application_n of_o they_o to_o such_o idol_n as_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n dread_a and_o reverence_n and_o fear_v as_o there_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a unto_o a_o unspeakable_a horror_n when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o mere_o imaginary_a presence_n of_o their_o god_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o their_o fancy_n and_o sometime_o great_a joy_n satisfaction_n and_o delight_n do_v ensue_v on_o what_o they_o do_v for_o as_o what_o they_o so_o do_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o best_a light_n they_o have_v and_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v a_o complacency_n in_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o micah_n have_v judg._n 17._o 13._o and_o upon_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o most_o man_n in_o religion_n their_o conscience_n find_v relief_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o person_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o dreadful_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o heighten_v unto_o inexpressible_a agitation_n of_o mind_n in_o horror_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v all_o temper_a and_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o man_n be_v engage_v but_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o be_v natural_a or_o effect_n and_o impression_n upon_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o excel_v in_o this_o devotion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o idolatrous_a christian_n who_o place_n the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o profession_n therein_o wherefore_o such_o devotion_n such_o affection_n will_v be_v excite_v by_o religious_a office_n in_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o use_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n or_o no._n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o god_n through_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o effect_n produce_v thereby_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o unless_o man_n do_v know_v how_o real_o to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o plead_v spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n see_v possible_o it_o may_v be_v no_o other_o but_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o all_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o 2._o let_v they_o diligent_o inquire_v whether_o the_o effect_n on_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o plead_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o precedent_a preparation_n a_o good_a design_n and_o upright_o end_v occasional_o excite_v let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o thus_o make_v use_n of_o and_o plead_v for_o form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o in_o public_a do_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o holy_a meditation_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o holy_a frame_n of_o fear_n delight_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n let_v it_o also_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a end_n and_o design_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o address_v themselves_o unto_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a advantage_n the_o prayer_n themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n irregular_a may_v give_v occasion_n to_o exercise_v those_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v otherwise_o prepare_v for_o and_o i_o say_v yet_o far_o 3._o that_o while_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v be_v esteem_v as_o such_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o be_v accompany_v in_o their_o use_n with_o the_o motive_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n express_v no_o matter_n unlawful_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o prayer_n direct_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o none_o but_o lawful_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o prayer_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o while_o man_n make_v use_v of_o they_o with_o the_o true_a design_n of_o prayer_n look_v after_o due_a assistance_n unto_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o judge_v there_o be_v any_o such_o evil_n in_o they_o as_o that_o god_n will_v not_o communicate_v his_o spirit_n to_o any_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o and_o under_o they_o much_o less_o will_v i_o say_v that_o god_n never_o therein_o regard_v their_o person_n or_o reject_v their_o pray_v as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o person_n and_o duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n when_o they_o walk_v and_o act_n in_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o light_n though_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o no_o small_a importance_n sundry_a irregularity_n be_v find_v both_o in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o where_o person_n walk_v before_o god_n in_o their_o integrity_n and_o practice_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o their_o light_n and_o conviction_n in_o his_o worship_n god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o although_o they_o order_v not_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o word_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n they_o have_v not_o cleanse_v themselves_o but_o do_v eat_v the_o passover_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v write_v 2_o chorn._n 30._o 18._o for_o who_o the_o good_a king_n make_v the_o solemn_a prayer_n suit_v to_o their_o occasion_n the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v every_o one_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o hezekiah_n and_o heal_v the_o people_n ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o appoint_v of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n there_o be_v a_o failure_n they_o do_v it_o not_o according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v which_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n this_o god_n be_v displease_v withal_o yet_o gracious_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n and_o accept_v they_o who_o heart_n be_v upright_o in_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o do_v yet_o judge_v that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o itself_o obstructive_a of_o all_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacred_a worship_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o use_v they_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v impose_v to_o the_o absolute_a exclusion_n of_o other_o prayer_n be_v destructive_a of_o its_o liberty_n and_o render_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n thing_n be_v thus_o state_v it_o will_v be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n to_o this_o enquiry_n some_o thing_n shall_v be_v return_v brief_o in_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o a_o end_v put_v unto_o this_o discourse_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o to_o compose_v and_o write_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v directive_n and_o doctrinal_a help_n unto_o other_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o method_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v useful_a it_o be_v better_a it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o another_o way_n suit_v to_o give_v direction_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o unlawful_a mere_o for_o the_o form_n and_o method_n whereinto_o it_o be_v cast_v while_o its_o true_a use_n only_o be_v attend_v unto_o 2._o to_o read_v consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o such_o write_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o they_o compose_v by_o person_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n direction_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o expression_n set_v down_o in_o they_o where_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o read_v they_o be_v real_o affect_v because_o they_o find_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n their_o want_n and_o desire_v declare_v in_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n unto_o some_o though_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o express_v any_o great_a benefit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v thereby_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a
possible_a when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o work_v natural_o towards_o god_n however_o unskilled_a and_o rude_a their_o expression_n may_v be_v a_o deep_a sense_n may_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o mind_n with_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o error_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o but_o the_o bound_a and_o direct_v of_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n perhaps_o little_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o their_o affection_n tend_v only_o to_o stifle_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o former_a security_n 2._o other_o such_o as_o by_o education_n and_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v so_o far_o bring_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n as_o conscientious_o according_a unto_o their_o light_n to_o attend_v unto_o prayer_n as_o unto_o other_o duty_n also_o now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n will_v be_v more_o full_o determine_v afterward_o where_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v speak_v unto_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o can_v believe_v until_o further_a conviction_n that_o any_o one_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o request_n and_o petition_n in_o word_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o what_o he_o do_v by_o any_o advantage_n beyond_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o prayer_n man_n may_v by_o sloth_n and_o other_o vicious_a distemper_n of_o mind_n especial_o of_o a_o negligence_n in_o get_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n due_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o prayer_n keep_v themselves_o under_o a_o real_a or_o suppose_a disability_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o whereas_o prayer_n in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o common_a