trouble_n of_o read_v it_o twice_o or_o thrice_o over_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a compiler_n of_o the_o directory_n give_v he_o no_o commission_n to_o coin_v principle_n for_o they_o mere_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o confute_v '_o they_o but_o i_o will_v do_v he_o the_o justice_n he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o by_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o upon_o a_o strict_a enquiry_n i_o suppose_v his_o lp._n have_v mistake_v some_o direction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n concern_v secret_a and_o family_n worship_n etc._n etc._n print_v there_o a._n d._n 1647._o for_o the_o directory_n of_o public_a worship_n publish_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n a._n d._n 1644._o and_o if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o this_o conjecture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o i_o can_v very_o easy_o forgive_v he_o this_o mistake_n if_o he_o have_v use_v any_o sincerity_n in_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o grave_n and_o pious_a synod_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v obtrude_v upon_o they_o a_o opinion_n which_o they_o no_o way_n assert_v nay_o which_o the_o passage_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v it_o be_v rather_o inconsistent_a with_o than_o the_o best_a apology_n he_o can_v make_v for_o himself_o be_v to_o own_o his_o mistake_n and_o to_o make_v they_o some_o reparation_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o abuse_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v when_o he_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o opinion_n the_o bp._n ascribe_v to_o '_o they_o in_o the_o forementioned_a direction_n of_o that_o assembly_n concern_v secret_a and_o family-worship_n p._n 9_o direct_v 9_o be_v these_o word_n so_o many_o as_o can_v conceive_v prayer_n aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o gift_n of_o god_n albeit_o these_o who_o be_v rude_a and_o weak_a may_v begin_v at_o a_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o sluggish_a in_o stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o their_o daily_a necessity_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o which_o effect_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o fervent_a and_o frequent_a in_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n for_o their_o family_n now_o if_o these_o be_v the_o word_n his_o lp._n refer_v to_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o how_o he_o can_v deduce_v this_o principle_n out_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o as_o his_o lp._n add_v p._n 53._o without_o a_o form_n for_o the_o bp._n hereby_o suppose_v that_o this_o assembly_n think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o this_o gift_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o assembly_n call_v stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o explain_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n p._n 44._o and_o according_o his_o argument_n against_o they_o all_o run_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o oppose_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o imagine_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o according_o he_o make_v decency_n of_o expression_n a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n p._n 46._o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o 2_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v more_o judicious_a and_o strong_a and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o rude_a and_o weak_a be_v it_o not_o the_o forme_a who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o do_v they_o not_o suppose_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v at_o present_a destitute_a of_o that_o gift_n and_o as_o bp._n wilkins_n express_v it_o to_o need_v form_n as_o impotent_a people_n do_v crutch_n they_o do_v indeed_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n i._n e._n a_o devout_a and_o pray_a disposition_n be_v give_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o all_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o gift_n also_o but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a all_o that_o their_o word_n can_v be_v reasonable_o extend_v to_o import_v be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v manifold_a daily_a necessity_n of_o christian_a family_n which_o prescribe_a form_n can_v suit_v it_o be_v a_o great_a infelicity_n to_o be_v unable_a to_o express_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o those_o case_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o that_o impotency_n shall_v be_v earnest_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n such_o a_o ability_n and_o gift_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o to_o cherish_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n i._n e._n those_o devout_a desire_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n communicate_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o all_o his_o child_n according_a to_o their_o various_a necessity_n and_o which_o can_v but_o be_v great_o hinder_v and_o dampt_v when_o our_o inability_n confine_v we_o whole_o to_o the_o use_n of_o form_n which_o can_v suit_v the_o particular_a condition_n of_o ourselves_o and_o family_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v suitable_o to_o our_o particular_a necessity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n which_o private_a christian_n shall_v beg_v of_o god_n and_o have_v encouragement_n to_o hope_v for_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o compliance_n with_o his_o general_a command_n of_o make_v know_v their_o request_n to_o he_o in_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o such_o help_n as_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o and_o frequent_a exercise_v themselves_o in_o this_o excellent_a duty_n their_o word_n