of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v express_o reveal_v and_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o to_o insist_v on_o they_o all_o be_v endless_a this_o we_o principal_o labour_v in_o as_o that_o whereby_o not_o only_o must_v the_o controversy_n be_v final_o determine_v but_o the_o person_n that_o manage_v it_o be_v eternal_o judge_v what_o be_v add_v concern_v the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n herein_o claim_v no_o more_o of_o argument_n unto_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o than_o it_o have_v evidence_n of_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v suit_v unto_o those_o divine_a testimony_n but_o whereas_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o they_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o as_o contain_v the_o principal_a act_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v here_o somewhat_o at_o large_a on_o all_o occasion_n insist_v on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o who_o concernment_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o unless_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n produce_v and_o insist_v on_o do_v not_o contain_v that_o sense_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o word_n do_v determinate_o express_v for_o that_o only_o be_v plead_v or_o that_o some_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o it_o all_o other_o contest_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n plead_v herein_o as_o shall_v be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o condemnatory_n of_o all_o those_o outward_a aid_n of_o prayer_n by_o set_a compose_a form_n which_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o device_n be_v ancient_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o measure_n receive_v general_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o a_o no_o less_o general_a apostasy_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o place_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o shall_v not_o judge_v of_o what_o advantage_n it_o may_v be_v or_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o what_o acceptance_n they_o have_v find_v therein_o where_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o abuse_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n be_v only_o this_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o which_o they_o may_v be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o truth_n hereof_o to_o expect_v those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v thereby_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n rise_v up_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a instruction_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n but_o moreover_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o be_v some_o general_o allow_v principle_n which_o though_o not_o always_o due_o consider_v yet_o can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v modest_o deny_v that_o give_v direction_n towards_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o sollow_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n multiply_v divine_a command_n with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o give_v life_n and_o light_n unto_o this_o principle_n to_o own_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v to_o own_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a relation_n or_o of_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o other_o also_o so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o child_n and_o household_n this_o also_o derive_v from_o those_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o all_o society_n of_o his_o own_o erection_n and_o that_o those_o in_o the_o relation_n mention_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v commit_v unto_o their_o care_n and_o so_o be_v it_o frequent_o enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o flock_n by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a institution_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v nor_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o be_v question_v by_o any_o but_o practical_o the_o most_o of_o man_n live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v this_o but_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o from_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n unto_o the_o institute_v office_n of_o minister_n and_o public_a teacher_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o contest_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v than_o at_o present_a we_o have_v it_o be_v holy_a practice_n that_o must_v reconcile_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o they_o will_v never_o be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o world_n 3._o every_o one_o who_o pray_v either_o by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o use_n property_n and_o circumstance_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o instance_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o best_a the_o consirmation_n and_o exemplification_n hereof_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o they_o that_o the_o chief_a and_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o own_o duty_n towards_o he_o will_v admit_v that_o we_o shall_v expect_v any_o acceptance_n with_o he_o unless_o our_o design_n be_v to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n himself_o declare_v in_o the_o prophet_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a you_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v tear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a and_o sick_a shall_v i_o accept_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n but_o curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a 4._o in_o our_o reasonable_a service_n the_o best_a wherewith_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n consist_v in_o the_o intense_a sincere_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n according_a unto_o their_o respective_a power_n through_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a assistance_n we_o can_v attain_v and_o if_o we_o omit_v or_o forgo_v in_o any_o instance_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o present_a ability_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sick_a and_o the_o lame_a if_o man_n can_v take_v it_o on_o themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o the_o like_o outward_a mode_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o best_a that_o he_o have_v endow_v they_o withal_o for_o his_o service_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consideration_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aid_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n he_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o duty_n oblige_v whether_o he_o pray_v by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o also_o there_o be_v not_o by_o these_o mean_v perfection_n attainable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n neither_o can_v all_o attain_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o unto_o the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v but_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o according_a
the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n do_v manifest_v it_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o if_o he_o give_v not_o that_o expression_n all_o that_o he_o do_v beside_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o to_o its_o principal_a end_n and_o use._n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o he_o do_v in_o we_o where_o this_o be_v want_v or_o that_o in_o fix_a meditation_n which_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o rise_v not_o beyond_o that_o frame_n which_o david_n express_v by_o his_o keep_a silence_n whereby_o he_o declare_v a_o estate_n of_o trouble_n wherein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o free_o bring_v over_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n about_o it_o as_o he_o do_v afterward_o by_o prayer_n and_o find_v relief_n therein_o that_o which_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v hereunto_o namely_o that_o not_o any_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v be_v a_o effect_n in_o we_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n or_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o some_o distinguish_v be_v inseparable_a consist_v in_o two_o unsound_a consequent_n which_o as_o be_v suppose_v will_v thence_o ensue_v as_o 1._o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v or_o in_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v the_o gracious_a disposition_n before_o describe_v have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n see_v these_o thing_n be_v inseparable_a and_o 2._o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n or_o who_o have_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v with_o utterance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o have_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o act_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n intend_v but_o these_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v manifest_o otherwise_o and_o contrary_a to_o all_o experience_n ans._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inference_n i_o grant_v it_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a under_o the_o ensue_a limitation_n 1._o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n in_o its_o habit_n or_o principle_n but_o in_o its_o actual_a exercise_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n it_o be_v in_o all_o that_o be_v sanctify_v even_o in_o those_o infant_n that_o be_v so_o from_o the_o womb._n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o respect_v only_a grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o thus_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o all_o those_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v gracious_o act_v faith_n love_n delight_n desire_n in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n unto_o god_n have_v a_o ability_n from_o he_o to_o express_v themselves_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o so_o meet_v to_o receive_v the_o influential_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whoever_o will_v use_v or_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o spiritual_a gift_n must_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n stir_v up_o by_o constant_a and_o frequent_a exercise_n the_o ability_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v which_o neglect_n must_v be_v account_v for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o any_o person_n who_o yet_o may_v have_v as_o they_o speak_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n shall_v not_o yet_o have_v the_o gift_n or_o a_o faculty_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n and_o desire_n in_o prayer_n by_o word_n of_o their_o own_o some_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o ability_n in_o any_o and_o therefore_o never_o look_v after_o it_o in_o themselves_o but_o despise_v whatever_o they_o hear_v speak_v unto_o that_o purpose_n what_o assistance_n such_o person_n may_v have_v in_o their_o prayer_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v have_v much_o of_o his_o aid_n or_o help_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o some_o be_v so_o accustom_v unto_o and_o so_o deceive_v by_o pretend_a help_n in_o prayer_n as_o make_v use_n of_o or_o read_v prayer_n by_o other_o compose_v for_o they_o that_o they_o never_o attempt_v to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o