word_n and_o a_o suitable_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o life_n to_o accompany_v they_o wherewith_o to_o minister_v in_o prayer_n and_o whereby_o the_o faint_a and_o weak_a desire_n of_o the_o hearer_n many_o time_n be_v enlarge_v and_o strengthen_v but_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o only_o read_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o calendar_n or_o repeat_v it_o from_o his_o memory_n can_v pray_v with_o either_o such_o fit_a and_o suitable_a matter_n of_o word_n or_o can_v minister_v that_o suitable_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o life_n that_o the_o hearer_n require_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o seasonable_a life_n will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o to_o make_v they_o effectual_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o hearer_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o these_o who_o have_v not_o the_o inward_a experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o believe_v or_o imagine_v how_o the_o speaker_n who_o be_v assist_v to_o preach_v or_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v have_v a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a feel_n of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o feeling_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v this_o sense_n to_o he_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o all_o that_o which_o be_v seasonable_a both_o for_o matter_n and_o life_n however_o this_o be_v abundant_o know_v and_o witness_v to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o inward_a experience_n of_o life_n and_o its_o work_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n one_o member_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o its_o fellow_n member_n and_o the_o more_o noble_a that_o one_o member_n be_v its_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o member_n be_v the_o more_o universal_a full_a and_o comprehensive_a even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o the_o single_a heart_a and_o upright_o mind_a professor_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o express_v a_o great_a unity_n and_o sympathy_n or_o fellow_n feel_v than_o that_o of_o the_o body_n as_o if_o to_o be_v of_o one_o soul_n be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v of_o one_o body_n for_o if_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n have_v a_o sense_n one_o of_o another_o much_o more_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o discern_a and_o sympathy_n one_o with_o another_o 6._o and_o last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o here_o although_o many_o more_o reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o whole_a superstructure_n depend_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o wrong_a bottom_n or_o foundation_n viz._n a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v cease_v or_o discontinue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o and_o among_o true_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o false_a for_o i_o dare_v say_v if_o they_o who_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v but_o believe_v that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o among_o true_a christian_n this_o will_v present_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o for_o when_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n thereafter_o they_o ready_o grant_v that_o man_n then_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la without_o book_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o do_v now_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o dispensation_n be_v restore_v and_o restore_v again_o and_o be_v never_o altogether_o lose_v among_o true_a christian_n although_o much_o impair_v and_o diminish_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a apostasy_n and_o prevail_a power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o call_a christian_n they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o set_a form_n and_o wait_v for_o this_o divine_a gift_n but_o it_o be_v too_o long_o and_o unseasonable_a a_o labour_n in_o this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n do_v remain_v in_o and_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n i_o shall_v therefore_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o our_o friend_n have_v write_v on_o that_o subject_n and_o particular_o to_o two_o treatise_n of_o i_o and_o withal_o i_o beseech_v all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a people_n lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o slender_a and_o weak_a argument_n that_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o say_v that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o above_o all_o i_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o bear_v witness_n to_o every_o necessary_a truth_n as_o they_o harken_v to_o it_o and_o with_o their_o mind_n turn_v to_o the_o say_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o in_o that_o very_a respect_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v of_o old_a and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o understanding_n in_o that_o and_o all_o other_o necessary_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o most_o ordinary_a objection_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o weight_n for_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o private_a 1._o it_o be_v object_v that_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n the_o people_n be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o the_o law_n as_o numb_a 10._o 35._o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n common_o say_v arise_v o_o god_n let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v let_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n to_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n and_o numb_a 6._o 23._o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o bless_v the_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v favourable_o on_o thou_o and_o joel_n the_o prophet_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o pray_v say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v rule_v over_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n joel_n 2._o 17._o and_o yet_o under_o the_o law_n people_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o be_v to_o use_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n be_v endue_v wiih_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o able_a enough_o to_o have_v conceive_v other_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n ans._n from_o their_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n under_o the_o law_n to_o argue_v for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o under_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o hold_v good_a for_o not_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o beast_n but_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v both_o command_v and_o allow_v under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o although_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o many_o other_o in_o those_o day_n have_v great_a plenty_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o people_n who_o general_o be_v weak_a and_o rude_a they_o be_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o those_o rudiment_n no_o doubt_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n see_v to_o the_o substance_n and_o end_n of_o those_o shadow_n and_o figure_n and_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n can_v not_o wash_v or_o purify_v the_o conscience_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o though_o under_o the_o law_n some_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v use_v yet_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o very_o short_a and_o such_o as_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o such_o form_n seem_v to_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o extraordinary_a majesty_n or_o glory_n and_o to_o have_v some_o deep_a and_o profound_a signification_n and_o force_n with_o they_o more_o than_o ordinary_a as_o we_o know_v some_o scripture_n word_n and_o
