praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o what_o to_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o but_o only_o do_v warm_a and_o heat_v man_n affection_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o blind_a devotion_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n cry_v out_o against_o etc._n etc._n that_o heavenly_a and_o sacred_a fire_n that_o god_n send_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o a_o dark_a obscure_a fire_n but_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v and_o have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o heat_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v without_o word_n either_o express_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o understanding_n because_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o man_n that_o transcend_v all_o word_n i_o mean_v such_o word_n as_o we_o common_o use_v which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o aristotle_n define_v word_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la signarerum_fw-la i_o e._n word_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o high_a degree_n of_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o without_o these_o word_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v word_n themselves_o or_o where_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o distinct_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o word_n and_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o aristotle_n so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n as_o it_o seem_v know_v not_o this_o mystery_n nor_o yet_o do_v his_o follower_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o bountiful_a and_o gracious_a unto_o man_n do_v not_o only_o enlighten_v and_o shine_v upon_o this_o high_a part_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o also_o cause_v his_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n thereof_o even_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o imagination_n for_o the_o very_a imagination_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v isa._n 26._o 3._o that_o which_o be_v translate_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v imagination_n see_v also_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 18._o keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n etc._n etc._n which_o inferior_a and_o low_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v reach_v to_o divine_a thing_n without_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n will_v establish_v the_o true_a believer_n in_o he_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o good_a word_n be_v as_o real_a a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o good_a work_n or_o desire_n and_o these_o good_a word_n must_v not_o be_v borrow_v word_n from_o the_o mouth_n or_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v water_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a after_o a_o heavenly_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o corn_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n though_o ever_o so_o abundant_o which_o have_v grow_v in_o another_o land_n or_o country_n that_o denominate_v the_o ground_n where_o it_o lie_v to_o be_v fruitful_a but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o fruitful_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o from_o within_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o heavenly_a rain_n and_o influence_n the_o like_a corn_n or_o any_o other_o grain_n that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abundance_n even_o of_o scripture_n word_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v into_o his_o memory_n or_o bare_a natural_a understanding_n that_o simple_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n fruitful_a unto_o god_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n word_n must_v be_v open_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n word_n be_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o open_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v as_o so_o many_o seed_n a_o plentiful_a harvest_n where_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n yield_v its_o fruit_n some_o thirty_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o always_o with_o some_o increase_n so_o that_o although_o scripture_n word_n have_v a_o most_o excellent_a service_n and_o use_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o open_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o soil_n be_v with_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o yet_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o scripture_n word_n but_o yield_v a_o increase_n of_o other_o word_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v yield_v more_o grain_n than_o what_o be_v sow_v these_o and_o such_o like_a open_n in_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n have_v live_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o as_o concern_v prayer_n time_n after_o time_n and_o have_v at_o the_o present_a writing_n be_v live_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o many_o more_o which_o here_o i_o present_a to_o all_o friendly_a and_o love_a reader_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v for_o a_o general_a service_n where_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n i_o hope_v sober_o and_o fair_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n not_o name_v any_o person_n or_o party_n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n or_o dislike_v only_o with_o some_o fervency_n but_o yet_o in_o true_a love_n i_o have_v reprove_v and_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o set_a form_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o i_o aim_v against_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o read_n to_o be_v prayer_n itself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o simple_o against_o read_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o age_n past_a some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o some_o reason_n that_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n also_o concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n quest._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o ask_n of_o he_o in_o faith_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v or_o do_v desire_v q._n what_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o great_a name_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o want_v as_o to_o ourselves_o 3._o we_o be_v also_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o for_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v who_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o expire_v yea_o for_o our_o great_a enemy_n also_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o god_n may_v build_v she_o up_o more_o and_o more_o preserve_v and_o defend_v she_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n more_o abundant_o upon_o she_o and_o upon_o her_o member_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v