also_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o a_o devout_a and_o pray_a disposition_n the_o more_o easy_o may_v we_o attain_v some_o measure_n of_o that_o gift_n since_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o the_o more_o we_o feel_v our_o own_o spiritual_a necessity_n the_o more_o easy_o do_v the_o pinch_a sense_n of_o they_o supply_v we_o with_o expression_n and_o argument_n in_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o relief_n of_o '_o they_o and_o as_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o word_n without_o offer_v violence_n to_o they_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o i_o have_v show_v he_o bp._n wilkins_n assert_n and_o if_o his_o lp._n have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o any_o of_o these_o assertion_n which_o be_v genuine_o deduce_v from_o their_o word_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o for_o the_o position_n he_o ascribe_v to_o that_o assembly_n as_o lay_v down_o and_o expound_v by_o he_o it_o be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v he_o be_v concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o seem_v not_o to_o deal_v so_o ingenuous_o as_o he_o shall_v in_o insult_v so_o scornful_o over_o his_o own_o man_n of_o straw_n for_o all_o his_o grave_a reason_n concern_v no_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o his_o discourse_n from_o p._n 46._o to_o p._n 57_o on_o this_o head_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o he_o imagine_v p._n 49_o that_o it_o rather_o nauseate_v all_o judicious_a reader_n to_o find_v his_o lp._n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n so_o miserable_o confound_v those_o 2_o thing_n the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o all_o accurate_a writer_n on_o both_o side_n so_o careful_o distinguish_v and_o must_v necessary_o do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o fight_v with_o shadow_n and_o contend_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o understand_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o because_o he_o may_v despise_v our_o instruction_n i_o will_v desire_v his_o lp._n before_o he_o write_v any_o more_o on_o this_o subject_n to_o read_v the_o 3_o first_o chapter_n of_o bp._n wilkins_n gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o
e_fw-la why_o do_v he_o not_o lay_v aside_o all_o the_o collect_v of_o the_o common_a prayer-book_n that_o be_v certain_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o psalter_n as_o his_o only_a liturgy_n for_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_v what_o can_v excuse_v his_o use_n worse_a when_o he_o have_v better_a or_o rather_o why_o shall_v he_o imagine_v they_o intend_v for_o form_n of_o prose-prayer_n to_o we_o at_o all_o any_o far_a than_o david_n devout_a expression_n may_v be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o they_o suit_v our_o case_n when_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o large_o instruct_v we_o to_o offer_v our_o prayer_n in_o so_o different_a a_o manner_n from_o that_o practise_v in_o the_o old_a particular_o with_o a_o more_o express_a reference_n to_o j._n c_o rist_n as_o our_o great_a mediator_n of_o intercession_n nay_o when_o the_o gospel_n more_o clear_o furnish_v we_o with_o suitable_a matter_n of_o prayer_n by_o that_o â—uller_a revelation_n it_o bring_v of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o we_o iii_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o confine_v the_o jew_n to_o any_o stint_a liturgy_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prayer_n both_o private_a and_o public_a record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v conceive_v or_o free_a prayer_n without_o any_o set_v or_o prescribe_v form_n such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o private_a prayer_n mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n what_o prescribe_v form_n have_v abraham_n servant_n when_o he_o so_o hearty_o pray_v 24_o gen._n 12_o 13_o for_o success_n in_o the_o errand_n on_o which_o his_o master_n have_v send_v he_o to_o fetch_v a_o wife_n for_o his_o son_n isaac_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v compose_v for_o he_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n abraham_n prayer_n 20_o gen._n 17._o be_v doubtless_o occasional_a and_o extempore_o so_o be_v jacob_n for_o deliverance_n from_o his_o brother_n â—sau_o 32_o gen._n 9_o so_o be_v many_o of_o moses_n on_o particular_a occasion_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o the_o people_n 32_o exod._n 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n no_o doubt_n hannah_n prayer_n for_o child_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o that_o too_o after_o she_o have_v obtain_v what_o she_o desire_v 1_o sam._n 1.10_o 2_o sam._n 1_o etc._n etc._n such_o be_v hezekiah_n when_o visit_v with_o sickness_n 38_o be_v 3._o and_o such_o be_v nehemiah_n mention_v 1_o ch_z 4_o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v endless_a to_o produce_v all_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a these_o holy_a man_n will_v have_v be_v at_o a_o sad_a loss_n how_o to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n on_o such_o occasion_n if_o they_o can_v not_o have_v pray_v without_o a_o book_n or_o have_v be_v tie_v to_o set_v form_n but_o they_o need_v no_o prompter_n when_o their_o necessity_n suggest_v argument_n and_o expression_n and_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n their_o mouth_n speak_v for_o public_a prayer_n there_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a instance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v conceive_v or_o free_a even_o after_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v pen_v which_o the_o bp._n imagine_v to_o have_v be_v the_o jewish_a liturgy_n such_o be_v that_o excellent_a prayer_n of_o solomon_n upon_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 1_o king_n 8.22_o such_o be_v that_o of_o asa_n when_o