illumination_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o person_n do_v real_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o about_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o help_v they_o to_o express_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o either_o private_o or_o in_o their_o family_n but_o those_o who_o will_v never_o enter_v the_o water_n but_o with_o flag_n or_o bladder_n under_o they_o will_v scarce_o ever_o learn_v to_o swim_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v all_o progress_n or_o growth_n in_o gift_n or_o grace_n when_o every_o one_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o be_v his_o best_a and_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o what_o he_o have_v before_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o he_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o external_n prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o ae_z spiritual_a gift_n explain_v and_o vindicated_n what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v believer_n to_o pray_v or_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n belong_v principal_o unto_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therein_o wherein_o we_o have_v occasional_o only_o divert_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n either_o free_o or_o impose_v and_o indeed_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n testimony_n herein_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n render_v all_o further_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n needless_a for_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v require_v unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o effect_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a use_n there_o remain_v of_o such_o pretend_a aid_n but_o moreover_o prayer_n fall_v under_o another_o consideration_n namely_o as_o to_o its_o external_a performance_n and_o as_o the_o duty_n be_v discharge_v by_o any_o one_o in_o lesser_a or_o great_a society_n wherein_o upon_o his_o word_n and_o expression_n do_v depend_v their_o conjunction_n with_o he_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o consequent_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o in_o assembly_n of_o his_o appointment_n as_o church_n and_o family_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n one_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o join_v with_o he_o thus_o be_v minister_n enable_v to_o pray_v in_o church-assembly_n as_o other_o christian_n in_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n parent_n in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_n every_o believer_n for_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n give_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v in_o word_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o lead_v on_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o unto_o a_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n i_o do_v not_o confine_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o assembly_n every_o one_o may_v and_o usual_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v for_o himself_o also_o for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o in_o private_a and_o alone_a he_o can_v have_v none_o to_o pray_v in_o public_a and_o society_n wherefore_o take_v prayer_n as_o vocal_a without_o which_o adjunct_n it_o be_v not_o complete_a and_o this_o ability_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o also_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o meet_v with_o such_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n from_o many_o and_o which_o have_v other_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o yea_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o it_o even_o from_o family_n and_o closet_n also_o what_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o be_v by_o some_o not_o only_o to_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o way_n to_o belong_v thereunto_o a_o fruit_n they_o say_v it_o be_v of_o wit_n fancy_n memory_n elocution_n volubility_n and_o readiness_n of_o speech_n namely_o in_o they_o in_o who_o on_o other_o account_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v at_o least_o in_o no_o considerable_a degree_n some_o while_n since_o indeed_o they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o esteem_n of_o this_o ability_n by_o cry_v out_o that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v but_o babble_n and_o talk_v nonsense_n but_o those_o who_o have_v any_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n receive_v do_v use_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a relief_n that_o any_o can_v find_v in_o cavil_v at_o some_o expression_n which_o perhaps_o good_a and_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o yet_o suit_v not_o their_o palate_n or_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o miss_v of_o due_a order_n and_o decency_n yet_o be_v not_o their_o failure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o extravagancy_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o in_o suppose_a quaint_a and_o elegant_a expression_n use_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o herein_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o this_o countenance_n that_o this_o ability_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o natural_a endowment_n before_o mention_v only_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n but_o a_o little_a beneath_o a_o intolerable_a impudence_n thus_o it_o seem_v be_v it_o with_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o pray_v as_o god_n enable_v they_o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n example_n of_o scripture_n express_v testimony_n and_o command_n be_v able_a to_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v way_n unto_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v or_o call_v upon_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v able_a with_o respect_n
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 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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
church_n for_o some_o age_n be_v demonstrative_o prove_v with_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o mass_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o their_o worship_n for_o beside_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o they_o in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n and_o those_o of_o the_o next_o ensue_a age_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v their_o pretence_n unto_o any_o such_o antiquity_n there_o be_v such_o description_n give_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o worship_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o exclusive_a of_o they_o beside_o they_o give_v such_o a_o new_a face_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o different_a from_o the_o portraiture_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a thereunto_o and_o so_o not_o quick_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_o devise_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o horrible_a abuse_n make_v of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v they_o as_o absolute_o unlawful_a for_o where_o the_o opinion_n lead_v unto_o such_o idolatrous_a practice_n be_v open_o reject_v and_o condemn_v as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o all_o the_o cause_n mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o idolatry_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n whether_o impose_v or_o leave_v free_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o that_o veneration_n which_o their_o general_a observance_n in_o many_o age_n may_v invite_v or_o procure_v and_o it_o be_v so_o also_o to_o warrant_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a another_o evil_n which_o either_o accompany_v or_o close_o follow_v on_o the_o introduction_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n into_o the_o church_n be_v a_o suppose_a necessity_n of_o adorn_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o with_o sundry_a arbitrary_a ceremony_n and_o this_o also_o in_o the_o end_n as_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o protestant_n increase_a superstition_n in_o its_o worship_n with_o various_a practice_n lead_v unto_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o use_v of_o free_a prayer_n in_o church_n administration_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o be_v natural_a circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n do_v material_o consist_v divine_a institution_n and_o natural_a light_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o these_o devise_a form_n be_v introduce_v with_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o sole_a use_n in_o the_o church_n in_o all_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n man_n quick_o sound_a that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o set_v they_o off_o with_o adventitious_a ornament_n hereon_o there_o be_v gradual_o sound_v out_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o constant_a observation_n so_o many_o outward_a posture_n and_o gesture_n with_o attire_n music_n bowing_n cringe_n cross_n veneration_n censing_n altar_n image_n crucifix_n respond_v alternative_n and_o such_o a_o rabble_n of_o other_o ceremony_n as_o render_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n ludicrous_a burdensome_a and_o superstition_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v to_o officiate_v in_o divine_a service_n be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o himself_o eastward_o and_o westward_o to_o the_o altar_n to_o the_o wall_n to_o the_o people_n so_o many_o gesture_n and_o posture_n in_o kneel_v rising_z stand_n bowing_n less_o and_o profound_a secret_a and_o loud_a speaking_n in_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o cross_n with_o removal_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o with_o provision_n of_o attire_n in_o their_o variety_n of_o colour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o their_o altar_n as_o be_v difficult_a to_o learn_v and_o foolish_o antic_a in_o their_o practice_n above_o all_o the_o preparation_n of_o player_n for_o the_o stage_n injunction_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a observance_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o