Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n accept_v according_a acknowledge_v 14 3 6.1929 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53685 A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and forms / by John Owen ... Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1682 (1682) Wing O738; ESTC R11815 119,966 289

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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
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
unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v oblige_v whether_o personal_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v unto_o other_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v duty_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n by_o virtue_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o aid_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v unto_o that_o end_n be_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o command_n wherefore_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v in_o any_o circumstance_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v according_a unto_o what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a for_o he_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o 6._o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v but_o be_v no_o where_o command_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o ourselves_o much_o less_o for_o other_o this_o be_v supperad_v for_o a_o suppose_a conveniency_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture-institution_n 7._o there_o be_v assistance_n promise_v unto_o believer_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v to_o enable_v any_o to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v explain_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v disprove_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o be_v a_o good_a work_n fall_v under_o the_o general_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n necessary_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n whatever_o yet_o be_v not_o those_o aid_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o his_o actual_a assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o assistance_n by_o grace_n and_o gift_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o do_v actual_o pray_v nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v use_v but_o man_n do_v not_o pray_v in_o the_o make_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o afterward_o 8._o whatever_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n or_o prayer_n of_o david_n they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o everlasting_a use_n therein_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o be_v design_v unto_o and_o be_v their_o end_n and_o use_v what_o it_o will_v they_o can_v give_v no_o more_o warranty_n for_o humane_a composition_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o their_o use_n than_o for_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture_n these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o truth_n will_v be_v of_o use_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n so_o far_o as_o our_o present_a design_n be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o those_o of_o other_o man_n wherefore_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v neither_o these_o principle_n nor_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o we_o shall_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o be_v engage_v to_o condemn_v all_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o absolute_o unlawful_a or_o such_o as_o so_o vitiate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v it_o whole_o unacceptable_a in_o they_o that_o choose_v so_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v he_o though_o through_o invincible_a ignorance_n they_o may_v mistake_v in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o how_o far_o as_o unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o rule_n may_v extend_v he_o only_o know_v and_o of_o man_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v not_o one_o and_o where_o any_o do_v worship_n god_n in_o christ_n with_o a_o evidence_n of_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincerity_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o conversation_n answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o have_v manifold_a corruption_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n i_o shall_v never_o judge_v severe_o either_o of_o their_o present_a acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o of_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o our_o own_o be_v to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o absolute_o comply_v therewith_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o please_v he_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o general_a prevalency_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a invention_n in_o christian_a assembly_n for_o many_o age_n more_o than_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o their_o necessity_n require_v a_o tenderness_n in_o judgement_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n by_o who_o they_o be_v use_v yet_o no_o consideration_n of_o this_o usage_n see_v it_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v of_o apostolical_a example_n nor_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n aught_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o nor_o from_o discover_v how_o far_o they_o be_v unwarrantable_a as_o unto_o their_o imposition_n and_o these_o evil_n may_v be_v here_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a composition_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a but_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o they_o be_v progressive_a by_o new_a addition_n from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v know_v to_o all_o for_o neither_o rome_n nor_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n be_v build_v in_o a_o day_n in_o that_o and_o the_o breviaries_n do_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n issue_n at_o least_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n no_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v of_o one_o entire_a composition_n the_o work_n of_o one_o age_n of_o one_o man_n or_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n unless_o they_o be_v so_o brutish_o devout_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o mass-book_n be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o pope_n by_o a_o angel_n as_o the_o alcoran_n be_v to_o mahomet_n it_o be_v evident_a indeed_o that_o the_o common_a people_n at_o