always_o think_v they_o can_v do_v that_o which_o indeed_o they_o will_v not_o as_o if_o a_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o among_o none_o but_o such_o impotent_a person_n as_o go_v on_o crutch_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o shall_v refuse_v to_o try_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o resolve_v himself_o to_o make_v use_n of_o crutch_n also_o good_a instruction_n or_o some_o sudden_a surprisal_n with_o fear_n remove_v his_o prejudice_n he_o will_v cast_v away_o this_o needless_a help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o strength_n some_o gracious_a person_n bring_v up_o where_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o general_a use_n may_v have_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o to_o pray_v but_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o ever_o try_v it_o through_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n yea_o so_o as_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v any_o otherwise_o but_o when_o instruction_n free_v they_o from_o this_o prejudice_n or_o some_o sudden_a surprisal_n with_o fear_n or_o affliction_n cast_v they_o into_o a_o entrance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n their_o former_a aid_n and_o help_n quick_o grow_v into_o disuse_n with_o they_o 3._o the_o ability_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n condition_n duty_n calling_n and_o the_o like_a we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n must_v necessary_o have_v a_o gift_n enable_v he_o to_o pray_v as_o become_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n or_o any_o person_n on_o the_o like_a solemn_a occasion_n no_o nor_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o family_n or_o in_o the_o company_n of_o many_o if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o his_o condition_n of_o life_n call_v thereunto_o but_o every_o one_o have_v this_o ability_n according_a to_o his_o necessity_n condition_n of_o life_n and_o call_v he_o that_o be_v only_o a_o private_a person_n have_v so_o and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o family_n have_v so_o and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n have_v so_o also_o and_o as_o god_n enlarge_v man_n occasion_n and_o call_n so_o he_o will_v enlarge_v their_o ability_n provide_v they_o do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o slothful_a the_o negligent_a the_o fearful_a those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prejudices_fw-la will_v have_v no_o share_n in_o this_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v in_o this_o particular_a every_o adult_n person_n who_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v grace_n in_o prayer_n any_o save_a grace_n without_o which_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o abomination_n if_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a aid_n communicate_v unto_o he_o do_v so_o far_o partake_v of_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o pray_v according_a as_o his_o own_o occasion_n and_o duty_n do_v require_v he_o who_o want_v mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o supply_v of_o grace_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o like_a if_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o want_n and_o have_v gracious_a desire_n after_o this_o supply_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o ask_v they_o of_o god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n if_o he_o be_v not_o woeful_o and_o sinful_o want_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n second_o as_o to_o the_o second_o inference_n namely_o that_o if_o this_o ability_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n than_o whosoever_o have_v this_o gift_n and_o ability_n he_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o gracious_a assistance_n or_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v save_v grace_n act_v in_o he_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v
private_a or_o public_a whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o utter_v of_o our_o desire_n and_o request_n unto_o god_n call_v the_o make_n of_o our_o request_n know_v unto_o he_o phil._n 4._o 6._o this_o utterance_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o also_o be_v prayer_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o word_n in_o supplication_n and_o if_o any_o one_o say_v he_o can_v so_o pray_v suitable_a unto_o his_o own_o occasion_n he_o do_v only_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v not_o by_o he_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o because_o they_o understand_v they_o not_o we_o can_v help_v it_o three_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o enable_v man_n to_o discharge_v and_o perform_v every_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o that_o without_o his_o enable_v of_o we_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o we_o shall_v as_o this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v in_o other_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a so_o we_o will_v not_o always_o contend_v with_o they_o by_o who_o such_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v deny_v or_o call_v into_o question_n and_o he_o do_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n whether_o such_o as_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a office_n and_o calling_n or_o on_o the_o more_o general_a account_n of_o a_o holy_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n under_o both_o these_o consideration_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a office_n supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o herein_o it_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o go_v before_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n and_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o with_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o public_a assembly_n manifest_v it_o so_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n as_o their_o example_n give_v themselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6._o 4._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o these_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v for_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o good_a gift_n which_o be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1._o 17._o and_o these_o gift_n do_v they_o receive_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4._o 12._o utterance_n therefore_o in_o pray_v and_o preach_v be_v in_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o office_n and_o that_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o those_o who_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o it_o can_v discharge_v their_o office_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o please_v if_o a_o spiritual_a ability_n in_o pray_v and_o preach_v belong_v not_o necessary_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v what_o do_v so_o or_o what_o the_o office_n signify_v in_o the_o church_n for_o no_o other_o ordinance_n can_v be_v administer_v without_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o rule_n itself_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o to_o deny_v these_o to_o be_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o dispensation_n unto_o and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o at_o once_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o 2._o the_o like_a may_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n unto_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o general_a vocation_n such_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o any_o be_v go_v in_o way_n of_o profaneness_n but_o hope_v none_o be_v carry_v unto_o such_o a_o length_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n to_o pray_v with_o their_o family_n as_o well_o as_o for_o they_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v under_o his_o curse_n and_o if_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n the_o performance_n of_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n we_o proceed_v upon_o four_o the_o benefit_n profit_n advantage_n and_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o family_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n in_o and_o by_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o gift_n be_v such_o and_o so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o be_v impious_a not_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n man_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o without_o his_o especial_a aid_n author_n or_o causer_n of_o the_o principal_a spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v so_o or_o may_v be_v so_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o he_o or_o his_o work_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o it_o have_v this_o bless_a effect_n and_o fruit_n we_o plead_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o sincerity_n and_o leave_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o nor_o will_v we_o at_o present_a refuse_n in_o our_o plea_n a_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a condition_n as_o to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n between_o they_o who_o constant_o in_o their_o life_n and_o at_o their_o death_n give_v this_o testimony_n and_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v oppose_v and_o deny_v we_o be_v none_o of_o we_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o any_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v say_v that_o the_o experience_n which_o believer_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v of_o the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o ability_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o shake_v by_o the_o cavil_n or_o reproach_n of_o such_o who_o dare_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n thereunto_o five_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n for_o be_v not_o the_o ability_n of_o pray_v a_o gift_n of_o he_o who_o divide_v to_o every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o own_o will_n there_o will_v not_o be_v that_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o it_o among_o those_o who_o all_o pretend_v unto_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n as_o there_o be_v open_o and_o visible_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n pure_o of_o man_n natural_a ability_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o many_o who_o concern_v it_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o be_v interest_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o stranger_n to_o it_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o and_o so_o unable_a for_o it_o they_o say_v indeed_o it_o be_v but_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o natural_a ability_n with_o confidence_n and_o exercise_n let_v it_o be_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v confidence_n competent_a unto_o such_o a_o work_n and_o let_v they_o try_v what_o success_n mere_a exercise_n will_v furnish_v they_o withal_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o deny_v that_o without_o that_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o ability_n of_o prayer_n treat_v of_o be_v attainable_a by_o any_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v person_n of_o any_o ordinary_a consideration_n that_o the_o difference_n which_o they_o do_v or_o may_v discover_v between_o man_n as_o to_o this_o gift_n and_o ability_n proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o natural_a and_o acquire_v ability_n wherein_o as_o it_o be_v strenuous_o pretend_v the_o advantage_n be_v common_o on_o that_o side_n which_o be_v most_o defective_a herein_o some_o perhaps_o may_v say_v that_o they_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o faculty_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o natural_a endowment_n with_o boldness_n and_o elocution_n and_o that_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v expert_a in_o it_o and_o find_v nothing_o else_o therein_o on_o which_o ground_n they_o have_v leave_v it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v
