Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n assembly_n church_n visible_a 1,656 5 9.8153 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53685 A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and forms / by John Owen ... Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1682 (1682) Wing O738; ESTC R11815 119,966 289

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common_a people_n of_o christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o idolatry_n which_o at_o length_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o device_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o those_o abomination_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o graphical_o represent_v and_o act_v so_o violent_o affect_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a impose_v they_o on_o their_o practice_n which_o gradual_o harden_v they_o with_o a_o obdurate_a credulity_n for_o although_o they_o see_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n doctrinal_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o about_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o all_o the_o conductive_a principle_n of_o man_n and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n reason_n and_o sense_n yet_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o obstinate_a pretence_n of_o believe_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v admit_v in_o practice_n man_n i_o say_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v have_v dispute_v long_o enough_o about_o vagrant_a form_n accident_n without_o subject_n transmutation_n of_o substance_n without_o accident_n sacrifice_n bloody_a and_o unbloody_a before_o they_o have_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o gross_a idolatry_n have_v not_o this_o engine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o its_o introduction_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_v inveagle_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o and_o at_o length_n comprise_v in_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v continual_o to_o use_v in_o divine_a service_n their_o whole_a soul_n become_v leaven_v and_o taint_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o and_o love_n unto_o these_o abomination_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o become_v gradual_o corrupt_v be_v not_o at_o once_o objective_o and_o doctrinal_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o consideration_n of_o man_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o their_o truth_n or_o error_n a_o method_n due_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o gradual_o insinuate_v into_o their_o practice_n by_o additional_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o poisonous_a pill_n who_o operation_n when_o it_o be_v swallow_v be_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o their_o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o mad_o avow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o all_o beside_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o idolatry_n namely_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v so_o act_v and_o represent_v in_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o take_v great_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n until_o they_o be_v mad_a on_o their_o idol_n for_o when_o all_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n excite_v by_o outward_a spectacle_n they_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o have_v therefore_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n shall_v have_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n have_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o universal_o receive_v at_o least_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o introduce_v and_o so_o establish_v as_o to_o procure_v and_o cause_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a person_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n alone_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o fatal_a engine_n of_o the_o church_n ruin_n from_o who_o murderous_a efficacy_n few_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n or_o soul_n have_v all_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o leave_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o irregularity_n may_v have_v prevail_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o many_o mistake_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o this_o monster_n of_o the_o mass_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o many_o have_v never_o be_v conceive_v nor_o bring_v forth_o at_o least_o not_o nourish_v into_o that_o terrible_a form_n and_o power_n wherein_o it_o appear_v and_o act_v for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n receive_v their_o tephilloth_n or_o prayer-book_n from_o armillus_n that_o be_v antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v determine_v and_o establish_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v profess_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o outward_a advantage_n liturgy_n compose_v in_o compliance_n therewithal_o be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o this_o mischief_n but_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o external_a cause_n alone_o otherwise_o where_o ever_o those_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o most_o so_o to_o do_v form_n of_o prayer_n answerable_a unto_o those_o deviation_n will_v quick_o be_v insinuate_v and_o the_o present_a various_a liturgy_n that_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o little_a other_o use_n than_o to_o establish_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o peculiar_a error_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hereby_o do_v god_n suffer_v contempt_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n of_o man_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v unto_o his_o institution_n and_o his_o care_n of_o they_o but_o do_v first_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n and_o then_o like_o uzzah_n put_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o force_n to_o hold_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o shake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o the_o first_o invention_n yet_o the_o first_o public_a recommendation_n and_o prescription_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v the_o insinuation_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o corrupt_a modes_n of_o worship_n into_o the_o public_a administration_n this_o be_v fear_v from_o person_n infect_v with_o heresy_n that_o may_v creep_v into_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o arian_n compose_v prayer_n hymn_n and_o doxology_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o insert_v in_o they_o passage_n confirm_v their_o own_o profession_n and_o condemn_v that_o of_o their_o adversary_n now_o however_o this_o invention_n may_v be_v approve_v while_o it_o keep_v within_o bound_n yet_o it_o prove_v the_o trojan_a horse_n that_o bring_v in_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o its_o belly_n for_o he_o who_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o engine_n and_o occasion_n to_o corrupt_v those_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v power_n in_o they_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v and_o confine_v unto_o and_o this_o take_v place_n effectual_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o second_o race_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o western_a roman_a empire_n to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n alone_o namely_o of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o alone_o that_o the_o mass_n with_o its_o transubstantiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v be_v introduce_v until_o the_o world_n inflame_v with_o those_o idol_n drench_v itself_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o those_o abomination_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v that_o no_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o liturgy_n compose_v no_o impose_v use_v of_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a
