be_v it_o unworthy_a our_o observation_n that_o among_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v be_v mention_v there_o seemâ—â—ar_v great_a danger_n of_o a_o great_a and_o speedieâ—_n corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o â—_o vast_a number_n of_o little_a independent_a society_n whereof_o some_o if_o not_o most_o will_v consist_v â—_o very_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a person_n than_o in_o â—_o small_a number_n of_o large_a one_o it_o be_v notorious_o true_a indeed_o that_o thâ—_n church_n of_o rome_n have_v monstrous_o swell_v the_o bulk_n of_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o riteâ—_n of_o discipline_n into_o hundred_o whereof_o a_o greâ—â—_n number_n be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a useless_a or_o mischievous_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o theâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v and_o multiply_a manâ—_n hundred_o of_o year_n but_o so_o much_o for_o this_o nâ—â—_n altogether_o a_o digression_n moreover_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o thiâ—_n public_a prayer_n though_o make_v by_o many_o together_o yet_o may_v be_v for_o one_o private_a person_n 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o necessary_a that_o what_o be_v here_o prayeâ—_n shall_v be_v the_o want_v of_o all_o but_o they_o may_v alâ—_n join_v in_o their_o prayer_n for_o one_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v here_o be_v advise_v that_o if_o in_o any_o prayeâ—_n something_a happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o do_v noâ—_n concern_v we_o yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a we_o may_v join_v in_o the_o prayer_n for_o they_o whâ—_n do_v want_v it_o be_v they_o who_o they_o will_v in_o the_o congregation_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o particular_a person_n god_n do_v and_o so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n a_o man_n may_v use_v it_o thus_o viz._n though_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v guiltless_a yet_o he_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o those_o be_v sin_n and_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v by_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a whosoever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o congregation_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o usual_o contain_v these_o and_o other_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n before_o mention_v the_o psalm_n also_o be_v always_o to_o be_v recite_v as_o a_o history_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o condition_n of_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a person_n though_o one_o shall_v not_o have_v or_o be_v in_o the_o like_o himself_o sect_n v._o v._o a_o five_o distinction_n of_o prayer_n be_v usual_o take_v from_o the_o person_n concern_v and_o so_o a_o prayer_n at_o least_o many_o of_o the_o ingredient_n in_o it_o may_v be_v either_o for_o one_o self_n or_o for_o other_o person_n whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v public_a private_a or_o secret_n thus_o our_o petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o acknowledgement_n may_v be_v for_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o earth_n all_o mankind_n we_o may_v petition_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o church_n or_o christian_a society_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n to_o the_o parish_n or_o place_n of_o our_o habitation_n to_o the_o family_n in_o which_o we_o live_v to_o any_o society_n to_o which_o we_o any_o way_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o god_n creation_n capable_a of_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o it_o according_a as_o their_o want_n and_o capacity_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v on_o who_o behalf_n we_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o the_o more_o comprehensive_a and_o extend_v the_o more_o fervent_a and_o enlarge_v shall_v we_o be_v therein_o and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o prayer_n for_o those_o upon_o who_o good_a the_o good_a of_o other_o much_o depend_v and_o who_o good_a be_v a_o more_o comprehensive_a and_o diffuse_a good_a such_o as_o governor_n of_o all_o sort_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o any_o person_n who_o have_v riches_n power_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o any_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o answerable_a goodness_n this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v especial_o fit_a for_o public_a prayer_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o second_o general_a head_n viz._n some_o of_o the_o sort_n of_o prayer_n chap._n iii_o sect_n i._o iii_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o matter_n or_o content_n of_o prayer_n or_o petition_n not_o of_o a_o prayer_n which_o as_o we_o have_v say_v consist_v of_o petition_n and_o many_o other_o part_n as_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o have_v mention_v there_o be_v in_o general_n but_o two_o qualification_n of_o our_o petition_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o ask_v first_o that_o they_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a or_o that_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a they_o shall_v be_v give_v we_o that_o be_v procurative_fw-it of_o or_o at_o least_o consistent_a with_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a universe_n second_o that_o we_o want_v they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o ask_v they_o and_o if_o we_o have_v they_o already_o we_o need_v not_o though_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v now_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o may_v be_v most_o just_a for_o god_n to_o give_v and_o which_o we_o may_v at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o want_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o the_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v ask_v and_o the_o great_a good_a that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o god_n give_v be_v our_o great_a perfection_n viz._n holiness_n righteousness_n goodness_n sincere_a conscientiousness_n a_o good_a honest_a mind_n and_o heart_n virtue_n grace_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o call_v all_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o general_a thing_n with_o some_o small_a difference_n viz._n a_o will_v habitual_o incline_v to_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o what_o be_v right_a what_o his_o sincere_a conscience_n or_o judgement_n of_o right_n or_o wrong_n direct_v he_o to_o and_o command_v he_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v and_o beg_v of_o god_n most_o earnest_o as_o the_o great_a boon_n he_o can_v give_v that_o he_o will_v beget_v or_o ingenerate_v in_o we_o grace_n in_o some_o considerable_a degree_n for_o all_o man_n have_v it_o be_v likely_a some_o faint_a and_o little_a one_o already_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v hardly_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o tendency_n or_o appetite_n after_o righteousness_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v and_o augment_v make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o strong_a in_o we_o and_o at_o least_o to_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v prevalent_a over_o all_o our_o other_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o may_v habitual_o more_o desire_n will_n and_o love_v holiness_n than_o riches_n honour_n all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n final_o than_o all_o thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v beside_o nay_o that_o we_o may_v love_v it_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o its_o great_a instance_n universal_a love_n with_o its_o object_n the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o to_o love_v it_o only_o and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n or_o all_o other_o thing_n for_o its_o sake_n that_o they_o may_v make_v we_o more_o holy_a universal_o charitable_a humble_a etc._n etc._n or_o help_v we_o to_o obtain_v the_o end_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v make_v we_o more_o to_o be_v good_a or_o to_o do_v good_a further_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o more_o universal_o and_o more_o constant_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o our_o life_n end_v that_o god_n will_v quite_o extinguish_v and_o mortify_v in_o we_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o immoderacy_n of_o all_o our_o appetite_n and_o affection_n that_o be_v our_o lust_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v never_o be_v to_o any_o other_o object_n whatsoever_o ultimate_o and_o for_o itself_o and_o never_o beyond_o its_o due_a measure_n but_o habitual_o always_o for_o the_o end_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o that_o we_o may_v do_v the_o most_o good_a save_v our_o own_o soul_n that_o be_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o please_v god_n that_o our_o affection_n inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a may_v cease_v so_o to_o be_v and_o be_v turn_v ultimate_o to_o and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n place_v upon_o holiness_n and_o the_o thing_n so_o often_o mention_v to_o which_o we_o be_v before_o but_o too_o dead_a and_o cold_a that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o renew_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o to_o reflect_v serious_o upon_o the_o badness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o our_o past_a and_o present_a temper_n and_o action_n to_o be_v sorry_a hearty_o for_o it_o to_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o inward_o between_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o resolve_v to_o
break_v off_o such_o course_n pray_v to_o god_n importunate_o for_o his_o help_n so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v forgive_v for_o christ_n sake_n all_o that_o be_v past_a that_o be_v in_o one_o word_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o repentance_n some_o of_o these_o thing_n thus_o understand_v and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v express_v in_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n thus_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v unto_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o present_v ourselves_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o world_n to_o the_o wicked_a manner_n thereof_o but_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v the_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n rom._n 12._o verse_n 1_o that_o god_n will_v quicken_v we_o when_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n ephes_n 2._o verse_n 1_o that_o we_o may_v put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n create_v after_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n ephes_n 4._o verse_n 22._o that_o we_o may_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o especial_o to_o who_o the_o save_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n have_v appear_v and_o be_v make_v manifest_a titus_n 2._o verse_n 11._o that_o we_o may_v cast_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n all_o virtue_n commend_v to_o we_o by_o christianity_n which_o give_v we_o so_o large_a and_o clear_a a_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o be_v of_o and_o which_o he_o teach_v a_o temper_n and_o life_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o rom._n 13._o verse_n 12._o that_o as_o christ_n or_o as_o christian_n we_o may_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5._o verse_n 24._o in_o this_o and_o such_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v conceive_v express_v and_o signify_v our_o hearty_a unfeigned_a eager_a desire_n that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o in_o general_a holy_a righteous_a good_a conscientious_a honest_a virtuous_a regenerate_v convert_v renew_v penitent_a and_o keep_v we_o so_o and_o make_v we_o more_o and_o more_o so_o to_o our_o life_n end_v but_o this_o in_o general_n may_v most_v often_o not_o suffice_v but_o we_o may_v proceed_v further_o to_o the_o general_a instance_n or_o subject_n of_o righteousness_n viz._n universal_a charity_n or_o benevolence_n to_o all_o the_o universe_n god_n and_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o instance_n or_o instrument_n of_o universal_a charity_n as_o love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o most_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o rejoice_v that_o his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o receive_v no_o addition_n further_o to_o love_v he_o without_o any_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o separately_z but_o as_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o benign_a and_o use_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n of_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o do_v good_a with_o to_o all_o his_o creation_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o share_n even_o all_o that_o we_o have_v that_o be_v good_a be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o nay_o all_o evil_a thing_n absolute_o in_o themselves_o consider_v to_o any_o particular_a creature_n be_v permit_v and_o dispose_v by_o he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o whole_a creation_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o this_o be_v that_o very_a perfection_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o its_o only_a instance_n universal_a love_n and_o benevolence_n in_o god_n which_o we_o before_o be_v to_o desire_v for_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v love_v he_o if_o we_o have_v but_o a_o tolerable_a distinct_a conceit_n of_o he_o it_o be_v principal_o that_o we_o may_v love_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n universal_a beneficence_n and_o love_n itself_o for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n therefore_o dwell_v in_o god_n pray_v we_o therefore_o to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v work_v in_o we_o a_o sincere_a strong_a habitual_a love_n to_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o may_v and_o strength_n and_o understanding_n matt._n 22._o verse_n 37._o and_o that_o he_o will_v direct_v our_o heart_n into_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o 2_o thess_n 3._o verse_n 5._o next_o to_o this_o may_v follow_v charity_n which_o more_o precise_o signify_v love_n and_o good_a will_n to_o all_o creature_n to_o do_v which_o to_o each_o particular_a with_o the_o limitation_n of_o its_o desert_n i._n e._n so_o as_o be_v most_o consistent_a with_o our_o universal_a love_n to_o all_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o see_v effective_a of_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o justice_n or_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a i_o say_v to_o all_o creature_n within_o our_o cognizance_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o the_o holy_a angel_n holy_a soul_n depart_v hence_o all_o mankind_n to_o all_o christian_n our_o own_o country_n town_n family_n relation_n we_o be_v to_o apply_v our_o general_n will_v and_o power_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o whole_a by_o do_v good_a to_o each_o particular_a as_o we_o be_v best_a able_a and_o can_v best_o reach_v and_o this_o all_o the_o way_n we_o can_v which_o be_v the_o various_a kind_n distinguish_v by_o mean_n or_o part_n or_o other_o logical_a respect_n of_o do_v good_a or_o of_o charity_n as_o be_v before_o say_v be_v so_o many_o grace_n or_o virtue_n pray_v we_o therefore_o that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o just_a merciful_a compassionate_a chatable_a in_o almsgiving_n candid_a cover_v of_o fault_n most_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o commend_v what_o be_v good_a to_o pass_v by_o and_o conceal_v what_o be_v bad_a in_o man_n patient_a forbear_v forgive_a liberal_a hospitable_a ready_a to_o visit_v relieve_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a those_o in_o want_n the_o languish_a in_o anguish_n pain_n and_o grief_n to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v to_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o good_a of_o any_o one_o particular_a in_o other_o plenty_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o thâ—_n world_n so_o long_o as_o they_o will_v use_v they_o weâ—_n but_o especial_o to_o instruct_v exhort_v encourage_v give_v they_o good_a example_n wish_v they_o migâ—_n use_v all_o good_a thing_n well_o and_o not_o be_v â—_o unworthy_a and_o undeserving_a of_o they_o thâ—_n neither_o god_n nor_o good_a man_n may_v think_v it_o â—_o they_o shall_v have_v they_o to_o adventure_v our_o oâ—_n credit_n and_o good_a opinion_n among_o other_o anâ—_n our_o ease_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discouragement_n and_o suppression_n of_o vice_n some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o may_v express_v iâ—_n the_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v sâ—fer_v long_o be_v kind_a envy_v not_o vaunt_v not_o â—â—_o self_n not_o be_v puff_v up_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 13._o verseâ—_n â—_z further_n that_o we_o may_v be_v inspire_v with_o thâ—_n most_o self-denying_a temper_v refuse_v our_o seâ—â—_n pleasure_n ultimate_o and_o absolute_o consequent_o that_o our_o corruption_n or_o lust_n that_o be_v aâ—_n our_o selfish_a and_o immoderate_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v corrupt_a may_v be_v cleanse_v and_o mortify_v such_o as_o malice_n hatred_n revenge_n anger_n wrath_n pride_n ambition_n vainglory_n false_a self-conceit_n covetousness_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n in_o any_o thing_n â—_o equality_n liberty_n desire_v to_o be_v fear_v suâ—â—_n unto_o contemptuousness_n obstinacy_n self_n will_n peevishness_n envy_n slander_n and_o detraction_n intemperance_n luxury_n lasciviousness_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n immoderate_a and_o inordinate_a love_n of_o game_n bodily_a â—r_n mental_a exercise_n and_o action_n etc._n etc._n in_o word_n of_o scripture_n that_o we_o may_v not_o â—lfil_v these_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n viz._n adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n haâ—ed_v variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n seâ—tions_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a which_o thing_n