their_o natural_a necessary_a fundamental_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o they_o do_v own_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a story_n extant_a record_v the_o monument_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o degenerate_a christianity_n it_o may_v be_v speak_v there_o be_v not_o more_o frequent_a account_n give_v of_o their_o sacred_a invocation_n and_o supplication_n unto_o their_o suppose_a god_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o historical_a monument_n and_o story_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o christian_a nation_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o eminent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o god_n without_o which_o converse_n we_o have_v no_o present_a advantage_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o such_o as_o will_v turn_v unto_o our_o eternal_a disadvantage_n in_o that_o misery_n whereof_o they_o be_v uncapable_a this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o exercise_v towards_o he_o all_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o do_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o acceptable_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o homage_n and_o revenue_n of_o glory_n which_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o exhibit_v in_o their_o due_a kind_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o use_n and_o advantage_v the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v unto_o ourselves_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o express_v every_o one_o can_v add_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n for_o it_o will_v be_v say_v by_o who_o be_v it_o ever_o discommend_v and_o i_o wish_v i_o see_v reason_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o reply_n for_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o but_o the_o declare_a opinion_n of_o many_o do_v evidence_n that_o neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o its_o necessity_n do_v find_v that_o acceptance_n and_o esteem_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v not_o further_o insist_v upon_o it_o for_o my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n property_n uses_n effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o gracious_a duty_n as_o it_o be_v the_o vital_a breath_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v original_n in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n whereof_o the_o neglect_n be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o practical_a atheism_n for_o he_o that_o pray_v not_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n its_o direction_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n manner_n and_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n both_o from_o especial_a command_n and_o our_o state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a variety_n of_o inward_a and_o outward_a occasion_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o or_o we_o may_v be_v exercise_v withal_o argument_n motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o constancy_n fervency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o know_a example_n of_o its_o mighty_a efficacy_n and_o marvellous_a success_n the_o certain_a advantage_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v receive_v thereby_o in_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o strength_n with_o peace_n and_o consolation_n with_o sundry_a other_o of_o its_o concernment_n although_o much_o treat_v of_o already_o by_o many_o may_v yet_o be_v further_o consider_v and_o improve_v but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v my_o present_a design_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o his_o gracious_a operation_n in_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o and_o towards_o believer_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o his_o operation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o other_o particular_a grace_n or_o duty_n what_o ever_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o hope_v will_v sufficient_o vindicate_v and_o confirm_v truth_n but_o hereby_o believer_n be_v instruct_v as_o in_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o so_o in_o the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n or_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o where_o frequent_a plain_a revelation_n concur_v in_o multiply_v command_n and_o direction_n with_o continual_a experience_n as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o this_o case_n their_o instruction_n be_v firm_a and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v fix_v on_o their_o mind_n as_o this_o render_v a_o enquiry_n hereinto_o both_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o so_o than_o that_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o comfort_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v and_o which_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o so_o gracious_a a_o condescension_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o goodness_n so_o moreover_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o above_o all_o other_o his_o operation_n require_v that_o something_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o it_o but_o the_o enmity_n hereunto_o seem_v to_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o mean_v among_o such_o as_o pretend_v unto_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n in_o former_a age_n of_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v a_o reproach_n but_o as_o now_o the_o contradiction_n herein_o be_v great_a and_o fierce_a so_o be_v there_o not_o any_o difference_n concern_v any_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o party_n at_o variance_n be_v more_o confident_a and_o satisfy_v in_o and_o about_o their_o own_o apprehension_n than_o they_o be_v who_o dissent_v about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o those_o who_o oppose_v what_o be_v ascribe_v by_o other_o unto_o he_o herein_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deny_v and_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o refuse_v a_o communion_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o work_n so_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o but_o moreover_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o conception_n that_o they_o revile_v and_o speak_v evil_a contemptuous_o and_o despiteful_o of_o what_o they_o do_v oppose_v hence_o ability_n to_o pray_v as_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o grace_n or_o a_o duty_n or_o any_o way_n useful_a among_o man_n that_o it_o be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v as_o a_o paltry_a faculty_n fit_a to_o be_v explode_v from_o among_o christian_n and_o at_o length_n it_o be_v traduce_v as_o a_o invention_n and_o artifice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o the_o surprisal_n and_o offence_n of_o many_o sober_a person_n the_o unadvisedness_n of_o which_o insinuation_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v other_o again_o profess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n in_o this_o world_n of_o all_o the_o aid_n assistance_n or_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o communicate_v and_o help_v they_o withal_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o inestimable_a and_o herein_o they_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o all_o trouble_n distress_n temptation_n and_o persecution_n such_o assurance_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v with_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o rather_o judge_v that_o they_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o great_a sin_n to_o themselves_o by_o who_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reproach_v hence_o i_o know_v not_o any_o difference_n about_o religious_a thing_n that_o be_v manage_v with_o great_a animosity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o worse_a consequent_n than_o this_o which_o be_v about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o hinge_n on_o which_o all_o other_o difference_n about_o divine_a worship_n do_v turn_v and_o depend_v it_o may_v therefore_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o while_n yea_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n sedate_o and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v into_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n
wherein_o we_o must_v acquiesce_v and_o whereby_o all_o experience_n on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o must_v be_v try_v and_o regulate_v two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o do_v propose_v unto_o myself_o in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v both_o which_o i_o shall_v plain_o and_o brief_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n and_o these_o be_v first_o to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v promise_v and_o actual_o grant_v a_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prayer_n or_o praise_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o work_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o and_o if_o in_o these_o thing_n no_o impression_n can_v be_v make_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n possess_v with_o those_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la which_o reject_v their_o very_a proposal_n and_o all_o consideration_n of_o they_o with_o contempt_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o bias_v with_o the_o undue_a love_n or_o hatred_n of_o party_n of_o man_n nor_o elate_v with_o high_a valuation_n of_o their_o own_o conception_n above_o those_o of_o other_o who_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_n if_o not_o to_o hate_v yet_o to_o scorn_v do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o all_o other_o consideration_n endeavour_v to_o subdue_v their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n thereunto_o nor_o do_v i_o desire_v more_o of_o any_o reader_n but_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v herein_o conversant_a about_o thing_n which_o will_v have_v a_o influence_n into_o his_o everlasting_a account_n chap._n ii_o zech._n 12._o 10._o open_v and_o vindicate_v the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n under_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n zech._n 12._o 10._o i_o will_v pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n the_o spirit_n here_o promise_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o especial_a end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o administration_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v pour_v out_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ezek._n 39_o 29._o joel_n 2._o 28._o as_o be_v also_o other_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n which_o we_o render_v by_o pour_v out_o as_o prov._n 1._o 23._o isa._n 32._o 15._o chap._n 44._o 3._o chap._n 52._o 10._o two_o thing_n have_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v concern_v