operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n know_v then_o that_o we_o do_v believe_v know_v and_o witness_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n that_o when_o god_n holy_a spirit_n inspire_v we_o immediate_o and_o move_v we_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o as_o it_o do_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o holy_a woman_n also_o even_o daughter_n as_o well_o as_o son_n and_o maidservant_n as_o well_o as_o man-servant_n and_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n the_o say_v holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o soul_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o of_o part_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v or_o supernatural_a and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o we_o and_o active_a in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n more_o or_o less_o as_o he_o please_v and_o thus_o when_o we_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o word_n as_o we_o receive_v these_o word_n from_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v pure_o and_o right_o perform_v so_o they_o also_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o understanding_n and_o those_o part_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o mother_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o the_o good_a matter_n and_o purpose_n whereof_o they_o declare_v together_o with_o the_o good_a life_n virtue_n and_o force_n or_o energy_n that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o do_v accompany_v they_o hence_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n so_o that_o somewhat_o of_o the_o very_a inward_a strength_n virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o his_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o he_o go_v forth_o in_o word_n whether_o of_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v of_o thanks_o as_o he_o be_v true_o and_o fervent_o exercise_v in_o the_o same_o by_o the_o move_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o which_o david_n psal._n 103._o 1._o stir_v up_o not_o only_o his_o soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n but_o all_o that_o be_v within_o he_o note_n to_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n which_o tender_a and_o sensible_a hearer_n who_o soul_n and_o heart_n god_n have_v quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a be_v well_o sensible_a of_o and_o can_v and_o do_v well_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o dead_a and_o a_o live_n or_o a_o barren_a and_o fruitful_a ministry_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n habet_fw-la enim_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la latentis_fw-la energiae_fw-la viva_fw-la vox_fw-la &_o transmissâ—_n per_fw-la aures_fw-la in_o animos_fw-la audientium_fw-la fortius_fw-la sonat_fw-la which_o be_v in_o english_a thus_o the_o live_a voice_n say_v he_o have_v i_o know_v not_o what_o something_o of_o a_o secret_a energy_n or_o power_n and_o be_v transmit_v through_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o hearer_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n do_v sound_v the_o more_o effectual_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o a_o natural_a speech_n when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o be_v speak_v but_o with_o a_o natural_a fervency_n that_o it_o reach_v forcible_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o hearer_n which_o borrow_a speech_n or_o those_o which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o from_o the_o bare_a understanding_n and_o memory_n can_v do_v how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o apparent_a in_o word_n and_o speech_n that_o be_v spiritual_a which_o come_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n live_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o word_n declare_v and_o also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n speak_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v with_o power_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v their_o pray_v q._n be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n or_o prayer_n to_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n whether_o in_o private_a or_o public_a or_o whether_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n use_v either_o in_o private_a or_o public_a in_o family_n or_o large_a congregation_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o give_v they_o a_o utterance_n to_o bring_v forth_o word_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanks_o give_v we_o can_v believe_v nor_o be_v we_o convince_v in_o conscience_n a._n to_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n whether_o in_o private_a or_o public_a and_o call_v that_o read_n prayer_n be_v any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n or_o true_a and_o real_a prayer_n but_o rather_o one_o of_o the_o many_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n since_o the_o apostasy_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o true_a faith_n do_v enter_v among_o those_o call_v christian_n who_o retain_v the_o name_n but_o lose_v the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_a and_o primitive_a christian_n for_o sure_o if_o it_o have_v be_v any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v mention_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v bear_v record_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n and_o true_a christian_a religion_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o true_a church_n as_o a_o common_a liturgy_n or_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v give_v forth_o such_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o christ_n his_o ascension_n and_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v who_o be_v so_o abundant_o replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o immediate_a successor_n either_o make_v or_o use_v any_o such_o set_a form_n of_o read_v prayer_n nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v know_v in_o the_o church_n either_o in_o justin_n martyr_n or_o tertullian_n his_o time_n who_o live_v above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o tertullian_n tell_v plain_o the_o manner_n how_o christian_n pray_v in_o his_o time_n exit_fw-la pertore_fw-la sue_v monitore_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la i_o e._n from_o the_o heart_n without_o a_o monitor_n or_o any_o thing_n outward_o to_o teach_v