perform_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o where_o also_o his_o justice_n or_o punitive_a goodness_n and_o the_o psalmist_n conclude_v with_o as_o general_a a_o acknowledgement_n by_o his_o mouth_n speak_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o let_v all_o flesh_n bless_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o read_v also_o a_o magnificent_a particular_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o psalm_n 104._o which_o begin_v bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n o_o lord_n my_o god_n thou_o be_v very_o great_a thou_o be_v clothe_v with_o honour_n and_o majesty_n who_o covere_v thyself_o with_o light_a as_o with_o a_o garment_n who_o stretche_v out_o the_o heaven_n like_o a_o curtain_n and_o then_o end_n o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o riches_n that_o be_v of_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o good_a thing_n for_o reasonable_a trust_n in_o god_n we_o meet_v with_o the_o most_o significant_a expression_n every_o where_o of_o the_o great_a and_o bold_a degree_n thereof_o both_o as_o to_o particular_a favour_n of_o peace_n plenty_n good_a name_n and_o honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o in_o general_n psalm_n 37._o verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o so_o on_o throughout_o the_o whole_a psalm_n trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a behave_v thyself_o as_o thou_o ought_v and_o do_v thy_o duty_n so_o shall_v thâ—â—_n dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v delight_n thyself_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o thy_o heart_n desire_v commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n trust_v also_o in_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v etc._n etc._n psalm_n 146._o verse_n 3._o put_v not_o your_o trust_n in_o prince_n nor_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o help_n and_o verse_n 5._o happy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n for_o his_o help_n who_o hope_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o often_o do_v the_o psalmist_n seem_v to_o be_v exalt_v above_o himself_o and_o triumph_v in_o his_o trust_n confidence_n and_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n for_o confession_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n see_v the_o reality_n and_o seriousness_n of_o it_o in_o the_o 38_o psalm_n verse_n 3_o there_o be_v no_o soundness_n in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n nor_o any_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n and_o verse_n 18._o i_o will_v declare_v my_o iniquity_n i_o will_v be_v sorry_a for_o my_o sin_n the_o 51_o psalm_n be_v a_o know_a example_n both_o of_o david_n hearty_a confession_n of_o and_o pierce_a grief_n and_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o also_o of_o the_o vehemency_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o god_n for_o purge_v and_o pardon_n to_o cleanse_v and_o rectify_v his_o soul_n and_o to_o forgive_v he_o and_o then_o to_o grant_v he_o joy_n comfort_n and_o peace_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n we_o may_v read_v the_o whole_a psalm_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n more_o pathetical_a o_o lord_n open_a my_o mouth_n and_o my_o lip_n shall_v show_v forth_o thy_o praise_n that_o be_v give_v i_o a_o occasion_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o acknowledge_v and_o praise_v thou_o in_o this_o thy_o particular_a favour_n of_o grant_v i_o purification_n pardon_v peace_n and_o enable_v i_o to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o i_o resolve_v also_o to_o declare_v and_o make_v know_v how_o much_o thou_o deserve_v to_o be_v praise_v thank_v love_v admire_v by_o i_o and_o all_o man_n as_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v not_o many_o verse_n in_o the_o 119_o psalm_n in_o which_o we_o have_v not_o some_o emphatical_a signification_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o unmovableness_n of_o his_o resolution_n the_o very_a frequency_n be_v a_o great_a sign_n thereof_o verse_n 97._o oh_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n verse_n 103._o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n sweet_a than_o honey_n to_o my_o mouth_n verse_n 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n ver._n 111._o thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o take_v as_o a_o heritage_n â—â—r_fw-fr ever_o for_o they_o be_v the_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n ver._n 127._o i_o love_v thy_o commandment_n above_o gold_n yea_o above_o sine_fw-la gold_n ver_fw-la 131._o i_o open_v my_o mouth_n and_o pant_v for_o i_o long_v for_o thy_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n be_v these_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o a_o cold_a indifferent_a or_o of_o a_o lukewarm_a man_n in_o his_o love_n to_o resolution_n for_o righteousness_n and_o consequent_o for_o the_o command_v of_o god_n for_o the_o psalmist_n thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n to_o he_o in_o particular_a the_o passage_n and_o place_n be_v as_o numerous_a psalm_n 86._o verse_n 12._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v glorify_v thy_o name_n for_o evermore_o for_o great_a be_v thy_o mercy_n towards_o i_o thou_o have_v deliver_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o low_a hell_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o from_o the_o deep_a grave_a or_o the_o grave_a underneath_o that_o be_v from_o death_n which_o have_v overtake_v i_o and_o seize_v upon_o i_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thy_o special_a ear_n a_o very_a pathetical_a and_o emphatical_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n both_o for_o his_o personal_a favour_n towards_o himself_o and_o those_o towards_o his_o own_o nation_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n nay_o towards_o all_o his_o work_n in_o all_o place_n be_v the_o 103_o psalm_n all_o which_o read_v we_o heedful_o and_o imitate_v verse_n 1._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o his_o petition_n and_o desire_n be_v with_o the_o great_a fervency_n and_o importunity_n signify_v and_o express_v and_o that_o principal_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n especial_o consider_v his_o case_n sometime_o fain_o to_o fly_v to_o idolatrous_a people_n for_o shelter_n as_o particular_o for_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o external_a public_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o it_o be_v by_o himself_o institute_v in_o order_n to_o his_o internal_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v above_o say_v contain_v all_o religion_n nay_o all_o duty_n psalm_n 42._o verse_n 1._o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n even_o for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n psalm_n 63._o o_o god_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n early_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o thou_o my_o flesh_n long_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v to_o see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n because_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n my_o lip_n shall_v praise_v thou_o the_o psalmist_n asaph_n very_o passionate_o express_v his_o joy_n repoâ—e_v and_o â—â—quiescence_n in_o god_n in_o that_o of_o the_o 73_o psalm_n verse_n 25._o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n and_o i_o have_v delight_v in_o nothing_o on_o earth_n in_o compare_n with_o thou_o or_o with_o thou_o at_o all_o that_o be_v beside_o thou_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v it_o that_o be_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n and_o place_v my_o delight_n neither_o in_o any_o god_n the_o heathen_a god_n nor_o man_n in_o compare_n with_o thou_o or_o together_o with_o thou_o thou_o be_v my_o ultimate_a trust_n my_o chief_a delight_n my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o the_o like_a earnestness_n and_o fervency_n may_v be_v observe_v when_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o his_o so_o great_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o they_o seek_v utter_o to_o ruin_v he_o to_o defame_v and_o reproach_v he_o by_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a slander_n and_o so_o banish_v he_o perpetual_o or_o take_v away_o his_o life_n or_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o
grow_v cold_a in_o his_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o great_a place_n of_o honour_n and_o profit_n which_o he_o have_v long_o inâ—oyed_v he_o be_v still_o pursue_v and_o grasp_a at_o more_o and_o great_a either_o he_o will_v make_v a_o addition_n to_o what_o he_o already_o have_v or_o find_v out_o great_a than_o they_o be_v this_o reality_n and_o fervency_n of_o affection_n be_v true_o a_o very_a great_a benefit_n suppose_v the_o affection_n to_o be_v right_o and_o in_o due_a degree_n direct_v to_o thing_n true_a and_o useful_a but_o if_o that_o be_v not_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o mischief_n for_o great_a inordinate_a and_o immoderate_a affection_n miserable_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o inclination_n they_o render_v they_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a and_o i_o think_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n why_o of_o late_a diverse_a premeditate_a nay_o extempore_o prayer_n have_v be_v prefer_v before_o form_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a be_v a_o immoderate_a love_n to_o great_a and_o bustle_a affection_n for_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o unworthy_a of_o they_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v great_a variety_n and_o quickness_n of_o conceit_n and_o invention_n as_o in_o extempore_o prayer_n the_o advantage_n of_o variety_n and_o copiousness_n of_o conceit_n be_v both_o in_o premeditate_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o be_v because_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o use_v in_o opposition_n to_o but_o one_o as_o often_o a_o repeat_v form_n as_o be_v before_o say_v but_o quickness_n of_o conceit_n or_o invention_n be_v only_a seeâ—_n in_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o if_o the_o thing_n invent_v be_v but_o indifferent_o good_a there_o hardly_o any_o quality_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v â—_o much_o esteem_v and_o applaud_v by_o the_o geneâ—lity_n of_o men._n of_o which_o one_o reason_n be_v and_o may_v be_v the_o principal_a because_o it_o be_v judge_v sign_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n in_o the_o persâ—_n to_o invent_v and_o apprehend_v most_o excellent_a thinâ—_n easy_o and_o clear_o if_o he_o do_v premeditate_v hâ—_n that_o can_v do_v so_o much_o extempore_o think_v theâ—_n what_o will_v he_o do_v if_o he_o be_v allow_v time_n which_o be_v very_o oft_o a_o great_a mistake_n there_o be_v another_o reason_n also_o very_o generâ—_fw-la and_o that_o be_v that_o man_n be_v much_o please_v wiâ—_n dispatch_v or_o performance_n of_o any_o useful_a thing_n in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o in_o truth_n he_o that_o â—â—_o perform_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o half_a the_o time_n which_o another_o can_v do_v it_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a twice_o â—_o valuable_a these_o thing_n in_o prayer_n although_o they_o natural_o do_v and_o may_v much_o please_v the_o mindâ—_n man_n yet_o they_o may_v do_v it_o too_o much_o in_o comparâ—_n with_o other_o which_o be_v better_a viz._n the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o what_o be_v say_v a_o fault_n that_o be_v very_o often_o commit_v in_o sermon_n and_o book_n and_o other_o performance_n by_o those_o person_n who_o observe_v and_o complain_v of_o it_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o separate_v thing_n and_o compare_v they_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v better_a that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o excellent_a good_a thing_n shall_v be_v apprehend_v and_o will_v by_o we_o though_o never_o so_o sluggish_o and_o dull_o than_o that_o many_o and_o a_o great_a number_n either_o of_o unprofitable_a trifle_a useless_a mischievous_a and_o bad_a thing_n shall_v be_v know_v by_o we_o and_o fly_v about_o in_o our_o imagination_n and_o be_v violent_o and_o vigorous_o with_o strong_a passion_n will_v and_o pursue_v the_o first_o indeed_o do_v less_o good_a but_o yet_o some_o but_o this_o last_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n if_o we_o must_v lose_v or_o part_n with_o one_o of_o these_o it_o be_v better_a to_o lose_v that_o of_o variety_n and_o celerity_n and_o copiousness_n of_o conceit_n and_o strength_n of_o passion_n than_o that_o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o profitableness_n of_o the_o object_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wi_n it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o passion_n at_o all_o and_o consequent_o in_o this_o state_n general_o but_o languid_a and_o weak_a inclination_n than_o to_o have_v they_o direct_v to_o wrong_a object_n or_o to_o right_o one_o in_o a_o excessive_a degree_n and_o yet_o man_n general_o be_v incomparable_o more_o please_v with_o life_n and_o activity_n which_o be_v cause_v much_o and_o exert_v in_o variety_n and_o celerity_n of_o conceit_n and_o greatness_n of_o passion_n than_o with_o its_o right_a determination_n and_o goodness_n and_o as_o man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n undue_o please_v with_o premeditate_a and_o even_o extempore_o prayer_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o variety_n and_o quickness_n of_o conceit_n so_o there_o be_v other_o too_o who_o be_v please_v with_o public_a or_o private_a form_n or_o very_o well_o content_a with_o they_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o contain_v or_o other_o common_a advantage_n â—_o man_n thereby_o as_o because_o of_o the_o slowness_n and_o dulness_n of_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o passion_n â—_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o and_o consequent_o painful_a which_o all_o man_n