this_o expression_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o that_o a_o plentiful_a dispensation_n of_o he_o unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o singular_a and_o eminent_a degree_n in_o his_o operation_n be_v intend_v therein_o the_o apostle_n express_v this_o word_n or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v in_o it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 3._o 6._o he_o have_v rich_o or_o abundant_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n not_o therefore_o a_o mere_a grant_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o he_o be_v intend_v which_o must_v have_v some_o eminent_a effect_n as_o pledge_n and_o token_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o speak_v of_o a_o plentiful_a abundant_a effusion_n with_o degree_n above_o what_o be_v before_o grant_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v so_o promise_v in_o this_o place_n as_o to_o produce_v some_o notable_a and_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o his_o communication_n 2._o that_o this_o promise_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v every_o promise_n be_v so_o where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o pour_v out_o the_o spirit_n on_o man_n which_o may_v be_v evince_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o every_o place_n where_o this_o expression_n be_v use_v but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_a the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o look_v unto_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v pierce_v and_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o further_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n comparison_n in_o it_o with_o some_o other_o time_n or_o season_n or_o some_o other_o act_n of_o god_n wherein_o or_o whereby_o he_o give_v his_o spirit_n before_o but_o not_o in_o that_o way_n manner_z or_o measure_n that_o he_o now_o promise_v to_o bestow_v he_o of_o the_o whole_a of_o these_o observation_n dydimus_n give_v we_o a_o brief_a account_n de_fw-fr spir._n sanct._n l._n 1._o significat_fw-la autem_fw-la effusionis_fw-la verbum_fw-la largam_fw-la &_o divitem_fw-la muneris_fw-la abundantiam_fw-la itaque_fw-la cùmunus_fw-la quis_fw-la alicubi_fw-la aut_fw-la duo_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la accipiunt_fw-la non_fw-la dicitur_fw-la effundam_fw-la de_fw-la spiritu_fw-la meo_fw-la sed_fw-la tunc_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o universas_fw-la gentes_fw-la munus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la redundaverit_fw-la 2._o those_o unto_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o promise_v be_v the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n express_v in_o a_o distribution_n into_o the_o roll_a family_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o rule_n and_o the_o family_n of_o david_n which_o be_v then_o in_o supreme_a power_n among_o the_o people_n in_o the_o person_n of_o zerubbabel_n be_v express_o mention_v for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o family_n whereof_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o spring_v christ_n himself_o be_v thereby_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n type_v out_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 2._o because_o all_o the_o promise_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n so_o type_v by_o david_n and_o his_o house_n on_o he_o the_o spirit_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v first_o to_o be_v pour_v out_o in_o all_o fullness_n and_o from_o he_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o other_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v to_o denote_v the_o especial_a gift_n and_o grace_n that_o shall_v be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o church_n under_o he_o the_o king_n and_o head_n thereof_o and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o phrase_n expressive_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o that_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o all_o their_o public_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n see_v psal._n 122._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o wherefore_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a church_n of_o god_n all_o believer_n be_v the_o object_n of_o this_o promise_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o family_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n 3._o the_o especial_a qualification_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n be_v two_o for_o 1._o he_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o greek_a constant_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o from_o the_o latin_a gratia_n grace_n be_v derive_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v also_o the_o follow_a word_n which_o signify_v to_o have_v mercy_n or_o compassion_n to_o be_v gracious_a as_o all_o the_o word_n whereby_o god_n gracious_a deal_n with_o sinner_n in_o the_o hebrew_n do_v include_v the_o signification_n of_o pity_n compassion_n free_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n and_o it_o be_v various_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n sometime_o for_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a effect_n towards_o we_o rom._n 1._o 7._o chap._n 4._o 4_o 16._o chap._n 5._o 2_o 14_o 20._o chap._n 6._o 1._o chap._n 11._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o and_o in_o other_o place_n innumerable_a and_o sometime_o for_o the_o principal_a effect_n hereof_o or_o the_o gracious_a favour_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o accept_v we_o in_o christ_n eph._n 2._o 5._o 2_o thes._n 1._o 12._o which_o be_v the_o grace_n the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 23._o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n and_o acceptation_n with_o they_o call_v the_o find_v grace_n or_o favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o gen._n 39_o 4_o 21._o chap._n 41._o 24._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 26._o rom._n 15._o 11._o esther_n 2._o 15_o 17._o chap._n
end_n that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v suit_v unto_o our_o occasion_n he_o who_o can_v divide_v this_o text_n or_o cut_v it_o out_o into_o a_o garment_n to_o clothe_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n with_o will_v discover_v a_o admirable_a dexterity_n in_o the_o use_n and_o disposal_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v i_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o such_o form_n be_v unlawful_a only_o that_o another_o way_n of_o pray_v be_v here_o enjoin_v we_o be_v i_o suppose_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o impartial_a searcher_n after_o truth_n and_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o endeavour_n a_o compliance_n therewith_o and_o if_o person_n be_v able_a in_o the_o daily_a constant_a read_n of_o any_o book_n whatever_o mere_o of_o a_o humane_a composition_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o his_o holy_a act_n of_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n endeavour_v labour_a and_o watch_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o have_v attain_v what_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o sole_a enquiry_n remain_v be_v how_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v in_o who_o mind_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v thus_o work_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o i_o do_v say_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o affect_v by_o he_o do_v never_o want_v a_o gracious_a ability_n of_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o circumstance_n calling_n state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o interposition_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o they_o may_v for_o the_o present_a be_v able_a only_o to_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o to_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n that_o be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o mind_n clear_o and_o dictinct_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o groan_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o also_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o acceptance_n in_o that_o condition_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v few_o believer_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o have_v more_o or_o less_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o devotion_n discharge_v itself_o in_o a_o formal_a course_n of_o the_o same_o word_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n wherein_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o prayer_n at_o least_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o and_o such_o supplication_n as_o be_v not_o various_o influence_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o they_o that_o make_v they_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v like_o one_o constant_a tone_n or_o noise_n which_o have_v no_o harmony_n nor_o music_n in_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o measure_n necessary_a unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n the_o scripture_n assign_v they_o thereunto_o and_o believer_n find_v they_o so_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o we_o discourse_v not_o about_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n towards_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n express_v thereby_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o flesh_n in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o come_v to_o god_n nor_o yet_o upon_o those_o cry_n which_o legal_a conviction_n will_v wrest_v from_o they_o that_o fall_v under_o their_o power_n but_o we_o treat_v only_o of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v a_o access_n through_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o 2._o that_o those_o in_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o any_o degree_n do_v not_o in_o ordinary_a case_n want_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o ability_n herein_o will_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o moral_a faculty_n be_v the_o genuine_a way_n of_o their_o strengthen_n and_o improvement_n but_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n god_n have_v design_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o growth_n and_o give_v his_o blessing_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n suitable_o unto_o the_o condition_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o man_n grow_v not_o up_o unto_o further_a degree_n in_o that_o ability_n by_o exercise_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o by_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 3._o that_o although_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o some_o as_o be_v pretend_v yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o none_o that_o be_v unto_o no_o true_a believer_n as_o unto_o acceptable_a evangelical_n prayer_n but_o whoever_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o which_o he_o do_v infallible_o effect_v in_o every_o one_o who_o through_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o cry_n abba_n father_n as_o every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n offer_v unto_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o believer_n beyond_o what_o may_v be_v doctrinal_a or_o instructive_a in_o they_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o inclination_n unto_o party_n or_o of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o what_o use_n