is to be acceptably performed. 287 a fuitable reverence for God in the minds of S E R M. the worfhippers, which above all things fhould X. be aimed at by thofe who would teach them ^'""' to pray. It ought to be acknowleged the duty of prayer is alfo too often performed, without authorifed forms, in a manner not proper and edifying. Men ufe exprelions too crude and indigefted, are raft with their mouths in uttering words before God; and fometimcs by too much laboured and quaint ways of fpeaking, and a great copioufnefs and fluency of words, the minds of fuch as join in pray- er are too much diverted from that which is the principal intention of that facred fervice. We ought, therefore, in all fuch performances to aim at the greateft perfpicuity, to avoid all perplexed and intricate ways of fpeak- ing, and a tedious repetition of things, ei- ther in the fame or different words ; and to ufe the plaineft and molt comprehenfive ex- prefi'ions ; always preferving in ourfelves, and endeavouring to communicate to others, juft fentiments concerning God, and the duty we owe him; that thereby good difpofitions may be excited and ftrengthened which is the main end of prayer. I (hall conclude this head with confider- ing a little an elegant and inftruäive fimili- tude, which Solomon ufeth to illufirate the pre- feat fubjei. compareth rafh and un- j thought-
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