missal_n and_o the_o cautel_n of_o the_o mass._n that_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o only_o no_o affinity_n with_o the_o purity_n simplicity_n and_o spiritualty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n but_o be_v invent_v utter_o to_o exclude_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n need_v no_o proof_n unto_o any_o who_o ever_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o due_a consideration_n nor_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n less_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o a_o soâ—â—y_a cunning_n in_o this_o practice_n and_o the_o read_n of_o some_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o accommodation_n unto_o these_o rite_n there_o be_v little_o more_o beside_o a_o easy_a good_a intention_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o the_o quite_o contrary_a require_v to_o make_v any_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o it_o once_o at_o least_o fell_a out_o to_o administer_v in_o all_o sacred_a worship_n have_v utter_o lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n neglect_v at_o best_a all_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o experience_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o they_o they_o find_v it_o necessary_a by_o these_o mean_n to_o set_v off_o and_o recommend_v their_o dead_a form_n for_o the_o lifeless_a carcase_n of_o their_o form_n mere_o alone_a be_v no_o more_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n than_o a_o tree_n or_o a_o log_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o god_n before_o it_o be_v shape_v fashion_a gild_a and_o adorn_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o teach_v the_o image_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o speak_v and_o act_v a_o part_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o spectator_n for_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v order_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v never_o have_v give_v the_o least_o contentment_n unto_o the_o multitude_n have_v it_o not_o be_v set_v off_o with_o this_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n compose_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o sacred_a veneration_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v do_v their_o utmost_a they_o can_v never_o equal_v the_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o old_a temple-worship_n in_o beauty_n glory_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o sacred_a eleusinian_n mystery_n for_o number_n solemnity_n gravity_n and_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n reject_v the_o true_a glory_n of_o gospel-worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o substitute_v that_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o which_o debase_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n beneath_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o most_o of_o their_o ceremony_n be_v borrow_v of_o they_o or_o steal_v from_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v that_o their_o conversion_n of_o the_o holy_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o into_o a_o theatrical_a pompous_a observance_n of_o ludicrous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n can_v give_v so_o much_o as_o present_a satisfaction_n unto_o any_o who_o be_v not_o give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n the_o exercise_n of_o engraft_a prevalent_a superstition_n will_v appease_v a_o natural_a conscience_n outward_a form_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n believe_v will_v please_v the_o fancy_n and_o exercise_v the_o imagination_n variety_n and_o frequent_a change_n of_o mode_n gesture_n and_o posture_n with_o a_o sort_n of_o prayer_n always_o beginning_n and_o always_o end_v will_v entertain_v present_a thought_n and_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o that_o man_n find_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_n great_o affect_v may_v suppose_v that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o when_o they_o do_v nothing_o less_o for_o prayer_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o will_n and_o desire_v unto_o he_o through_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v absent_a where_o all_o these_o be_v most_o effectual_o present_v this_o also_o produce_v all_o the_o pretend_a ornament_n of_o their_o temple_n chapel_n and_o oratory_n by_o crucifix_n image_n a_o multiplication_n of_o altar_n with_o relic_n taper_n vestment_n and_o other_o utensil_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n whereby_o christian_n religion_n be_v corrupt_v and_o debase_v
deny_v all_o internal_a real_a efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o deride_v all_o their_o effect_n have_v so_o far_o diffuse_v and_o rivet_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o that_o little_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o retreat_n unto_o those_o aid_n and_o relief_n this_o evil_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v reserve_v for_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o although_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v much_o neglect_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o age_n past_a of_o such_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o all_o his_o internal_a grace_n and_o operation_n as_o now_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o pelagian_n who_o be_v most_o guilty_a do_v fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n they_o have_v escape_v the_o record_n and_o monument_n that_o remain_v of_o their_o deportment_n bold_n effort_n they_o be_v of_o atheistical_a inclination_n in_o man_n open_o avow_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o utter_a want_n of_o all_o experience_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a neither_o do_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n meet_v with_o better_a entertainment_n among_o many_o and_o by_o some_o have_v be_v treat_v with_o scurrility_n and_o blasphemy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n be_v great_a and_o fierce_a but_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v those_o who_o live_v not_o on_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n will_v not_o forsake_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n or_o renounce_v faith_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o flesh_n almost_o have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v general_o lose_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n nor_o will_v long_o abide_v yea_o multitude_n all_o the_o world_n over_o seem_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a unless_o it_o be_v where_o they_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o great_a pretence_n of_o a_o flourish_a state_n in_o religion_n than_o that_o of_o some_o church_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n especial_o one_o at_o this_o day_n but_o if_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o from_o among_o themselves_o concern_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o for_o set_v aside_o the_o multitude_n of_o atheist_n antiscripturist_n and_o avow_a disbeliever_n of_o the_o supernatural_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o herd_n that_o remain_v influence_v into_o a_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n uphold_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o extravagant_a secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n be_v not_o very_o high_o considerable_a yea_o their_o present_a height_n seem_v to_o be_v on_o a_o precipice_n what_o inroad_n in_o other_o place_n bold_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o pretence_n of_o morality_n in_o opposition_n to_o evangelical_n grace_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n be_v make_v every_o day_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o although_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o poison_n discover_v themselves_o daily_o in_o the_o decay_v of_o piety_n the_o increase_n of_o immorality_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o the_o abound_a of_o flagitious_a sin_n expose_v nation_n unto_o the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o security_n of_o most_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n proclaim_v itself_o in_o various_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o deplore_v whereas_o therefore_o one_o mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o deliverance_n out_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o declaration_n of_o its_o nature_n with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o spring_n and_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v its_o efficacy_n which_o be_v attempt_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n may_v i_o hope_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v of_o some_o use_n unto_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n errata_fw-la pag._n 13._o l._n 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 16._o l._n 15._o supplication_n and_o it_o be_v l._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 18._o l._n 13._o these_o r._n therefore_o l._n 14._o in_o r._n for_o l._n 15._o but_o r._n put_v p._n 23._o l._n 17._o r._n out_o for_o p._n 28._o l._n 1._o r._n prophecy_n p._n 41._o margin_n deal_n abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o l._n 7._o r._n ymma_fw-la l._n 9_o in_o regard_n r._n be_v require_v l._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 51._o l._n 12._o what_o whereas_o r._n that_o p._n 72._o l._n 26._o like_v not_o p._n 73._o these_o word_n in_o the_o margin_n omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o quotation_n which_o be_v omit_v the_o whole_a be_v as_o follow_v omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la orationis_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o curiam_fw-la intrare_fw-la coelestem_fw-la illam_fw-la utique_fw-la curiam_fw-la in_o qua_fw-la rex_fw-la regum_fw-la stellato_fw-la sedet_fw-la solio_fw-la circumdante_fw-la innumerabili_fw-la &_o inessabili_fw-la beatorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la exercitu_fw-la quanta_fw-la ergo_fw-la cum_fw-la reverentia_fw-la quanto_fw-la timore_fw-la quantâ_fw-la illuc_fw-la humilitate_fw-la accedere_fw-la debet_fw-la è_fw-la palude_fw-la sua_fw-la