force_v his_o body_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o respect_n command_v in_o the_o rubric_n let_v he_o stand_v up_o when_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o sing_v forth_o his_o praise_n let_v he_o kneel_v in_o prayer_n and_o outward_o observe_v a_o due_a reverence_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o his_o former_a aversion_n will_v insensible_o wear_v away_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o will_v bring_v his_o soul_n to_o a_o hearty_a and_o religious_a compliance_n with_o those_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o before_o he_o can_v never_o use_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n he_o shall_v find_v his_o unhappy_a humour_n of_o discontent_n evaporate_v itself_o and_o his_o body_n draw_v after_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n to_o a_o sincere_a worship_v of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v practise_v among_o we_o five_o to_o use_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o devotion_n that_o be_v needful_a a_o frequent_a meditation_n upon_o they_o be_v very_o requisite_a a_o meditation_n i_o mean_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o desire_v upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n in_o god_n divine_a worship_n upon_o their_o agreeableness_n with_o holy_a scripture_n its_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n upon_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o wise_a council_n of_o our_o nation_n under_o four_o or_o five_o king_n successive_o who_o unanimous_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o these_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o decency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o ceremony_n order_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o service_n upon_o the_o frivolousness_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o upon_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o invincible_a hatred_n of_o all_o objection_n a_o meditation_n also_o be_v requisite_a to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o several_a matter_n suitable_a to_o these_o godly_a form_n of_o prayer_n such_o meditation_n i_o mean_v as_o may_v elevate_v the_o soul_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v it_o for_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n beside_o to_o persuade_v the_o judgement_n and_o remove_v all_o mistake_n i_o recommend_v to_o thou_o the_o perusal_n of_o a_o rationale_n upon_o the_o common-prayer_n that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n thou_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o devout_a conformity_n in_o public_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o this_o while_n methinks_v i_o hear_v a_o sort_n of_o zealot_n among_o we_o extol_v and_o cry_v up_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n particular_a 4._o particular_a and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n i_o must_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_v for_o this_o good_a purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v what_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n paul_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o extemporary_a fluency_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o person_n as_o use_v they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n three_o i_o shall_v plain_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o our_o eye_n or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n they_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n that_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o strengthen_v the_o irregular_a devotion_n of_o the_o gift_a brethren_n for_o if_o you_o please_v to_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o st._n paul_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v any_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o 6_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o 18_o ver_fw-la he_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o every_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o can_v understand_v of_o the_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n because_o such_o inspiration_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o have_v not_o such_o a_o quick_a fancy_n or_o voluble_a tongue_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n so_o that_o every_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o fulfil_v this_o command_n which_o as_o all_o other_o command_v of_o god_n be_v proportion_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o man_n faculty_n and_o ability_n therefore_o see_v these_o word_n be_v direct_v to_o every_o christian_a they_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o gift_n but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o style_v the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o every_o christian_a may_v peform_v by_o use_v endeavour_n st_o paul_n meaning_n therefore_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n not_o be_v content_a with_o the_o lip_n service_n but_o inward_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o employ_v all_o the_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n for_o in_o this_o part_n of_o our_o devotion_n we_o must_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o act_n with_o the_o same_o ability_n now_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 5_o chap._n to_o the_o ephesiens_n and_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la advise_v they_o to_o make_v melody_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v that_o spiritual_a service_n require_v from_o we_o a_o serious_a real_a and_o hearty_a worship_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n tell_v she_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o corporal_a appearance_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o