they_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o second_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o use_v read_v set_v prayer_n in_o the_o church_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v not_o in_o use_n nor_o practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o immediate_a successor_n for_o they_o grant_v that_o in_o those_o early_a and_o primitive_a time_n they_o who_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o word_n both_o of_o prayer_n and_o sing_a psalm_n be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noonday_n that_o when_o these_o divine_a gift_n of_o pray_v and_o sing_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o those_o gift_n be_v in_o great_a measure_n depart_v from_o the_o invention_n of_o read_v ser_fw-mi form_n of_o prayer_n take_v place_n the_o first_o instance_n that_o i_o find_v of_o people_n be_v put_v to_o use_v a_o compose_a or_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n make_v by_o another_o be_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o constantine_n the_o great_a compose_v and_o give_v to_o his_o soldier_n to_o say_v but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o read_v it_o but_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o constantine_n himself_o at_o this_o time_n be_v but_o a_o young_a christian_a and_o the_o purity_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n begin_v to_o decline_v apace_o even_o in_o his_o day_n and_o most_o of_o his_o soldier_n be_v heathen_n and_o no_o christian_n so_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v no_o precedent_n to_o we_o but_o neither_o in_o constantine_n time_n nor_o a_o considerable_a space_n thereafter_o do_v i_o find_v that_o any_o make_v or_o compose_v prayer_n beforehand_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n about_o the_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n 397._o do_v first_o ordain_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v man_n utter_v any_o thing_n either_o ignorant_o or_o rash_o
but_o yet_o come_v up_o from_o the_o heart_n into_o the_o mouth_n where_o they_o be_v secret_o or_o silent_o whisper_v such_o as_o the_o prayer_n of_o hannah_n be_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 12_o 13._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o she_o continue_v pray_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o eli_n mark_v her_o mouth_n now_o hannah_n she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v etc._n etc._n q._n may_v vocal_a prayer_n in_o word_n that_o be_v audible_a to_o other_o at_o some_o distance_n be_v use_v in_o private_a when_o a_o man_n be_v alone_o by_o himself_o a._n upon_o some_o solemn_a or_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o may_v be_v use_v as_o if_o such_o a_o wicked_a law_n shall_v be_v make_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o daniel_n cap._n 7._o where_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o none_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n for_o thirty_o day_n but_o of_o the_o king_n daniel_n find_v himself_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o a_o law_n or_o decree_n that_o even_o his_o private_a prayer_n come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o accuser_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o mere_a inward_a and_o mental_a prayer_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v be_v daniel_n custom_n former_o so_o to_o do_v he_o live_v among_o idolater_n that_o so_o he_o may_v more_o abundant_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god._n again_o 2._o vocal_a prayer_n in_o private_a may_v be_v the_o more_o free_o use_v when_o any_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o some_o remote_a or_o retire_a place_n where_o none_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o hear_v they_o for_o sometime_o the_o earnestness_n and_o pressure_n of_o spirit_n in_o their_o earnest_a wrestle_n with_o the_o lord_n may_v provoke_v and_o constrain_v some_o to_o use_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o sometime_o the_o use_n of_o it_o help_v they_o that_o be_v weak_a to_o excite_v and_o make_v they_o more_o servant_n and_o lively_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o great_a wariness_n and_o discretion_n when_o use_v in_o private_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o ostentation_n or_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v too_o incident_a to_o many_o who_o pray_v or_o cry_v out_o their_o private_a prayer_n of_o purpose_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v they_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v of_o old_a who_o hypocrisy_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o best_a manner_n to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n matth._n 6._o 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o now_o as_o this_o closet_n or_o secret_a chamber_n may_v partly_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v outward_a when_o man_n have_v the_o opportunity_n thereof_o or_o any_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n yet_o because_o it_o oft_o fall_v out_o to_o good_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o closet_n or_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n many_o be_v oft_o confine_v to_o a_o prison_n where_o they_o must_v always_o be_v in_o company_n with_o other_o and_o sometime_o with_o bad_a people_n in_o that_o case_n the_o lord_n servant_n have_v the_o closet_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o retire_v into_o at_o all_o time_n where_o they_o may_v free_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o here_o also_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o shut_v their_o door_n to_o wit_n the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n whereby_o shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v all_o idle_a and_o wander_a thought_n and_o imagination_n yea_o all_o thought_n even_o of_o their_o lawful_a occasion_n that_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n may_v be_v whole_o exercise_v for_o that_o space_n of_o time_n towards_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o assist_v they_o q_o be_v it_o not_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o every_o true_a christian_a set_v apart_o some_o time_n every_o day_n in_o a_o solemn_a way_n for_o meditation_n and_o private_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o that_o some_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o week_n