prayer_n they_o will_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n to_o supply_v it_o another_o way_n that_o every_o day_n at_o least_o inward_o if_o not_o outward_o they_o have_v frequent_a time_n to_o be_v retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v shut_v and_o there_o in_o secret_a to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n lay_v aside_o all_o worldly_a thought_n for_o that_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o neglect_v this_o exercise_n or_o lay_v it_o aside_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o continual_a sort_n of_o prayer_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o soul_n desire_n after_o god_n and_o may_v well_o be_v without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v for_o no_o doubt_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v this_o constant_a sort_n of_o prayer_n that_o consist_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o will_n and_o desire_v and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o keep_v their_o heart_n continual_o in_o a_o godly_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o they_o use_v also_o frequent_a solemn_a time_n of_o that_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o exercise_v not_o only_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o the_o understanding_n also_o whereby_o they_o speak_v unto_o god_n at_o least_o in_o their_o heart_n word_n of_o prayer_n which_o some_o call_v discursive_a prayer_n or_o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n the_o which_o be_v frequent_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o every_o true_a and_o good_a christian_a for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n and_o desire_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a thing_n and_o without_o the_o say_v discursive_a prayer_n use_v at_o least_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o frequent_o the_o prayer_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o will_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a yea_o languish_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extinguish_v unless_o it_o be_v help_v and_o assist_v with_o discursive_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o the_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n when_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v excit_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o desire_n even_o as_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o bellows_o make_v the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o better_a and_o raise_v it_o into_o a_o bright_a and_o burn_a flame_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o desire_n which_o be_v principal_o lodge_v in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o continual_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o live_a man_n which_o must_v be_v preserve_v and_o assist_v with_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o outward_a labour_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n without_o which_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v soon_o fail_v and_o he_o extinguish_v nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o any_o to_o excuse_v their_o not_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n by_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o not_o be_v call_v or_o move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o whoever_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o frequent_o call_v and_o move_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a exercise_n so_o exceed_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a christian_a it_o be_v too_o manifest_a a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a also_o that_o they_o have_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o resist_v the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o be_v get_v into_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o their_o fleshly_a will_n out_o from_o under_o the_o yoke_n and_o cross_n of_o christ_n whereas_o all_o such_o who_o keep_v under_o his_o bless_a yoke_n and_o cross_n to_o crucify_v self_n and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n thereof_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o live_n tender_a and_o sensible_a condition_n of_o soul_n and_o heart_n and_o these_o feel_v the_o calling_n and_o move_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o they_o to_o prayer_n meditation_n give_v of_o thanks_o and_o all_o other_o necessary_a duty_n and_o such_o continual_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o be_v still_o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n be_v gentle_a and_o soft_a breathe_n and_o the_o more_o they_o wait_v for_o they_o the_o more_o they_o find_v they_o and_o have_v experience_n of_o they_o q._n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o spirit_n help_v and_o assist_v the_o faithful_a to_o pray_v in_o word_n either_o inward_o conceive_v and_o speak_v only_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_n or_o outward_o express_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o do_v he_o give_v or_o dictate_v to_o they_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n just_o so_o many_o in_o number_n and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o do_v he_o make_v use_v only_o of_o their_o understanding_n and_o other_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o a_o passive_a way_n so_o as_o only_o to_o receive_v what_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o conduit_n or_o water-pipe_n only_o send_v out_o the_o water_n that_o be_v put_v into_o it_o or_o as_o the_o wax_n or_o clay_n only_o show_v the_o figure_n or_o form_n of_o the_o impression_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o seal_n a._n it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n for_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o feel_v and_o perceive_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o witness_v they_o than_o they_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o express_v in_o word_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o a_o man_n as_o how_o he_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_v