least_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o idol_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_a how_o from_o small_a beginning_n by_o various_a accession_n it_o increase_v unto_o its_o present_a form_n and_o station_n and_o this_o progress_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o sundry_a pernicious_a concomitant_n which_o we_o may_v brief_o consider_v 1._o in_o and_o by_o the_o addition_n make_v unto_o the_o first_o receive_v form_n the_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostasy_n in_o several_a age_n be_v insinuate_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n be_v gradual_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n and_o be_v sufficient_o know_v the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n of_o new_a addition_n to_o receive_a form_n they_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n admit_v into_o and_o state_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o principal_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o preserve_v their_o station_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v that_o foundation_n of_o they_o take_v away_o they_o will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v those_o abomination_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n both_o leaven_n and_o poison_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n the_o dispute_n of_o speculative_a man_n superstitious_a and_o subtle_a about_o these_o thing_n have_v never_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o
of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 19_o 22._o where_o there_o be_v on_o man_n a_o spirit_n of_o fear_n unto_o bondage_n they_o can_v never_o have_v any_o delight_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v remove_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n rom._n 8._o 15._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o unto_o fear_n but_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n these_o thing_n be_v oppose_v and_o the_o one_o be_v only_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n unto_o fear_n abide_v there_o we_o can_v cry_v abba_n father_n or_o pray_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o and_o this_o as_o we_o render_v the_o word_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o orandi_fw-la libertate_fw-la 2._o in_o exauditionis_fw-la fiducia_fw-la 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o enlarge_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o speech_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n so_o the_o word_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o freedom_n to_o speak_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v a_o confidence_n that_o countenance_v man_n in_o the_o freedom_n of_o speech_n according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o their_o state_n condition_n and_o cause_n so_o the_o word_n be_v common_o use_v eph._n 6._o 19_o where_o there_o be_v servile_a fear_n and_o dread_n the_o heart_n be_v straighten_a bind_v up_o know_v not_o what_o it_o may_v what_o it_o may_v not_o utter_v and_o be_v pain_v about_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o it_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o it_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o beyond_o what_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o it_o to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v whether_o it_o will_v or_o no_o but_o where_o this_o spirit_n of_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n be_v the_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v with_o a_o true_a genuine_a openness_n and_o readiness_n to_o express_v all_o its_o concern_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o child_n unto_o its_o father_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v this_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v always_o this_o liberty_n in_o exercise_n or_o equal_o so_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o may_v be_v various_o impede_v by_o temptation_n spiritual_a indisposition_n desertion_n and_o by_o our_o own_o negligence_n in_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o believer_n have_v it_o always_o in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n even_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o be_v ordinary_o assist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o hereby_o be_v they_o enable_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o bless_a advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 6._o be_v careful_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n the_o whole_a of_o our_o concern_n in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o retain_v any_o divide_v care_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n about_o they_o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o to_o use_v a_o holy_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n in_o speak_v unto_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n as_o one_o who_o concern_v himself_o in_o they_o hide_v nothing_o from_o god_n which_o we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o when_o we_o present_v it_o not_o unto_o he_o in_o our_o prayer_n but_o use_v a_o full_a plainhearted_a open_a liberty_n with_o he_o in_o every_o thing_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v all_o that_o you_o have_v to_o offer_v unto_o he_o or_o plead_v before_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n shall_v keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o jesus_n christ_n v_o 7._o which_o be_v ordinary_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v find_v in_o diligent_a obedience_n unto_o this_o command_n 2._o there_o be_v also_o in_o it_o a_o confidence_n of_o acceptance_n or_o be_v hear_v in_o prayer_n that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o duty_n accept_v both_o they_o and_o their_o person_n in_o jesus_n christ._n without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o delight_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o vitiate_v the_o whole_a duty_n when_o adam_n think_v there_o be_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o he_o he_o have_v no_o confidence_n of_o access_n unto_o he_o but_o as_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o folly_n that_o ensue_v on_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n go_v to_o hide_v himself_o and_o all_o those_o who_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o spiritual_a confidence_n for_o acceptance_n with_o christ_n do_v in_o their_o prayer_n but_o endeavour_n to_o hide_v themselves_o from_o god_n by_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v