form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o have_v not_o therefore_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n belong_v not_o direct_o unto_o our_o disquisition_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o unless_o a_o contrivance_n to_o relieve_v they_o in_o that_o condition_n without_o a_o due_a endeavour_n after_o a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v for_o these_o person_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v open_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n their_o mind_n be_v not_o effectual_o influence_v by_o any_o conviction_n these_o seldom_o pray_v unless_o it_o be_v under_o danger_n fear_n trouble_n pain_n or_o other_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v smite_v they_o will_v cry_v even_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v cry_v and_o not_o else_o and_o their_o design_n be_v to_o treat_v about_o their_o especial_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v thereof_o and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v supply_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n express_v their_o sense_n conception_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o how_o ridiculous_o they_o may_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o read_v these_o prayer_n which_o be_v no_o way_n suit_v unto_o their_o condition_n be_v easy_o suppose_v a_o form_n to_o such_o person_n may_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o a_o charm_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v divert_v by_o it_o from_o such_o a_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v to_o jonahs_n mariner_n in_o the_o storm_n cry_v every_o one_o unto_o his_o god_n and_o call_v on_o he_o also_o to_o do_v so_o too_o chap._n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o substance_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o god_n will_v think_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o perish_v and_o man_n in_o such_o condition_n if_o not_o divert_v by_o this_o pretend_a relief_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o will_v not_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o prayer_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o beyond_o that_o whatever_o word_n they_o be_v supply_v withal_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n nor_o advantage_n unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v
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
into_o they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o spiritual_a light_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o may_v discern_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o guide_v we_o aright_o in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o man_n live_v in_o the_o dark_a unto_o themselves_o or_o satisfy_v themselves_o only_o with_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o they_o will_v never_o know_v either_o how_o to_o pray_v or_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o we_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o especial_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a change_n which_o we_o be_v subject_a unto_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o barrenness_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o most_o as_o we_o have_v observe_v he_o that_o will_v abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o supplication_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o who_o will_v have_v his_o prayer_n to_o be_v proper_a useful_a fervent_a must_v be_v diligent_a in_o the_o search_n and_o consideration_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n with_o all_o its_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o secret_a guilt_n which_o it_o do_v various_o contract_n 2._o constant_n diligent_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o duty_n that_o this_o ability_n great_o depend_v upon_o from_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n therein_o may_v we_o learn_v our_o own_o want_n and_o from_o his_o promise_n the_o relief_n which_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o they_o and_o these_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v show_v supply_v we_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n moreover_o we_o thence_o learn_v what_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v meet_v and_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o our_o access_n unto_o god_n no_o word_n nor_o expression_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o signification_n be_v meet_v or_o acceptable_a herein_o but_o from_o their_o analogy_n unto_o those_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v of_o god_n own_o teach_v and_o direction_n and_o where_o man_n be_v much_o conversant_a in_o the_o word_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o and_o furnish_v with_o meet_a expression_n of_o their_o desire_n to_o god_n always_o this_o be_v one_o mean_v whereby_o they_o may_v become_v so_o to_o be_v and_o other_o help_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v insist_v on_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o use_n herein_o of_o the_o natural_a ability_n of_o invention_n memory_n and_o elocution_n why_o shall_v not_o man_n use_v in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o god_n have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o yea_o it_o set_v off_o the_o use_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o spiritual_a gift_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o we_o use_v and_o act_v our_o natural_a endowment_n and_o ability_n as_o spiritualise_v by_o grace_n which_o in_o the_o way_n set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o can_v be_v do_v the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v engage_v in_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n the_o more_o intent_n it_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o duty_n nor_o do_v i_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o gift_n may_v be_v vary_v in_o degree_n and_o divers_a circumstance_n according_a unto_o these_o ability_n though_o it_o have_v a_o be_v of_o its_o own_o distinct_a from_o they_o even_o in_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o in_o the_o receive_n and_o give_v out_o of_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n there_o be_v a_o variety_n in_o outward_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n which_o follow_v the_o diversity_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o natural_a ability_n and_o qualification_n of_o they_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o work_n much_o more_o may_v this_o difference_n both_o be_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ordinary_a gift_n which_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o influence_n and_o regulate_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o other_o and_o this_o difference_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n among_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o this_o spiritual_a ability_n all_o man_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o pray_v alike_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o pray_n but_o some_o do_v great_o excel_v other_o some_o in_o one_o thing_n some_o in_o another_o and_o this_o do_v in_o part_n proceed_v from_o that_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o in_o the_o natural_a ability_n of_o invention_n judgement_n memory_n elocution_n especial_o as_o they_o be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n in_o this_o duty_n but_o yet_o neither_o be_v this_o absolute_o so_o nor_o do_v the_o difference_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o constant_a experience_n depend_v sole_o hereon_o for_o if_o it_o do_v than_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o spiritual_a ability_n do_v excel_v other_o in_o those_o natural_a endowment_n will_v also_o constant_o excel_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n itself_o which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v observe_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o ability_n in_o prayer_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o gift_n as_o the_o scion_n ingraft_v or_o inoculate_v turn_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o ability_n into_o itself_o and_o modifi_v they_o according_a unto_o its_o own_o efficacy_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v not_o itself_o change_v by_o they_o evident_o that_o which_o make_v any_o such_o difference_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o be_v concern_v be_v the_o frequent_a conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v without_o which_o into_o whatever_o stock_n of_o natural_a ability_n it_o may_v be_v plant_v it_o will_v neither_o thrive_v nor_o flourish_v 6._o spiritual_a gift_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o all_o other_o ability_n have_v their_o whole_a foundation_n nature_n and_o power_n in_o themselves_o such_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v entire_a in_o themselves_o not_o build_v upon_o or_o adjoin_v unto_o any_o other_o gift_n or_o grace_n whatever_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v adjunct_n of_o or_o annex_v unto_o any_o other_o gift_n or_o grace_n without_o which_o they_o can_v have_v neither_o place_n nor_o use_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n depend_v on_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n for_o utterance_n without_o knowledge_n or_o that_o which_o be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o way_n of_o express_v sound_a knowledge_n unto_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o be_v folly_n and_o babble_n and_o of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o under_o our_o present_a consideration_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o interest_n of_o word_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o this_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o shall_v now_o far_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a adjunct_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o be_v therefore_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o its_o be_v be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o its_o inseparable_a adjunct_n that_o the_o work_n of_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v a_o immeasurable_a boldness_n for_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a all_o that_o whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n hereunto_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o word_n suit_v unto_o the_o act_n of_o our_o own_o grace_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o do_v inseparable_o belong_v when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v if_o our_o necessity_n condition_n edification_n with_o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o other_o do_v require_v the_o use_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n then_o be_v we_o so_o to_o pray_v for_o instance_n when_o a_o minister_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o go_v before_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n he_o be_v to_o use_v word_n in_o prayer_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o in_o such_o case_n require_v to_o pray_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v still_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o therefore_o to_o pray_v fall_v under_o the_o command_n and_o promise_v and_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o
