on_o creature_n who_o they_o invoke_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o god_n power_n alone_o to_o give_v what_o ever_o messenger_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v to_o convey_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o and_o this_o must_v be_v odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o all_o good_a man_n who_o understand_v what_o religion_n mean_v but_o let_v we_o allow_v the_o evasion_n of_o the_o romanist_n in_o these_o point_n to_o be_v as_o cunning_a and_o plausible_a and_o witty_a as_o they_o please_v yet_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v compose_v prayer_n in_o such_o language_n and_o stile_n that_o the_o first_o and_o natural_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v lead_v the_o simple_a into_o error_n and_o idolatry_n unless_o you_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v all_o schoolman_n that_o understand_v how_o to_o split_v a_o hair_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pick_v straw_n well_o that_o have_v the_o artificial_a knack_n of_o nicety_n and_o distinction_n or_o head_n so_o natural_o make_v for_o abstraction_n that_o they_o ken_v a_o dictinction_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v invent_v and_o utter_v by_o another_o and_o yet_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o but_o these_o art_n and_o trick_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o edge_n of_o their_o own_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o edge_n as_o be_v fatal_a too_o this_o be_v like_o make_v any_o point_n hard_a that_o be_v before_o easy_a that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o unridle_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o render_v the_o same_o easy_a again_o and_o so_o end_v where_o he_o first_o begin_v this_o be_v only_o turn_v round_o over_o a_o rope_n to_o bring_v one_o head_n into_o its_o right_a place_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n these_o thing_n be_v let_v the_o first_o inventor_n answer_v themselves_o it_o can_v otherwise_o appear_v to_o i_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n grow_v from_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o be_v design_v only_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n convenient_a for_o this_o world_n but_o no_o way_n procure_v glory_n in_o the_o next_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v with_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o body_n in_o which_o all_o present_a at_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o be_v concern_v and_o in_o which_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o join_v what_o a_o monstrous_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o have_v the_o expression_n in_o this_o service_n so_o word_v that_o they_o be_v right_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o by_o the_o learned_a whilst_o the_o people_n may_v by_o the_o termination_n of_o their_o worship_n in_o that_o to_o which_o they_o immediate_o address_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o distinction_n or_o if_o they_o do_v its_o acute_a operation_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o by_o their_o public_a service_n be_v idolater_n in_o practice_n though_o they_o may_v hate_v the_o name_n and_o the_o thing_n too_o if_o once_o they_o have_v it_o explain_v to_o they_o however_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v beyond_o my_o knowledge_n to_o know_v how_o they_o can_v god_n deliver_v we_o from_o such_o devotion_n of_o which_o so_o gross_a and_o thick_a ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n which_o yet_o how_o far_o it_o may_v excuse_v the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v invincible_a i_o shall_v leave_v to_o the_o great_a god_n to_o judge_v together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v that_o their_o hazard_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o themselves_o by_o refuse_v to_o follow_v 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help_n in_o time_n of_o need_n i_o have_v prove_v in_o a_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o god_n only_a be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o such_o service_n as_o we_o account_v divine_a be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o another_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v grave_n and_o serious_a that_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n may_v accompany_v and_o guard_v the_o expression_n of_o our_o tongue_n but_o such_o rule_n man_n apparent_o transgress_v who_o pray_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o angel_n or_o depart_v saint_n or_o to_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n when_o they_o adore_v the_o host_n and_o worship_v a_o wafer_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o they_o may_v never_o again_o be_v introduce_v among_o ourselves_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o christ_n may_v find_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o devotion_n too_o here_o upon_o the_o earth_n when_o he_o come_v ride_v triumphant_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o resist_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o janissary_n with_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n baffle_v the_o devil_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o this_o example_n and_o text_n together_o methinks_v shall_v abash_v all_o pretend_v and_o deter_v all_o real_a christian_n from_o make_v any_o religious_a address_n to_o immortal_a angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v and_o much_o more_o to_o any_o creature_n
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