that_o vast_a ethiopian_a host_n come_v against_o he_o 2_o chron._n 14.11_o such_o be_v that_o of_o jehosaphat_n on_o a_o like_a occasion_n 2_o chron._n 20.5_o etc._n etc._n that_o of_o hezekiah_n in_o reference_n to_o rabshekah_n blasphemous_a threat_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o either_o private_a or_o public_a free_a prayer_n 36_o be_v 15_o 16._o of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v ezra_n 9_o ezra_n 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o confession_n in_o nehemiah_n 9_o ch_z 5_o 6_o 7._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o take_v from_o any_o precedent_a form_n but_o whole_o new_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o most_o of_o these_o case_n those_o holy_a man_n may_v have_v make_v up_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o those_o occasion_n out_o of_o h._n david_n '_o word_v in_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n prayer_n but_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o offer_v up_o such_o prayer_n as_o the_o serious_a sense_n of_o their_o present_a case_n do_v suggest_v to_o they_o and_o that_o make_v they_o ready_a suppliant_n to_o god_n for_o relief_n without_o the_o need_n of_o seek_v out_o a_o prescribe_v form_n for_o their_o purpose_n now_o as_o the_o bp._n may_v safe_o infer_v from_o god_n have_v recommend_v a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o case_n that_o prayer_n by_o a_o set_a form_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a so_o i_o may_v much_o more_o infer_v from_o these_o more_o numerous_a instance_n of_o free_a prayer_n that_o our_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o these_o h._n man_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o several_a particular_a occasion_n and_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unlawful_a to_o use_v conceive_v or_o free_a prayer_n without_o any_o prescribe_a form_n that_o to_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o such_o set_v and_o prescribe_v form_n will_v not_o ordinary_o answer_v the_o frequent_a call_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o this_o holy_a duty_n by_o such_o various_a emergency_n as_o no_o set_v form_n can_v exact_o suit_v nay_o whereas_o the_o bp._n can_v infer_v no_o more_o from_o his_o instance_n then_o that_o when_o god_n prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n we_o shall_v use_v it_o and_o he_o approve_v our_o do_v so_o we_o may_v from_o these_o example_n last_o produce_v with_o equal_a reason_n infer_v that_o we_o may_v use_v free_a prayer_n in_o those_o occasion_n in_o which_o god_n have_v not_o prescribe_v we_o any_o such_o form_n and_o that_o he_o do_v approve_v this_o way_n of_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o such_o prayer_n as_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o necessity_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o particular_a case_n do_v prompt_v we_o to_o offer_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n in_o the_o jewish_a we_o can_v much_o less_o expect_v any_o proof_n of_o one_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o such_o a_o liturgy_n if_o necessary_a at_o all_o be_v much_o more_o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o gift_n as_o now_o under_o the_o new_a nay_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o stint_a liturgy_n prescribe_v by_o god_n much_o less_o have_v any_o uninspired_a man_n any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o prescribe_v one_o and_o confine_v all_o public_a administration_n to_o form_n of_o their_o own_o composure_n but_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o direction_n second_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v those_o 2_o thing_n the_o bp._n insist_o on_o and_o then_o shall_v propose_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o direction_n that_o occur_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o mode_n of_o pray_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v those_o 2_o thing_n the_o bp._n insist_o on_o in_o favour_n of_o pray_v by_o prescribe_v form_n 1._o i_o think_v it_o say_v he_o certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v their_o manner_n of_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o set_v form_n p._n 30._o 31._o answ_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n when_o they_o use_v the_o psalm_n prayer_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o so_o do_v all_o those_o that_o sing_v '_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stint_a liturgy_n beside_o or_o a_o collection_n of_o form_n of_o prose-prayer_n to_o which_o the_o public_a administration_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o occasional_a free_a prayer_n the_o bp._n have_v no_o where_o prove_v and_o the_o contrary_n be_v far_o more_o probable_a from_o many_o instance_n of_o such_o free-prayer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o i_o have_v before_o allege_v nay_o shall_v we_o to_o oblige_v his_o lp_n grant_v he_o that_o some_o form_n of_o prose-prayer_n be_v ordinary_o use_v in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n though_o