procedens_fw-la ranuncula_fw-la vilis_fw-la quam_fw-la tremebundus_fw-la quam_fw-la denique_fw-la humilis_fw-la &_o solicitus_fw-la &_o toto_fw-la intentus_fw-la animo_fw-la majestatali_fw-la gloriae_fw-la bernard_n serm._n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la orandi_fw-la modis_fw-la p._n 74._o l._n 7._o r._n prayer_n p._n 119._o l._n 22._o other_o there_o be_v p._n 120._o l._n 28._o unwearied_a r._n unvaried_a p._n 142._o l._n 2._o this_o r._n their_o p._n 144._o l._n 21._o affliction_n r._n affection_n p._n 175._o l._n 21._o their_o r._n these_o p._n 201._o l._n 26._o the_o r._n their_o p._n 202._o l._n 11._o r._n noxious_a l._n 14._o r._n obnoxious_a the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n therein_o with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n chap._n i._n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n be_v either_o general_a and_o not_o confine_v with_o a_o respect_n unto_o any_o one_o duty_n more_o than_o another_o or_o particular_a with_o respect_n unto_o some_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o they_o all_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o all_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o particular_a duty_n in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v moreover_o sundry_a especial_a work_n or_o operation_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o although_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o general_a head_n of_o sanctification_n yet_o they_o fall_v under_o a_o especial_a consideration_n proper_a unto_o themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o aid_n or_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o prayer_n in_o the_o whole_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o comprise_v meditation_n supplication_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o signal_n duty_n of_o religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o most_o pregnant_a notion_n with_o its_o practical_a language_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n concur_v in_o their_o suffrage_n with_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o they_o both_o of_o they_o joint_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a duty_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o without_o it_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o person_n live_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n they_o think_v the_o duty_n of_o vow_n prayer_n and_o praise_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n yea_o although_o they_o find_v out_o external_a ceremonious_a way_n of_o solemnize_n their_o devotion_n yet_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n alone_o which_o be_v
use_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n whereby_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n herein_o will_v further_o appear_v in_o this_o place_n he_o say_v god_n have_v send_v forth_o into_o our_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8._o 15._o he_o say_v we_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n give_v we_o because_o we_o be_v son_n whereby_o or_o in_o who_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n his_o act_n in_o we_o and_o our_o act_n by_o he_o be_v express_v by_o the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v how_o in_o the_o same_o duty_n he_o be_v say_v to_o cry_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v say_v to_o cry_v in_o he_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n hereof_o but_o only_o because_o the_o same_o work_n be_v both_o he_o and_o we_o in_o divers_a respect_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a power_n it_o be_v he_o or_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o he_o alone_o as_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n perform_v by_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o assistance_n it_o be_v we_o by_o he_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o to_o deny_v his_o act_n in_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v prayer_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o comprise_v the_o gift_n of_o it_o with_o its_o outward_a exercise_n which_o be_v intend_v the_o mere_a excitation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n love_n trust_v delight_n desire_n self-abasement_n and_o the_o like_o animate_v principle_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v express_v by_o cry_v though_o it_o be_v include_v in_o it_o their_o actual_a exercise_n in_o prayer_n formal_o consider_v be_v that_o which_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o deal_v somewhat_o severe_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o all_o believer_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o the_o work_v here_o express_o assign_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n or_o of_o the_o son_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n or_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o prayer_n either_o way_n but_o our_o cry_a abba_n father_n that_o be_v the_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o he_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n with_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n according_a as_o our_o state_n and_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o be_v not_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o hereunto_o it_o be_v so_o of_o old_a and_o that_o unto_o all_o believer_n according_a as_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o person_n family_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o it_o be_v because_o either_o god_n will_v not_o now_o communicate_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o child_n or_o son_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o because_o indeed_o this_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o he_o be_v by_o man_n despise_v neglect_a and_o lose_v and_o the_o former_a can_v be_v assert_v on_o any_o safe_a ground_n whatever_o the_o latter_a be_v our_o interest_n to_o consider_v this_o twofold_a testimony_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n unto_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o do_v sufficient_o evince_v our_o general_a assertion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a work_n or_o special_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n enable_v they_o thereunto_o for_o we_o intend_v no_o more_o hereby_o but_o that_o as_o they_o do_v receive_v he_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o the_o world_n can_v do_v in_o order_n unto_o his_o gracious_a efficiency_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o supplication_n so_o he_o do_v actual_o incline_v dispose_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n or_o to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o their_o father_n by_o jesus_n christ._n to_o deny_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o rise_v up_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o by_o our_o unbelief_n to_o make_v he_o a_o lyar._n and_o have_v we_o nothing_o far_a to_o plead_v in_o this_o cause_n this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o reprove_v the_o petulant_a folly_n of_o they_o by_o who_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n thereon_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o may_v use_v the_o despise_a and_o blaspheme_v expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v scorn_v and_o deride_v for_o as_o to_o the_o ability_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v thus_o receive_v some_o there_o be_v who_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o as_o exercise_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o outside_n shell_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o not_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n but_o from_o what_o they_o observe_v in_o other_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v whole_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n invention_n memory_n and_o wit_n accompany_v with_o some_o boldness_n and_o elocution_n unjust_o father_v on_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v therein_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v persuade_v many_o no_o better_o skill_v in_o these_o thing_n than_o themselves_o that_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o howbeit_o those_o who_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o real_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n any_o faith_n in_o the_o express_a testimony_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o hereunto_o can_v but_o despise_v such_o fabulous_a imagination_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o give_v light_n nor_o the_o fire_n heat_v that_o they_o see_v not_o with_o their_o eye_n nor_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n as_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v or_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o supplication_n and_o there_o may_v some_o probability_n be_v give_v unto_o these_o pretence_n and_o unto_o the_o total_a exclusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o any_o concernment_n herein_o if_o those_o concern_v who_o and_o their_o duty_n they_o thus_o judge_v be_v general_o person_n know_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o those_o natural_a endowment_n and_o acquire_v ability_n whereunto_o this_o faculty_n of_o prayer_n be_v ascribe_v but_o will_v this_o be_v allow_v by_o they_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n namely_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o able_a to_o pray_v as_o they_o pretend_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v person_n excel_v in_o fancy_n memory_n wit_n invention_n and_o elocution_n it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n they_o must_v be_v represent_v as_o dull_a stupid_a ignorant_a unlearned_a and_o brutish_a only_o in_o prayer_n they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o those_o natural_a endowment_n these_o thing_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o common_a ingenuity_n for_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o contemptible_a with_o respect_n unto_o natural_a and_o acquire_v endowment_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n whether_o of_o science_n or_o of_o prudence_n shall_v yet_o in_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o work_n of_o prayer_n so_o improve_v they_o as_o to_o out-go_v the_o imitation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v despise_v for_o as_o they_o do_v not_o as_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v as_o they_o do_v so_o their_o own_o heart_n tell_v they_o they_o can_v which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o so_o despiteful_o oppose_v this_o pray_n in_o the_o spirit_n whatever_o pride_n or_o passion_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v again_o occur_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o be_v here_o further_o insist_v on_o have_v therefore_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o plentiful_a dispensation_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o in_o general_a this_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v in_o and_o towards_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o to_o what_o we_o have_v propose_v that_o we_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o unto_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n or_o how_o he_o be_v unto_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n or_o supplication_n chap._n iu._n the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n rom._n 8._o 26._o open_v and_o vindicated_n prayer_n at_o present_a i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n ability_n