inward_a and_o soul_n worship_n without_o which_o all_o our_o most_o assidual_a attendance_n upon_o holy_a duty_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v st._n paul_n pray_v and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.14_o for_o he_o express_o say_v if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v he_o cale_v it_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v concern_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n either_o by_o compose_v they_o and_o offer_v they_o or_o else_o by_o present_v the_o prayer_n already_o compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v proceed_v from_o we_o as_o our_o own_o i_o confess_v st._n jude_n word_n ver_fw-la 20._o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o contrary_a interpretation_n when_o he_o advise_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o word_n the_o admirer_n of_o new_a mode_n and_o extemporary_a prayer_n understand_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o his_o secret_a inspiration_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o limit_v ourselves_o and_o this_o unlimited_a be_v to_o any_o certain_a form_n that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o those_o expression_n as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o his_o divine_a suggestion_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o wise_a apostle_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a what_o this_o interpretation_n suppose_v that_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o in_o that_o duty_n he_o govern_v their_o tongue_n and_o fancy_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o proper_a expression_n word_n and_o matter_n which_o i_o confess_v may_v happen_v in_o extraordinary_a occasion_n yet_o in_o our_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o expect_v such_o extraordinary_a move_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o weakness_n and_o unpreparedness_n and_o whole_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o presumption_n and_o indiscretion_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o god_n usual_a method_n of_o act_v with_o his_o creature_n neither_o in_o nature_n nor_o in_o grace_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o power_n appear_v common_o in_o our_o religious_a endeavour_n and_o if_o he_o give_v
god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o 30_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n the_o seer_n it_o be_v for_o that_o good_a purpose_n that_o david_n compose_v all_o his_o divine_a psalm_n that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o a_o constant_a use_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o and_o the_o pray_n unto_o our_o great_a god_n and_o after_o the_o jew_n return_v from_o babylon_n nehemiah_n command_v the_o same_o use_n to_o be_v observe_v nehem._n 2.45.46_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o change_v these_o form_n so_o likewise_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o religion_n 5._o man._n de_fw-fr missa_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o to_o introduce_v in_o god_n divine_a service_n any_o new_a form_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v but_o this_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n be_v not_o jewish_a it_o be_v ground_v upon_o such_o solid_a and_o moral_a reason_n that_o have_v recommend_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n st._n john_n the_o baptist_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n give_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o christ_n our_o saviour_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o follower_n teach_v they_o a_o set_a form_n opposite_a to_o the_o long_a and_o tedious_a form_n use_v by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n luke_n 11.1_o 2._o and_o not_o only_o in_o this_o particular_a but_o also_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n christ_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v no_o enemy_n of_o form_n and_o humane_a institution_n when_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o godly_a purpose_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o sing_n of_o the_o hymn_n after_o the_o celebration_n and_o by_o the_o posture_n of_o lean_v and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o great_a master_n command_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o his_o diocese_n such_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o a_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n that_o this_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o st._n paul_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n for_o in_o the_o ancient_a father_n we_o read_v of_o the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o see_v conc._n laodicea_n can_v 19.8_o miletan_n con._n can_v 2._o common_o use_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o we_o have_v yet_o extant_a some_o of_o those_o primitive_a liturgy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n differ_v in_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v leave_v the_o composure_n of_o these_o prayer_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o distinct_a church_n that_o they_o shall_v appoint_v such_o form_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o temper_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o people_n such_o as_o will_v encourage_v devotion_n and_o piety_n and_o serve_v best_a for_o the_o promotion_n of_o god_n glory_n likewise_o in_o these_o late_a day_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n all_o the_o church_n of_o our_o brethren_n beyond_o the_o sea_n have_v their_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n from_o which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o vary_v and_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o ruler_n never_o any_o