a_o soldier_n to_o be_v without_o skill_n in_o the_o use_n of_o arm_n from_o its_o special_a advantage_n and_o fruit_n as_o enable_v a_o man_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o relate_v his_o condition_n and_o suit_v his_o desire_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o several_a emergency_n and_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n a_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o when_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o sudden_a exigency_n or_o straight_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o relate_v his_o condition_n or_o bespeak_v god_n assistance_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o prescribe_a form_n which_o perhaps_o have_v no_o proper_a reference_n to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n p._n 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o i_o can_v better_o represent_v our_o judgement_n concern_v these_o 2_o different_a mode_n of_o pray_v than_o in_o his_o excellent_a word_n what_o one_o say_v of_o counsel_n to_o be_v have_v from_o book_n may_v be_v fit_o apply_v to_o this_o prayer_n by_o book_n that_o it_o be_v common_o of_o itself_o something_o flat_n and_o dead_a float_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o much_o in_o generality_n and_o not_o particular_a enough_o for_o each_o several_a occasion_n there_o be_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n as_o when_o it_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o be_v the_o natural_a expression_n of_o those_o particular_n whereof_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n not_o to_o strive_v and_o labour_v after_o this_o gift_n much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o jeer_v and_o despise_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o extempore-prayer_n and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o expression_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o use_v by_o some_o man_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o sign_n of_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o the_o power_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o duty_n p._n 12._o thus_o far_o that_o learned_a and_o pious_a bp._n who_o sentiment_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o perceive_v very_o different_a from_o his_o lp_n 4._o they_o be_v far_o from_o exclude_v premeditation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o think_v it_o ordinary_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v all_o premeditation_n as_o to_o word_n any_o far_a than_o the_o tie_n ourselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o they_o may_v shut_v out_o such_o suitable_a petition_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v suggest_v to_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o devotion_n which_o do_v not_o occur_v to_o they_o in_o our_o previous_a meditation_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v the_o name_n of_o extempore_o and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n very_o unfit_a to_o express_v those_o which_o they_o offer_v up_o according_a to_o such_o a_o ability_n and_o gift_n for_o they_o suppose_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v with_o other_o especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o consider_v beforehand_o the_o particular_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o join_v with_o '_o they_o and_o against_o such_o prayer_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o that_o text_n he_o allege_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o 5_o eccles_n 1_o 2._o for_o sure_a his_o lp._n can_v think_v they_o enjoin_v of_o prayer_n by_o a_o prescribe_v liturgy_n for_o if_o we_o pray_v so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n and_o that_o our_o wâ—rds_n be_v but_o â—ew_a because_o it_o will_v not_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n to_o enlarge_v or_o contract_v what_o we_o say_v when_o we_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o the_o word_n that_o other_o dictate_v to_o we_o the_o text_n do_v indeed_o proper_o refer_v to_o private_a vow_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o forbid_v our_o pray_v without_o due_a premeditation_n and_o multiply_v our_o expression_n without_o any_o suitable_a affection_n which_o caution_n we_o account_v very_o necessary_a in_o all_o free-prayer_n even_o in_o private_a and_o much_o more_o in_o public_a one_o so_o that_o this_o place_n afford_v a_o much_o strong_a argument_n for_o free-prayer_n than_o against_o '_o they_o 5._o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o private_a or_o public_a as_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o they_o recommend_v such_o form_n to_o those_o who_o inability_n render_v such_o help_n needful_a many_o of_o their_o practical_a writing_n propose_v such_o form_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a the_o westminster-assemble_o express_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ld's-prayer_n as_o a_o form_n nay_o the_o nâ—_n minister_n that_o treat_v with_o those_o commissionated_a by_o k._n charles_n the_o second_o at_o the_o savoy_n propose_v a_o reform_a liturgy_n with_o some_o allowance_n of_o liberty_n to_o minister_n for_o free_a occasional_a prayer_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o accommodation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v more_o notice_n in_o what_o follow_v have_v premise_v this_o just_a account_n of_o the_o dissenter_n principle_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o examine_v those_o which_o his_o lp._n ascribe_v to_o they_o p._n 43_o 44_o etc._n etc._n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o his_o own_o word_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o wrong_v he_o as_o notorious_o as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o brethren_n speak_v concern_v their_o way_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v say_v he_o to_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o fairness_n and_o impartiality_n and_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o and_o here_o i_o find_v that_o some_o of_o your_o writer_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o no_o necessary_a use_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o stint_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v that_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v '_o they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v far_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o only_o their_o heart_n with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o same_o p._n 45._o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n 7_o mark_v 7._o this_o principle_n his_o lp._n large_o endeavour_v