possible_a when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o work_v natural_o towards_o god_n however_o unskilled_a and_o rude_a their_o expression_n may_v be_v a_o deep_a sense_n may_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o mind_n with_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o error_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o but_o the_o bound_a and_o direct_v of_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n perhaps_o little_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o their_o affection_n tend_v only_o to_o stifle_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o former_a security_n 2._o other_o such_o as_o by_o education_n and_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v so_o far_o bring_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n as_o conscientious_o according_a unto_o their_o light_n to_o attend_v unto_o prayer_n as_o unto_o other_o duty_n also_o now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n will_v be_v more_o full_o determine_v afterward_o where_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v speak_v unto_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o can_v believe_v until_o further_a conviction_n that_o any_o one_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o request_n and_o petition_n in_o word_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o what_o he_o do_v by_o any_o advantage_n beyond_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o prayer_n man_n may_v by_o sloth_n and_o other_o vicious_a distemper_n of_o mind_n especial_o of_o a_o negligence_n in_o get_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n due_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o prayer_n keep_v themselves_o under_o a_o real_a or_o suppose_a disability_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o whereas_o prayer_n in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o common_a illumination_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o person_n do_v real_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o about_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o help_v they_o to_o express_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o either_o private_o or_o in_o their_o family_n but_o those_o who_o will_v never_o enter_v the_o water_n but_o with_o flag_n or_o bladder_n under_o they_o will_v scarce_o ever_o learn_v to_o swim_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v all_o progress_n or_o growth_n in_o gift_n or_o grace_n when_o every_o one_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o be_v his_o best_a and_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o what_o he_o have_v before_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o he_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o external_n prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o ae_z spiritual_a gift_n explain_v and_o vindicated_n what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v believer_n to_o pray_v or_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n belong_v principal_o unto_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therein_o wherein_o we_o have_v occasional_o only_o divert_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n either_o free_o or_o impose_v and_o indeed_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n testimony_n herein_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n render_v all_o further_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n needless_a for_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v require_v unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o effect_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a use_n there_o remain_v of_o such_o pretend_a aid_n but_o moreover_o prayer_n fall_v under_o another_o consideration_n namely_o as_o to_o its_o external_a performance_n and_o as_o the_o duty_n be_v discharge_v by_o any_o one_o in_o lesser_a or_o great_a society_n wherein_o upon_o his_o word_n and_o expression_n do_v depend_v their_o conjunction_n with_o he_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o consequent_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o in_o assembly_n of_o his_o appointment_n as_o church_n and_o family_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n one_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o join_v with_o he_o thus_o be_v minister_n enable_v to_o pray_v in_o church-assembly_n as_o other_o christian_n in_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n parent_n in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_n every_o believer_n for_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n give_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v in_o word_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o lead_v on_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o unto_o a_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n i_o do_v not_o confine_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o assembly_n every_o one_o may_v and_o usual_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v for_o himself_o also_o for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o in_o private_a and_o alone_a he_o can_v have_v none_o to_o pray_v in_o public_a and_o society_n wherefore_o take_v prayer_n as_o vocal_a without_o which_o adjunct_n it_o be_v not_o complete_a and_o this_o ability_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o also_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o meet_v with_o such_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n from_o many_o and_o which_o have_v other_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o yea_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o it_o even_o from_o family_n and_o closet_n also_o what_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o be_v by_o some_o not_o only_o to_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o way_n to_o belong_v thereunto_o a_o fruit_n they_o say_v it_o be_v of_o wit_n fancy_n memory_n elocution_n volubility_n and_o readiness_n of_o speech_n namely_o in_o they_o in_o who_o on_o other_o account_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v at_o least_o in_o no_o considerable_a degree_n some_o while_n since_o indeed_o they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o esteem_n of_o this_o ability_n by_o cry_v out_o that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v but_o babble_n and_o talk_v nonsense_n but_o those_o who_o have_v any_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n receive_v do_v use_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a relief_n that_o any_o can_v find_v in_o cavil_v at_o some_o expression_n which_o perhaps_o good_a and_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o yet_o suit_v not_o their_o palate_n or_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o miss_v of_o due_a order_n and_o decency_n yet_o be_v not_o their_o failure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o extravagancy_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o in_o suppose_a quaint_a and_o elegant_a expression_n use_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o herein_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o this_o countenance_n that_o this_o ability_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o natural_a endowment_n before_o mention_v only_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n but_o a_o little_a beneath_o a_o intolerable_a impudence_n thus_o it_o seem_v be_v it_o with_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o pray_v as_o god_n enable_v they_o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n example_n of_o scripture_n express_v testimony_n and_o command_n be_v able_a to_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v way_n unto_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v or_o call_v upon_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v able_a with_o respect_n
unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v oblige_v whether_o personal_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v unto_o other_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v duty_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n by_o virtue_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o aid_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v unto_o that_o end_n be_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o command_n wherefore_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v in_o any_o circumstance_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v according_a unto_o what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a for_o he_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o 6._o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v but_o be_v no_o where_o command_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o ourselves_o much_o less_o for_o other_o this_o be_v supperad_v for_o a_o suppose_a conveniency_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture-institution_n 7._o there_o be_v assistance_n promise_v unto_o believer_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v to_o enable_v any_o to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v explain_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v disprove_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o be_v a_o good_a work_n fall_v under_o the_o general_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n necessary_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n whatever_o yet_o be_v not_o those_o aid_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o his_o actual_a assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o assistance_n by_o grace_n and_o gift_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o do_v actual_o pray_v nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v use_v but_o man_n do_v not_o pray_v in_o the_o make_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o afterward_o 8._o whatever_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n or_o prayer_n of_o david_n they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o everlasting_a use_n therein_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o be_v design_v unto_o and_o be_v their_o end_n and_o use_v what_o it_o will_v they_o can_v give_v no_o more_o warranty_n for_o humane_a composition_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o their_o use_n than_o for_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture_n these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o truth_n will_v be_v of_o use_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n so_o far_o as_o our_o present_a design_n be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o those_o of_o other_o man_n wherefore_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v neither_o these_o principle_n nor_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o we_o shall_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o be_v engage_v to_o condemn_v all_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o absolute_o unlawful_a or_o such_o as_o so_o vitiate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v it_o whole_o unacceptable_a in_o they_o that_o choose_v so_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v he_o though_o through_o invincible_a ignorance_n they_o may_v mistake_v in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o how_o far_o as_o unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o rule_n may_v extend_v he_o only_o know_v and_o of_o man_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v not_o one_o and_o where_o any_o do_v worship_n god_n in_o christ_n with_o a_o evidence_n of_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincerity_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o conversation_n answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o have_v manifold_a corruption_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n i_o shall_v never_o judge_v severe_o either_o of_o their_o present_a acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o of_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o our_o own_o be_v to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o absolute_o comply_v therewith_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o please_v he_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o general_a prevalency_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a invention_n in_o christian_a assembly_n for_o many_o age_n more_o than_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o their_o necessity_n require_v a_o tenderness_n in_o judgement_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n by_o who_o they_o be_v use_v yet_o no_o consideration_n of_o this_o usage_n see_v it_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v of_o apostolical_a example_n nor_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n aught_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o nor_o from_o discover_v how_o far_o they_o be_v unwarrantable_a as_o unto_o their_o imposition_n and_o these_o evil_n may_v be_v here_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a composition_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a but_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o they_o be_v progressive_a by_o new_a addition_n from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v know_v to_o all_o for_o neither_o rome_n nor_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n be_v build_v in_o a_o day_n in_o that_o and_o the_o breviaries_n do_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n issue_n at_o least_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n no_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v of_o one_o entire_a composition_n the_o work_n of_o one_o age_n of_o one_o man_n or_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n unless_o they_o be_v so_o brutish_o devout_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o mass-book_n be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o pope_n by_o a_o angel_n as_o the_o alcoran_n be_v to_o mahomet_n it_o be_v evident_a indeed_o that_o the_o common_a people_n at_o least_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o idol_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_a how_o from_o small_a beginning_n by_o various_a accession_n it_o increase_v unto_o its_o present_a form_n and_o station_n and_o this_o progress_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o sundry_a pernicious_a concomitant_n which_o we_o may_v brief_o consider_v 1._o in_o and_o by_o the_o addition_n make_v unto_o the_o first_o receive_v form_n the_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostasy_n in_o several_a age_n be_v insinuate_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n be_v gradual_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n and_o be_v sufficient_o know_v the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n of_o new_a addition_n to_o receive_a form_n they_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n admit_v into_o and_o state_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o principal_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o preserve_v their_o station_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v that_o foundation_n of_o they_o take_v away_o they_o will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v those_o abomination_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n both_o leaven_n and_o poison_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n the_o dispute_n of_o speculative_a man_n superstitious_a and_o subtle_a about_o these_o thing_n have_v never_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o