a_o security_n as_o forerun_v destruction_n 4._o have_v any_o receive_v this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o cherish_v it_o to_o stir_v it_o up_o and_o improve_v it_o it_o be_v free_o bestow_v but_o it_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v preserve_v it_o be_v a_o gospel_n talent_n give_v to_o be_v trade_v withal_o and_o thereby_o to_o be_v increase_v there_o be_v various_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o gift_n in_o those_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o what_o ever_o measure_v any_o one_o have_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o cherish_v preserve_v and_o improve_v we_o do_v not_o assert_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o shall_v render_v our_o diligence_n therein_o unnecessary_a or_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n useless_a yea_o the_o end_n of_o this_o gift_n be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v to_o improve_v it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o reason_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o form_n because_o there_o be_v in_o they_o too_o little_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v stir_v up_o this_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o at_o least_o as_o that_o if_o through_o any_o weakness_n or_o infirmity_n of_o mind_n we_o thrive_v not_o much_o in_o the_o outward_a part_n if_o it_o yet_o that_o we_o decay_v not_o nor_o lose_v what_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o fire_n that_o kindle_v all_o our_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n now_o although_o that_o fire_n of_o old_a on_o the_o altar_n first_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n or_o forth_o from_o the_o lord_n levit._n 9_o 24._o yet_o after_o it_o be_v once_o there_o place_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v keep_v alive_a with_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v extinguish_v as_o any_o other_o fire_n levit._n 6._o 12_o 13._o hence_o the_o apostle_n warn_v timothy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o gift_n blow_v off_o the_o ash_n and_o add_v fuel_n unto_o it_o now_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o a_o constant_a consideration_n and_o observation_n of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o heart_n with_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n thence_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o request_n or_o petition_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v take_v psal._n 16._o 7._o and_o as_o our_o state_n in_o general_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o depth_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o our_o darkness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v such_o as_o will_v find_v we_o matter_n of_o continual_a search_n and_o examination_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n as_o be_v express_v in_o those_o prayer_n psal._n 19_o 12._o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o so_o we_o be_v subject_a unto_o various_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o our_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o act_n every_o day_n as_o also_o unto_o temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n about_o these_o thing_n according_a as_o our_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v be_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o our_o supplication_n phil._n 4._o 6._o how_o shall_v we_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n hereunto_o prepare_v with_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o prayer_n if_o we_o neglect_v a_o constant_a and_o diligent_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o herein_o or_o the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o gift_n where_o it_o be_v neglect_v the_o gift_n itself_o will_v decay_v if_o man_n consider_v only_o a_o form_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o course_n they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o give_v light_n into_o our_o state_n and_o want_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a thereof_o be_v part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o herein_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v continue_v his_o aid_n unto_o we_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n wherefore_o let_v a_o man_n speak_v in_o prayer_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o the_o high_a satisfaction_n and_o it_o may_v be_v good_a edification_n of_o other_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v negligent_a if_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o duty_n of_o consider_v the_o state_n act_n and_o temptation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v but_o a_o perish_a decay_a outside_n and_o shell_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o by_o who_o this_o self-search_a and_o judgement_n be_v attend_v unto_o shall_v ordinary_o thrive_v in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v we_o know_v the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o temptation_n the_o deceitful_a act_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n the_o rise_n of_o particular_a corruption_n with_o the_o occasion_n yield_v they_o advantage_n and_o power_n the_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o daily_o receive_v and_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o as_o he_o who_o pray_v without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n pray_v at_o random_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o one_o beat_v the_o air_n so_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v have_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n the_o due_a matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v able_a to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n with_o plea_n and_o argument_n whereby_o the_o gift_n itself_o will_v be_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v 2._o constant_n search_v of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v another_o subservient_fw-fr duty_n unto_o this_o of_o prayer_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v take_v the_o best_a view_n of_o ourselves_o because_o it_o at_o once_o represent_v both_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o what_o we_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o frames_n action_n and_o way_n and_o what_o be_v their_o defect_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o a_o high_a instruction_n what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o how_o to_o pray_v can_v be_v give_v we_o psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o some_o imagine_v that_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n thence_o to_o take_v form_n of_o speech_n or_o expression_n accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o set_v they_o in_o order_n or_o retain_v they_o in_o memory_n be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a it_o be_v most_o true_a if_o a_o man_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n singular_o conversant_a and_o exercise_v in_o they_o abound_v in_o their_o sense_n and_o expression_n and_o have_v the_o help_n of_o a_o faithful_a memory_n withal_o it_o may_v exceed_o further_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o but_o this_o collection_n of_o phrase_n speech_n and_o expression_n where_o perhaps_o the_o mind_n be_v barren_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o press_v for_o be_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o for_o therein_o be_v our_o want_n in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o consequent_n discover_v and_o represent_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o be_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o the_o former_a with_o authority_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o they_o and_o the_o latter_a with_o that_o evidence_n of_o grace_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n for_o they_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o our_o want_n when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v and_o so_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v intercession_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o yea_o who_o be_v it_o who_o almost_o at_o any_o time_n read_v the_o scripture_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o he_o that_o have_v not_o some_o particular_a matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o praise_n effectual_o suggest_v unto_o he_o and_o christian_n will_v find_v no_o small_a advantage_n on_o many_o account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o if_o they_o will_v frequent_o if_o not_o constant_o
turn_v what_o they_o read_v into_o prayer_n or_o praise_n unto_o god_n whereby_o the_o instruction_n unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v more_o engage_v into_o their_o practice_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o have_v psal._n 119._o wherein_o all_o consideration_n of_o god_n will_v and_o our_o duty_n be_v turn_v into_o petition_n 3._o a_o due_a meditation_n on_o god_n glorious_a excellency_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o cherish_n of_o this_o gracious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o example_n that_o we_o have_v of_o prayer_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o consist_v in_o expression_n of_o the_o name_n and_o most_o common_o of_o some_o other_o glorious_a title_n of_o god_n whereunto_o the_o remembrance_n of_o some_o mighty_a act_n of_o his_o power_n be_v usual_o add_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o name_n unto_o we_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v call_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o name_n which_o he_o own_v and_o take_v to_o himself_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v by_o some_o external_a description_n determine_v our_o mind_n unto_o he_o to_o who_o we_o make_v our_o address_n see_v we_o can_v conceive_v any_o image_n or_o idea_n of_o he_o therein_o now_o the_o end_n hereof_o be_v twofold_a 1._o to_o ingenerate_v in_o we_o that_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o this_o infinite_o holy_a god_n leu._n 10._o 3._o heb._n 12._o 29._o the_o most_o signal_n encouragement_n unto_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n and_o a_o access_n to_o god_n thereby_o be_v in_o heb._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o with_o chap._n 4._o 16._o into_o the_o holy_a place_n we_o may_v go_v with_o boldness_n and_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v a_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o upon_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o throne_n still_o whereon_o majesty_n and_o glory_n do_v reside_v and_o god_n be_v always_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o on_o a_o throne_n 2._o faith_n and_o confidence_n be_v excite_v and_o act_v unto_o a_o due_a frame_n thereby_o for_o prayer_n be_v our_o betake_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n as_o our_o shield_n our_o rock_n and_o our_o reward_n prov._n 18._o 10._o wherefore_o a_o due_a previous_a consideration_n of_o those_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o may_v encourage_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o assure_v we_o in_o our_o so_o do_v be_v necessary_a and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o prayer_n the_o great_a foundation_n of_o supplication_n and_o praise_n frequent_a meditation_n on_o these_o holy_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n for_o the_o whole_a duty_n by_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o