they_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o they_o to_o obscure_v themselves_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n wherein_o alone_o they_o suppose_v that_o god_n see_v they_o also_o but_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n there_o be_v neither_o delight_n nor_o enlargement_n nor_o liberty_n nor_o indeed_o prayer_n itself_o now_o this_o confidence_n or_o boldness_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o believer_n in_o their_o prayer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n respect_v not_o the_o answer_n of_o every_o particular_a request_n especial_o in_o their_o own_o understanding_n of_o it_o but_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o holy_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o duty_n accept_v their_o person_n and_o delight_n in_o their_o approach_n unto_o his_o throne_n such_o person_n be_v not_o terrify_v with_o apprehension_n that_o god_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o name_n into_o your_o mouth_n or_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o supplication_n when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v will_v he_o say_v job_n plead_v with_o i_o with_o his_o great_a power_n no_o but_o he_o will_v put_v strength_n in_o i_o chap._n 23._o 6._o yea_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v with_o god_n the_o more_o constant_o they_o abide_v with_o he_o the_o better_a be_v their_o acceptance_n for_o as_o they_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v so_o they_o have_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n from_o the_o encouragement_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o their_o spiritual_a address_n to_o he_o so_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o church_n cant._n 2._o 14._o oh_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a and_o herein_o also_o be_v comprise_v a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v in_o all_o condition_n ready_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o able_a to_o relieve_v they_o the_o voice_n of_o sinner_n by_o nature_n let_v presumption_n and_o superstition_n pretend_v what_o they_o please_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v that_o god_n be_v austere_a and_o not_o capable_a of_o condescension_n or_o compassion_n and_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o unbelief_n lie_v in_o limit_v the_o most_o holy_a say_v can_v god_n do_v this_o or_o that_o thing_n which_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n do_v call_v for_o be_v they_o possible_a with_o god_n so_o long_o as_o either_o of_o these_o work_v in_o we_o with_o any_o kind_n of_o prevalency_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o delight_n in_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o we_o be_v free_v from_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o representation_n he_o make_v of_o the_o engage_v goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o covenant_n which_o give_v we_o boldness_n in_o his_o presence_n four_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n intent_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a direction_n for_o prayer_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v now_o to_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v not_o do_v express_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n through_o he_o we_o act_n faith_n on_o god_n in_o all_o our_o supplication_n by_o he_o we_o have_v a_o access_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a through_o the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n that_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o the_o various_a respect_n which_o faith_n have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n in_o all_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o matter_n worthy_a a_o particular_a enquiry_n but_o be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n wherein_o we_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_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
the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o invite_v other_o thereunto_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o on_o the_o best_a view_n i_o can_v take_v or_o examination_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n altogether_o useless_a uncertain_a a_o effect_n of_o and_o entertainment_n for_o vain_a curiosity_n whereby_o man_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o by_o their_o own_o fleshly_a mind_n for_o to_o call_v over_o what_o be_v before_o intimate_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v practical_a in_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v understand_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v have_v no_o experience_n nothing_o be_v reject_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n whereof_o some_o man_n through_o their_o own_o default_n have_v no_o experience_n but_o every_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o whereof_o no_o man_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n can_v attain_v any_o experience_n he_o that_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n unto_o other_o if_o any_o such_o there_o may_v be_v belong_v unto_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o barbarian_a unto_o they_o in_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o whereas_o also_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o wherein_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n have_v no_o interest_n he_o must_v be_v so_o also_o unto_o himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n however_o advance_v by_o spiritual_a light_n understand_v such_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n or_o his_o own_o as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n such_o as_o these_o rapture_n be_v pretend_v to_o consist_v in_o so_o whereas_o one_o of_o they_o say_v sundus_fw-la animae_fw-la meae_fw-la tangit_fw-la fundum_fw-la essentiae_fw-la dei_fw-la it_o have_v certain_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o have_v keep_v his_o apprehension_n or_o fancy_n to_o himself_o than_o to_o express_v himself_o in_o word_n which_o in_o their_o own_o proper_a sense_n be_v blasphemous_a and_o who_o best_o defensative_a be_v that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a it_o be_v doubtless_o inexpedient_a for_o any_o one_o in_o thing_n of_o religion_n to_o utter_v what_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o body_n else_o to_o understand_v with_o this_o only_a plea_n that_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o understand_v it_o themselves_o it_o be_v what_o they_o enjoy_v without_o