to_o confute_v from_o p._n 45._o to_o p._n 53._o where_o he_o call_v it_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n and_o tell_v the_o people_n now_o my_o friend_n it_o lie_v upon_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v etc._n etc._n again_o p._n 62._o he_o fall_v severe_o on_o this_o poor_a principle_n answ_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v much_o surprise_v his_o lp._n when_o i_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o principle_n nor_o indeed_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o either_o in_o sense_n or_o sound_v in_o the_o whole_a directory_n i_o will_v therefore_o entreat_v he_o to_o read_v it_o over_o once_o more_o that_o he_o may_v oblige_v i_o with_o the_o account_n of_o the_o page_n where_o it_o lie_v and_o i_o may_v the_o more_o reasonable_o request_v this_o favour_n of_o he_o because_o he_o have_v put_v i_o to_o the_o
lp._n have_v sufficient_o wrong_v the_o dissenter_n by_o false_o impute_v such_o a_o principle_n to_o they_o so_o he_o have_v great_o add_v to_o the_o injury_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o on_o this_o account_n the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_v up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o the_o dissenter_n as_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n he_o say_v he_o dare_v appeal_v to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n answ_n what_o be_v it_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v grow_v remarkable_a for_o his_o talon_n of_o assert_v bold_o dare_v not_o venture_v on_o but_o sure_o he_o can_v hope_v by_o mere_a confidence_n to_o persuade_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o appeal_v to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v needs_o tell_v he_o we_o take_v what_o he_o assert_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o undoubted_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o we_o know_v of_o no_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n that_o more_o universal_o urge_v all_o in_o their_o family_n to_o constant_a secret_a prayer_n than_o the_o dissenter_n and_o we_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v proportionable_o to_o the_o number_n on_o each_o side_n one_o of_o their_o communion_n for_o five_o or_o ten_o of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o maintain_v daily_a family-prayer_n i_o know_v comparison_n be_v odious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v never_o have_v make_v this_o if_o his_o lp_n gross_a partiality_n have_v not_o extort_a it_o who_o in_o this_o charge_n have_v seem_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o indeed_o to_o any_o appearance_n and_o show_v of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o some_o of_o our_o convocation_n will_v take_v as_o effectual_a a_o course_n to_o promote_v secret_a and_o family-devotion_n as_o that_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n on_o who_o word_n he_o will_v have_v obtrude_v his_o first_o pretend_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o not_o only_o advise_v all_o particular_a person_n to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o enjoin_v pastor_n to_o press_v it_o on_o all_o under_o their_o charge_n and_o the_o head_n of_o family_n to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o both_o themselves_o and_o all_o within_o their_o charge_n be_v daily_o diligent_a therein_o direction_n etc._n etc._n p._n 1._o and_o i_o can_v hear_v of_o no_o minister_n that_o so_o frequent_o urge_v this_o duty_n on_o their_o people_n as_o they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v of_o any_o among_o the_o dissenter_n that_o scruple_n the_o teach_v their_o child_n the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o other_o short_a form_n though_o they_o may_v perhaps_o take_v more_o pain_n than_o other_o to_o prevent_v their_o say_v they_o by_o rote_n without_o understanding_n '_o they_o but_o i_o wonder_v much_o what_o his_o lp._n mean_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o so_o grave_o p._n 64._o as_o for_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n among_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v many_o of_o they_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n in_o secret_a to_o god_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v aloud_o or_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o secret-prayer_n and_o expose_v not_o only_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o duty_n to_o contempt_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v how_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o what_o they_o do_v or_o do_v not_o in_o secret_a nor_o need_v he_o sure_o be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n in_o their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n that_o after_o all_o the_o pain_n take_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n do_v yet_o neglect_v it_o but_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o strange_a mystery_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o if_o we_o can_v but_o find_v it_o out_o do_v hâ—s_n lp._n then_o imagine_v that_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n must_v necessary_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v loud_a whereas_o if_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n it_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o whisper_v his_o devotion_n soft_o or_o will_v a_o conform_v layman_n that_o be_v unaccustomed_a to_o secret_a prayer_n be_v less_o liable_a to_o this_o inconvenience_n of_o bawl_v out_o because_o he_o have_v his_o prayer_n book_n before_o he_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v there_o be_v as_o little_a danger_n of_o this_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n in_o which_o we_o need_v not_o foâ—m_v our_o â—_z into_o word_n or_o use_v our_o voice_n at_o all_o but_o if_o his_o lp._n in_o this_o only_o design_v to_o