in_o that_o case_n he_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n or_o in_o general_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o without_o any_o peculiar_a spiritual_a illumination_n but_o yet_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o wherein_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a end_n or_o chief_a good_a of_o the_o person_n concern_v do_v stand_v with_o regard_n whereunto_o they_o can_v alone_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o of_o themselves_o they_o can_v understand_v but_o have_v need_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n whereof_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o he_o or_o useful_a unto_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v internal_a want_n that_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n such_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n whereof_o that_o accuse_v sin_n against_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a outward_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n these_o thing_n we_o know_v somewhat_o of_o without_o any_o especial_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o desire_n of_o deliverance_n be_v inseparable_a from_o they_o but_o we_o may_v observe_v here_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v hereof_o of_o ourselves_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o confuse_a as_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n able_a thereby_o to_o manage_v our_o want_n in_o prayer_n aright_o unto_o god_n a_o natural_a conscience_n awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o affliction_n or_o other_o providential_a visitation_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o unfeigned_a and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o gild_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o until_o the_o spirit_n do_v convince_v of_o sin_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o such_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o make_v his_o address_n unto_o god_n about_o it_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o treat_v aright_o with_o god_n about_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v proceed_v under_o that_o sole_a conduct_n and_o guidance_n the_o heathen_n go_v in_o deal_v with_o their_o suppose_a god_n without_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o propitiation_n make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n yea_o prayer_n about_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n be_v but_o a_o abomination_n beside_o 2._o we_o all_o know_v how_o small_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o believer_n do_v lie_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o light_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o 3._o the_o thing_n about_o which_o believer_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o treat_v principal_o and_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o their_o supplication_n be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o sin_n in_o they_o hereon_o david_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o original_a and_o all_o know_v actual_a sin_n psal._n 51._o 5._o nor_o yet_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o none_o know_v his_o own_o wander_n whence_o he_o desire_v cleanse_v from_o unknown_a sin_n psal._n 19_o 12._o but_o moreover_o he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o undertake_v the_o inward_a search_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v amiss_o or_o right_a in_o he_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o as_o know_v that_o god_n principal_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n psal._n 51._o 6._o such_o be_v the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 23._o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v what_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n gild_n violence_n and_o deceit_n of_o sin_n in_o its_o inward_a act_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o other_o thing_n innumerable_a thereunto_o belong_v make_v up_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o formal_o supplication_n add_v hereunto_o that_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n take_v large_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n so_o call_v every_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n do_v belong_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o benefit_n which_o thence_o we_o do_v receive_v all_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o he_o with_o their_o faculty_n and_o affection_n in_o brief_a every_o thing_n and_o every_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n do_v consist_v or_o which_o do_v belong_v thereunto_o with_o all_o occasion_n and_o emergency_n of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n comprise_v herein_o and_o that_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o manage_v they_o acceptable_o in_o our_o supplication_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n few_o be_v so_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a as_o to_o assert_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o render_v they_o not_o of_o the_o less_o weight_n or_o moment_n for_o some_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o thus_o understand_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o promise_v unto_o prayer_n and_o suppose_v that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o without_o it_o but_o those_o who_o so_o speak_v neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v nor_o it_o seem_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v for_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o faith_n respect_v god_n promise_n heb._n 4._o 1._o rom._n 4._o if_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v we_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o it_o be_v marvellous_a what_o thought_n such_o person_n have_v of_o god_n and_o themselves_o who_o without_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o their_o own_o want_n and_o without_o a_o understanding_n of_o god_n promise_n wherein_o all_o their_o supply_n be_v lay_v up_o do_v say_v their_o prayer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o continual_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o poverty_n or_o rather_o misery_n of_o devise_a aid_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pernicious_a effect_n or_o consequent_a that_o they_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o search_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o prescribe_v unto_o man_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v neverneed_a either_o to_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o god_n promise_v about_o it_o and_o this_o whole_a work_n be_v dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o than_o be_v the_o soul_n prepare_v aright_o for_o this_o duty_n and_o then_o only_o when_o it_o understand_v its_o own_o condition_n the_o supply_n of_o grace_n provide_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o supply_n unto_o its_o want_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o conveyance_n unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n that_o all_o this_o we_o have_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v three_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n i_o join_v the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o direct_v they_o unto_o and_o herein_o also_o be_v we_o in_o ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o man_n may_v lose_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o propose_v undue_a end_n unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o our_o saviour_n say_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v but_o the_o apostle_n james_n affirm_v of_o some_o chap._n 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o to_o consume_v it_o on_o your_o pleasure_n to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n and_o not_o express_o unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v be_v to_o ask_v amiss_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o yet_o whatever_o confidence_n we_o may_v have_v of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o ourselves_o without_o the_o especial_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v fail_v and_o do_v so_o in_o this_o kind_n when_o not_o under_o the_o actual_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v when_o our_o own_o natural_a and_o distemper_a affection_n do_v immix_v