natural_o shun_v to_o apprehend_v any_o new_a thing_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n thereof_o and_o to_o excite_v their_o heavy_a arâ—_n sluggish_a affection_n thereto_o but_o they_o easy_a conceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o that_o whiâ—_n they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o that_o whiâ—_n they_o have_v very_o frequent_o hear_v and_o to_o whiâ—_n their_o affection_n have_v be_v use_v to_o be_v conjoin_v contrariwise_o those_o who_o be_v of_o quâ—_n conception_n and_o movable_a affection_n they_o apprehend_v new_a and_o various_a thing_n with_o eâ—_n and_o delight_n and_o be_v present_o natural_o â—â—fected_v with_o they_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o oâ—_n of_o the_o most_o general_a cause_n of_o man_n incliâ—tions_n choice_n and_o esteem_v of_o thing_n be_v thâ—_n own_o ability_n easy_o to_o obtain_v and_o possess_v theâ—_n hence_o it_o may_v partly_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o mâ—_n advance_v in_o year_n and_o of_o staid_a and_o sloâ—_n temper_n be_v usual_o please_v with_o form_n â—â—_o any_o performance_n but_o young_a and_o hot_a person_n with_o variety_n so_o little_a most_o common_o dotâ—_n reason_n or_o the_o foresight_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a effect_n of_o thing_n determine_v man_n judgement_n concern_v their_o general_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o according_o i_o believe_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o late_o those_o who_o be_v against_o all_o form_n be_v general_o of_o a_o active_a and_o passionate_a temper_n but_o those_o who_o be_v for_o some_o form_n at_o least_o be_v of_o a_o more_o staid_a and_o compose_v one_o those_o prayer_n in_o which_o be_v variety_n celerity_n and_o great_a affection_n do_v more_o general_o please_v man_n and_o be_v prefer_v before_o those_o in_o which_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o usefulness_n for_o two_o reason_n among_o other_o first_o because_o man_n be_v amiss_o and_o deprave_a in_o their_o inclination_n and_o love_v those_o quality_n better_o than_o these_o second_o because_o those_o of_o variety_n quickness_n and_o affectionateness_n be_v discern_v more_o easy_o by_o every_o body_n in_o a_o prayer_n those_o other_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o usefulness_n not_o without_o more_o difficulty_n and_o but_o by_o very_a few_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o examine_v and_o see_v they_o the_o best_a be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o all_o as_o there_o may_v be_v just_a reason_n first_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o will_n be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o then_o let_v we_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o as_o plentiful_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o have_v as_o strong_a affection_n to_o they_o in_o compare_n with_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o deserve_v let_v we_o be_v sure_o the_o matter_n be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o then_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o in_o proportion_n as_o it_o be_v so_o be_v zealous_o affect_v and_o here_o as_o to_o affection_n i_o will_v propound_v this_o to_o be_v often_o remember_v viz._n that_o we_o shall_v always_o regard_v not_o what_o do_v strong_o affect_v ourselves_o or_o other_o what_o we_o seel_v to_o dâ—_n so_o but_o what_o shall_v do_v so_o possible_o we_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v mighty_o in_o love_n with_o and_o passionate_o desire_v whaâ—_n be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o worth_n while_o we_o be_v colâ—_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v real_o of_o much_o more_o excellent_a use_n benefit_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o thing_n by_o our_o affection_n bâ—_n contrariwise_o we_o must_v adjust_a our_o affection_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o
habitual_a temper_n or_o inclination_n prayer_n therefore_o thus_o perform_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v discrect_a and_o know_a soul_n according_a to_o its_o fervency_n and_o frequency_n have_v a_o most_o natutural_a influence_n to_o preserve_v and_o strengthen_v we_o to_o make_v we_o grow_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o may_v reasonable_o very_o often_o not_o always_o because_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o person_n decline_v and_o grow_v more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o all_o their_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o prayer_n be_v a_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n growth_n in_o goodness_n not_o be_v we_o present_o to_o expect_v such_o mighty_a difference_n between_o all_o those_o who_o pray_v and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o and_o then_o upon_o any_o disappointment_n by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o who_o use_v it_o glad_o take_v occasion_n to_o reproach_n or_o despise_v the_o duty_n as_o a_o useless_a but_o troublesome_a thing_n as_o some_o naughty_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v for_o man_n may_v perform_v it_o very_o erroneous_o idle_o and_o careless_o and_o then_o they_o may_v so_o engage_v their_o affection_n with_o that_o concern_v and_o constancy_n to_o other_o object_n in_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v do_v their_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v quite_o forget_v it_o or_o drown_v and_o overcome_v the_o good_a sense_n and_o affection_n they_o have_v therein_o whence_o their_o prayer_n be_v but_o little_a effectual_a from_o all_o these_o cause_n it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o you_o may_v see_v those_o that_o be_v not_o negligent_a in_o this_o duty_n or_o performance_n but_o frequent_a and_o constant_a and_o long_a too_o so_o bad_a in_o their_o temper_n life_n and_o action_n all_o the_o day_n that_o you_o can_v see_v little_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o little_o i_o say_v for_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v some_o general_a good_a usual_o by_o the_o mean_a performance_n of_o it_o and_o man_n who_o be_v bad_a will_v otherwise_o general_o be_v much_o worse_o and_o therefore_o though_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o their_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o leave_v they_o quite_o off_o for_o all_o that_o as_o for_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n excellent_a perfection_n his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n universal_a goodness_n his_o bounty_n mercy_n justice_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v another_o ingredient_n in_o a_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o often_o we_o do_v this_o the_o more_o spiritual_a our_o mind_n be_v and_o we_o see_v that_o by_o exercise_n and_o use_v we_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v these_o spiritual_a thing_n more_o strong_o and_o clear_o and_o our_o affection_n too_o of_o honour_n admiration_n reverence_n fair_a faith_n hope_n joy_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o grow_v more_o substantial_a and_o real_a more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a not_o so_o faint_a and_o languid_a so_o that_o we_o feel_v they_o in_o our_o breast_n as_o real_o and_o as_o powerful_o as_o to_o any_o other_o object_n we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o real_a understanding_n perception_n sense_n and_o affection_n for_o those_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v name_v we_o know_v and_o feel_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o have_v it_o as_o real_o in_o ourselves_o to_o honour_n fear_v and_o love_n god_n for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n though_o invisible_a as_o a_o prince_n attend_v with_o all_o his_o ensign_n of_o majesty_n and_o greatness_n and_o who_o we_o know_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a and_o good_a as_o great_a by_o our_o frequent_a converse_n thus_o of_o our_o mind_n with_o god_n he_o become_v ready_o a_o very_a real_a thing_n to_o we_o be_v real_o perceive_v by_o we_o and_o have_v real_a influence_n upon_o our_o affection_n whereas_o before_o we_o thus_o begin_v to_o use_v ourselves_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n be_v a_o insignificant_a thing_n to_o we_o we_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o by_o it_o and_o no_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o most_o time_n than_o our_o statue_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n will_v be_v we_o may_v hear_v much_o talk_n and_o read_v much_o of_o god_n indeed_o or_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n but_o little_o know_v what_o they_o mean_v we_o apprehend_v better_a and_o more_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o some_o little_a particular_a kindness_n of_o any_o honest_a or_o good_a neighbour_n than_o with_o the_o infinite_a bounâ—y_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o constant_a cause_n and_o author_n to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o all_o have_v and_o enjoy_v moreover_o in_o some_o prayer_n as_o secret_a prayer_n where_o we_o may_v have_v time_n to_o apply_v our_o thought_n to_o what_o we_o please_v we_o do_v not_o only_o transient_o which_o if_o frequent_a will_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o also_o fix_o and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n attend_v sometime_o to_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v they_o whence_o a_o more_o particular_a discovery_n and_o clear_a apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n thereof_o insomuch_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v break_v forth_o into_o rapture_n of_o suitable_a passion_n that_o be_v great_a and_o sudden_a violence_n thereof_o as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n contemplate_v the_o power_n of_o god_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o greatness_n and_o vastness_n excellency_n and_o nobleness_n and_o strangeness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v be_v it_o but_o only_o of_o the_o indefinite_o extend_v material_a world_n much_o more_o of_o the_o intellectual_a or_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n or_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n shall_v attend_v to_o this_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o and_o all_o the_o rational_a creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n know_v by_o little_a parcel_n and_o successive_o to_o eternity_n itself_o be_v all_o present_a at_o once_o to_o that_o infinite_a understanding_n or_o contemplate_v his_o goodness_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o it_o he_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a thâ—_n immutability_n of_o it_o the_o universality_n anâ—_n that_o all_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o so_o seem_v to_o uâ—_n be_v permit_v or_o appoint_v out_o of_o goodness_n and_o the_o least_o of_o thing_n and_o most_o miâ—uâ—_n dispose_v by_o the_o same_o goodness_n the_o best_a waâ—_n that_o can_v be_v or_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o somâ—_n one_o or_o more_o excellent_a instance_n thereof_o â—_o his_o free_a and_o ready_a pardon_v upon_o repentance_n the_o fottish_a heedlessness_n and_o sometime_o the_o malicious_a rebellion_n and_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o his_o own_o pitiful_a creature_n against_o he_o i_o say_v a_o man_n contemplate_v these_o perfection_n thus_o and_o attend_v to_o some_o such_o thing_n therein_o will_v more_o strong_o apprehend_v they_o and_o sometime_o be_v affect_v and_o seize_v wiâ—_n the_o great_a violence_n and_o rapture_n of_o sutabâ—_n passion_n such_o as_o we_o often_o meet_v withal_o iâ—_n the_o psalm_n when_o david_n in_o his_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n glance_v at_o and_o discover_v or_o â—â—â—_o more_o steady_o and_o clear_o his_o wisdom_n power_n mercy_n goodness_n righteousness_n in_o some_o instance_n or_o effect_n as_o in_o psalm_n 36._o verse_n 5._o thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n reach_v unto_o the_o cloud_n that_o be_v thy_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n particular_o express_v itself_o in_o thy_o faithful_a perform_v thy_o promise_n be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o creation_n manife_v itself_o thy_o righteousness_n â—_o like_o the_o great_a mountain_n that_o be_v again_o thy_o universal_a goodness_n be_v vast_a as_o to_o extension_n and_o unmoveable_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o to_o duration_n for_o so_o be_v the_o mountain_n as_o far_o as_o we_o observe_v compare_v with_o other_o thing_n thy_o â—udgments_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a the_o infinite_a decree_n and_o resolution_n of_o thy_o will_n few_o of_o they_o know_v and_o all_o do_v with_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n o_o lord_n thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n all_o creature_n be_v maintain_v by_o thou_o then_o upon_o this_o contemplation_n and_o reflection_n he_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n o_o how_o excellent_a and_o precious_a be_v thy_o lovingkindness_n therefore_o the_o child_n of_o man_n shall_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n now_o the_o real_a clear_a strong_a and_o vigorous_a apprehension_n of_o and_o affection_n towards_o these_o divine_a attribute_n or_o this_o excellent_a nature_n of_o god_n do_v more_o powerful_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o imitation_n of_o and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o
his_o blow_n or_o harrow_n or_o in_o his_o shop_n may_v sure_o upon_o these_o occasion_n do_v thus_o as_o easy_o if_o they_o have_v mind_n as_o swear_v and_o curse_v at_o their_o cattle_n or_o fellow-servant_n or_o master_n or_o chapman_n or_o customer_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a and_o laudable_a custom_n which_o man_n general_o have_v when_o they_o mention_v any_o considerable_a benefit_n or_o good_a thing_n receive_v to_o say_v god_n be_v thank_v when_o any_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o to_o say_v god_n forgive_v theâ—_n when_o any_o calamity_n or_o evil_n which_o they_o fâ—â—_n or_o fear_n to_o say_v god_n have_v mercy_n on_o they_o aâ—_n these_o be_v ejaculatory_a prayer_n but_o then_o â—â—_o they_o be_v customary_a so_o they_o shall_v be_v heaâ—â—_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o care_n to_o live_v as_o they_o sâ—_n these_o and_z many_o other_o ejaculatory_a prayeâ—_n may_v be_v often_o use_v in_o our_o thought_n thaâ—_n speak_v for_o fear_v of_o seem_a affectation_n whiâ—_n may_v offend_v sect_n iv_o iii_o a_o three_o way_n how_o pray_v keep_v â—_o good_a and_o make_v we_o better_o be_v â—â—_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o imitation_n â—_o god_n and_o this_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o suggestion_n and_o bring_v god_n and_o his_o excellent_a perfectâ—ons_n and_o attribute_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o tâ—â—_n exercise_n of_o our_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n of_o he_o as_o one_o powerful_a wise_a holy_a and_o righteous_a of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o as_o oâ—_n good_a to_o we_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n goodness_n itself_o for_o all_o these_o affection_n in_o we_o tâ—_n any_o person_n dispose_v we_o effectual_o to_o imitation_n of_o all_o we_o can_v in_o he_o in_o general_n but_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o we_o more_o particular_o admire_v and_o love_v the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a admire_v therefore_o and_o love_v particular_o in_o god_n his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n will_v dispose_v we_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o he_o therein_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v not_o see_v man_n prayer_n do_v they_o this_o way_n any_o great_a good_a though_o i_o think_v they_o rare_o perform_v they_o so_o bad_o but_o they_o will_v be_v worse_o if_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o at_o all_o be_v because_o they_o perform_v their_o