â—ell_v we_o of_o the_o weakness_n that_o some_o indiscreet_a person_n have_v run_v into_o perhaps_o through_o their_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n though_o ill-governed_a but_o which_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o dissenter_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o why_o do_v he_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o such_o little_a impertinent_a story_n as_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o expose_v his_o way_n of_o argue_v to_o be_v smile_v at_o by_o the_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n themselves_o but_o what_o trifle_a thing_n may_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n say_v when_o he_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o party_n instead_o of_o that_o of_o truth_n for_o his_o lp_n three_o principle_n of_o dissenter_n viz._n that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v concern_v it_o that_o it_o be_v true_a we_o think_v the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o can_v find_v neither_o precept_n or_o pattern_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o congregation_n repeat_v a_o whole_a prayer_n together_o with_o the_o minister_n much_o less_o of_o their_o so_o divide_v the_o word_n between_o they_o as_o that_o the_o people_n rather_o make_v the_o prayer_n as_o in_o most_o petition_n of_o she_o litany_n nor_o do_v the_o passage_n he_o allege_v from_o 15_o rom._n 6._o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o on_o his_o weak_a principle_n we_o may_v condemn_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n as_o unlawful_a but_o we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o rash_a and_o forward_o in_o our_o blind_a censure_n as_o he_o groundless_o insinuate_v p._n 66._o nor_o do_v we_o as_o he_o here_o assert_n suppose_v that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o minister_n but_o suppose_v their_o add_v their_o amen_o a_o fit_a testimony_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o public_a prayer_n they_o join_v in_o and_o he_o may_v in_o the_o morning-exerciâ—es_a of_o the_o dissent_v minister_n print_v at_o london_n find_v a_o whole_a sermon_n on_o that_o head_n urge_v the_o people_n to_o pronounce_v their_o amen_o more_fw-mi audible_o than_o usual_o they_o do_v have_v examine_v his_o lp_n unjust_a account_n of_o their_o principle_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o add_v a_o few_o thing_n relate_v to_o second_o their_o general_a practice_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v 1._o such_o as_o follow_v the_o directory_n though_o they_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o word_n there_o propose_v yet_o look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o pattern_n to_o which_o the_o ordinary_a part_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v conform_v and_o according_o the_o directory_n do_v require_v minister_n to_o pray_v to_o that_o effect_n nor_o do_v it_o disallow_v the_o use_n of_o those_o very_a expression_n where_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o minister_n gift_n or_o his_o unpreparedness_n by_o meditation_n render_v it_o most_o conducive_a to_o public_a edification_n so_o that_o neither_o be_v such_o minister_n leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n as_o to_o the_o most_o state_v and_o constant_a matter_n of_o prayer_n nor_o the_o people_n leave_v whole_o at_o uncertainty_n about_o '_o they_o 2._o all_o form_n of_o word_n in_o public_a worship_n be_v not_o disuse_v by_o '_o they_o they_o constant_o use_v our_o saviour_n word_n 2_o s_n matth._n 19_o i_o baptise_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o ordinance_n so_o do_v they_o retain_v his_o own_o word_n in_o the_o deliver_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord's-supper_n though_o by_o the_o way_n our_o service-book_n have_v groundless_o alter_v and_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o prayer_n for_o which_o i_o hope_v his_o lp._n will_v censure_v the_o compiler_n of_o it_o as_o have_v prefer_v their_o own_o invention_n before_o christ_n institution_n so_o when_o they_o give_v the_o blessing_n which_o be_v a_o prayer_n they_o do_v it_o usual_o in_o some_o of_o the_o apostolical_a form_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a
in_o hand_n which_o can_v import_v no_o less_o than_o the_o put_n themselves_o into_o a_o bodily_a posture_n most_o suitable_a to_o that_o ordinance_n and_o expressive_a of_o due_a veneration_n towards_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a posture_n they_o leave_v the_o people_n to_o that_o liberty_n the_o scripture_n have_v do_v which_o though_o it_o recommend_v several_a yet_o do_v not_o confine_v we_o to_o any_o one_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o his_o lp._n have_v palpable_o misrepresent_v this_o rule_n of_o the_o directory_n on_o that_o occasion_n too_o needful_a and_o justifiable_a that_o he_o may_v have_v some_o pretence_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o for_o as_o i_o have_v here_o explain_v it_o to_o he_o he_o may_v easy_o see_v it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n but_o only_o to_o a_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o a._n b._n laud'_v invention_n or_o at_o least_o to_o one_o authorise_a and_o 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confession_n of_o faith_n themselves_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v a_o material_a part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v 10_o rom._n 9_o 10._o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v p._n 129._o answ_n why_o do_v his_o lp._n think_v the_o bare_a citation_n of_o that_o text_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o he_o here_o infer_v from_o it_o when_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o these_o word_n be_v by_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o judicious_a commentator_n understand_v