by_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n for_o public_a worship_n where_o opportunity_n can_v be_v have_v a._n that_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o private_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n and_o worship_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a performance_n be_v most_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n use_v frequent_a time_n of_o retirement_n to_o give_v themselves_o in_o a_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a way_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n as_o do_v abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n moses_n david_n elijah_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n but_o christ_n himself_o use_v such_o solemn_a time_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n as_o concern_v christ_n it_o be_v say_v matth._n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o have_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n apart_o to_o pray_o and_o when_o the_o evening_n be_v come_v he_o be_v there_o alone_o and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n or_o outward_a suffering_n at_o the_o place_n call_v gethsemane_n matth._n 26._o 36._o he_o retire_v from_o his_o disciple_n and_o pray_v alone_o at_o three_o several_a time_n say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v next_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n cap._n 10._o 9_o that_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o house_n in_o some_o upper_a chamber_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a account_n of_o hour_n be_v the_o middle_a of_o the_o day_n and_o no_o doubt_n peter_n make_v it_o his_o frequent_a practice_n to_o retire_v himself_o thus_o unto_o prayer_n and_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n lodging_n at_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n when_o ananias_n be_v send_v to_o he_o at_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n of_o ananias_n his_o come_n as_o peter_n have_v of_o the_o vessel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v at_o prayer_n in_o private_a in_o the_o house_n of_o simon_n the_o tanner_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v bless_v and_o countenance_v such_o solemn_a private_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n unto_o his_o servant_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o servant_n christian_n of_o those_o time_n but_o as_o to_o any_o limit_a time_n for_o prayer_n we_o find_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o christian_n or_o those_o who_o live_v in_o gospel_n time_n under_o the_o law_n morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v accompany_v with_o prayer_n by_o the_o faithful_a david_n say_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o midday_n he_o will_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n yea_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o daniel_n use_v thrice_o in_o the_o day_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o sure_o the_o devotion_n and_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o in_o gospel_n time_n than_o be_v they_o under_o the_o law_n but_o rather_o more_o and_o more_o frequent_o exercise_v although_o christian_n be_v not_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o command_v give_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o time_n how_o oft_o to_o be_v retire_v out_o of_o all_o worldly_a occasion_n to_o give_v themselves_o solemn_o to_o prayer_n every_o day_n that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o as_o it_o teach_v all_o true_a christian_n what_o and_o how_o to_o pray_v so_o no_o doubt_n it_o show_v also_o the_o time_n when_o which_o time_n be_v frequent_a even_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n his_o moving_z of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n who_o be_v become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o moving_n and_o leading_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o outward_a occasion_n such_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n may_v be_v divert_v or_o hinder_v by_o some_o inevitable_a let_n or_o hindrance_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a as_o oft_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v either_o conveniency_n of_o time_n or_o place_n to_o be_v so_o frequent_o retire_v in_o the_o outward_a posture_n of_o
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
and_o although_o luke_n 11._o 2._o have_v it_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n yet_o luke_n may_v be_v expound_v by_o matthew_n as_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v oft_o expound_v by_o another_o so_o that_o luke_n may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o matthew_n his_o word_n thus_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v viz_o after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n nor_o can_v this_o one_o only_a short_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o make_v a_o large_a book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o impose_v they_o by_o constraint_n upon_o christian_n for_o either_o this_o one_o form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o other_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o sufficient_a for_o they_o why_o not_o also_o for_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o these_o call_v christian_n who_o confine_v themselves_o only_o to_o it_o or_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v but_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o express_v their_o prayer_n frequent_o in_o other_o word_n for_o variety_n and_o change_n of_o word_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o do_v help_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o beget_v in_o man_n the_o more_o fervent_a affection_n but_o if_o that_o one_o only_a form_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n to_o give_v they_o or_o their_o successor_n a_o entire_a system_n or_o scheme_n of_o common_a prayer_n but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n or_o example_n unto_o they_o and_o also_o to_o afford_v unto_o they_o matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v open_v the_o deep_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o by_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a meditation_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n and_o word_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o unto_o prayer_n their_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o