and_o feel_v or_o how_o he_o speak_v and_o how_o the_o word_n arise_v from_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n until_o they_o come_v to_o his_o mouth_n and_o how_o the_o mouth_n tongue_n and_o lip_n do_v utter_v they_o and_o if_o these_o natural_a operation_n whereof_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a be_v they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a to_o be_v clear_o explain_v and_o express_v in_o word_n unless_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o ability_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n however_o somewhat_o may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o single_a and_o honest_a desire_n to_o be_v inform_v that_o may_v be_v of_o service_n unto_o they_o but_o as_o for_o such_o who_o be_v only_o curious_a to_o pry_v into_o this_o mystery_n and_o lie_v at_o the_o â—atch_n to_o take_v advantage_n they_o be_v like_a to_o receive_v no_o satisfaction_n and_o now_o to_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v direct_o and_o positive_o thus_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o and_o altogether_o passive_a and_o mere_o receptive_a or_o recipient_n in_o this_o case_n as_o water-conduit_n or_o wax_v and_o clay_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o partly_o passive_a and_o partly_o active_a as_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o the_o production_n of_o its_o fruit_n and_o vegetable_n or_o as_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o mother_n be_v in_o bring_v forth_o of_o her_o child_n for_o both_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o woman_n be_v active_a as_o well_o as_o passive_a in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o respective_a birth_n and_o bring_v they_o forth_o from_o the_o seed_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v â—own_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o grow_v with_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a influence_n so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v quicken_v and_o make_v aâ—ive_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o divine-feed_n it_o have_v receive_v and_o the_o divine_a overshadowings_a of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n bring_v forth_o unto_o god._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o dead_a and_o fruitlesssoul_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v empty_a of_o good_a fruit_n be_v compare_v to_o dry_a and_o barren_a tree_n and_o also_o to_o barren_a ground_n as_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v compare_v to_o good_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o thirty_o and_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o the_o pharisee_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n for_o now_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n every_o tree_n therefore_o that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n now_o true_a prayer_n be_v one_o of_o these_o good_a work_n and_o fruit_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a bring_v forth_o unto_o god_n the_o husbandman_n
heal_a and_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a nature_n more_o particular_o it_o have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o to_o kill_v consume_v and_o destroy_v sin_n both_o in_o fruit_n and_o root_n stock_n and_o branch_n 2._o to_o beget_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n patience_n humility_n joy_n peace_n hope_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n q._n how_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n convey_v unto_o man_n at_o first_o and_o how_o be_v it_o receive_v a._n as_o a_o small_a thing_n even_o as_o a_o seed_n the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n q._n and_o how_o be_v it_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o man_n heart_n a._n by_o its_o growth_n in_o they_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o they_o it_o do_v not_o multiply_v but_o remain_v as_o dead_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o they_o though_o live_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n q._n how_o do_v it_o grow_v in_o men._n a._n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o earth_n q._n how_o do_v it_o get_v root_n a._n it_o have_v a_o native_a virtue_n and_o influence_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n natural_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v it_o and_o though_o the_o ground_n where_o it_o seek_v to_o take_v root_n be_v foul_a and_o unfit_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o cleanse_n and_o fit_v virtue_n in_o it_o to_o prepare_v the_o ground_n and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o fit_a but_o it_o require_v man_n consent_n and_o concurrence_n which_o it_o act_n and_o god_n in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o draw_v and_o move_v effectual_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o q._n but_o may_v these_o drawing_n and_o move_n be_v common_o resist_v a._n yea_o they_o may_v and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o man_n himself_o and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o when_o begin_v in_o its_o progress_n q._n do_v god_n teach_v man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o godliness_n by_o this_o principle_n a._n yea_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_o and_o chaste_o wait_v upon_o believe_v and_o follow_v q._n but_o have_v he_o not_o his_o order_n in_o teach_v or_o do_v he_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o a._n he_o have_v his_o order_n and_o do_v not_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o but_o line_n upon_o line_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a according_a as_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v through_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o principle_n in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o teach_v in_o and_o by_o this_o principle_n a._n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o to_o live_v godly_a and_o when_o they_o have_v ascend_v by_o those_o degree_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n city_n house_n kingdom_n oud_a paradise_n where_o he_o give_v they_o to_o enjoy_v of_o these_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o because_o of_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o utterance_n or_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n after_o convincement_n or_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n a._n faith_n and_o repentance_n q._n what_o be_v faith_n a._n it_o be_v