attempt_v the_o change_n of_o they_o their_o people_n never_o mutine_v against_o they_o or_o against_o form_n in_o general_n never_o any_o person_n be_v allow_v in_o public_a to_o prefer_v his_o own_o fancy_n to_o these_o prayer_n command_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o every_o nation_n there_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o a_o universal_a uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o our_o god_n and_o this_o good_a order_n be_v religious_o keep_v without_o any_o fear_n of_o superstition_n this_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n church_n and_o nation_n that_o have_v institute_v and_o constant_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o religious_a order_n of_o our_o church_n from_o all_o scandalous_a aspersion_n of_o our_o mistake_a brethren_n but_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_a society_n recommend_v this_o practice_n and_o use_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o i_o suppose_v no_o person_n can_v deny_v but_o set_v form_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o information_n instruction_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o young_a sort_n who_o must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o ask_v their_o conveniency_n from_o god_n bounty_n and_o in_o what_o name_n to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o without_o this_o information_n from_o man_n we_o find_v they_o not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o pray_v and_o speak_v to_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v unless_o they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o which_o be_v not_o usual_a to_o remedy_v their_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v constant_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a that_o by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n we_o may_v imprint_v they_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o person_n not_o able_a to_o read_v and_o that_o otherwise_o have_v no_o mean_n to_o learn_v they_o therefore_o general_o to_o discourage_v or_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o deprive_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v a_o enmity_n against_o religion_n which_o no_o good_a disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o harbour_v i_o can_v here_o show_v many_o horrid_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v happen_v among_o we_o have_v we_o not_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v the_o mention_n of_o they_o for_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o at_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o our_o zealots_n quarrel_n as_o it_o be_v at_o their_o public_a use_n in_o god_n divine_a worship_n and_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n fabric_n at_o such_o solemn_a time_n and_o occasion_n but_o let_v man_n ability_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v never_o so_o signal_n and_o extrordinary_a i_o dare_v affirm_v and_o can_v easy_o prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o cause_v their_o own_o invention_n to_o justle_v out_o the_o usual_a service_n of_o the_o church_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v whether_o they_o be_v declare_v memoriter_fw-la or_o read_v in_o a_o book_n to_o all_o the_o most_o excellent_a extemporary_a speech_n or_o prayer_n and_o that_o constant_a and_o settle_a form_n in_o a_o well_o govern_v church_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a good_a be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o recommend_v they_o but_o that_o decency_n which_o st._n paul_n desire_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o christ_n church_n in_o all_o its_o public_a practice_n and_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o embrace_v a_o uniformity_n both_o in_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o matter_n for_o how_o ridiculous_a will_v a_o nation_n appear_v to_o all_o unbiased_a soul_n if_o there_o be_v no_o order_n if_o every_o congregation_n shall_v be_v differ_v in_o their_o action_n if_o one_o minister_n shall_v read_v when_o the_o other_o sing_v if_o one_o shall_v spend_v the_o sabbath_n in_o speak_v and_o another_o in_o pray_v or_o if_o one_o shall_v pray_v for_o one_o thing_n another_o for_o the_o contrary_a or_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v discrepant_a if_o one_o minister_n shall_v pray_v in_o one_o manner_n other_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o a_o rubric_n of_o another_o make_v what_o a_o wide_a gate_n will_v this_o deformity_n open_a to_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o how_o ridiculous_a shall_v we_o appear_v to_o all_o foreign_a church_n we_o have_v already_o experience_v sufficient_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o general_a liberty_n allow_v to_o all_o man_n to_o pray_v what_o they_o listen_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o extravagancy_n that_o some_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o whimsy_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o they_o have_v bolt_v forth_o
holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v act_v in_o we_o without_o our_o assistance_n and_o cooperation_n and_o if_o he_o do_v the_o devotion_n be_v he_o and_o none_o of_o we_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n to_o keep_v the_o unruly_a and_o wander_a thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o pray_a temper_n in_o all_o extemporary_a and_o long_a prayer_n three_o therefore_o the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o well_o compose_v form_n and_o to_o have_v they_o either_o in_o a_o book_n before_o we_o or_o well_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n this_o be_v a_o consequence_n deducible_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v that_o pray_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n intend_v by_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o set_a form_n and_o so_o much_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pretend_a pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o acquiesce_v to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o allege_v let_v he_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n whatever_o interpretation_n we_o give_v to_o the_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v that_o purpose_n whether_o we_o understand_v they_o concern_v the_o gift_n or_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n without_o a_o real_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o every_o expression_n without_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o thing_n petition_v for_o and_o without_o a_o devout_a composure_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n now_o if_o you_o inquire_v how_o this_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o our_o assidual_a endeavour_n for_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o disposition_n it_o ought_v to_o recollect_v and_o call_v back_o our_o wander_a thought_n and_o labour_n to_o express_v both_o a_o feel_n of_o its_o want_n and_o a_o dutiful_a reverence_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n this_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o zealous_a offer_v up_o of_o our_o prayer_n in_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n for_o that_o purpose_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n serious_o cider_n whether_o it_o have_v not_o more_o freedom_n in_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n imprint_v either_o in_o our_o memory_n or_o our_o book_n than_o in_o extemporary_a pray_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o act_v its_o part_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o devotion_n than_o in_o such_o prayer_n where_o it_o have_v so_o many_o office_n to_o perform_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o some_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n learning_n and_o natural_a part_n which_o i_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o inward_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a in_o extemporary_a prayer_n consider_v whether_o they_o can_v with_o more_o ease_n pray_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o set_a form_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v deny_v of_o those_o help_n in_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n wherein_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o devout_a soul_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n which_o god_n greatness_n requite_v at_o our_o hand_n second_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n as_o the_o ready_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o slender_a ability_n of_o such_o person_n both_o god_n and_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o condescend_v to_o their_o mean_a gift_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o assistance_n as_o they_o want_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n require_v from_o they_o now_o from_o the_o beginning_n set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o these_o person_n because_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o and_o their_o several_a want_n to_o god_n as_o they_o shall_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o become_v we_o mortal_a men._n if_o therefore_o this_o manner_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weak_a kind_n of_o christian_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v also_o to_o the_o strong_a no_o doubt_n but_o such_o a_o one_o may_v use_v these_o help_n with_o more_o advantage_n a_o staff_n be_v good_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o feeble_a body_n to_o make_v it_o walk_v with_o more_o assurance_n and_o be_v likewise_o as_o beneficial_a to_o a_o strong_a person_n that_o undertake_v a_o long_a journey_n the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o one_o can_v possible_o walk_v without_o it_o and_o the_o other_o may_v march_v a_o few_o step_n and_o it_o may_v be_v proceed_v on_o in_o his_o way_n without_o it_o but_o for_o more_o ease_n and_o better_a conveniency_n it_o be_v sit_v in_o a_o tedious_a march_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o staff_n which_o may_v succour_v his_o infirmity_n and_o may_v comfort_v his_o weary_a limb_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o reject_v useful_a thing_n to_o say_v man_n may_v be_v without_o they_o i_o think_v it_o wisdom_n not_o to_o cast_v away_o such_o beneficial_a help_n to_o our_o devotion_n as_o be_v set_a form_n because_o we_o may_v be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o ability_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o able_a to_o compose_v some_o of_o a_o high_a strain_n and_o more_o passionate_a some_o that_o may_v gratify_v our_o own_o and_o the_o people_n corrupt_a humour_n which_o usual_o despise_v thing_n that_o be_v common_a when_o they_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v their_o worth_n three_o consider_v how_o apt_a our_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v wander_v and_o our_o mind_n to_o be_v draw_v aside_o from_o our_o devotion_n therefore_o that_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o pray_v well_o which_o six_v our_o mind_n and_o settle_v our_o thought_n upon_o the_o weighty_a business_n in_o hand_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o able_a to_o do_v this_o good_a office_n to_o we_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n judicious_o compose_v either_o imprint_v in_o our_o memory_n or_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n for_o in_o the_o former_a method_n of_o pray_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o wander_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v