unto_o god_n upon_o the_o meditation_n on_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o say_v amen_o thereunto_o or_o express_v the_o inward_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o or_o more_o word_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o though_o i_o can_v and_o dare_v not_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o say_v as_o a_o prayer_n twice_o or_o thrice_o every_o day_n in_o a_o dead_a formal_a customary_a way_n as_o too_o many_o do_v nor_o can_v i_o limit_v any_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o word_n in_o it_o to_o pray_v by_o without_o use_v any_o more_o or_o less_o word_n lest_o thereby_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v most_o free_a in_o all_o his_o work_n yet_o i_o can_v and_o do_v free_o thus_o far_o recommend_v it_o even_o unto_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o great_a as_o small_a as_o a_o most_o worthy_a subject_n of_o their_o frequent_a meditation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o incline_v they_o unto_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o and_o how_o often_o in_o the_o day_n week_n month_n or_o year_n they_o be_v to_o meditare_fw-la upon_o it_o or_o how_o long_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o outward_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o must_v all_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o free_a order_n and_o lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o certain_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v regard_v and_o mind_v will_v be_v find_v very_o frequent_a for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o office_n to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a any_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v unto_o we_o no_o doubt_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o faithful_a remembrancer_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o our_o mind_n the_o more_o frequent_o and_o seasonable_a and_o i_o know_v no_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o often_o meditate_a upon_o than_o those_o very_a word_n contain_v in_o this_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ._n and_o indeed_o not_o only_o these_o few_o word_n of_o prayer_n teach_v the_o apostle_n by_o christ_n but_o any_o other_o word_n of_o prayer_n whither_o record_v in_o scripture_n or_o that_o be_v write_v and_o record_v any_o where_o else_o that_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a breathe_v and_o spring_n of_o life_n in_o these_o who_o first_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a service_n so_o that_o form_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o and_o our_o soul_n have_v oft_o be_v great_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v by_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n yea_o true_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n have_v oft_o be_v excite_v in_o we_o at_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v such_o prayer_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o the_o book_n of_o true_a martyr_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n have_v oft_o drop_v from_o they_o althongh_v but_o a_o little_a of_o those_o be_v record_v and_o it_o may_v be_v wish_v more_o of_o these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o testimony_n that_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o flow_v from_o they_o have_v be_v preserve_v if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god._n how_o oft_o when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v or_o call_v to_o mind_v these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o some_o part_n of_o they_o that_o any_o servant_n or_o handmaid_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_v either_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n or_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o find_v upon_o record_n in_o true_a history_n how_o oft_o i_o say_v and_o how_o pure_o do_v life_n spring_n in_o we_o and_o bear_v its_o live_a witness_n to_o the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o those_o prayer_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v proceed_v even_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o what_o pure_a inward_a live_a powerful_a and_o comfortable_a touch_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v we_o feel_v at_o such_o time_n confirm_v our_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n with_o those_o dear_a and_o precious_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v not_o against_o word_n or_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o word_n have_v a_o form_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n come_v or_o do_v and_o may_v come_v from_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v very_o much_o for_o they_o as_o fit_v and_o proper_a subject_n of_o meditation_n and_o occasion_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o concur_v to_o excite_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o thereby_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o gift_n as_o do_v oft_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o all_o such_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o we_o of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v set_v they_o up_o to_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o tie_v and_o confine_v ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o not_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o bare_a read_n or_o repeat_v the_o word_n be_v a_o prayer_n as_o many_o do_v ignorant_o imagine_v for_o all_o true_a vocal_a prayer_n come_v from_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v move_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n simple_o consider_v be_v not_o proper_o the_o prayer_n otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v and_o use_v the_o word_n shall_v pray_v those_o prayer_n which_o be_v far_o otherwise_o but_o the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o first_o conceive_v they_o and_o be_v call_v prayer_n only_o by_o a_o figure_n or_o metonymy_n of_o the_o sign_n for_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o that_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a pattern_n of_o our_o prayer_n so_o they_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o as_o prayer_n even_o as_o some_o weight_n and_o measure_n which_o be_v keep_v as_o standard_n to_o make_v other_o weight_n by_o may_v be_v use_v themselves_o as_o