any_o act_n or_o act_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o allow_v such_o pretence_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o introduce_v babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o scorn_v some_o pretend_v unto_o such_o rapture_n among_o ourselves_o i_o have_v know_v wherein_o for_o a_o while_o they_o stir_v up_o the_o admiration_n of_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n but_o through_o a_o little_a observation_n of_o what_o they_o do_v speak_v and_o pretend_v unto_o with_o a_o examination_n of_o all_o by_o the_o unerring_a rule_n they_o quick_o come_v into_o contempt_n all_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a be_v that_o whatever_o be_v in_o this_o pretence_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a unto_o edification_n and_o therefore_o ought_v the_o declaration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o regard_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o allow_v the_o use_n of_o word_n though_o miraculous_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o use_v they_o without_o a_o immediate_a interpretation_n of_o their_o signification_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v of_o such_o word_n and_o thing_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o interpretation_n so_o as_o that_o any_o man_n live_v shall_v understand_v they_o for_o those_o by_o who_o at_o present_a they_o be_v so_o extol_v and_o commend_v unto_o we_o do_v themselves_o discourse_n at_o random_n as_o blind_a man_n talk_v of_o colour_n for_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v somewhat_o a_o uncouth_a way_n of_o procedure_v to_o enhance_v the_o value_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o to_o invite_v other_o unto_o it_o by_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o who_o enjoy_v such_o spiritual_a ecstasy_n as_o can_v neither_o by_o themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o be_v understand_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o wherein_o or_o whereabout_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n wherefore_o the_o old_a question_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi will_v discharge_v this_o pretence_n from_o be_v of_o any_o value_n or_o esteem_v in_o religion_n with_o considerate_a man_n again_o as_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v useless_a as_o to_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o certainty_n about_o the_o rapture_n wherein_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o consist_v but_o they_o must_v everlasting_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o contention_n and_o dispute_n for_o who_o shall_v assure_v i_o that_o the_o person_n pretend_v unto_o these_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o mere_a pretender_n any_o man_n that_o live_v if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n unto_o it_o may_v say_v such_o thing_n or_o use_v such_o expression_n concern_v himself_o if_o a_o man_n indeed_o shall_v pretend_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v or_o enjoy_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o duty_n or_o privilege_n of_o any_o and_o thereon_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o true_a and_o real_a and_o likewise_o attainable_a by_o believer_n he_o be_v ordinary_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o profession_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v convict_v of_o falsehood_n by_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o such_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v of_o any_o great_a evil_n in_o our_o credulity_n herein_o shall_v we_o happen_v to_o be_v deceive_v in_o or_o by_o the_o person_n so_o profess_v see_v he_o speak_v of_o no_o more_o than_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v after_o but_o when_o any_o one_o shall_v pretend_v unto_o spiritual_a act_n or_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v neither_o prescribe_v nor_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v investigable_a in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n no_o man_n be_v upon_o this_o mere_a profession_n oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v what_o evil_a effect_n or_o consequence_n his_o so_o do_v may_v produce_v for_o when_o man_n be_v once_o take_v off_o from_o that_o sure_a ground_n of_o scripture_n and_o their_o own_o understanding_n put_v themselves_o afloat_o on_o the_o uncertain_a water_n of_o fancy_n or_o conjecture_n they_o know_v not_o how_o they_o may_v be_v toss_v nor_o whither_o they_o may_v be_v drive_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o the_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n of_o the_o person_n by_o whem_n these_o especial_a privilege_n be_v enjoy_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o in_o what_o they_o profess_v i_o answer_v they_o will_v so_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n if_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v unto_o thing_n repugnant_a unto_o reason_n and_o unwarrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o crush_v the_o reputation_n of_o any_o man_n integrity_n nor_o can_v their_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o render_v they_o absolute_o impregnable_a against_o all_o temptation_n which_o be_v the_o preeminence_n of_o christ_n alone_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o more_o strength_n in_o this_o plea_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o world_n undiscoverable_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n for_o if_o such_o there_o may_v be_v some_o of_o these_o pretender_n may_v be_v of_o their_o number_n notwithstanding_o the_o appearance_n of_o their_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n beside_o if_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v examine_v by_o evangelical_n light_n and_o rule_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a countenance_n unto_o other_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v its_o own_o reputation_n neither_o be_v it_o want_v of_o charity_n which_o make_v man_n doubtful_a and_o unbelieving_a in_o such_o case_n but_o that_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o christian_a prudence_n which_o require_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v or_o delude_v do_v not_o only_o warrant_v they_o to_o abide_v on_o that_o guard_n but_o make_v it_o their_o necessary_a duty_n also_o for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o pretence_n of_o rapture_n ecstasy_n revelation_n and_o unaccountable_a extraordinary_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o corrupt_a end_n