a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a light_n life_n and_o spirit_n within_o he_o q._n be_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n god_n and_o christ_n as_o inward_o reveal_v a._n yea._n q._n what_o faith_n then_o have_v they_o who_o say_v inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o man_n nay_o not_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n a._n they_o have_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n and_o imagination_n which_o as_o it_o findetn_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n so_o it_o leave_v they_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v repentance_n a._n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n from_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n unto_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n so_o that_o whereas_o it_o love_v desire_a and_o rejoice_v in_o sin_n before_o and_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n therefrom_o now_o it_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o sin_n universal_o and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n from_o it_o and_o a_o true_a and_o intimate_a love_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n desire_v after_o it_o and_o joy_n therein_o and_o more_o abundant_o after_o and_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o it_o be_v q._n how_o be_v this_o repentance_n wrought_v a._n by_o degree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n his_o life_n his_o love_n his_o judgement_n his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n reveal_v in_o his_o own_o light_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v turn_v thereunto_o and_o continue_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o fix_a application_n unto_o the_o same_o this_o natural_o and_o gentle_o melt_v and_o thaw_v the_o heart_n and_o break_v it_o into_o piece_n yea_o change_v it_o from_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o natural_o to_o savour_n and_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o it_o hate_v before_o and_o to_o disrelish_v and_o distaste_v the_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o it_o love_v before_o q._n what_o rule_n or_o law_n have_v god_n give_v unto_o man_n to_o serve_v obey_v and_o worship_n he_o a._n even_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n aforesaid_a the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v and_o shall_v remain_v upon_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o condemnation_n unto_o they_o but_o justification_n and_o approbation_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o concern_v prayer_n i._o some_o question_n answer_v ii_o some_o reason_n give_v why_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o only_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o the_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n iii_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n as_o if_o that_o read_v be_v prayer_n answer_v also_o a_o few_o word_n concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n by_o g._n k._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o love_v and_o friendly_a reader_n since_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v i_o some_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n what_o true_a prayer_n be_v after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v with_o many_o other_o to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n to_o believe_v and_o walk_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v see_v and_o open_v many_o true_a and_o fresh_a and_o live_a open_n have_v arisen_a in_o i_o concern_v prayer_n the_o nature_n use_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v acceptable_o perform_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v and_o help_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n to_o pray_v how_o he_o work_v not_o only_o upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a with_o good_a and_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o art_n or_o exercise_v of_o prayer_n but_o also_o how_o he_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a power_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o give_v to_o man_n a_o true_a and_o real_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o want_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o other_o for_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o also_o of_o the_o love_n mercy_n bounty_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o readiness_n and_o nearness_n of_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o supply_v all_o his_o and_o their_o want_n abundant_o when_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o see_v the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n where_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v drink_v and_o also_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v rich_o spread_v where_o it_o may_v eat_v abundant_o and_o be_v refresh_v and_o bless_v and_o
liberty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grow_v up_o together_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garden_n as_o lovely_a plant_n and_o flower_n each_o one_o have_v their_o proper_a shape_v form_n and_o fruit_n all_o of_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a smell_n and_o taste_v and_o of_o a_o lovely_a beauty_n and_o all_o useful_a and_o profitable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n without_o any_o envy_n or_o grudge_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o manifold_a and_o various_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o all_o and_o all_o grow_a and_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o holy_a root_n and_o ground_n and_o now_o these_o two_o main_a objection_n be_v answer_v at_o length_n which_o do_v require_v the_o open_n or_o explain_v of_o divers_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o some_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o wherein_o i_o may_v be_v more_o brief_a 3._o they_o object_n that_o some_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o great_a love_n and_o strong_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v not_o able_a well_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v help_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n well_o and_o pious_o compose_v answ._n none_o have_v such_o weak_a head_n or_o understanding_n if_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n or_o any_o measure_n of_o true_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n which_o beget_v in_o they_o those_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n