prayer_n so_o seldom_o or_o so_o superficial_o cold_o or_o heartles_o sometime_o they_o pray_v only_o with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o what_o they_o do_v they_o be_v cold_a and_o dull_a not_o at_o all_o warm_v or_o touch_v the_o very_a love_a god_n for_o his_o benefit_n only_o in_o particular_a to_o we_o will_v dispose_v we_o to_o imitation_n if_o we_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o or_o remember_v that_o to_o imitate_v he_o will_v certain_o please_v he_o which_o love_n dispose_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o our_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o benefit_n in_o our_o prayer_n may_v more_o certain_o have_v this_o excellent_a effect_n of_o imitation_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v holy_a it_o will_v be_v very_o good_a when_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v god_n favour_n to_o ask_v ourselves_o serious_o what_o we_o shall_v return_v he_o again_o how_o we_o shall_v please_v he_o and_o then_o to_o answer_v ourselves_o by_o be_v like_o himself_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o hate_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n we_o see_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o we_o imitate_v those_o with_o who_o we_o much_o and_o frequent_o converse_v and_o have_v a_o great_a opinion_n of_o we_o do_v as_o they_o do_v we_o entertain_v our_o self_n with_o the_o same_o thought_n affection_n action_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o mind_n who_o frequent_o and_o hearty_o converse_v with_o god_n that_o be_v have_v he_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o prayer_n and_o have_v a_o honourable_a opinion_n of_o he_o as_o who_o have_v not_o they_o general_o be_v more_o like_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o be_v much_o dispose_v thereto_o experience_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o man_n who_o think_v of_o god_n be_v much_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o he_o as_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o apprehend_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o powerful_a arbitrary_a angerful_a be_v so_o he_o be_v not_o so_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v but_o secure_a they_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o ofttimes_o actual_o be_v so_o they_o contrariwise_o who_o worship_n god_n principal_o for_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_n as_o his_o principal_a and_o only_a absolute_a perfection_n and_o dear_o love_v and_o admire_v he_o as_o omniscient_a and_o omnipotent_a love_n who_o though_o he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v do_v always_o what_o be_v best_a these_o i_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v of_o a_o universal_o generous_o benign_a temper_n to_o all_o not_o arbitrary_a partial_a but_o good_a to_o every_o one_o as_o be_v best_a for_o the_o general_a good_a or_o for_o the_o public_a again_o our_o prayer_n by_o converse_n with_o spiritual_a and_o great_a object_n spiritualize_v and_o widen_v our_o mind_n do_v make_v we_o more_o capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o imitate_v of_o god_n perfection_n especial_o his_o holiness_n or_o universal_a righteousness_n sect_n v._o iv_o a_o four_o way_n how_o our_o prayer_n do_v make_v we_o good_a and_o better_a and_o preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n be_v more_o particular_o by_o bring_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o condition_n of_o our_o petition_n be_v grant_v we_o can_v pray_v for_o or_o desire_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n with_o any_o hope_n of_o success_n but_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v good_a the_o degree_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v to_o answer_v the_o degree_n of_o our_o goodness_n and_o this_o way_n be_v proper_a to_o that_o part_n of_o prayer_n call_v petition_n we_o all_o of_o we_o natural_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o that_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o world_n for_o its_o great_a good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o its_o great_a good_a and_o therefore_o one_o of_o his_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o to_o punish_v the_o bad_a and_o that_o one_o proper_a way_n of_o punishment_n which_o god_n may_v use_v be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o wicked_a man_n have_v already_o or_o to_o cross_v their_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v or_o succeed_v in_o what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o success_n or_o that_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v grant_v so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o speed_v without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n either_o we_o shall_v never_o give_v ourselves_o the_o trouble_n to_o ask_v at_o all_o or_o if_o oâ—_n necessity_n or_o choice_n put_v we_o upon_o ask_v oâ—_n conscience_n will_v also_o put_v we_o upon_o reformation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v know_v to_o be_v amiâ—_n in_o ourselves_o and_o sometime_o if_o we_o be_v iâ—_n a_o great_a fright_n of_o what_o we_o never_o know_v â—_o suspect_v before_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o wicked_a man_n who_o conscience_n fly_v iâ—_n their_o face_n or_o be_v apt_a to_o whisper_v something_o which_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o or_o amend_v when_o they_o want_v any_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o come_v by_o it_o without_o god_n immediate_a help_n as_o health_n strength_n freedom_n from_o poverty_n prison_n pain_n sickness_n death_n yet_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o prayer_n they_o will_v use_v any_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o improbable_a and_o difficult_a and_o run_v and_o shift_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o employ_v and_o busy_v their_o invention_n or_o endeavour_n and_o hope_v this_o and_o other_o thing_n will_v effect_v what_o they_o will_v have_v rather_o than_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n when_o that_o hearty_a prayer_n be_v so_o facile_a and_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o obtain_v what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o be_v a_o mean_n which_o be_v use_v with_o all_o other_o will_v make_v they_o more_o successful_a i_o know_v sometime_o conscience_n may_v be_v very_o forgetful_a dull_a partial_a erroneous_a through_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o strength_n in_o goodness_n and_o man_n may_v be_v very_o confident_a in_o their_o petition_n too_o when_o real_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o bad_a and_o that_o even_o in_o their_o very_a prayer_n they_o be_v perform_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o person_n do_v neither_o suppose_v nor_o make_v they_o good_a but_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v otherwise_o especial_o when_o man_n
of_o their_o desert_n from_o god_n as_o to_o challenge_v he_o with_o injustice_n for_o neglect_v they_o but_o god_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o external_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n of_o pray_v weep_v fast_v look_v sorrowful_o and_o sordid_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o procure_v they_o any_o favour_n from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v reform_v themselves_o and_o leave_v all_o the_o abovenamed_a iniquity_n be_v in_o all_o instance_n and_o expression_n universal_o charitable_a to_o their_o neighbour_n not_o oppress_v or_o tyrannize_v be_v tender-hearted_a compassionate_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a shall_v cause_v their_o light_n to_o break_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n and_o their_o health_n spring_v forth_o speedy_o that_o be_v shall_v make_v they_o a_o joyous_a and_o happy_a people_n and_o verse_n 9_o express_o then_o shall_v thou_o call_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v answer_v thou_o shall_v cry_v and_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o i_o be_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o the_o yoke_n that_o be_v oppression_n the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n that_o be_v derision_n and_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v of_o thy_o poor_a unhappy_a neighbour_n and_o speak_v vanity_n that_o be_v lie_v or_o fraud_n for_o by_o vanity_n the_o hebrew_n ordinary_o express_v falsehood_n &c_n &c_n if_o thou_o reform_v and_o mend_v thy_o wicked_a way_n then_o may_v thou_o hope_v for_o and_o expect_v according_a to_o god_n own_o promise_n when_o it_o shall_v seem_v fit_a to_o he_o and_o that_o it_o will_v often_o dâ—_n that_o thy_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v otherwise_o thy_o prayer_n and_o confidence_n too_o be_v but_o presumption_n and_o impudence_n it_o be_v true_a these_o last_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o such_o like_v prove_v that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v viz._n that_o man_n conscience_n may_v sometime_o so_o forget_v themselves_o be_v so_o partial_a and_o erroneous_a that_o they_o may_v pray_v bold_o and_o confident_o when_o they_o may_v rather_o expect_v the_o taunt_n there_o and_o their_o prayer_n to_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o face_n that_o be_v their_o prayer_n to_o be_v hate_v and_o contemn_v by_o god_n and_o themselves_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o prayer_n do_v not_o always_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v or_o make_v man_n good_a but_o then_o they_o inform_v man_n too_o which_o be_v the_o end_n why_o i_o have_v bring_v they_o that_o if_o man_n hope_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o god_n and_o to_o have_v their_o prayer_n grant_v they_o must_v be_v good_a and_o not_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a sin_n or_o through_o hypocrisy_n or_o insincerity_n laziness_n or_o prevalency_n of_o some_o lust_n above_o their_o duty_n wilful_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o live_v in_o any_o sin_n or_o no_o or_o slatter_v themselves_o in_o general_n they_o do_v not_o and_o those_o man_n who_o know_v thus_o much_o by_o natural_a conscience_n reason_n the_o scripture_n and_o often_o attend_v to_o it_o which_o be_v most_o man_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o though_o not_o all_o if_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o evil_n or_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o any_o good_a will_v first_o be_v apt_a to_o reslect_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n and_o promise_v unto_o god_n amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o beg_v his_o pardon_n that_o they_o may_v with_o hope_n of_o success_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o effectual_o obtain_v their_o desire_n and_o to_o do_v this_o often_o and_o constant_o sure_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o the_o preserve_a man_n from_o all_o sin_n nay_o to_o make_v they_o more_o sincere_o vigorous_o constant_o and_o universal_o better_a sect_n vi_o the_o five_o way_n how_o our_o pray_v may_v v._o v._o make_v we_o better_o and_o preserve_v we_o in_o goodness_n be_v by_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n that_o be_v god_n almighty_n may_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o reward_v our_o prayer_n even_o in_o general_n be_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n may_v reward_v our_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o our_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o according_o our_o admiration_n honour_n love_n thankfulness_n address_v to_o he_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o he_o exercise_v in_o our_o prayer_n with_o the_o great_a blessing_n he_o can_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v with_o increase_n growth_n strength_n in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n when_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o humble_o and_o in_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o well-doing_n which_o also_o be_v sign_n of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o perfection_n even_o for_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n beside_o goodness_n as_o for_o wisdom_n instruction_n deliverance_n from_o bodily_a danger_n plenty_n good_a success_n in_o worldly_a affair_n a_o peaceable_a and_o comfortable_a life_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o may_v seem_v good_a to_o god_n sometime_o to_o reward_v this_o exercise_n of_o our_o goodness_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v such_o proper_a mean_n thereof_o with_o better_a thing_n than_o what_o we_o ask_v and_o with_o they_o too_o eveâ—_n this_o principal_a one_o of_o all_o of_o preserve_a aâ—_n strengthen_v our_o soul_n in_o holiness_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a virtue_n and_o grace_n but_o much_o more_o still_o have_v we_o reason_n tâ—_n think_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v this_o incomparable_a blessing_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o humblâ—_n sincere_o and_o importunate_o beseech_v it_o â—_o his_o hand_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n whâ—_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n thâ—_n he_o will_v but_o make_v we_o sincere_o and_o generous_o good_a holy_a lover_n of_o himself_o and_o â—_o all_o person_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o universal_a charity_n and_o love_n never_o to_o gratify_v any_o inordinate_a or_o immoderate_a appetite_n anâ—_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n we_o plain_o be_v indiffereâ—_n to_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o maâ—_n be_v instrument_n hereof_o of_o our_o be_v or_o do_v good_a this_o be_v a_o petition_n that_o argueâ—_n and_o act_n a_o temper_n of_o mind_n than_o which_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o encourage_v iâ—_n and_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o long_a it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n that_o god_n will_v heat_v our_o prayer_n grant_v our_o desire_n make_v out_o endeavour_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o time_n or_o other_o successful_a we_o have_v hear_v before_o the_o blind_a man_n opinion_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n god_n hear_v he_o â—nd_v in_o this_o sure_o rather_o than_o any_o other_o â—hing_n our_o saviour_n to_o encourage_v our_o address_n to_o god_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v express_o promise_v success_n when_o it_o seem_v sit_v to_o god_n and_o it_o do_v so_o sometime_o or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v â—â—_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d knock_v and_o it_o shall_v â—e_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o askethâ—s_v â—s_z he_o aught_o receive_v when_o it_o seem_v fit_a to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v very_o often_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v â—e_v open_v which_o our_o saviour_n illustrate_v â—y_a a_o similitude_n of_o earthly_a parent_n who_o â—ive_a to_o their_o child_n upon_o their_o ask_n necessary_a or_o convenient_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o â—etter_a to_o we_o and_o love_v we_o all_o more_o with_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n than_o our_o earthly_a parent_n can_v do_v give_v they_o unto_o we_o what_o man_n be_v there_o etc._n etc._n matt._n 7._o to_o verse_n 12._o the_o â—ame_n we_o have_v in_o st._n luke_n chap._n 11._o verse_n 13._o where_o it_o be_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o in_o david_n psalm_n be_v many_o place_n to_o this_o purpose_n psalm_n 145._o verse_n 18_o 19_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o disciple_n and_o believer_n thâ—_n be_v their_o charge_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o be_v strengthen_v in_o holiness_n and_o gâ—ness_n