express_v and_o make_v ready_a those_o grace_n for_o their_o exercise_n which_o be_v require_v therein_o 4._o meditation_n on_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o encouragement_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o tendency_n to_o this_o end_n spiritual_o be_v he_o propose_v unto_o we_o as_o abide_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o priestly_a office_n heb._n 4._o 15_o 16._o chap._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o encouragement_n unto_o and_o in_o our_o supplication_n but_o a_o mean_n to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n itself_o for_o the_o mind_n be_v thereby_o make_v ready_a to_o exercise_v itself_o about_o the_o effectual_a interposition_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o behalf_n which_o have_v a_o principal_a place_n and_o consideration_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o hereby_o principal_o may_v we_o try_v our_o faith_n of_o what_o race_n and_o kind_n it_o be_v whether_o true_o evangelical_n or_o no._n some_o relate_v or_o talk_v that_o the_o eagle_n try_v the_o eye_n of_o her_o young_a one_o by_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o sun_n which_o if_o they_o can_v look_v steady_o on_o she_o reject_v they_o as_o spurious_a we_o may_v true_o try_v our_o faith_n by_o immediate_a intuition_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n direct_v faith_n to_o act_v itself_o immediate_o and_o direct_o on_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o right_a kind_n and_o race_n it_o will_v turn_v its_o eye_n aside_o unto_o any_o thing_n else_o god_n essential_a property_n his_o precept_n and_o promise_v it_o can_v bear_v a_o fix_a consideration_n of_o but_o it_o can_v fix_v itself_o on_o the_o person_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n with_o steadiness_n and_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v indeed_o much_o profession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n but_o little_a faith_n in_o he_o 5._o frequency_n in_o exercise_n be_v the_o immediate_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o gift_n and_o its_o improvement_n all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v bestow_v on_o man_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o exercise_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o god_n both_o require_v that_o his_o talent_n be_v trade_v withal_o that_o his_o gift_n be_v employ_v and_o exercise_v and_o will_v also_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o we_o in_o they_o see_v 1_o pet._n 4._o 10_o 11._o wherefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o like_a gift_n tend_v unto_o their_o improvement_n on_o a_o double_a account_n for_o 1._o whereas_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o mind_n after_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n or_o a_o faculty_n it_o be_v natural_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v increase_v and_o strengthen_v by_o exercise_n as_o all_o habit_n be_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o act_n proceed_v from_o they_o so_o also_o by_o desuetude_n they_o will_v weaken_v decay_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o perish_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o as_o to_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v know_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o that_o of_o other_o but_o upon_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o public_a and_o private_a which_o seldom_o go_v alone_o without_o some_o secret_a or_o open_a enormity_n they_o have_v lose_v all_o their_o ability_n and_o can_v open_v their_o mouth_n on_o any_o occasion_n in_o prayer_n beyond_o what_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o or_o compose_v for_o they_o but_o the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v also_o in_o this_o matter_n deprive_v they_o of_o what_o they_o have_v for_o their_o abominable_a neglect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o bounty_n therein_o 2._o the_o increase_n will_v be_v add_v unto_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n blessing_n on_o his_o own_o appointment_n for_o have_v bestow_v their_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n where_o person_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o he_o will_v gracious_o add_v unto_o they_o in_o what_o they_o have_v this_o be_v the_o eternal_a law_n concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o evangelical_n gift_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v mat._n 25._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o the_o mere_a have_v or_o not_o have_v of_o they_o that_o be_v intend_v but_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o context_n now_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o prayer_n mere_o with_o this_o design_n that_o he_o may_v preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o gift_n it_o may_v indeed_o in_o some_o case_n be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v respect_n hereunto_o but_o not_o only_o as_o where_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n have_v any_o one_o in_o his_o family_n who_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n and_o can_v attend_v unto_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v find_v it_o his_o wisdom_n not_o to_o omit_v his_o own_o performance_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v content_v his_o gift_n as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o family_n shall_v wither_v and_o decay_v but_o all_o that_o i_o plead_v be_v that_o he_o who_o conscientious_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n do_v abound_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n he_o shall_v assure_o thrive_v and_o grow_v in_o it_o or_o at_o least_o preserve_v it_o
that_o some_o may_v so_o do_v for_o no_o such_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n be_v assert_v as_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o proper_a mean_n the_o better_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o ability_n of_o prayer_n grant_v as_o to_o supersede_n the_o duty_n of_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o furtherance_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o set_v up_o and_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n universal_o in_o opposition_n and_o unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v contrary_a not_o only_o to_o many_o divine_a precept_n before_o insist_v on_o but_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o require_v every_o man_n to_o pray_v and_o on_o some_o occasion_n necessitate_v they_o thereunto_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n i_o know_v not_o that_o any_o such_o opinion_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o so_o shall_v not_o far_o oppose_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o inquire_v whether_o form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o as_o they_o may_v be_v design_v unto_o and_o use_v for_o other_o end_n and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o prayer_n have_v in_o their_o composition_n any_o thing_n of_o intrinsical_v evil_a in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v they_o have_v not_o but_o the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o in_o their_o use_n as_o prayer_n they_o be_v not_o hindrance_n unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o so_o may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o that_o respect_n for_o i_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o use_n no_o where_o command_v so_o to_o be_v use_v whence_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v against_o their_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o divine_a acceptable_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o if_o on_o the_o account_v mention_v they_o appear_v not_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o be_v not_o use_v in_o a_o way_n exclusive_a of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v reducible_a unto_o any_o divine_a prohibition_n while_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o own_o liberty_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v with_o any_o about_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o engage_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n which_o some_o have_v great_o multiply_v as_o i_o suppose_v not_o much_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o in_o thing_n of_o religious_a practice_n one_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n right_o explain_v and_o apply_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n thereon_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o value_n than_o a_o thousand_o dubious_a reason_n which_o can_v be_v evident_o resolve_v into_o those_o principle_n wherefore_o some_o few_o additional_a consideration_n shall_v put_v a_o issue_n unto_o this_o discourse_n 1._o some_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v and_o prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a such_o they_o say_v be_v the_o form_n of_o blessing_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n on_o solemn_a occasion_n numb_a 6._o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o also_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a which_o be_v grant_v yet_o may_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v unnecessary_a 2._o the_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o extend_v at_o least_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o some_o person_n on_o some_o occasion_n therefore_o man_n may_v invent_v yea_o and_o prescribe_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o common_a and_o constant_a use_n he_o who_o forbid_v all_o image_n or_o all_o use_n of_o they_o in_o sacred_a thing_n appoint_v the_o make_n of_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n 3._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n in_o use_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o can_v thence_o be_v take_v when_o the_o people_n be_v carnal_a and_o tie_v up_o unto_o carnal_a ordinance_n unto_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v before_o disprove_v 4._o the_o word_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o a_o prayer_n proper_o but_o a_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o a_o institute_v sign_n of_o god_n blessing_n the_o people_n for_o so_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o ordinance_n they_o shall_v put_v my_o name_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o ver_fw-la 27._o 5._o david_n psalm_n be_v give_v out_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v most_o of_o they_o mystical_a and_o prophetical_a appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n as_o all_o other_o scripture_n only_o some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o certain_a manner_n namely_o of_o sing_v and_o that_o manner_n also_o determine_v by_o divine_a appointment_n 6._o that_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o form_n be_v neither_o grant_v nor_o can_v be_v prove_v 7._o give_v we_o prayer_n compose_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n with_o a_o command_n for_o their_o use_n with_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o form_n of_o their_o usage_n which_o these_o instance_n prove_v to_o be_v lawful_a if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o contest_v about_o they_o 8._o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o precedent_n or_o example_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n man_n or_o woman_n