end_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n keep_v the_o mind_n of_o believer_n unto_o in_o all_o their_o request_n where_o he_o have_v furnish_v they_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o request_n but_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v with_o he_o he_o guide_v they_o therefore_o to_o design_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o prayer_n may_v have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v he_o alone_o who_o enable_v they_o to_o subordinate_a all_o their_o desire_n unto_o god_n glory_n without_o his_o especial_a aid_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o self_n only_o and_o ultimate_o in_o all_o we_o do_v our_o own_o profit_n case_n satisfaction_n mercy_n peace_n and_o deliverance_n will_v be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v direct_v all_o our_o supplication_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v all_o vitiate_a and_o become_v abominable_a 2._o he_o keep_v they_o unto_o this_o also_o that_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o supplication_n may_v be_v the_o improvement_n of_o holiness_n in_o they_o and_o thereby_o their_o conformity_n unto_o god_n with_o their_o near_a access_n unto_o he_o where_o these_o end_n be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v good_a and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o prayer_n a_o abomination_n we_o may_v pray_v for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o the_o best_a promise_a fruit_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o these_o end_n find_v no_o acceptance_n in_o our_o supplication_n to_o keep_v we_o unto_o they_o be_v his_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o cast_v out_o all_o self-ends_a and_o aim_n bring_v all_o natural_a desire_n unto_o a_o subordination_n unto_o god_n which_o he_o work_v in_o we_o if_o he_o work_v in_o we_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o believer_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o furnish_v and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n teach_v they_o thereby_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v no_o pray_v according_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v give_v the_o mind_n a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o or_o furnish_v it_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n he_o moreover_o work_v a_o due_a sense_n and_o valuation_n of_o they_o with_o desire_n after_o they_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n wherein_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v these_o thing_n be_v separable_a the_o mind_n may_v have_v light_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o and_o yet_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v dead_a unto_o they_o or_o unconcern_v in_o they_o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n found_v hereon_o in_o who_o exercise_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o spiritual_o act_v towards_o god_n for_o light_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o common_a gift_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o perish_a illumination_n a_o man_n may_v attain_v a_o gift_n in_o prayer_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o so_o pray_v not_o much_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v with_o he_o of_o old_a who_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n his_o spirit_n pray_v but_o his_o heart_n be_v unfruitful_a he_o pray_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o light_n and_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v but_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v not_o benefit_v nor_o improve_v thereby_o only_o sometime_o god_n make_v use_v of_o man_n own_o gift_n to_o convey_v grace_n into_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o prayer_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o obediential_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o god_n wherefore_o where_o the_o holy_a spirit_n complete_v his_o work_n in_o we_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o work_v on_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o act_v obediential_o towards_o god_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n thus_o when_o he_o be_v pour_v out_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n he_o fill_v they_o unto_o who_o he_o be_v communicate_v with_o mourning_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v zach._n 12._o 10._o he_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v but_o work_v affection_n in_o they_o suitable_a unto_o what_o they_o pray_v about_o and_o in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n lie_v the_o fountain_n of_o that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n and_o delight_n of_o those_o enlarge_a labouring_n of_o mind_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a influence_n from_o he_o for_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o forth_o unto_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o vehement_a work_n of_o natural_a affection_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o spirit_n say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_v which_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o have_v before_o express_v his_o work_n in_o general_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o intend_v a_o help_n by_o work_v carry_v we_o on_o in_o our_o undertake_n in_o this_o duty_n beyond_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o he_o help_v we_o on_o under_o our_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n so_o his_o especial_a act_n be_v here_o declare_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o additional_a interposition_n like_o that_o of_o a_o advocate_n for_o his_o client_n plead_v that_o in_o his_o case_n which_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v once_o this_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o a_o contrary_a design_n speak_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o he_o make_v intercession_n unto_o god_n against_o israel_n rom._n 11._o 2._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o to_o declare_v good_a tiding_n tiding_n of_o peace_n be_v once_o apply_v in_o a_o contrary_a signification_n unto_o tiding_n of_o evil_a and_o destruction_n 1_o sam._n 4._o 17._o the_o man_n that_o bring_v the_o news_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o army_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o ark_n by_o the_o philistine_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o word_n be_v to_o intercede_v for_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o ourselves_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o groan_v v_o 23._o that_o be_v humble_o mournful_o and_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o here_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o his_o work_n in_o we_o and_o act_v by_o we_o that_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o those_o fervent_a labour_a desire_n which_o be_v so_o express_v and_o these_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o intention_n and_o labour_v of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o work_n now_o mention_v have_v true_o affect_v the_o whole_a soul_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n in_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o truth_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n engage_v the_o will_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o and_o prevalent_a love_n unto_o they_o excite_v the_o affection_n to_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o unto_o desire_n after_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n such_o a_o inward_a labour_v of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n such_o a_o holy_a supernatural_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v after_o a_o union_n with_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o as_o no_o word_n can_v utter_v or_o express_o declare_v that_o be_v full_o and_o complete_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o avoid_v
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
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
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
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
yea_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a imaginable_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a witness_v hereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n declare_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o for_o among_o they_o of_o old_a there_o be_v multitude_n of_o false_a pretender_n unto_o vision_n dream_n revelation_n and_o such_o spiritual_a ecstasy_n some_o of_o who_o wear_v a_o rough_a garment_n to_o deceive_v which_o go_v not_o alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o all_o such_o appear_a austerity_n as_o may_v beget_v a_o opinion_n of_o sanctity_n and_o integrity_n in_o they_o and_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v grow_v corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v credit_n with_o they_o above_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v hypocritical_a liar_n and_o we_o be_v abundant_o warn_v of_o such_o spirit_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o be_v foretell_v that_o such_o there_o will_v be_v by_o who_o many_o shall_v be_v delude_v and_o all_o such_o pretender_n unto_o extraordinary_a intercourse_n with_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v by_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o desire_v only_a liberty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o assert_v these_o devotion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v not_o false_a pretender_n unto_o what_o they_o profess_v nor_o design_n to_o deceive_v but_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v yet_o neither_o will_v this_o give_v we_o the_o least_o security_n of_o their_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n partly_o natural_a partly_o diabolical_a whereby_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o person_n may_v be_v so_o possess_v with_o false_a image_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o so_o vehement_a a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n that_o no_o assurance_n of_o they_o can_v be_v give_v by_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v pretend_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v dispose_v unto_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o act_n or_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o delusion_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v prompt_v by_o superstition_n and_o be_v encourage_v doctrinal_o to_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o imagination_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a wonder_n that_o more_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o