heal_a and_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a nature_n more_o particular_o it_o have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o to_o kill_v consume_v and_o destroy_v sin_n both_o in_o fruit_n and_o root_n stock_n and_o branch_n 2._o to_o beget_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n patience_n humility_n joy_n peace_n hope_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n q._n how_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n convey_v unto_o man_n at_o first_o and_o how_o be_v it_o receive_v a._n as_o a_o small_a thing_n even_o as_o a_o seed_n the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n q._n and_o how_o be_v it_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o man_n heart_n a._n by_o its_o growth_n in_o they_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o they_o it_o do_v not_o multiply_v but_o remain_v as_o dead_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o they_o though_o live_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n q._n how_o do_v it_o grow_v in_o men._n a._n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o earth_n q._n how_o do_v it_o get_v root_n a._n it_o have_v a_o native_a virtue_n and_o influence_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n natural_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v it_o and_o though_o the_o ground_n where_o it_o seek_v to_o take_v root_n be_v foul_a and_o unfit_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o cleanse_n and_o fit_v virtue_n in_o it_o to_o prepare_v the_o ground_n and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o fit_a but_o it_o require_v man_n consent_n and_o concurrence_n which_o it_o act_n and_o god_n in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o draw_v and_o move_v effectual_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o q._n but_o may_v these_o drawing_n and_o move_n be_v common_o resist_v a._n yea_o they_o may_v and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o man_n himself_o and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o when_o begin_v in_o its_o progress_n q._n do_v god_n teach_v man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o godliness_n by_o this_o principle_n a._n yea_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_o and_o chaste_o wait_v upon_o believe_v and_o follow_v q._n but_o have_v he_o not_o his_o order_n in_o teach_v or_o do_v he_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o a._n he_o have_v his_o order_n and_o do_v not_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o but_o line_n upon_o line_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a according_a as_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v through_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o principle_n in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o teach_v in_o and_o by_o this_o principle_n a._n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o to_o live_v godly_a and_o when_o they_o have_v ascend_v by_o those_o degree_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n city_n house_n kingdom_n oud_a paradise_n where_o he_o give_v they_o to_o enjoy_v of_o these_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o because_o of_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o utterance_n or_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n after_o convincement_n or_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n a._n faith_n and_o repentance_n q._n what_o be_v faith_n a._n it_o be_v a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a light_n life_n and_o spirit_n within_o he_o q._n be_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n god_n and_o christ_n as_o inward_o reveal_v a._n yea._n q._n what_o faith_n then_o have_v they_o who_o say_v inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o man_n nay_o not_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n a._n they_o have_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n and_o imagination_n which_o as_o it_o findetn_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n so_o it_o leave_v they_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v repentance_n a._n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n from_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n unto_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n so_o that_o whereas_o it_o love_v desire_a and_o rejoice_v in_o sin_n before_o and_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n therefrom_o now_o it_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o sin_n universal_o and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n from_o it_o and_o a_o true_a and_o intimate_a love_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n desire_v after_o it_o and_o joy_n therein_o and_o more_o abundant_o after_o and_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o it_o be_v q._n how_o be_v this_o repentance_n wrought_v a._n by_o degree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n his_o life_n his_o love_n his_o judgement_n his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n reveal_v in_o his_o own_o light_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v turn_v thereunto_o and_o continue_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o fix_a application_n unto_o the_o same_o this_o natural_o and_o gentle_o melt_v and_o thaw_v the_o heart_n and_o break_v it_o into_o piece_n yea_o change_v it_o from_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o natural_o to_o savour_n and_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o it_o hate_v before_o and_o to_o disrelish_v and_o distaste_v the_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o it_o love_v before_o q._n what_o rule_n or_o law_n have_v god_n give_v unto_o man_n to_o serve_v obey_v and_o worship_n he_o a._n even_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n aforesaid_a the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v and_o shall_v remain_v upon_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o condemnation_n unto_o they_o but_o justification_n and_o approbation_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o concern_v prayer_n i._o some_o question_n answer_v ii_o some_o reason_n give_v why_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o only_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o the_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n iii_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n as_o if_o that_o read_v be_v prayer_n answer_v also_o a_o few_o word_n concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n by_o g._n k._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o love_v and_o friendly_a reader_n since_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v i_o some_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n what_o true_a prayer_n be_v after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v with_o many_o other_o to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n to_o believe_v and_o walk_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v see_v and_o open_v many_o true_a and_o fresh_a and_o live_a open_n have_v arisen_a in_o i_o concern_v prayer_n the_o nature_n use_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v acceptable_o perform_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v and_o help_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n to_o pray_v how_o he_o work_v not_o only_o upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a with_o good_a and_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o art_n or_o exercise_v of_o prayer_n but_o also_o how_o he_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a power_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o give_v to_o man_n a_o true_a and_o real_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o want_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o other_o for_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o also_o of_o the_o love_n mercy_n bounty_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o readiness_n and_o nearness_n of_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o supply_v all_o his_o and_o their_o want_n abundant_o when_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o see_v the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n where_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v drink_v and_o also_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v rich_o spread_v where_o it_o may_v eat_v abundant_o and_o be_v refresh_v and_o bless_v and_o
praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o what_o to_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o but_o only_o do_v warm_a and_o heat_v man_n affection_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o blind_a devotion_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n cry_v out_o against_o etc._n etc._n that_o heavenly_a and_o sacred_a fire_n that_o god_n send_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o a_o dark_a obscure_a fire_n but_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v and_o have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o heat_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v without_o word_n either_o express_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o understanding_n because_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o man_n that_o transcend_v all_o word_n i_o mean_v such_o word_n as_o we_o common_o use_v which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o aristotle_n define_v word_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la signarerum_fw-la i_o e._n word_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o high_a degree_n of_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o without_o these_o word_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v word_n themselves_o or_o where_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o distinct_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o word_n and_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o aristotle_n so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n as_o it_o seem_v know_v not_o this_o mystery_n nor_o yet_o do_v his_o follower_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o bountiful_a and_o gracious_a unto_o man_n do_v not_o only_o enlighten_v and_o shine_v upon_o this_o high_a part_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o also_o cause_v his_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n thereof_o even_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o imagination_n for_o the_o very_a imagination_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v isa._n 26._o 3._o that_o which_o be_v translate_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v imagination_n see_v also_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 18._o keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n etc._n etc._n which_o inferior_a and_o low_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v reach_v to_o divine_a thing_n without_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n will_v establish_v the_o true_a believer_n in_o he_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o good_a word_n be_v as_o real_a a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o good_a work_n or_o desire_n and_o these_o good_a word_n must_v not_o be_v borrow_v word_n from_o the_o mouth_n or_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v water_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a after_o a_o heavenly_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o corn_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n though_o ever_o so_o abundant_o which_o have_v grow_v in_o another_o land_n or_o country_n that_o denominate_v the_o ground_n where_o it_o lie_v to_o be_v fruitful_a but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o fruitful_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o from_o within_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o heavenly_a rain_n and_o influence_n the_o like_a corn_n or_o any_o other_o grain_n that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abundance_n even_o of_o scripture_n word_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v into_o his_o memory_n or_o bare_a natural_a understanding_n that_o simple_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n fruitful_a unto_o god_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n word_n must_v be_v open_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n word_n be_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o open_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v as_o so_o many_o seed_n a_o plentiful_a harvest_n where_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n yield_v its_o fruit_n some_o thirty_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o always_o with_o some_o increase_n so_o that_o although_o scripture_n word_n have_v a_o most_o excellent_a service_n and_o use_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o open_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o soil_n be_v with_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o yet_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o scripture_n word_n but_o yield_v a_o increase_n of_o other_o word_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v yield_v more_o grain_n than_o what_o be_v sow_v these_o and_o such_o like_a open_n in_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n have_v live_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o as_o concern_v prayer_n time_n after_o time_n and_o have_v at_o the_o present_a writing_n be_v live_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o many_o more_o which_o here_o i_o present_a to_o all_o friendly_a and_o love_a reader_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v for_o a_o general_a service_n where_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n i_o hope_v sober_o and_o fair_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n not_o name_v any_o person_n or_o party_n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n or_o dislike_v only_o with_o some_o fervency_n but_o yet_o in_o true_a love_n i_o have_v reprove_v and_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o set_a form_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o i_o aim_v against_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o read_n to_o be_v prayer_n itself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o simple_o against_o read_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o age_n past_a some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o some_o reason_n that_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n also_o concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n quest._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o ask_n of_o he_o in_o faith_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v or_o do_v desire_v q._n what_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o great_a name_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o want_v as_o to_o ourselves_o 3._o we_o be_v also_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o for_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v who_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o expire_v yea_o for_o our_o great_a enemy_n also_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o god_n may_v build_v she_o up_o more_o and_o more_o preserve_v and_o defend_v she_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n more_o abundant_o upon_o she_o and_o upon_o her_o member_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v