in_o all_o grace_n and_o good_a work_n aâ—_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o have_v pray_v so_o â—_o less_o they_o have_v have_v hope_n that_o god_n woâ—_n some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n heâ—_n they_o thus_o only_o for_o example_n st._n paâ—_n thessaly_n 1._o 3._o 12._o the_o lord_n make_v you_o to_o increase_v and_o abound_v in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o anâ—_n all_o man_n even_o as_o we_o do_v towards_o you_o to_o the_o eâ—_n he_o may_v establish_v your_o heart_n unblamable_a in_o holâ—ness_n before_o god_n even_o our_o father_n at_o the_o comiâ—_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n and_o thessaly_n 2._o 2._o 16._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n comfort_n yoâ—_n heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o good_a word_n aâ—_n work_n and_o if_o god_n will_v hear_v their_o aâ—_n consequent_o our_o prayer_n for_o other_o to_o make_v and_o keep_v they_o good_a and_o make_v they_o better_o than_o sure_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o wiâ—_n hear_v we_o for_o ourselves_o nay_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v a_o real_a and_o prevalent_a love_n to_o goodness_n wheâ—_n we_o desire_v it_o for_o ourselves_o but_o the_o desire_v it_o for_o other_o may_v not_o so_o much_o signify_v it_o we_o may_v often_o wish_v other_o to_o be_v good_a as_o bad_a parent_n do_v their_o child_n sometime_o and_o yet_o not_o ourselves_o because_o other_o be_v good_a â—s_n not_o inconsistent_a perhaps_o with_o any_o belove_a â—ust_z of_o our_o own_o but_o our_o own_o be_v good_a â—s_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o a_o real_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o of_o holy_a man_n which_o â—ath_v by_o some_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o saint_n that_o be_v of_o a_o person_n who_o be_v habitual_o and_o prevalent_o holy_a and_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v not_o true_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o not_o of_o a_o prevalent_a degree_n thereof_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o of_o pray_v viz._n it_o be_v a_o likely_a mean_n due_o perform_v to_o preserve_v â—s_n in_o goodness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o better_o to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v in_o we_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a instance_n hereof_o and_o that_o by_o these_o several_a way_n i_o have_v mention_v sect_n vii_o i._o a_o second_o general_a benefit_n to_o ourselves_o by_o prayer_n be_v that_o of_o comfort_n joy_n delight_n of_o soul_n satisfaction_n acquiescence_n ease_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o these_o four_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o soul_n arise_v immediate_o from_o the_o operation_n or_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n terminate_v upon_o god_n in_o prayer_n very_o natural_o that_o be_v without_o the_o special_a immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n upâ—_n our_o mind_n for_o example_n in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o aâ—tributes_n so_o often_o mention_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o contemplate_v if_o we_o be_v more_o aâ—_n and_o have_v more_o time_n in_o secret_a especial_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n his_o almighty_a power_n his_o all-comprehending_a knowledge_n his_o universal_a and_o infinâ—_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o his_o tender_a mercy_n forbear_v for_o give_v bestow_v promise_a reward_v otherwhile_o his_o as_o wholesome_a justice_n in_o control_v chastise_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_o immutable_o infinite_o all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o in_o our_o prayer_n more_o or_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o attend_v tâ—_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o very_a thought_n oâ—_n which_o so_o vast_a object_n be_v vast_o please_v and_o delightful_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o cast_v but_o some_o glance_n at_o they_o touch_v the_o soul_n with_o â—_o great_a and_o smart_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n as_o iâ—_n be_v in_o our_o most_o set_v customary_a public_a oâ—_n private_a prayer_n where_o we_o can_v have_v timâ—_n only_o more_o transient_o to_o look_v at_o these_o thing_n but_o in_o our_o secret_a and_o retire_a devotion_n where_o we_o may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o we_o wâ—_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o to_o admire_v they_o and_o then_o think_v of_o they_o again_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o fit_v for_o this_o employment_n by_o â—_o sober_a and_o refine_a temper_n of_o body_n by_o frequent_a use_n and_o god_n influence_n the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n may_v be_v to_o a_o ravish_a degree_n and_o the_o more_o particular_a distinct_a and_o comprehensive_a our_o knowledge_n be_v the_o great_a our_o admiration_n and_o the_o more_o intense_a our_o pleasure_n still_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a some_o soul_n have_v experience_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o will_v not_o change_v with_o the_o best_a furnish_v sensualist_n or_o worldling_n nor_o hearken_v to_o the_o motion_n without_o the_o high_a contempt_n but_o then_o much_o more_o still_o be_v this_o pleasure_n increase_v by_o the_o passion_n and_o action_n of_o love_n desire_v joy_n trust_v and_o hope_n resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o imitation_n which_o the_o view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n produce_v in_o we_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v fit_v therefore_o by_o spirituality_n to_o apprehend_v they_o and_o by_o a_o habitual_a goodness_n and_o generosity_n of_o temper_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o the_o very_a passion_n of_o love_n itself_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a agreeable_a pleasant_a and_o sweet_a thing_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o who_o be_v there_o except_o very_o unfortunate_a nature_a person_n who_o do_v not_o experience_n it_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o but_o what_o may_v or_o can_v be_v belove_v with_o a_o more_o ardent_a and_o intense_a degree_n of_o it_o than_o god_n '_o than_o god_n i_o say_v when_o we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a love_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v love_n to_o be_v universal_o good_a to_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v eternal_o immutable_o and_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n even_o his_o permission_n and_o punishment_n of_o sin_n itself_o than_o god_n i_o say_v who_o be_v uncontrollable_a and_o infinite_a in_o power_n too_o and_o can_v do_v what_o he_o please_v upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v and_o from_o who_o they_o have_v all_o and_o that_o no_o long_o than_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n what_o can_v or_o may_v be_v more_o belove_v than_o such_o a_o be_v as_o he_o be_v i_o say_v what_o may_v be_v love_v by_o we_o more_o ardent_o than_o god_n not_o what_o be_v so_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v very_o sensual_a and_o dull_a in_o their_o apprehension_n very_o much_o corrupt_v degenerate_a and_o debase_v in_o their_o affection_n so_o that_o we_o may_v not_o apprehend_v these_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o have_v any_o or_o but_o very_o little_a inclination_n to_o they_o or_o affection_n for_o they_o in_o any_o other_o we_o may_v ourselves_o be_v so_o ill-natured_a as_o not_o much_o to_o be_v take_v or_o please_v with_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o other_o kindness_n and_o good_a nature_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o ourselves_o nor_o then_o neither_o unless_o they_o be_v able_a as_o well_o as_o kind_n and_o can_v do_v something_o for_o we_o as_o well_o as_o will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n power_n more_o than_o his_o goodness_n that_o we_o love_v or_o esteem_v and_o his_o power_n too_o only_o to_o do_v we_o good_a i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v of_o this_o dull_a selfish_a brutish_a nature_n and_o be_v please_v principal_o with_o power_n and_o other_o thing_n not_o at_o all_o or_o little_a with_o love_v or_o good_a nature_n this_o man_n indeed_o in_o his_o prayer_n will_v have_v little_a love_n for_o the_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o have_v little_a pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o his_o prayer_n upon_o that_o account_n but_o i_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v soul_n who_o have_v the_o great_a ardency_n and_o pang_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o dear_o embrace_v he_o and_o unite_v themselves_o to_o he_o thus_o consider_v and_o that_o these_o therefore_o find_v in_o their_o prayer_n where_o they_o put_v forth_o this_o their_o affection_n the_o most_o ravish_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o i_o affirm_v that_o even_o
the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o most_o sensual_a carnal_a dull_a and_o ill-natured_a have_v soul_n capable_a of_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a in_o their_o understanding_n and_o affection_n and_o of_o be_v infinite_o in_o love_n with_o the_o boundless_a goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o more_o than_o with_o any_o other_o thing_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o proportionable_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v joy_n in_o god_n who_o be_v thus_o infinite_a in_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o hope_v or_o confident_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_a acquiescence_n and_o repose_n of_o soul_n in_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o all_o when_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o immutable_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o solicitous_a or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d self_n but_o acquiesce_v and_o even_o re_fw-mi 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o event_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o full_a appro_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thy_o will_v be_v do_v o_o â—ll_o mighty_a and_o all_o wise_a goodness_n and_o love_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o say_v these_o very_a pas_n 〈◊〉_d affection_n be_v sweet_a and_o delicious_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o be_v excite_v and_o exert_v in_o prayer_n and_o that_o in_o prepare_a soul_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v prayer_n so_o acceptable_a and_o delightful_a duty_n further_o in_o prayer_n we_o do_v not_o only_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n admire_v honour_n love_n rejoice_v hope_v in_o he_o for_o his_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o general_a but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o we_o admire_v his_o great_a goodness_n particular_o to_o ourselves_o and_o love_v he_o for_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o present_a possession_n and_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o the_o future_a perhaps_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o passion_n general_o be_v in_o most_o man_n more_o pierce_a and_o strong_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n and_o especial_o his_o goodness_n refer_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o indeed_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o admiration_n love_n joy_n hope_v of_o god_n goodness_n to_o ourselves_o in_o any_o kind_n express_v not_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o good_a but_o as_o one_o single_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o god_n universal_a goodness_n to_o all_o which_o we_o most_o clear_o apprehend_v for_o be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o we_o in_o particular_a he_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o and_o every_o of_o his_o creature_n as_o much_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o than_o ourselves_o in_o prayer_n we_o i_o say_v thus_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o stir_v up_o our_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o or_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o past_a benefit_n among_o which_o be_v his_o promise_n of_o future_a good_a thing_n we_o rejoice_v in_o he_o for_o the_o present_a and_o we_o hope_v and_o repose_v ourselves_o on_o he_o for_o the_o future_a now_o these_o very_a passion_n and_o affection_n themselves_o in_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a and_o please_a to_o they_o as_o be_v the_o very_o think_v and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o especial_o goodness_n of_o god_n all_o these_o operation_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v very_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o they_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o be_v here_o to_o be_v thus_o employ_v it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v their_o action_n and_o operation_n to_o god_n sect_n viii_o 2._o but_o a_o second_o more_o particular_a way_n how_o prayer_n be_v for_o our_o comfort_n anâ—_n delight_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o be_v good_a be_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n anâ—_n repose_v in_o god_n as_o to_o all_o our_o concern_v whatsoever_o any_o good_a man_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o goâ—_n habitual_o believe_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n will_v always_o bestow_v upoâ—_n he_o what_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v bestow_v and_o 2._o that_o the_o particular_a thing_n he_o humblâ—_n beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v may_v be_v just_o bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d consistent_a with_o or_o rather_o effective_a of_o thâ—_n great_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o haâ—â—_n be_v often_o say_v and_o this_o latter_a he_o may_v sometime_o believe_v certain_o sometime_o probable_o whence_o arise_v either_o assurance_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o only_o hope_v strictâ—â—_n so_o call_v as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o hiâ—_n consequent_a favour_n to_o his_o person_n for_o christ_n sake_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n amendment_n anâ—_n change_v of_o soul_n when_o he_o cry_v with_o thâ—_n poor_a publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinneâ—_n which_o most_o man_n be_v so_o careless_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o seldom_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o amendment_n so_o far_o he_o may_v be_v confident_a god_n will_v grant_v this_o his_o prayer_n for_o beside_o that_o even_o by_o reason_n itself_o without_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o may_v be_v very_o probable_a by_o the_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v most_o undoubted_a and_o certain_a even_o reason_n itself_o will_v judge_v it_o more_o probable_a if_o it_o be_v inform_v that_o it_o be_v do_v for_o so_o excellent_a a_o person_n sake_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o then_o moreover_o i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o one_o indeed_o of_o the_o principal_a thing_n it_o come_v to_o acquaint_v man_n withal_o viz._n that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o be_v by_o do_v all_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a as_o command_v from_o god_n by_o christ_n man_n may_v have_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o again_o if_o any_o man_n desire_n and_o pray_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o general_a to_o repent_v and_o that_o he_o may_v forsake_v at_o last_o all_o sin_n and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n give_v up_o himself_o to_o obey_v god_n be_v afraid_a or_o weary_a of_o a_o sinful_a wicked_a life_n as_o a_o thing_n unaccountable_a unreasonable_a or_o in_o particular_a if_o he_o pray_v for_o strength_n to_o mortify_v any_o lust_n to_o leave_v any_o sin_n to_o obtain_v any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n he_o may_v be_v confident_a he_o shall_v be_v hear_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o some_o time_n or_o other_o perhaps_o god_n may_v not_o hear_v we_o present_o but_o excite_v we_o and_o strengthen_v we_o to_o continue_v our_o prayer_n more_o earnest_o whereby_o we_o gain_v dependence_n upon_o god_n humility_n nay_o a_o great_a thirst_n after_o the_o thing_n we_o ask_v and_o consequent_o indeed_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o i_o say_v for_o pardon_n and_o grace_n if_o unfeigned_o and_o hearty_o ask_v and_o humble_o beg_v of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v confident_a we_o shall_v be_v hear_v both_o because_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a and_o because_o god_n have_v more_o express_o promise_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o for_o other_o even_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n as_o natural_a part_n or_o gift_n of_o understanding_n memory_n utterance_n or_o the_o like_a these_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a god_n shall_v bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o as_o for_o external_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o health_n strength_n beauty_n riches_n honour_n or_o good_a name_n plenty_n or_o competency_n deliverance_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v less_o probability_n still_o although_o so_o much_o as_o to_o encourage_v we_o sufficient_o to_o propound_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n too_o and_o therefore_o here_o our_o hope_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o strong_a unless_o god_n have_v express_o by_o certain_a revelation_n promise_v any_o of_o they_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o david_n case_n when_o he_o be_v persecute_v by_o saul_n and_o by_o other_o enemy_n and_o his_o life_n seek_v after_o god_n have_v certain_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o probable_o to_o himself_o by_o inspiration_n promise_v he_o shall_v be_v king_n and_o