extravagancy_n than_o that_o any_o have_v so_o do_v we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o have_v have_v their_o imagination_n so_o fix_v on_o thing_n evil_a and_o noxioo_v by_o satanical_a delusion_n that_o they_o have_v confess_v against_o themselves_o thing_n and_o crime_n that_o have_v render_v they_o obnoxion_n unto_o capital_a punishment_n whereof_o they_o be_v never_o real_o and_o actual_o guilty_a wherefore_o see_v these_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o devotion_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a actuation_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v rational_o be_v account_v for_o nor_o render_v perceptible_a unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o other_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v only_o fond_a imagination_n of_o delude_a fancy_n which_o superstitious_a credulous_a person_n have_v gradual_o raise_v themselves_o unto_o or_o such_o as_o they_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o withal_o by_o satan_n through_o a_o groundless_a unwarrantable_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o expectation_n of_o they_o but_o what_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v it_o neither_o be_v prayer_n nor_o can_v on_o any_o account_n be_v so_o esteem_v that_o we_o allow_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o all_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o holy_a meditation_n be_v before_o declare_v nor_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n of_o mortify_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o god_n with_o complacency_n in_o he_o so_o far_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o be_v that_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pure_a adhesion_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o inquire_v into_o and_o i_o say_v whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v herein_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v though_o under_o that_o name_n and_o notion_n it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o prayer_n be_v a_o natural_a duty_n the_o notion_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o concurrent_a voice_n of_o nature_n deceive_v not_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v not_o compliant_a therewith_o at_o lest_o what_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n now_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n this_o duty_n be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n wherein_o from_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sovereign_n be_v selfsufficiency_n rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n power_n righteousness_n and_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o universal_a dependence_n on_o he_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n as_o to_o their_o being_n life_n happiness_n and_o all_o their_o concernment_n they_o address_v their_o desire_n with_o faith_n and_o trust_n unto_o he_o according_a as_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n do_v require_v or_o ascribe_v praise_n and_o glory_n unto_o he_o for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n centre_n in_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v of_o it_o under_o any_o other_o notion_n whatever_o the_o gospel_n direct_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a mercy_n we_o all_o do_v desire_n but_o it_o change_v nothing_o in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v a_o duty_n of_o another_o kind_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o which_o be_v know_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o this_o general_a nature_n of_o prayer_n all_o man_n universal_o understand_v well_o enough_o in_o who_o the_o first_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o extinguish_v or_o woeful_o deprave_v this_o may_v be_v do_v among_o some_o by_o a_o long_a traditional_a course_n of_o a_o atheistical_a and_o brutish_a conversation_n but_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o be_v the_o conviction_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n so_o be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o first_o act_n of_o nature_n towards_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v in_o invocation_n jonahs_n mariner_n know_v how_o every_o one_o to_o call_v on_o his_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o trust_v or_o affiance_n in_o god_n act_v whereby_o man_n glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o where_o desire_n or_o praise_n be_v not_o offer_v unto_o he_o neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v without_o express_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o prayer_n whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v wherefore_o this_o contemplative_a devotion_n wherein_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o soul_n be_v ecstasy_v into_o a_o advance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n have_v no_o one_o property_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o mankind_n prayer_n without_o a_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a excellency_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o fear_n love_n confidence_n and_o gratitude_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n or_o a_o by-blow_n of_o imagination_n which_o have_v no_o existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la these_o person_n therefore_o have_v best_o find_v out_o some_o other_o name_n wherewith_o to_o impose_v this_o kind_n of_o devotion_n upon_o our_o admiration_n for_o from_o the_o whole_a precinct_n of_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v utter_o exclude_v and_o what_o place_n it_o may_v have_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v
immediate_o inquire_v but_o this_o examination_n of_o it_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o absurd_a and_o impertinent_a for_o if_o we_o must_v try_v all_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o whole_o depend_v on_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o standard_n our_o measure_n of_o they_o will_v be_v false_a and_o perverse_a and_o i_o say_v no_o doubt_n they_o will_v wherefore_o we_o call_v only_o that_o concern_v of_o it_o unto_o a_o trial_n hereby_o who_o true_a notion_n be_v confess_o fix_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o extend_v that_o line_n beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n we_o may_v by_o it_o take_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v prayer_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o therein_o it_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o at_o present_a we_o engage_v about_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o enquiry_n we_o may_v bring_v it_o also_o unto_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o as_o foreign_a as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n intelligible_a may_v be_v from_o thence_o collect_v it_o exceed_v or_o deviate_v from_o whatever_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v prayer_n even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v and_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o wherefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n exclude_v it_o from_o be_v prayer_n in_o any_o kind_n prayer_n in_o the_o scripture-representation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n access_n and_o approach_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v know_v its_o request_n unto_o he_o with_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o whereon_o it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o be_v its_o external_a adjunct_n and_o its_o internal_a grace_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n earnestness_n fervency_n importunity_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n be_v the_o principal_a no_o man_n can_v attend_v unto_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n without_o this_o whatever_o look_v like_o any_o of_o they_o be_v brutish_a fury_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o internal_a form_n of_o it_o in_o that_o description_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o its_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n delight_n fear_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n do_v consist_v a_o continual_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n through_o which_o mean_n he_o exhibit_v himself_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n these_o thing_n be_v both_o plain_o and_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o but_o for_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o our_o author_n and_o other_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n for_o it_o nor_o direction_n about_o it_o nor_o motive_n unto_o it_o nor_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v marvellous_a to_o some_o at_o least_o that_o whereas_o this_o duty_n and_o all_o its_o concernment_n be_v more_o insist_v on_o therein_o than_o any_o other_o christian_a duty_n or_o privilege_n what_o ever_o that_o the_o height_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o they_o be_v decry_v shall_v not_o obtain_v the_o least_o intimation_n therein_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a place_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v describe_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v such_o as_o for_o instance_n ephes._n 6._o 18._o phil._n 4._o 6._o heb._n 4._o 16._o chap._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o apostle_n nor_o of_o any_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n either_o for_o themselves_o or_o the_o whole_a church_n any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n declare_v what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n nor_o be_v any_o gift_n of_o his_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n capable_a of_o the_o least_o exercise_n therein_o so_o that_o in_o no_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v that_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o example_n propose_v unto_o our_o imitation_n no_o mark_n set_v before_o we_o nor_o any_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o pretend_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n whatever_o be_v fancy_v or_o speak_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o must_v owe_v itself_o