be_v all_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a occasion_n and_o utter_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n do_v all_o give_v testimony_n unto_o free_a prayer_n if_o not_o against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o that_o duty_n 2._o moreover_o it_o seem_v that_o when_o any_o one_o pray_v his_o prayer_n be_v a_o form_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o whether_o in_o family_n or_o church-assembly_n which_o some_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o it_o in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v sole_o about_o he_o that_o pray_v and_o his_o discharge_n of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o concern_v they_o who_o join_v with_o he_o 2._o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o with_o he_o that_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n 3_o those_o who_o so_o join_v be_v at_o liberty_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pray_v themselves_o 4._o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o form_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o a_o form_n to_o any_o for_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o so_o than_o mere_o that_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o present_a invention_n it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o gift_n bestow_v for_o their_o edification_n in_o its_o present_a exercise_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o only_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o any_o which_o he_o himself_o use_v as_o a_o form_n for_o its_o nature_n depend_v on_o its_o use_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v incogent_a god_n have_v command_v some_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o invent_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n by_o they_o or_o we_o 3._o that_o which_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o moderation_n in_o this_o matter_n plead_v be_v that_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n but_o pray_v by_o or_o with_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n and_o may_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v due_o establish_v it_o will_v be_v of_o huge_a importance_n but_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o invent_v and_o prescribe_v such_o outward_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o outward_a worship_n as_o shall_v leave_v nothing_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v but_o the_o empty_a name_n 2._o pray_v before_o a_o image_n or_o worship_v god_n or_o christ_n by_o a_o image_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n yet_o such_o as_o render_v the_o whole_a idolatrous_a 3._o any_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n the_o attendance_n whereunto_o or_o the_o observance_n whereof_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o it_o be_v annex_v be_v inexpedient_a and_o what_o there_o be_v hereof_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n must_v be_v judge_v from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n finis_fw-la abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la nos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o
unto_o his_o own_o condition_n relation_n occasion_n and_o duty_n certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o forfeit_v all_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n unto_o atheism_n or_o utter_o bury_v all_o their_o operation_n under_o the_o fury_n of_o brutish_a affection_n but_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o deity_n he_o own_v in_o word_n of_o his_o own_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v nor_o direct_v unto_o the_o artificial_a help_n of_o constant_a form_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a invention_n and_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o do_v so_o pray_v and_o those_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o other_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n compose_v unto_o some_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n though_o not_o absolute_o to_o their_o occasion_n as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o thing_n they_o will_v pray_v for_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a can_v as_o i_o conceive_v but_o sometime_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o not_o only_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o of_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o perform_v and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o ignorance_n the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o infatuation_n of_o superstition_n be_v divert_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o scripture_n direction_n to_o say_v a_o paternoster_n it_o may_v be_v a_o ave_fw-la or_o a_o credo_fw-la for_o their_o prayer_n intend_v it_o for_o this_o or_o that_o end_n the_o benefit_n it_o may_v be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n or_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o be_v no_o way_n mention_v or_o include_v in_o what_o they_o utter_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o prayer_n in_o it_o but_o a_o mere_a take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a with_o the_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n person_n tie_v up_o unto_o such_o rule_n and_o form_n never_o pray_v in_o their_o life_n but_o in_o their_o occasional_a ejaculation_n which_o break_v from_o they_o almost_o by_o surprisal_n and_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o one_o more_o effectual_a mean_n of_o bring_v unholiness_n with_o a_o ungodly_a course_n of_o conversation_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o this_o one_o of_o teach_v man_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n by_o their_o say_v read_v or_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o other_o man_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o understand_v not_o and_o certain_o be_v not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n affect_v withal_o for_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n whereby_o our_o whole_a course_n be_v principal_o influence_v and_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v our_o conversation_n in_o walk_v before_o god_n which_o principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v influence_v and_o regulate_v by_o our_o attendance_n unto_o and_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o who_o prayer_n be_v hypocritical_a be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o whole_a course_n and_o he_o who_o be_v but_o negligent_a in_o they_o be_v equal_o negligent_a in_o all_o other_o duty_n now_o whereas_o our_o whole_a obedience_n unto_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o such_o a_o irrational_a supposition_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o pray_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v able_a but_o read_v the_o form_n of_o other_o instead_o thereof_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 2._o all_o the_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a either_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o express_v the_o gracious_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n before_o describe_v i_o call_v it_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o outward_a aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o other_o or_o a_o antecedaneous_a prescription_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n unto_o themselves_o not_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v they_o spread_v forth_o their_o hand_n sometime_o that_o they_o list_v up_o their_o voice_n sometime_o that_o they_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n and_o cry_v sometime_o that_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n when_o overwhelm_v all_o according_a unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n the_o solemn_a benediction_n of_o the_o priest_n institute_v of_o god_n like_o the_o present_a form_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n give_v out_o and_o write_v discourse_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o part_n mystical_a and_o in_o part_n prophetical_a we_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o some_o plead_v indeed_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n have_v sundry_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o they_o even_o at_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o their_o synagogue_n but_o they_o pretend_v and_o plead_v what_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o i_o challenge_v any_o learned_a man_n to_o give_v but_o a_o tolerable_a evidence_n unto_o the_o assertion_n for_o what_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n among_o the_o talmudist_n be_v mix_v with_o such_o ridiculous_a fable_n as_o the_o first_o suit_v the_o number_n of_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bone_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o man_n as_o full_o defeat_v its_o own_o evidence_n 3._o the_o command_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o according_a unto_o our_o own_o ability_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o all_o the_o command_v we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v at_o all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o respect_n unto_o outward_a form_n aid_n or_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o prayer_n itself_o be_v so_o describe_v limit_v and_o determine_v as_o that_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v intend_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o servent_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n continual_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n so_o as_o not_o to_o take_v care_n ourselves_o about_o our_o present_n concern_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o those_o thing_n be_v suit_v unto_o any_o kind_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o ability_n which_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o the_o entire_a discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v evident_o intimate_v in_o these_o precept_n and_o direction_n such_o various_a occasional_a work_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n such_o act_n of_o gracious_a affection_n as_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n own_o ability_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v include_v therein_o the_o conscientious_a diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o they_o or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o the_o due_a use_n exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o such_o mean_n there_o be_v and_o such_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o as_o 1._o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o their_o frames_n disposition_n inclination_n and_o act_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n indeed_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v absolute_o unsearchable_a unto_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v as_o unto_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o hence_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v search_v and_o try_v he_o and_o lead_v and_o conduct_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n according_a unto_o what_o he_o find_v in_o he_o and_o not_o leave_v he_o whole_o to_o act_n or_o be_v act_v according_a unto_o his_o own_o apprehension_n of_o himself_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o but_o yet_o where_o we_o do_v in_o sincerity_n inquire_v