that_o such_o spiritual_a and_o future_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v mention_v be_v more_o excellent_a more_o perfect_a that_o be_v of_o more_o good_a effect_n than_o sensible_a and_o present_a worldly_a thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n in_o a_o man_n to_o know_v contemplate_v be_v affect_v with_o those_o former_a than_o these_o latter_a to_o have_v his_o mind_n conversant_a with_o and_o employ_v about_o they_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o person_n who_o profess_v and_o real_o live_v or_o seem_v to_o live_v such_o a_o life_n be_v general_o honour_v and_o reverence_v further_o a_o man_n after_o such_o a_o performance_n as_o a_o discreet_a and_o affectionate_a prayer_n may_v reflect_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o ability_n and_o sufficiency_n for_o such_o excellent_a thing_n but_o also_o upon_o his_o love_n to_o they_o and_o good_a will_n to_o they_o his_o esteem_n for_o they_o that_o he_o actual_o be_v so_o affect_v and_o at_o that_o particular_a time_n particular_o after_o a_o understanding_n and_o affectionate_a prayer_n it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o make_v reflection_n that_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n perform_v so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o more_o immediate_o respect_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o altogether_o careless_a of_o god_n live_v without_o he_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n but_o that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o his_o express_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o humble_o petition_v he_o for_o what_o he_o want_v and_o what_o be_v good_a and_o just_a for_o he_o by_o render_v he_o hearty_a thanks_o and_o actual_o love_v he_o for_o his_o manifold_a favour_n even_o for_o all_o he_o have_v or_o ever_o have_v for_o any_o degree_n of_o holiness_n for_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n part_n gift_n riches_n or_o competency_n reputation_n friend_n security_n from_o enemy_n health_n strength_n power_n opportunity_n or_o advantage_n to_o do_v good_a peace_n joy_n satisfaction_n happiness_n here_o hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n after_o death_n and_o part_n with_o all_o here_o and_o for_o all_o his_o boundless_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o a_o assure_a but_o just_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o by_o a_o free_a submission_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o conform_v of_o it_o cheerful_o thereunto_o to_o do_v all_o he_o command_v he_o and_o to_o be_v in_o any_o condition_n he_o appoint_v or_o dispose_v that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o a_o ready_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o and_o pierce_v hearty_a grief_n for_o and_o inward_a detestation_n of_o all_o his_o unreasonable_a violation_n of_o his_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n make_v know_v either_o by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n by_o natural_a conscience_n or_o god_n word_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o ask_v from_o he_o as_o the_o only_a supreme_a just_a and_o yet_o propitious_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o christ_n sake_n that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o but_o most_o of_o all_o by_o importunate_o beg_v his_o supervenient_a grace_n strength_n and_o influence_n his_o assistance_n one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o duty_n any_o more_o in_o any_o kind_n i_o say_v when_o a_o man_n have_v perform_v so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o god_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o make_v he_o divine_a and_o perfect_a it_o will_v not_o soon_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n he_o will_v be_v rereflect_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o can_v be_v without_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o spirit_n and_o he_o will_v humble_o give_v unfeigned_a thanks_o to_o god_n for_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o noble_a and_o excellent_a employment_n so_o ravish_v and_o delicious_a to_o himself_o but_o especial_o which_o will_v render_v he_o so_o benign_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o world_n and_o please_v to_o god_n for_o give_v he_o the_o mean_n of_o and_o effectual_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o use_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a life_n and_o he_o will_v wish_v all_o man_n may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o know_v and_o partake_v thereof_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n among_o other_o which_o make_v a_o man_n very_o sensible_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o consequent_o to_o perceive_v from_o thence_o more_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n the_o first_o be_v its_o compare_n with_o other_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n respect_v our_o neighbour_n it_o seem_v more_o excellent_a than_o that_o to_o love_v one_o neighbour_n that_o be_v any_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o any_o good_a from_o we_o to_o wish_v well_o hearty_o to_o he_o to_o be_v charitable_a just_a grateful_a compassionate_a or_o to_o show_v any_o other_o instance_n of_o love_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v excellent_a yet_o seem_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o our_o absolute_a love_n to_o god_n not_o as_o only_o good_a to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o universe_n as_o our_o neighbour_n nay_o all_o the_o world_n be_v inferior_a to_o god_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o or_o desire_v any_o good_a thing_n for_o god_n we_o may_v not_o because_o it_o suppose_v some_o good_a thing_n absent_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v absent_a from_o he_o a_o absent_a good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o desire_n but_o we_o may_v will_n and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o actual_o possess_v we_o may_v will_v a_o present_a good_a and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o esteem_a if_o we_o compare_v they_o than_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n than_o all_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v infinite_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o little_a thing_n a_o nothing_o to_o he_o and_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n consequent_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o all_o his_o creature_n if_o they_o can_v be_v oppose_v beside_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v infinite_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o therefore_o that_o love_v god_n as_o such_o must_v needs_o love_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v too_o god_n be_v and_o happiness_n infer'_v that_o of_o his_o creature_n necessary_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o but_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a wherefore_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o have_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a effect_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o distinct_a and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v inconsistent_a one_o with_o another_o which_o they_o never_o can_v be_v but_o much_o more_o before_o the_o love_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n and_o although_o we_o be_v say_v not_o only_o to_o will_v but_o to_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o not_o to_o god_n yet_o in_o truth_n our_o proper_a action_n be_v to_o will_v it_o the_o outward_a effect_n consequent_a upon_o our_o will_n be_v only_o by_o god_n power_n and_o action_n and_o we_o can_v will_v it_o as_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v equal_o to_o both_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n above_o all_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o persuasion_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o that_o to_o love_v he_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_o universe_n i._n e._n god_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v together_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n distinct_o consider_v as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n viz._n honour_n admiration_n dependence_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v but_o instrumental_a duty_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o practice_v universal_a righteousness_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n universal_a love_n love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a one_o than_o many_o other_o and_o ingenerate_a in_o we_o more_o immediate_o a_o great_a and_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o might_n be_v particular_o show_v and_o consequent_o of_o universal_a love_n in_o which_o it_o consist_v some_o of_o those_o person_n who_o magnify_v and_o commend_v those_o duty_n which_o respect_v our_o neighbour_n especial_o such_o as_o beneficence_n justice_n and_o honesty_n in_o deal_n and_o conversation_n peaceableness_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n may_v
1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o that_o which_o be_v capable_a thereof_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o petition_n or_o desire_n may_v be_v false_a or_o true_a the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n indeed_o can_v because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o so_o consider_v simple_a not_o complex_fw-la thing_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o proposition_n be_v in_o which_o only_o there_o be_v that_o truth_n i_o now_o mean_v for_o example_n in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o what_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o god_n be_v real_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o imply_v necessary_o no_o imperfection_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o least_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v real_o in_o he_o thus_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o please_v we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o think_v he_o can_v by_o his_o own_o intrinsic_a power_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n to_o determine_v himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n or_o universal_a goodness_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o he_o can_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o capacity_n in_o his_o most_o perfect_a nature_n to_o will_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o to_o make_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n nay_o or_o to_o will_v any_o number_n of_o they_o nay_o any_o one_o of_o they_o absolute_o and_o ultimate_o to_o be_v so_o nay_o or_o the_o least_o evil_n to_o any_o of_o they_o without_o any_o further_a respect_n to_o any_o other_o good_a but_o only_o that_o he_o please_v himself_o therein_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o reason_n and_o express_v revelation_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o superior_a cause_n to_o god_n will_n or_o his_o active_a power_n that_o make_v he_o to_o be_v good_a or_o restrain_v he_o from_o make_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n unhappy_a or_o miserable_a we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v again_o if_o we_o think_v so_o but_o we_o neither_o ought_v nor_o can_v conceive_v if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o for_o he_o to_o will_v absolute_o and_o ultimate_o the_o least_o evil_a or_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n his_o will_n can_v never_o be_v so_o dispose_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o nature_n to_o will_v so_o can_v please_v he_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v the_o best_a dispose_v man_n mean_v confuse_o and_o be_v not_o offend_v with_o when_o they_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n so_o unlimited_o as_o that_o he_o can_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o innocent_a creature_n and_o either_o immediate_o though_o such_o or_o mediate_o first_o contrive_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v throw_v they_o into_o hell_n if_o he_o please_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a cause_n to_o his_o own_o will_n why_o he_o do_v not_o so_o which_o be_v true_a not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o ever_o so_o to_o will_n or_o to_o be_v please_v therewith_o that_o even_o the_o due_a relation_n of_o our_o action_n to_o their_o object_n or_o their_o justice_n or_o righteousness_n be_v something_o and_o therefore_o make_v by_o god_n or_o dependent_a upon_o his_o will_n for_o all_o thing_n must_v have_v his_o will_n or_o active_a power_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n but_o then_o we_o can_v conceive_v his_o nature_n such_o as_o ever_o to_o have_v will_v contrary_a or_o not_o to_o have_v will_v these_o relation_n not_o to_o have_v will_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_o there_o have_v be_v both_o of_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o of_o the_o great_a religionist_n but_o mistake_v who_o have_v i_o think_v entertain_v these_o false_a and_o most_o mischievous_a opinion_n concern_v god_n so_o on_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n man_n may_v have_v a_o conceit_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o will_v make_v all_o man_n happy_a and_o therefore_o pass_v over_o all_o their_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a numerous_a and_o many_o that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o neither_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o and_o this_o though_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o their_o mind_n and_o nature_n be_v not_o change_v at_o all_o or_o very_o slight_o they_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n but_o god_n they_o hope_v will_v forgive_v they_o for_o god_n be_v merciful_a as_o they_o use_v to_o express_v it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a mischievous_a falsehood_n and_o imply_v he_o even_o not_o to_o be_v universal_o good_a to_o all_o his_o creation_n not_o to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o it_o for_o he_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o restrain_v sometime_o wickedness_n and_o sinful_a mischievous_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o