unto_o the_o delude_a imagination_n of_o some_o few_o person_n beside_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o access_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o any_o near_a approach_n unto_o he_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o and_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o in_o this_o pretence_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n aim_v at_o as_o be_v regardless_o of_o christ_n and_o leave_v he_o quite_o behind_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v all_o in_o all_o immediate_o unto_o the_o church_n until_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v full_o deliver_v up_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n unto_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o silence_n concern_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n or_o rather_o the_o exclusion_n of_o he_o from_o any_o concernment_n in_o it_o as_o mediator_n be_v sufficient_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n name_n or_o thing_n neither_o do_v this_o imagination_n belong_v any_o more_o unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o exercise_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o universal_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o what_o we_o do_v towards_o god_n and_o what_o we_o do_v enjoy_v of_o he_o therein_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n belong_v unto_o our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o more_o be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o reasonable_a service_n wherein_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n have_v no_o concernment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v any_o where_o promise_v unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o promise_v alone_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n communicate_v unto_o we_o there_o seem_v therefore_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o bravery_n of_o these_o affect_a expression_n but_o a_o endeavour_n to_o fancy_v somewhat_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o possible_a attainment_n in_o this_o life_n fall_v unspeakable_o beneath_o those_o of_o future_a glory_n a_o kind_n of_o purgatory_n it_o be_v in_o devotion_n somewhat_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o another_o above_o the_o earth_n and_o beneath_o heaven_n where_o we_o may_v leave_v it_o in_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n chap._n xi_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n examine_v there_o be_v also_o great_a plea_n for_o the_o use_n of_o prescribe_a limit_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o spiritual_a ability_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o these_o form_n be_v contend_v for_o by_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n only_o as_o suitable_a to_o their_o experience_n and_o
judge_v by_o they_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o they_o have_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o dissent_n about_o they_o but_o whereas_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o of_o their_o lawfulness_n but_o of_o their_o necessity_n be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n be_v high_o concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v make_v some_o enquiry_n thereinto_o i_o say_v it_o be_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n as_o give_v occasion_n or_o a_o suppose_a advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o oppose_v deny_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o end_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v that_o be_v that_o any_o way_n consider_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o use._n for_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n or_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o such_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o choose_v for_o their_o best_a and_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n in_o unless_o they_o be_v express_o idolatrous_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_a either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n revelation_n it_o be_v a_o silly_a apprehension_n and_o tend_v to_o atheism_n that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o act_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o that_o sovereign_a light_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o the_o form_n intend_v be_v how_o compose_v how_o use_v how_o in_o some_o case_n impose_v be_v thing_n so_o know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o prayer_n be_v god_n institution_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o form_n be_v that_o which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o likeness_n thereof_o or_o in_o compliance_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o to_o compose_v prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o we_o or_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o inference_n the_o direct_a contrary_a rather_o ensue_a on_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o it_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o beside_o the_o provision_n of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o moreover_o promise_v do_v not_o communicate_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o shall_v enable_v they_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a pretend_a help_n to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v not_o admit_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v christian_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v provide_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v and_o command_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o make_v one_o sermon_n to_o constant_o read_v in_o all_o assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o variation_n unless_o we_o shall_v grant_v also_o that_o he_o cease_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o enquiry_n therefore_o will_v be_v what_o place_n or_o use_v they_o may_v have_v therein_o or_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o perform_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o promise_v unto_o any_o to_o help_n or_o assist_v they_o in_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o or_o his_o assistance_n unto_o that_o end_n in_o particular_a nor_o foundation_n to_o build_v faith_n or_o expectation_n of_o receive_v he_o upon_z wherefore_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o especial_a or_o gracious_a manner_n concern_v in_o that_o work_n or_o endeavour_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o fall_v under_o his_o care_n as_o communicate_v gift_n in_o general_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o examine_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v no_o where_o peculiar_o promise_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o have_v we_o either_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o ask_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n i_o answer_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o plead_v at_o large_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v promise_v direct_o to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o which_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v be_v pray_v but_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o general_a so_o to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o our_o own_o or_o the_o use_n of_o other_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o aid_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o not_o as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a assistance_n in_o prayer_n not_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o gracious_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o it_o may_v be_v the_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v also_o pretend_v but_o as_o the_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o work_n be_v a_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ordinary_o promise_v or_o that_o any_o person_n can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v dictate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v use_v afterward_o by_o other_o as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v into_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o some_o of_o these_o external_a aid_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n utter_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o these_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v by_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n martyr_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o indeed_o have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o the_o person_n intend_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o assistance_n as_o any_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o single_a person_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a promise_n give_v unto_o any_o this_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o unto_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v thereunto_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o common_a duty_n and_o fall_n under_o the_o help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o general_n so_o some_o man_n from_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n above_o other_o which_o they_o attain_v by_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o comprehension_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o to_o be_v use_v and_o plead_v in_o our_o supplication_n may_v set_v down_o and_o express_v a_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o that_o shall_v declare_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o much_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o condition_n want_n and_o desire_n of_o christian_n than_o other_o can_v who_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o they_o be_v nor_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v have_v for_o those_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o man_n without_o such_o light_n and_o experience_n compose_v of_o phrase_n and_o expression_n gather_v up_o from_o other_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o invent_v by_o themselves_o and_o cast_v into_o a_o contexture_n and_o method_n such_o as_o they_o suppose_v suit_v unto_o prayer_n in_o