have_v be_v and_o be_v also_o in_o they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a thought_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n sufficient_a for_o they_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o make_v apparent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o its_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o will_n and_o whatever_o the_o will_n cleave_v unto_o or_o the_o heart_n love_v be_v first_o propose_v and_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n in_o thought_n as_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o elocution_n either_o none_o or_o small_a god_n require_v but_o of_o every_o man_n as_o he_o give_v he_o and_o he_o who_o can_v pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dumb_a if_o he_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v accept_v but_o he_o who_o can_v read_v a_o prayer_n if_o his_o heart_n and_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o exercise_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o in_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v himself_o furnish_v with_o word_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la whereby_o to_o express_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o indeed_o in_o true_a and_o real_a love_n there_o be_v for_o most_o part_n a_o admirable_a force_n or_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o man_n eloquent_a both_o to_o praise_v the_o thing_n he_o love_v most_o and_o also_o to_o find_v out_o reason_n and_o argument_n wherewith_o to_o persuade_v to_o the_o obtain_v it_o he_o who_o love_v a_o woman_n and_o great_o desire_v to_o have_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n he_o need_v not_o go_v to_o a_o book_n and_o steal_v or_o borrow_v a_o oration_n or_o form_n of_o discourse_n to_o speak_v unto_o she_o in_o order_n to_o persuade_v she_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v but_o cold_o come_v from_o he_o and_o if_o she_o do_v know_v it_o as_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o good_a discern_a can_v but_o discover_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o borrow_a speech_n she_o will_v not_o perhaps_o accept_v it_o nor_o answer_v it_o but_o the_o natural_a and_o simple_a word_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v most_o prevail_v and_o have_v the_o great_a force_n it_o be_v not_o eloquence_n or_o excellency_n of_o speech_n that_o god_n require_v or_o regard_v the_o profit_n and_o service_n of_o it_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o not_o unto_o god._n it_o stir_v up_o man_n affection_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o servant_n but_o do_v not_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n than_o more_o simple_a and_o mean_a word_n yet_o god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o want_v of_o exercise_n in_o improve_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o that_o make_v they_o think_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a why_o may_v not_o man_n find_v word_n and_o expression_n as_o ready_a and_o easy_a wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o they_o find_v they_o wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n from_o man_n which_o few_o or_o none_o do_v in_o borrow_a form_n of_o speech_n compose_v by_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o some_o king_n or_o great_a person_n that_o some_o who_o be_v feeble_a mind_v and_o want_v courage_n make_v their_o address_n by_o borrow_a word_n or_o by_o something_o write_v on_o a_o paper_n or_o by_o some_o other_o they_o get_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n invite_v the_o weak_a and_o mean_a to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o mean_a word_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_a be_v accept_v of_o he_o yea_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o language_n they_o may_v be_v use_v at_o least_o in_o private_a and_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n these_o who_o god_n call_v to_o such_o a_o employment_n or_o office_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n sufficient_o qualify_v and_o furnish_v they_o for_o he_o who_o make_v the_o mouth_n can_v easy_o put_v word_n in_o it_o as_o when_o moses_n excuse_v his_o be_v send_v to_o pharaoh_n for_o his_o want_n of_o eloquence_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v make_v man_n mouth_n or_o who_o make_v the_o dumb_a or_o deaf_a or_o the_o see_v or_o the_o blind_a have_v not_o i_o the_o lord_n now_o therefore_o go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o shall_v sav_v ex._n 4._o 11._o and_o though_o the_o lord_n send_v aaron_n to_o assist_v he_o who_o be_v natural_o more_o eloquent_a yet_o god_n also_o put_v word_n in_o moses_n his_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o aaron_n and_o when_o moses_n pray_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o israel_n may_v prevail_v over_o amalek_n we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o moses_n borrow_v any_o word_n from_o aaron_n or_o that_o aaron_n put_v any_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n only_z aaron_n and_o hur_z helped_z to_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sure_o moses_n in_o his_o prayer_n here_o use_v not_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n borrow_v from_o aaron_n or_o any_o body_n else_o although_o some_o from_o this_o passage_n and_o moses_n his_o being_n less_o eloquent_a than_o aaron_n have_v argue_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o can_v find_v it_o in_o scripture_n that_o moses_n stand_v with_o a_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v or_o pray_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o the_o mountain_n but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o rod._n 4._o they_o object_n that_o many_o by_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o pious_a and_o godly_a prayer_n both_o in_o public_a and_o also_o in_o private_a have_v find_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n refresh_v thereby_o and_o what_o they_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v read_v have_v oft_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n in_o they_o and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god._n and_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o all_o they_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n pray_v by_o the_o book_n answ._n i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o public_a or_o private_a if_o these_o word_n have_v be_v origina_o conceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n