of_o god_n help_n and_o assistance_n may_v and_o do_v at_o time_n refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o may_v and_o do_v excite_v or_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n in_o they_o with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n at_o season_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v put_v in_o their_o true_a and_o right_a place_n and_o account_v and_o value_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o not_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v when_o hear_v or_o read_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v account_v hear_v and_o read_v as_o they_o be_v and_o not_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v not_o for_o hear_v and_o read_v be_v thing_n differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_a from_o pray_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o same_o and_o the_o great_a service_n and_o advantage_n that_o read_v or_o hear_v word_n of_o prayer_n read_v by_o another_o unto_o we_o 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in_o so_o high_a a_o place_n as_o many_o put_v they_o if_o not_o most_o or_o all_o who_o use_v they_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v that_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o those_o exercise_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v and_o will_v give_v especial_o when_o those_o read_v prayer_n do_v altogether_o exclude_v those_o real_a prayer_n which_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o enable_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o bring_v they_o forth_o in_o word_n without_o any_o set_a form._n and_o why_o be_v it_o that_o many_o sensible_a and_o tender_a soul_n feel_v no_o virtue_n in_o many_o or_o most_o of_o those_o read_v prayer_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n feel_v great_a deadness_n and_o heavyness_n and_o great_a weight_n and_o burden_n in_o hear_v they_o which_o have_v occasion_v many_o to_o with_o draw_v and_o seek_v where_o to_o find_v a_o people_n where_o true_a and_o live_a prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v which_o effectual_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n along_o to_o join_v with_o they_o for_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a prayer_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v most_o effectual_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o where_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n join_v and_o go_v along_o by_o the_o move_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n both_o in_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n that_o be_v true_a prayer_n again_o if_o people_n shall_v not_o so_o far_o mis-place_n those_o thing_n as_o to_o judge_n read_v and_o hear_v read_v prayer_n to_o be_v prayer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o if_o they_o lean_a too_o much_o on_o they_o and_o rely_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v and_o have_v more_o a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o they_o than_o unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o also_o will_v make_v their_o read_n and_o hear_v or_o any_o other_o exercise_n ineffectual_a unto_o they_o and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o secoud_o i_o shall_v neither_o be_v so_o hard_a nor_o uncharitable_a but_o be_o very_o far_o from_o it_o as_o to_o judge_n that_o all_o they_o who_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o conceive_v or_o express_v word_n of_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o my_o charity_n be_v so_o large_a and_o free_a in_o that_o respect_n that_o i_o believe_v among_o all_o people_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o many_o of_o those_o call_v heathen_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o one_o only_a god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v at_o time_n visit_v with_o gentle_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v they_o true_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o true_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o high_a and_o sovereign_a act_n of_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o condescendence_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o another_o what_o he_o do_v to_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o their_o do_v what_o he_o only_o require_v of_o they_o and_o be_v please_v with_o in_o they_o 5._o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n in_o our_o day_n the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o that_o case_n those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o good_a canonical_a scripture_n as_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n or_o of_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o their_o psalm_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v answ._n these_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o come_v true_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v and_o assist_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o be_v no_o doubt_n real_a divine_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n but_o to_o compare_v or_o equal_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o we_o do_v not_o so_o to_o infer_v it_o be_v unequal_a for_o if_o all_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o original_o do_v live_o and_o pure_o proceed_v and_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hadbeen_a writ_n and_o ad_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o bulk_n or_o volumn_n of_o it_o have_v be_v too_o great_a yea_o many_o volume_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v they_o and_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v read_v they_o all_o therefore_o god_n have_v wise_o and_o gracious_o order_v it_o by_o his_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o part_n of_o these_o many_o testimony_n which_o have_v come_v from_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o preserve_v to_o all_o future_a generation_n which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o which_o have_v be_v unquestionable_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n among_o the_o best_a 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to_o find_v how_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n preach_v by_o other_o do_v agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v a_o understanding_n and_o so_o according_a to_o receive_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v