sentence_n have_v more_o than_o other_o as_o that_o spirit_n be_v feel_v from_o who_o original_o they_o come_v and_o though_o all_o the_o scripture_n word_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o some_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o more_o depth_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o hold_v forth_o somewhat_o of_o more_o majesty_n and_o deep_a inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n and_o be_v common_o accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v or_o in_o meditation_n and_o may_v be_v also_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v move_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n thereunto_o either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o even_o under_o the_o law_n or_o at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o lord_n do_v limit_v and_o confine_v his_o people_n or_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o make_v unlawful_a unto_o they_o to_o use_v any_o other_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o public_a or_o that_o any_o one_o be_v ever_o forbid_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o utter_v word_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o psalm_n or_o song_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o help_n and_o move_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v that_o many_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v they_o or_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n of_o word_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a as_o solomon_n prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n also_o esdras_n prayer_n chap._n 9_o and_o the_o levite_n prayer_n nehem._n 9_o and_o daniel_n prayer_n dan._n 9_o and_o for_o private_a prayer_n david_n prayer_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o asaph_n also_o moses_n and_o samuel_n and_o habbakkuk_n their_o prayer_n with_o many_o other_o under_o the_o law_n be_v clear_a instance_n and_o before_o the_o law_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n their_o prayer_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o a_o book_n of_o prayer_n contain_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o number_n to_o be_v say_v or_o read_v in_o order_n be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o prayer_n or_o as_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o law._n for_o though_o divers_a excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o put_v into_o book_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v read_v or_o use_v in_o so_o many_o word_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o prayer_n but_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n as_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n patt_o for_o information_n and_o partly_o to_o excite_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o hearer_n except_v only_o some_o very_a few_o short_a form_n as_o above_o mention_v which_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o stop_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o express_v itself_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o any_o other_o word_n and_o those_o few_o form_n they_o use_v as_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n when_o they_o pray_v they_o but_o speak_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n where_o they_o be_v live_o as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o record_v and_o though_o the_o word_n of_o these_o short_a form_n be_v former_o conceive_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v old_a or_o ancient_a yet_o as_o they_o utter_v or_o pronounce_v they_o in_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o power_n which_o never_o wax_v old_a this_o give_v they_o always_o a_o new_a lustre_n and_o put_v a_o new_a savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v always_o new_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o when_o they_o pray_v either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v frequent_o find_v and_o feel_v scripture_n word_n of_o prayer_n former_o conceive_v and_o utter_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o moses_n david_n etc._n etc._n to_o arise_v in_o they_o from_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v they_o forth_o in_o prayer_n and_o this_o without_o any_o limitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o come_v free_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o of_o heart_n soul_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v manifest_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o also_o limit_v or_o confine_v the_o man_n understanding_n only_o to_o those_o scripture_n word_n but_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o that_o free_o arise_v or_o spring_v up_o in_o he_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n as_o it_o be_v open_v in_o he_o as_o a_o fountain_n or_o well_o of_o live_v water_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n who_o even_o then_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n matth._n 6._o 9_o luke_n 11._o 2._o answ._n though_o they_o be_v endue_v at_o that_o time_n with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o yet_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o if_o moses_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o people_n under_o the_o law_n some_o short_a but_o of_o a_o very_a excellent_a composure_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n without_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o these_o well_o may_v christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n this_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a composure_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o yet_o most_o comprehensive_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n express_v in_o so_o few_o word_n a_o most_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v lawsul_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v most_o easy_o reducible_a to_o some_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o say_a prayer_n and_o though_o it_o have_v great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o word_n yet_o great_a depth_n of_o matter_n and_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o solomon_n temple_n which_o have_v not_o only_o the_o outer_a court_n but_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o it_o and_o within_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o most_o holy_a or_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o beside_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n to_o the_o outer_a courtesan_n it_o have_v a_o holy_a inward_a sense_n or_o understanding_n which_o none_o can_v reach_v or_o come_v into_o but_o who_o be_v make_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n unto_o god_n as_o none_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n but_o such_o as_o be_v priest_n under_o the_o law._n and_o although_o many_o christian_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a prayer_n in_o great_a part_n yet_o who_o can_v say_v he_o have_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a depth_n of_o it_o and_o most_o inward_a pith_n or_o marrow_n thereof_o which_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o any_o ever_o reach_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o but_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o speak_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n and_o riches_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n who_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o 2._o christ_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v they_o a_o book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o form_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o this_o only_a which_o therefore_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o they_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o pray_o than_o tie_n or_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 6._o 9_o after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o say_v he_o pray_v you_o