judge_v by_o they_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o they_o have_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o dissent_n about_o they_o but_o whereas_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o of_o their_o lawfulness_n but_o of_o their_o necessity_n be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n be_v high_o concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v make_v some_o enquiry_n thereinto_o i_o say_v it_o be_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n as_o give_v occasion_n or_o a_o suppose_a advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o oppose_v deny_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o end_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v that_o be_v that_o any_o way_n consider_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o use._n for_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n or_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o such_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o choose_v for_o their_o best_a and_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n in_o unless_o they_o be_v express_o idolatrous_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_a either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n revelation_n it_o be_v a_o silly_a apprehension_n and_o tend_v to_o atheism_n that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o act_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o that_o sovereign_a light_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o the_o form_n intend_v be_v how_o compose_v how_o use_v how_o in_o some_o case_n impose_v be_v thing_n so_o know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o prayer_n be_v god_n institution_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o form_n be_v that_o which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o likeness_n thereof_o or_o in_o compliance_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o to_o compose_v prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o we_o or_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o inference_n the_o direct_a contrary_a rather_o ensue_a on_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o it_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o beside_o the_o provision_n of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o moreover_o promise_v do_v not_o communicate_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o shall_v enable_v they_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a pretend_a help_n to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v not_o admit_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v christian_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v provide_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v and_o command_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o make_v one_o sermon_n to_o constant_o read_v in_o all_o assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o variation_n unless_o we_o shall_v grant_v also_o that_o he_o cease_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o enquiry_n therefore_o will_v be_v what_o place_n or_o use_v they_o may_v have_v therein_o or_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o perform_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o promise_v unto_o any_o to_o help_n or_o assist_v they_o in_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o or_o his_o assistance_n unto_o that_o end_n in_o particular_a nor_o foundation_n to_o build_v faith_n or_o expectation_n of_o receive_v he_o upon_z wherefore_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o especial_a or_o gracious_a manner_n concern_v in_o that_o work_n or_o endeavour_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o fall_v under_o his_o care_n as_o communicate_v gift_n in_o general_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o examine_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v no_o where_o peculiar_o promise_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o have_v we_o either_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o ask_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n i_o answer_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o plead_v at_o large_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v promise_v direct_o to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o which_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v be_v pray_v but_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o general_a so_o to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o our_o own_o or_o the_o use_n of_o other_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o aid_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o not_o as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a assistance_n in_o prayer_n not_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o gracious_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o it_o may_v be_v the_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v also_o pretend_v but_o as_o the_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o work_n be_v a_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ordinary_o promise_v or_o that_o any_o person_n can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v dictate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v use_v afterward_o by_o other_o as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v into_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o some_o of_o these_o external_a aid_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n utter_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o these_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v by_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n martyr_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o indeed_o have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o the_o person_n intend_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o assistance_n as_o any_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o single_a person_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a promise_n give_v unto_o any_o this_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o unto_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v thereunto_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o common_a duty_n and_o fall_n under_o the_o help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o general_n so_o some_o man_n from_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n above_o other_o which_o they_o attain_v by_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o comprehension_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o to_o be_v use_v and_o plead_v in_o our_o supplication_n may_v set_v down_o and_o express_v a_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o that_o shall_v declare_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o much_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o condition_n want_n and_o desire_n of_o christian_n than_o other_o can_v who_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o they_o be_v nor_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v have_v for_o those_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o man_n without_o such_o light_n and_o experience_n compose_v of_o phrase_n and_o expression_n gather_v up_o from_o other_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o invent_v by_o themselves_o and_o cast_v into_o a_o contexture_n and_o method_n such_o as_o they_o suppose_v suit_v unto_o prayer_n in_o