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CHAP. LI. Iewish hypocritical prayers, reproved by our Saviour, Matth. 6. 5. Because they love to stand praying in the Synagogues and corners of the streets. (Book 51)
THIS Sermon upon the Mount, is much in reproof of the Jews Talmudical tra∣ditions, by which they made the Word of God of none effect. This verse re∣proveth one of their tenets, for their high-way Oraisons: for which they have this tra∣dition in their * 1.1 Talmud. Rabbi Josi, saith, On a time I was walking by the way, and I went into one of the deserts of Jerusalem to pray, then came Eliah, ‖ 1.2 of blessed memory, and watch∣ed me at the gate, and stayed for me, till I had ended my prayer: after that I had ended my prayer, he saith unto me, Peace be unto thee Rabbi; I said unto him, peace be upon thee Rab∣bi, and Master. Then said he to me, my son, wherefore wentest thou into this desert; I said unto him, To pray; He said to me, Thou mightest have prayed in the way. Then said I, I was afraid, lest passengers would interrupt me: He said unto me, Thou shouldest have prayed a short prayer. At that time I learned of him three things; I learned that we should not go into the desert; and I learned that we should pray by the way, and learned, that he that prayed by the way must pray a short prayer. Thus far their Talmud maketh them these Letters Patents for Hypocrisie; fathering this bastard upon blessed Elias, who was not a high-way prayer,* 1.3 or one that practised his own devotions in publick: for he was John Baptists type for retiredness.