concern_v the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n which_o we_o especial_o make_v in_o our_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o public_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o by_o none_o that_o i_o can_v meet_v with_o beside_o himself_o concern_v the_o repetition_n of_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a short_a summary_n we_o be_v here_o require_v to_o repeat_v and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o never_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n without_o repeat_v much_o more_o but_o for_o the_o repeat_v that_o particular_a summary_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o any_o other_o late_a one_o of_o human_a composure_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o this_o place_n nor_o indeed_o any_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o bp_n notion_n a_o mere_a human_a invention_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o rehearse_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o have_v know_v it_o retain_v in_o some_o meeting_n of_o dissenter_n only_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o use_v it_o shall_v censure_v those_o that_o do_v not_o when_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a warrant_n for_o it_o and_o the_o bp._n shall_v of_o all_o man_n be_v least_o forward_o to_o do_v it_o 3._o he_o accuse_v the_o dissenter_n of_o sit_v general_o at_o their_o public_a prayer_n answ_n if_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n in_o england_n and_o in_o this_o part_n of_o ireland_n what_o he_o say_v be_v notorious_o untrue_a i_o know_v few_o or_o none_o that_o do_v it_o except_o such_o as_o pretend_v bodily_a infirmity_n in_o which_o case_n i_o suppose_v the_o bp._n himself_o will_v allow_v it_o as_o much_o as_o to_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o pray_v in_o his_o bed_n if_o he_o design_v this_o charge_n only_o in_o refernce_n to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o the_o north_n of_o ireland_n where_o alone_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o ground_n give_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o represent_v to_o he_o what_o account_v the_o minister_n there_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o then_o add_v my_o own_o thought_n in_o reference_n to_o it_o now_o they_o not_o only_o affirm_v that_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o their_o hearer_n do_v general_o stand_v but_o that_o they_o frequent_o in_o their_o discourse_n to_o they_o recommend_v that_o or_o kneel_v as_o the_o fit_a posture_n where_o bodily_a imfirmity_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v too_o peremptory_a in_o their_o censure_v those_o that_o pretend_v such_o infirmity_n since_o many_o of_o their_o people_n travel_v 3_o or_o 4_o mile_n to_o their_o meeting_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v to_o be_v incapable_a of_o long_o stand_v without_o danger_n of_o discompose_v their_o mind_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o for_o kneel_v the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v usual_o too_o much_o crowd_v to_o admit_v of_o their_o use_v that_o posture_n and_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o think_v their_o sit_v in_o such_o case_n warrant_v by_o scriptural_a pattern_n particular_o the_o instance_n of_o david_n sit_v before_o the_o lord_n 2_o sam._n 7_o 8._o as_o to_o this_o account_n i_o shall_v only_o brief_o subjoin_v that_o i_o be_o true_o sorry_a there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o by_o sit_v in_o public_a prayer_n have_v give_v some_o occasion_n for_o this_o censure_n of_o the_o bp_n for_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o real_a infirmity_n be_v a_o just_a excuse_n for_o not_o stand_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o probable_a that_o too_o many_o under_o that_o notion_n too_o far_o consult_v their_o ease_n for_o stand_v be_v general_o use_v by_o dissenter_n in_o englund_n even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o many_o of_o the_o people_n go_v as_o far_o to_o their_o meeting_n and_o for_o that_o passage_n allege_v 2_o sam._n 7_o 8._o i_o do_v true_o think_v there_o be_v some_o weight_n in_o what_o the_o bp._n have_v offer_v to_o render_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v translate_v david_n stay_v or_o abode_n and_o certain_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o more_o numerous_a example_n of_o kneel_v or_o stand_v be_v to_o be_v rather_o imitate_v by_o we_o than_o this_o doubtful_a one_o of_o sit_v so_o that_o for_o such_o as_o use_v this_o slothful_a posture_n without_o real_a necessity_n to_o endulge_v their_o ease_n i_o can_v excuse_v they_o from_o irreverence_n in_o it_o and_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o persist_v in_o a_o practice_n so_o offensive_a to_o their_o brethren_n elsewhere_o and_o dislike_v by_o their_o pastor_n and_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o indecency_n of_o it_o if_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o themselves_o universal_o kneel_v or_o stand_v in_o closet_n and_o family-prayer_n and_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a why_o they_o shall_v not_o as_o universal_o do_v it_o in_o public_a prayer_n where_o their_o bodily_a strength_n will_v permit_v but_o then_o i_o must_v add_v as_o to_o his_o lordship_n that_o as_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o reproach_v the_o dissenter_n in_o general_a with_o this_o unseemly_a practice_n 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and_o compute_v all_o the_o parallel_a passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o occur_v in_o their_o exposition_n and_o in_o their_o sermon_n in_o both_o which_o the_o n._n c._n minister_n in_o general_a and_o particular_o those_o in_o the_o north_n of_o ireland_n never_o use_v to_o be_v spare_v in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o