tie_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o see_v and_o though_o in_o such_o case_n it_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o step_v aside_o and_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o other_o sense_n yet_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o judicious_a christian_a can_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sense_n be_v better_a able_a to_o limit_v and_o stop_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o unruliness_n of_o his_o thought_n than_o when_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o they_o to_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o the_o pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o some_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o foolish_a humour_n of_o other_o have_v teach_v man_n to_o reject_v and_o contemn_v our_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n establish_v in_o our_o church_n of_o england_n which_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v the_o best_a liturgy_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o modern_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o hinder_v man_n from_o use_v they_o with_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o their_o strong_a displeasure_n their_o frowad_n temper_n and_o their_o itch_a ear_n a_o disease_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o heart_n and_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o organ_n of_o hear_v let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v thou_o my_o christian_a reader_n serious_o to_o peruse_v these_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o let_v not_o any_o popular_a mistake_n nor_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n discourage_v thou_o in_o the_o devour_v use_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n chief_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o thy_o god_n where_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v from_o thou_o uniformity_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o brethren_n and_o in_o thy_o private_a family_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o place_n and_o
the_o devil_n have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o engine_n to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o silly_a soul_n by_o insinuate_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v extempore_o in_o the_o late_a unnatural_a rebellion_n man_n take_v occasion_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o vent_v not_o only_o the_o most_o pernicious_a mistake_n but_o also_o disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o from_o the_o pulpit_n have_v poison_v many_o to_o our_o sorrow_n with_o most_o horrid_a and_o antichristian_a principle_n which_o to_o this_o day_n no_o reason_n nor_o remedy_n can_v cure_v but_o if_o no_o such_o danger_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o extemporary_a pray_v if_o all_o man_n so_o employ_v have_v the_o integrity_n to_o intend_v it_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o public_a quiet_n yet_o such_o prayer_n can_v have_v that_o mature_a consideration_n nor_o those_o judicious_a expression_n as_o a_o well_o meditate_a prayer_n judicious_o compose_v and_o examine_v and_o do_v it_o become_v the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o so_o wise_a a_o god_n to_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o present_v unto_o he_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v first_o upon_o the_o lip_n the_o hasty_a production_n of_o our_o unadvised_a fancy_n or_o the_o irregular_a expression_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o consider_v before_o whether_o the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o ask_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o agreeable_a with_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v and_o be_v so_o full_a of_o infirmity_n do_v it_o not_o become_v our_o christian_a discretion_n to_o weigh_v and_o serious_o to_o examine_v what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v to_o so_o wise_a and_o divine_a a_o majesty_n that_o our_o weakness_n may_v not_o hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n especial_o in_o a_o public_a congregation_n where_o our_o mistake_n may_v have_v many_o ill_a consequence_n where_o not_o only_a god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v concern_v but_o also_o many_o of_o divers_a temper_n capacity_n and_o estate_n who_o indigency_n we_o represent_v to_o a_o merciful_a god_n now_o if_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v therefore_o use_v let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_v impartial_o which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a our_o own_o or_o the_o church_n the_o fond_a production_n of_o our_o private_a imagination_n or_o the_o judicious_a prayer_n compose_v by_o the_o grave_a ruler_n of_o our_o christian_a congregation_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o several_a have_v have_v and_o yet_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n in_o pray_v to_o move_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o hearer_n this_o gift_n therefore_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v it_o to_o perform_v that_o good_a which_o be_v thereby_o intend_a this_o may_v be_v do_v on_o certain_a occasion_n and_o time_n and_o immediate_o before_o the_o sermon_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o moderate_a christian_n will_v then_o prohibit_v such_o gift_a person_n to_o employ_v that_o ability_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a if_o they_o make_v use_v of_o it_o discreet_o judicious_o and_o sober_o without_o affectation_n or_o vain_a glory_n or_o ostentation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o allowance_n therefore_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o other_o to_o prefer_v the_o fond_a