will_n and_o put_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o happiness_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a sometime_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n or_o other_o according_a as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o also_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o express_v reveal_v will_n of_o god_n so_o again_o those_o who_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a tenderness_n and_o peculiar_a love_n to_o they_o and_o to_o some_o certain_a other_o that_o he_o will_v not_o see_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o will_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o the_o least_o for_o it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o destine_v to_o a_o unconceivable_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o another_o world_n notwithstanding_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v no_o better_o than_o other_o and_o be_v very_o well_o content_a so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v who_o say_v further_a that_o god_n have_v provide_v and_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o excuse_v they_o from_o actual_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o from_o punishment_n in_o case_n of_o constant_a failure_n without_o any_o amendment_n that_o they_o indeed_o have_v very_o corrupt_a heart_n but_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v pardon_v all_o these_o person_n make_v god_n and_o christ_n the_o worst_a patron_n of_o sin_n the_o most_o unrighteous_a the_o most_o partial_a to_o bear_v with_o and_o pardon_v it_o in_o a_o few_o who_o he_o please_v but_o to_o punish_v it_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n nothing_o more_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n in_o rom._n 2._o in_o confession_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o must_v have_v the_o like_a care_n and_o as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v certain_o true_a wherefore_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o we_o deserve_v punishment_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o sin_n nor_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o real_o be_v sin_n when_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o on_o the_o contrary_a perhaps_o excuse_v ourselves_o or_o think_v ourselves_o innocent_a or_o good_a when_o we_o be_v bad_a think_v those_o thing_n no_o sin_n nay_o very_o good_a action_n which_o be_v bad_a one_o that_o which_o may_v often_o be_v in_o those_o which_o be_v do_v with_o pretend_a or_o some_o little_a real_a zeal_n confuse_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o much_o more_o or_o other_o undue_a selfish_a end_n and_o unlawful_a appetite_n nor_o must_v we_o acquit_v slatter_v connive_v at_o ourselves_o and_o think_v ourselves_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n and_o it_o may_v be_v thank_v god_n for_o it_o too_o when_o we_o be_v be_v either_o ignorant_a and_o forgetful_a of_o ourselves_o or_o wilful_o vain_o conceit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o presumptuous_a and_o conceit_a general_o of_o their_o own_o innocency_n though_o they_o may_v sometime_o in_o word_n only_o or_o very_o slight_o say_v they_o be_v sinner_n insomuch_o that_o if_o you_o shall_v inquire_v of_o they_o what_o they_o have_v be_v or_o how_o they_o have_v live_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v say_v any_o harm_n by_o they_o and_o they_o know_v nothing_o amiss_o they_o thank_v god_n by_o themselves_o they_o hardly_o know_v one_o sin_n by_o themselves_o or_o one_o bad_a action_n to_o confess_v or_o they_o must_v study_v upon_o it_o or_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o something_o or_o other_o whence_o they_o conclude_v themselves_o very_o innocent_a and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o act_v according_o as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o god_n know_v as_o little_a by_o they_o as_o they_o do_v by_o themselves_o when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v rare_o do_v any_o good_a action_n and_o they_o have_v little_a good_a in_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v
unregarded_a and_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o themselves_o be_v alas_o ofttimes_o very_o ignorant_a inept_v careless_a or_o partial_a examiner_n of_o themselves_o man_n may_v thank_v god_n that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v not_o know_v their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n and_o that_o they_o have_v some_o grace_n as_o sincere_a zeal_n humility_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o have_v not_o but_o instead_o thereof_o or_o at_o least_o mix_v therewith_o wrath_n pride_n vainglory_n or_o in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v great_a degree_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o true_o have_v as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v they_o may_v thank_v god_n for_o own_v their_o cause_n by_o success_n in_o war_n or_o law_n when_o he_o do_v not_o but_o only_o chastise_v it_o may_v be_v or_o correct_v another_o they_o may_v also_o apply_v general_a or_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o other_o good_a man_n to_o themselves_o and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n to_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o they_o and_o last_o in_o the_o particular_a deduction_n and_o recital_n of_o our_o case_n or_o condition_n or_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o still_o not_o aggravate_v nor_o extenuate_v more_o than_o be_v true_a as_o a_o man_n may_v propose_v to_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n the_o great_a machination_n and_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n their_o insult_a over_o he_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o they_o if_o he_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o he_o when_o little_a of_o this_o may_v be_v true_a most_o of_o it_o be_v only_o conceit_v so_o out_o of_o pride_n to_o render_v himself_o more_o considerable_a or_o to_o show_v that_o he_o can_v or_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o all_o or_o out_o of_o wrath_n or_o it_o be_v more_o fear_v than_o real_a many_o other_o instance_n of_o these_o particular_n may_v be_v give_v sect_n ii_o ii_o the_o second_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v just_a and_o this_o respect_n only_o that_o part_n of_o prayer_n call_v petition_n when_o we_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v or_o grant_v any_o positive_a or_o privative_a good_a thing_n to_o we_o let_v we_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o we_o can_v that_o it_o be_v just_a he_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o we_o justice_n be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o action_n and_o that_o which_o we_o immediate_o desire_v in_o prayer_n be_v god_n grant_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o here_o we_o be_v especial_o to_o use_v divine_a revelation_n or_o god_n word_n right_o interpret_v and_o our_o own_o best_a reason_n to_o know_v what_o be_v just_o thus_o for_o example_n we_o must_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v gratify_v our_o revenge_n envy_n ambition_n covetousness_n wrath_n vainglory_n or_o any_o other_o lust_n as_o sometime_o the_o ruin_n or_o destruction_n or_o hurt_n of_o our_o enemy_n indeed_o because_o we_o prosperity_n for_o ourselves_o and_o we_o and_o success_n in_o a_o unjust_a or_o wicked_a undertake_n great_a riches_n relation_n employment_n part_n and_o gift_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o do_v good_a therewith_o but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v superior_a to_o other_o or_o acquire_v name_n or_o reputation_n or_o be_v able_a to_o advance_v and_o propagate_v certain_a opinion_n and_o usage_n because_o we_o and_o abolish_v or_o remove_v other_o because_o contrary_a to_o we_o in_o which_o case_n our_o request_n be_v not_o that_o god_n will_v grant_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v because_o good_a for_o the_o world_n and_o please_v therefore_o to_o himself_o but_o indeed_o to_o gratify_v we_o only_o and_o that_o in_o hurtful_a mischievous_a and_o therefore_o unlawful_a desire_n this_o ofttimes_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o though_o we_o may_v sometime_o slight_o or_o it_o may_v be_v confident_o judge_v the_o thing_n beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o those_o unlawful_a desire_n may_v make_v we_o to_o judge_v so_o sometime_o indeed_o and_o most_o ordinary_o perhaps_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n st._n james_n tell_v his_o fellow_n christian_n that_o some_o of_o they_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o they_o ask_v amiss_o to_o consume_v it_o upon_o their_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n those_o viz._n of_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n james_n 4._o verse_n 3._o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v abomination_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o bring_v it_o with_o a_o wicked_a mind_n prov._n 21._o verse_n 27._o we_o shall_v often_o hear_v of_o fast_n and_o prayer_n of_o contrary_a and_o diverse_a party_n for_o victory_n and_o success_n in_o any_o affair_n and_o thanksgiving_n too_o when_o both_o can_v be_v just_a in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a petition_n that_o god_n will_v favour_v or_o prosper_v the_o just_a cause_n and_o yet_o this_o may_v not_o always_o seem_v good_a to_o god_n neither_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o to_o he_o as_o all_o other_o petition_n thus_o sect_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n pray_v with_o a_o great_a earnestness_n and_o confidence_n for_o the_o conversion_n or_o extirpation_n of_o each_o other_o when_o it_o be_v sure_a but_o one_o of_o those_o prayer_n can_v be_v just_a if_o when_o we_o petition_v god_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a whether_o it_o be_v just_a or_o no_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o very_o confident_a and_o bold_a too_o in_o ask_v we_o great_o dishonour_v god_n for_o hereby_o we_o beget_v a_o opinion_n in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o such_o a_o suitable_a behaviour_n that_o god_n be_v more_o fond_a of_o we_o and_o our_o concern_v then_o of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a that_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o he_o love_v we_o in_o particular_a better_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o as_o if_o he_o must_v needs_o do_v what_o we_o desire_v he_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n but_o if_o we_o do_v attend_v to_o and_o examine_v with_o as_o much_o care_n as_o we_o ought_v before_o we_o pray_v whether_o what_o we_o pray_v be_v just_a and_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v and_o do_v without_o any_o prejudice_n from_o self-love_n conclude_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v mistake_v this_o be_v only_o a_o defect_n of_o our_o knowledge_n the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v soon_o amend_v by_o refer_v all_o our_o petition_n to_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n of_o which_o hereafter_o but_o we_o may_v through_o undue_a self-love_n so_o flatter_v ourselves_o and_o think_v ourselves_o so_o acceptable_a and_o dear_a to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v conceit_v it_o can_v but_o be_v just_a for_o he_o to_o do_v what_o especial_o we_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o zeal_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o inspirer_n of_o it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o our_o heart_n when_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v our_o own_o pride_n or_o other_o self-love_n petition_v he_o to_o do_v more_o modesty_n better_o become_v we_o whereby_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o due_a judgement_n of_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o have_v that_o and_o do_v with_o good_a reason_n think_v ourselves_o so_o far_o good_a only_a as_o we_o real_o be_v and_o consequent_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o be_v so_o modest_a too_o as_o to_o remember_v that_o we_o can_v but_o very_o rare_o certain_o tell_v in_o particular_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n what_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o what_o be_v just_a for_o he_o to_o do_v he_o who_o be_v all-comprehending_a in_o his_o knowledge_n always_o certain_o know_v and_o to_o he_o therefore_o we_o refer_v the_o justice_n and_o consequent_o the_o grant_n of_o our_o desire_n the_o confidence_n of_o some_o person_n in_o their_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n when_o their_o temper_n have_v be_v heat_v especial_o how_o unblamable_a how_o hateful_a and_o contemptible_a the_o wise_a sort_n of_o heathen_n have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o consequent_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o ask_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o what_o be_v just_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o pindar_n py._n od._n 3._o we_o mortal_n ought_v to_o desire_v from_o the_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v fit_v and_o just_a mind_v the_o present_a of_o what_o condition_n we_o noâ—_n be_v sect_n iii_o iii_o the_o three_o due_a qualification_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n
and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o too_o in_o which_o we_o may_v mention_v in_o our_o prayer_n many_o lesser_a thing_n thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o use_n must_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o concernment_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o less_o be_v more_o and_o more_o frequent_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o the_o part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o a_o prayer_n as_o in_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o great_a the_o most_o comprehensive_a and_o general_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a perfection_n iâ—_n god_n that_o we_o make_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o principal_o and_o chief_o as_o that_o of_o his_o infinite_a and_o general_a goodness_n to_o all_o more_o than_o his_o particular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o so_o when_o we_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n justice_n let_v we_o take_v those_o chief_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o large_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o such_o as_o be_v god_n creation_n of_o all_o thing_n preservation_n providence_n throughout_o the_o whole_a universe_n that_o towards_o mankind_n and_o especial_o the_o make_n of_o we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o faculty_n aid_n sufficiency_n opportunity_n help_v to_o improve_v our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n also_o the_o revelation_n of_o such_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o especial_a messenger_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o last_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o beloved_a son_n in_o confession_n let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bewail_v most_o our_o great_a sin_n that_o have_v most_o of_o iniquity_n in_o they_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a degree_n of_o the_o depravedness_n inordinacy_n of_o our_o will_n include_v the_o great_a aversation_n from_o righteousness_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o mischievous_a self-love_n in_o a_o usual_a phrase_n our_o most_o aggravate_v sin_n consequent_o let_v we_o confess_v our_o dear_a most_o please_a and_o delightful_a sin_n for_o our_o great_a degree_n of_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o our_o duty_n argue_v a_o degree_n of_o the_o inordinacy_n and_o depravedness_n of_o our_o will_n as_o to_o intenseness_n those_o also_o which_o be_v most_o frequent_a contrariwise_o let_v we_o not_o confess_v little_a sin_n much_o and_o neglect_v great_a one_o or_o more_o than_o those_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o can_v more_o easy_o forsake_v