see_v fit_a that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v only_o be_v this_o public_a and_o universal_a outward_a standard_n as_o have_v some_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o they_o of_o plainness_n and_o briefness_n and_o comprehend_v much_o matter_n in_o few_o word_n and_o write_v from_o a_o deep_a and_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o which_o no_o write_n or_o word_n since_o utter_v be_v comparable_a in_o equality_n or_o in_o the_o service_n they_o be_v design_v for_o and_o more_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o write_n or_o word_n the_o scripture_n be_v general_o receive_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o worthy_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o truth_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a weakness_n error_n or_o mistake_n as_o they_o be_v original_o write_v and_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o witness_n to_o necessary_a truth_n which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v equal_o concern_v any_o other_o write_n as_o be_v whole_o and_o throughout_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o may_v take_v leave_n to_o question_v they_o and_o according_o as_o we_o find_v they_o to_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o the_o say_v public_a standard_n of_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n to_o receive_v or_o reject_v they_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a and_o admit_v or_o grant_v that_o many_o testimony_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n their_o preach_a pray_v and_o write_v shall_v whole_o agree_v to_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o that_o they_o have_v also_o proceed_v from_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n pure_o and_o without_o all_o mixture_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v equal_a with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o general_a consent_n of_o christian_n be_v make_v the_o public_a standard_n of_o truth_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o outward_a testimony_n for_o in_o all_o city_n and_o corporation_n the_o public_a standard_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n be_v of_o great_a and_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o however_o so_o just_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o this_o objection_n have_v no_o more_o force_n or_o weight_n against_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n now_o than_o it_o have_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o their_o word_n be_v not_o hold_v equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o day_n and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o add_v our_o word_n and_o testimony_n the_o pure_a of_o they_o to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v more_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o have_v at_o present_a for_o it_o be_v probable_a more_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o what_o we_o have_v have_v be_v but_o be_v lose_v and_o possible_o some_o judge_v apocryphal_a by_o one_o sort_n may_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o value_n with_o god_n and_o other_o good_a man_n with_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v neither_o be_v all_o christian_n yet_o agree_v upon_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o so_o much_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o public_a standard_n and_o last_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v equal_o retort_v upon_o the_o 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word_n they_o express_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o david_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v to_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o write_v make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o reason_n or_o other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v in_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o but_o as_o mere_a passive_a subject_n and_o recipient_n be_v a_o thing_n common_o allege_v by_o those_o man_n but_o no_o where_o prove_v either_o from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n nor_o from_o any_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n therefrom_o yea_o the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v upon_o and_o use_v the_o understanding_n and_o rational_a faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n not_o as_o mere_a passive_a instrument_n always_o or_o most_o frequent_o but_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o work_v and_o cooperate_v with_o he_o as_o paul_n who_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o they_o do_v confess_v say_v that_o he_o have_v labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a bodily_a labour_a but_o a_o travel_a or_o labour_v in_o spirit_n more_o especial_o wherein_o his_o understanding_n and_o rational_a faculty_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v also_o clear_o imply_v in_o his_o follow_a word_n yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o i_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o he_o alone_o nor_o the_o grace_n alone_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o he_o that_o cause_v this_o earnest_n and_o servant_n labour_v in_o paul_n soul._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n when_o they_o speak_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v whole_o passive_a than_o to_o say_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v whole_o passive_a or_o their_o mouth_n and_o tongue_n when_o they_o speak_v and_o the_o diversity_n of_o style_n in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o vary_v not_o only_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a gift_n and_o part_n wherewith_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endue_v but_o also_o according_a to_o their_o education_n and_o acquire_v part_n do_v sufficient_o show_v they_o be_v not_o altogether_o passive_a the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n use_v by_o isaiah_n paul_n and_o luke_n clear_o show_v their_o education_n differ_v from_o the_o homely_a stile_n of_o amos_n a_o countryman_n who_o say_v he_o be_v no_o prophet_n nor_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n paul_n say_v he_o can_v pray_v not_o only_o with_o the_o spirit_n but_o with_o the_o understanding_n mean_v certain_o that_o his_o understanding_n may_v