concordance_n i_o see_v little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n read_v or_o as_o much_o of_o the_o inspire_a word_n of_o god_n propose_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o each_o meeting_n as_o there_o be_v in_o each_o parish-church_n and_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v always_o read_v with_o this_o advantage_n that_o whatever_o be_v read_v be_v expound_v too_o in_o order_n to_o the_o people_n be_v more_o full_o instruct_v in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o just_a account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v his_o lordship_n will_v think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o conscience_n to_o disabuse_v 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person_n it_o be_v certain_a their_o way_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n without_o any_o exposition_n of_o they_o be_v far_o the_o easy_a and_o he_o need_v not_o take_v any_o great_a pain_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o human_a invention_n of_o lecture_v on_o '_o they_o but_o if_o the_o other_o way_n of_o read_v they_o viz._n with_o a_o brief_a explication_n be_v not_o more_o instructive_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o people_n without_o any_o help_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o if_o so_o why_o do_v our_o saviour_n appoint_v any_o public_a teacher_n in_o his_o church_n at_o all_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o plainness_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o needs_o little_a explication_n to_o ordinary_a hearer_n if_o they_o apply_v themselves_o better_a than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v as_o his_o lp._n insinuate_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o touch_v on_o this_o debate_n p_o 94._o why_o shall_v such_o teacher_n undertake_v so_o needless_a a_o task_n why_o shall_v they_o spoil_v the_o plainness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o their_o useless_a endeavour_n to_o explain_v they_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o urge_v they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o people_n nay_o if_o the_o bare_a read_v the_o scripture_n be_v most_o edify_a mere_a reader_n be_v far_o preferable_a to_o the_o best_a teacher_n and_o a_o good_a pair_n of_o eye_n and_o lung_n will_v enable_v the_o most_o ignorant_a curate_n to_o contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o instruction_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o natural_a talent_n as_o the_o most_o judieious_a divine_a can_v by_o his_o laborious_a endeavour_n to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n on_o his_o unwearied_a study_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n and_o if_o his_o lp._n can_v persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v save_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o our_o money_n that_o we_o lie_v out_o in_o buy_v and_o our_o pain_n in_o read_v such_o useless_a thing_n as_o commentary_n on_o the_o bible_n but_o sure_o when_o our_o protestant_a divine_v assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 94._o they_o do_v not_o mean_v so_o plain_a as_o to_o exclude_v our_o diligence_n in_o compare_v one_o part_n of_o scripture_n with_o anothor_n or_o the_o help_n of_o teacher_n to_o direct_v and_o assist_v we_o therein_o much_o less_o do_v they_o suppose_v their_o help_n unnecessary_a to_o our_o grow_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n in_o it_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o there_o be_v some_o few_o meeting_n though_o perhaps_o not_o five_o in_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o which_o there_o be_v rare_o any_o entire_a portion_n of_o scripture_n read_v and_o yet_o even_o these_o the_o bp._n do_v unjust_o charge_v with_o banish_v the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n since_o they_o retain_v that_o most_o useful_a way_n of_o read_v it_o viz._n the_o read_v many_o parallel_a text_n that_o illustrate_v the_o same_o truth_n or_o duty_n of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o most_o frequent_a example_n in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v few_o sermon_n of_o dissenter_n in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o of_o the_o scriputres_fw-fr recite_v to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o put_v together_o will_v make_v up_o two_o or_o three_o chapter_n but_o i_o confess_v i_o take_v the_o omission_n of_o this_o other_o way_n of_o read_v viz._n a_o entire_a porâ—ion_n at_o once_o to_o be_v a_o defect_n which_o i_o wish_v reform_v in_o those_o few_o nay_o when_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o day_n in_o the_o winter-quarter_n leave_v no_o room_n for_o exposition_n i_o can_v wish_v the_o read_n a_o entire_a portion_n be_v still_o more_o general_o continue_v as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o some_o congregation_n in_o that_o to_o which_o i_o belong_v both_o be_v continue_v throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n the_o bp._n may_v indeed_o just_o charge_v we_o with_o fall_v short_a of_o read_v so_o much_o as_o the_o directory_n recommend_v but_o he_o will_v find_v it_o hard_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o any_o command_n of_o god_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n oblige_v we_o to_o and_o i_o do_v impartial_o think_v there_o be_v no_o christian_a assembly_n whatever_o wherein_o more_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v hear_v by_o the_o people_n and_o more_o unwearied_a diligence_n use_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o what_o he_o have_v there_o reveal_v since_o than_o i_o have_v rectify_v his_o lp_n mistake_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o hope_v he_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o reason_n he_o bring_v to_o 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