composure_n of_o their_o indiscreet_a fancy_n to_o the_o pious_a and_o regular_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o may_v be_v just_o fear_v in_o such_o case_n that_o voluntary_a and_o new_a prayer_n express_v with_o vehemency_n may_v cause_v ignorant_a and_o foolish_a man_n who_o be_v quick_o weary_a with_o the_o ordinary_a devotion_n to_o disesteem_v slight_a and_o neglect_v they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o crave_v those_o extemporary_a ejaculation_n of_o gift_a man_n and_o that_o from_o person_n insufficient_a who_o may_v be_v thereby_o tempt_v to_o gratify_v the_o other_o humour_n to_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a hurt_n however_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v be_v not_o hinder_v by_o our_o public_a form_n from_o perform_v the_o benefit_n which_o be_v thereby_o intend_a but_o foolish_a man_n be_v thereby_o restrain_v from_o those_o mischief_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o by_o so_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o they_o have_v have_v during_o our_o anarchy_n moreover_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o humane_a constitution_n in_o every_o society_n to_o aim_v direct_o at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o and_o special_o in_o the_o church_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o dull_a capacity_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o quick_a apprehension_n such_o public_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v which_o suit_n with_o the_o mean_a ability_n now_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o these_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n they_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a to_o please_v the_o corrupt_a humour_n of_o the_o hearer_n with_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o invention_n with_o the_o vehemency_n of_o the_o expression_n with_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o affect_a tone_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v public_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n as_o the_o know_v approve_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v so_o much_o upon_o our_o affection_n be_v we_o but_o inward_o move_v with_o a_o right_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n neither_o can_v we_o so_o ready_o say_v amen_n to_o such_o sudden_a prayer_n proceed_v from_o these_o gift_a man_n as_o to_o those_o with_o which_o we_o be_v perfect_o well_o acquaint_v and_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o god_n will_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o have_v need_n at_o every_o expression_n to_o make_v a_o judicious_a reflection_n whether_o what_o be_v say_v be_v true_a or_o false_a right_a or_o wrong_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o subscribe_v to_o such_o prayer_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o such_o need_n in_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o understand_v before_o there_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v join_v unanimous_o together_o and_o offer_v they_o up_o to_o god_n therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o extemporary_a pray_n be_v not_o of_o such_o use_n and_o carry_v not_o with_o it_o that_o real_a benefit_n which_o some_o light_o imagine_v i_o be_o certain_a that_o person_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o slow_a apprehension_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v benefit_n from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o know_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o unusual_a expression_n of_o other_o new_a prayer_n may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o move_v their_o fancy_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o able_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o such_o as_o bring_v a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o that_o look_v more_o upon_o the_o thing_n than_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v for_o other_o dainty_a ear_n and_o of_o a_o quick_a apprehension_n it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o new_a and_o eloquent_a prayer_n may_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o more_o beneficial_a than_o to_o the_o dull_a sort_n but_o it_o require_v from_o they_o a_o great_a labour_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a motion_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a ability_n to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o if_o they_o be_v extempore_o without_o any_o premeditation_n and_o of_o a_o long_a continuance_n i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o composure_n and_o that_o the_o person_n that_o speak_v they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o disposition_n needful_a in_o prayer_n whilst_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o eye_n be_v lift_v up_o their_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n be_v employ_v in_o seek_v for_o fit_a word_n to_o declare_v the_o conception_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o think_v not_o of_o and_o be_v not_o able_a as_o it_o shall_v to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o concern_v its_o inclination_n in_o the_o request_n that_o be_v present_v to_o he_o for_o sudden_a ejaculation_n and_o emission_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n to_o god_n the_o same_o reason_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o order_n contrivance_n and_o agility_n of_o the_o soul_n require_v for_o these_o and_o other_o cause_n set_a form_n either_o before_o we_o in_o a_o book_n or_o record_v in_o our_o memory_n which_o may_v as_o sudden_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n be_v the_o best_a method_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n chief_o in_o his_o public_a worship_n but_o if_o we_o