and_o neglect_v those_o which_o be_v most_o sweet_a pass_v over_o they_o or_o slight_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o confess_v those_o which_o we_o commit_v rare_o and_o neglect_v those_o which_o we_o do_v frequent_o when_o this_o fault_n be_v in_o our_o confession_n pure_o through_o ignorance_n through_o want_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o will_n which_o i_o scarce_o believe_v it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o superstition_n that_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o some_o action_n be_v more_o or_o less_o displease_v to_o god_n than_o indeed_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o do_v some_o of_o they_o and_o of_o god_n anger_n or_o punishment_n for_o they_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v and_o in_o other_o again_o less_o which_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a effect_n and_o do_v much_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v as_o to_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o render_v we_o less_o capable_a of_o any_o happy_a condition_n till_o we_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o they_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v true_o conscientious_a and_o love_n that_o which_o we_o judge_v right_a and_o our_o duty_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o most_o ignorant_a superstition_n proceed_v from_o unconscientiousness_n but_o when_o this_o fault_n proceed_v out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o some_o sin_n both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v extreme_o bad_a if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o confess_v national_a sin_n or_o those_o which_o be_v most_o practise_v frequent_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o nation_n have_v we_o a_o care_n to_o confess_v those_o principal_o and_o most_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a both_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o the_o effect_n those_o that_o argue_v and_o include_v the_o great_a degree_n and_o neglect_n of_o and_o aversation_n from_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a instance_n thereof_o compare_v with_o other_o object_n or_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ultimate_a self-love_n compare_v with_o or_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o mischievous_a or_o do_v the_o great_a hurt_n in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v some_o the_o more_o colourable_a and_o undiscerned_a sin_n of_o malice_n pride_n envy_n ambition_n affectation_n of_o superiority_n equality_n liberty_n add_v tyranny_n disobedience_n revenge_n oppression_n covetousness_n fraud_n hypocrisei_n or_o want_v of_o integrity_n and_o other_o more_o notorious_a of_o profaneness_n irreligion_n atheism_n unbelief_n disbelief_n of_o christian_a religion_n sensuality_n lasciviousness_n intemperance_n etc._n etc._n those_o sin_n also_o which_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a and_o continual_a in_o several_a or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v to_o be_v principal_o confess_v in_o thankfulness_n likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o most_o frequent_o and_o most_o ardent_o for_o the_o great_a favour_n those_o that_o be_v most_o public_a diffuse_v and_o general_a those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a those_o that_o appertain_v more_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n those_o among_o spiritual_a one_o which_o concern_v our_o will_n or_o inclination_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o our_o affection_n call_v general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o sanctification_n or_o regeneration_n purify_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o one_o word_n usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n then_o afterward_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n as_o quick_a and_o plentiful_a suggestion_n revelation_n illumination_n in_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a excellency_n use_v and_o good_a effect_n for_o ability_n to_o signify_v convey_v or_o propagate_v these_o such_o as_o ready_a invention_n memory_n utterance_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o gift_n then_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o body_n or_o in_o it_o as_o the_o subject_n as_o strength_n health_n comeliness_n plenty_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o food_n and_o diet_n raiment_n habitation_n with_o their_o ornament_n etc._n etc._n which_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o corporeal_a pain_n which_o the_o most_o necessary_o affect_v we_o and_o consequent_o from_o necessary_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o prevent_v it_o etc._n etc._n then_o for_o the_o external_n good_a thing_n without_o we_o of_o riches_n reputation_n liberty_n magistracy_n friend_n relation_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v because_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o personal_a than_o public_a benefit_n as_o it_o do_v usual_o proceed_v from_o so_o it_o will_v increase_v a_o particular_a and_o selfish_a spirit_n to_o thank_v he_o more_o for_o bodily_a or_o external_a sensible_a good_a thing_n than_o for_o spiritual_a be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o cause_n of_o sensuality_n in_o we_o i_o e._n it_o do_v proceed_v from_o and_o confirm_v our_o excessive_a love_n to_o corporeal_a and_o sensible_a good_a in_o compare_n with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o god_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v be_v ordinary_o observe_v viz._n that_o man_n be_v usual_o much_o more_o sensible_a of_o and_o grateful_a to_o god_n for_o bodily_a good_a and_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n than_o for_o spirtual_a or_o intellectual_a and_o so_o likewise_o to_o thank_v god_n more_o for_o gift_n than_o grace_n though_o both_o spiritual_a thing_n confirm_v one_o in_o too_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o love_n for_o gift_n compare_v with_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v incomparable_o inferior_a to_o they_o gift_n sometime_o may_v be_v â—ill_o use_v be_v mischievous_a and_o hurtful_a which_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o grace_n can_v never_o in_o the_o least_o be_v knowledge_n puff_v up_o without_o charity_n and_o be_v contentious_a affect_v contemptuous_a but_o charity_n edifi_v say_v the_o apostle_n charity_n even_o without_o knowledge_n can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_o tend_v to_o do_v good_a now_o although_o this_o be_v better_o than_o not_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n at_o all_o than_o to_o thank_v he_o
our_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n all_o we_o can_v possible_o in_o a_o thing_n so_o right_o direct_v and_o so_o true_o useful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o serve_v the_o world_n and_o thank_v god_n we_o be_v so_o temper_v as_o to_o receive_v so_o much_o therefrom_o and_o these_o therefore_o be_v but_o personal_a and_o proper_a good_n must_v not_o either_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o action_n be_v place_v in_o the_o room_n of_o our_o ultimate_a end_n so_o often_o name_v nor_o be_v admit_v to_o any_o mixture_n or_o co-ordinacy_a with_o it_o but_o as_o instrument_n or_o little_a part_n thereof_o the_o please_a god_n and_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o all_o other_o and_o our_o own_o salvation_n that_o be_v our_o own_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n consider_v all_o together_o as_o one_o good_a thing_n be_v absolute_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o our_o action_n we_o can_v have_v and_o be_v the_o same_o which_o god_n himself_o always_o have_v but_o any_o other_o end_n beside_o this_o which_o almost_o always_o be_v some_o personal_a good_a where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o be_v comparative_o mean_a ignoble_a sordid_a contemptible_a all_o the_o psalm_n be_v instance_n and_o example_n of_o this_o sincerity_n as_o well_o as_o fervency_n and_o other_o qualification_n to_o follow_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v conjecture_v by_o word_n write_v and_o feignedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o high_a and_o bad_a respect_n will_v somewhat_o betray_v themselves_o as_o psalm_n 17._o verse_n 1._o hear_v the_o right_n o_o lord_n attend_v unto_o my_o cry_n give_v ear_n unto_o my_o prayer_n that_o go_v not_o out_o of_o feign_a lip_n or_o as_o in_o the_o margin_n without_o lip_n of_o deceit_n the_o most_o likely_a sense_n be_v that_o david_n have_v no_o other_o end_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v favour_v that_o which_o be_v right_a that_o he_o shall_v bestow_v that_o which_o be_v just_a upon_o he_o and_o psalm_n 66._o verse_n 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 it_o a_o man_n have_v a_o habitual_a love_n to_o and_o approbation_n of_o any_o wickedness_n it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o and_o most_o general_o it_o will_v hinder_v the_o grant_v his_o prayer_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n see_v any_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o regard_v any_o iniquity_n with_o allowance_n but_o much_o less_o sure_a can_v david_n think_v his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v hear_v if_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o insincerity_n or_o that_o particular_a iniquity_n of_o have_v any_o unlawful_a end_n even_o in_o his_o prayer_n itself_o as_o to_o gratify_v revenge_n pride_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v seem_v in_o some_o place_n as_o if_o some_o of_o his_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o revenge_n as_o especial_o psalm_n 69._o verse_n 22._o after_o he_o have_v complain_v of_o the_o cruelty_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o pray_v that_o their_o table_n may_v become_v asnare_v before_o they_o and_z as_o for_o their_o good_a thing_n or_o their_o peace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v all_o good_a by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o peace_n let_v they_o be_v a_o trap_n that_o be_v let_v even_o their_o good_a thing_n mischieve_v they_o or_o prove_v evil_a to_o they_o let_v their_o eye_n be_v darken_v that_o they_o see_v not_o etc._n etc._n but_o sure_o first_o david_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v villainous_a and_o wicked_a unjust_a proud_a cruel_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o other_o mild_a way_n incorrigible_a and_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o their_o punishment_n or_o to_o wish_v it_o as_o to_o inflict_v it_o which_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o if_o he_o have_v lawful_a power_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v even_o in_o his_o own_o case_n not_o out_o of_o revenge_n in_o the_o least_o but_o out_o of_o hearty_a love_n to_o the_o public_a good_a by_o encourage_v rescue_v and_o defend_v innocency_n and_o virtue_n and_o by_o restrain_v and_o supress_v wickedness_n and_o injustice_n i_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o david_n will_v willing_o have_v have_v his_o enemy_n change_v their_o mind_n and_o repent_v not_o mere_o because_o his_o enemy_n but_o because_o unjust_a and_o consequent_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o man_n or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v they_o will_v not_o do_v that_o after_o long_a forbearance_n there_o may_v be_v reason_n to_o judge_v it_o most_o just_a and_o consequent_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v punish_v david_n also_o be_v find_v somewhere_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n it_o may_v be_v till_o they_o be_v incorrigible_a but_o by_o punishment_n ps_n 35._o verse_n 13._o they_o reward_v i_o evil_n for_o good_a but_o â—s_n for_o i_o when_o they_o be_v sick_a my_o clothing_n be_v sackcloth_n etc._n etc._n sect_n vi_o ii_o the_o second_o due_a qualification_n of_o our_o action_n or_o operation_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n be_v that_o they_o be_v intense_a and_o servant_n in_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o ought_v especial_o consider_v comparative_o with_o the_o same_o operation_n about_o other_o object_n thus_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n let_v we_o apply_v our_o mind_n thereto_o and_o be_v attentive_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o our_o confession_n profession_n thankfulness_n explication_n petition_n cause_n we_o our_o mind_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o object_n thereof_o with_o all_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n they_o ought_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v too_o easy_o draw_v off_o by_o other_o object_n that_o may_v either_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o sense_n or_o make_v a_o attempt_n upon_o our_o imagination_n our_o thought_n be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o slight_a waver_a wander_a uncertain_a unconstant_a so_o as_o to_o be_v sometime_o more_o smart_o upon_o other_o matter_n of_o more_o trisle_a concerment_n our_o ordinary_a daily_a and_o small_a affair_n or_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o lust_n when_o we_o be_v perform_v this_o duty_n we_o cast_v only_o a_o short_a and_o weak_a glance_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v about_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o and_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a upon_o such_o excellent_a and_o useful_a thing_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o prayer_n we_o see_v with_o what_o application_n and_o attention_n of_o mind_n we_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n of_o far_o less_o concernment_n and_o in_o particular_a if_o we_o be_v to_o make_v any_o address_n to_o any_o person_n of_o dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o real_a worth_n either_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o or_o desire_v from_o he_o any_o one_o and_o no_o great_a favour_n so_o for_o our_o admiration_n honour_n reverence_n fear_v love_n faith_n hope_n joy_n delight_n resolution_n of_o obedience_n be_v they_o in_o that_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o life_n vigour_n and_o strength_n they_o ought_v and_o certain_o that_o can_v be_v too_o much_o for_o the_o object_n of_o all_o those_o in_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o confession_n let_v our_o grief_n for_o sin_n in_o general_a or_o sin_n in_o particular_a and_o hatred_n of_o they_o be_v inward_a pierce_a great_a last_v according_a to_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o sin_n above_o other_o evil_n which_o be_v almost_o without_o compare_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o iniquity_n and_o pravity_n in_o every_o sin_n our_o resolution_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o obedience_n let_v it_o be_v firm_a and_o strong_a our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o particular_a goodness_n and_o benefit_n towards_o we_o or_o to_o any_o other_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o general_a goodness_n to_o all_o as_o also_o our_o petition_n and_o desire_n let_v they_o be_v hearty_a strong_a vigorous_a according_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o value_n of_o the_o thing_n receive_v or_o desire_v it_o real_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a and_o unjustifiable_a thing_n that_o man_n shall_v have_v all_o these_o passion_n and_o action_n all_o these_o operation_n oâ—_n soul_n in_o the_o firce_v and_o intense_v degree_n about_o other_o small_a inconsiderable_a trifle_a object_n in_o other_o affair_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o here_o to_o be_v almost_o mere_a hypocrite_n to_o have_v little_a of_o inward_a action_n and_o life_n which_o sometime_o betray_v itself_o even_o by_o bodily_a dulness_n sluggishness_n sleepiness_n oscitancy_n not_o cause_v by_o length_n or_o any_o meanness_n of_o the_o performance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v short_a enough_o and_o well_o and_o by_o man_n own_o self_n too_o or_o if_o they_o be_v a_o little_a busy_a