but_o yet_o come_v up_o from_o the_o heart_n into_o the_o mouth_n where_o they_o be_v secret_o or_o silent_o whisper_v such_o as_o the_o prayer_n of_o hannah_n be_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 12_o 13._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o she_o continue_v pray_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o eli_n mark_v her_o mouth_n now_o hannah_n she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v etc._n etc._n q._n may_v vocal_a prayer_n in_o word_n that_o be_v audible_a to_o other_o at_o some_o distance_n be_v use_v in_o private_a when_o a_o man_n be_v alone_o by_o himself_o a._n upon_o some_o solemn_a or_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o may_v be_v use_v as_o if_o such_o a_o wicked_a law_n shall_v be_v make_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o daniel_n cap._n 7._o where_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o none_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n for_o thirty_o day_n but_o of_o the_o king_n daniel_n find_v himself_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o a_o law_n or_o decree_n that_o even_o his_o private_a prayer_n come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o accuser_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o mere_a inward_a and_o mental_a prayer_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v be_v daniel_n custom_n former_o so_o to_o do_v he_o live_v among_o idolater_n that_o so_o he_o may_v more_o abundant_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god._n again_o 2._o vocal_a prayer_n in_o private_a may_v be_v the_o more_o free_o use_v when_o any_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o some_o remote_a or_o retire_a place_n where_o none_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o hear_v they_o for_o sometime_o the_o earnestness_n and_o pressure_n of_o spirit_n in_o their_o earnest_a wrestle_n with_o the_o lord_n may_v provoke_v and_o constrain_v some_o to_o use_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o sometime_o the_o use_n of_o it_o help_v they_o that_o be_v weak_a to_o excite_v and_o make_v they_o more_o servant_n and_o lively_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o great_a wariness_n and_o discretion_n when_o use_v in_o private_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o ostentation_n or_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v too_o incident_a to_o many_o who_o pray_v or_o cry_v out_o their_o private_a prayer_n of_o purpose_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v they_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v of_o old_a who_o hypocrisy_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o best_a manner_n to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n matth._n 6._o 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o now_o as_o this_o closet_n or_o secret_a chamber_n may_v partly_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v outward_a when_o man_n have_v the_o opportunity_n thereof_o or_o any_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n yet_o because_o it_o oft_o fall_v out_o to_o good_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o closet_n or_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n many_o be_v oft_o confine_v to_o a_o prison_n where_o they_o must_v always_o be_v in_o company_n with_o other_o and_o sometime_o with_o bad_a people_n in_o that_o case_n the_o lord_n servant_n have_v the_o closet_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o retire_v into_o at_o all_o time_n where_o they_o may_v free_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o here_o also_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o shut_v their_o door_n to_o wit_n the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n whereby_o shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v all_o idle_a and_o wander_a thought_n and_o imagination_n yea_o all_o thought_n even_o of_o their_o lawful_a occasion_n that_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n may_v be_v whole_o exercise_v for_o that_o space_n of_o time_n towards_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o assist_v they_o q_o be_v it_o not_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o every_o true_a christian_a set_v apart_o some_o time_n every_o day_n in_o a_o solemn_a way_n for_o meditation_n and_o private_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o that_o some_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o week_n by_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n for_o public_a worship_n where_o opportunity_n can_v be_v have_v a._n that_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o private_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n and_o worship_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a performance_n be_v most_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n use_v frequent_a time_n of_o retirement_n to_o give_v themselves_o in_o a_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a way_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n as_o do_v abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n moses_n david_n elijah_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n but_o christ_n himself_o use_v such_o solemn_a time_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n as_o concern_v christ_n it_o be_v say_v matth._n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o have_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n apart_o to_o pray_o and_o when_o the_o evening_n be_v come_v he_o be_v there_o alone_o and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n or_o outward_a suffering_n at_o the_o place_n call_v gethsemane_n matth._n 26._o 36._o he_o retire_v from_o his_o disciple_n and_o pray_v alone_o at_o three_o several_a time_n say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v next_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n cap._n 10._o 9_o that_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o house_n in_o some_o upper_a chamber_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a account_n of_o hour_n be_v the_o middle_a of_o the_o day_n and_o no_o doubt_n peter_n make_v it_o his_o frequent_a practice_n to_o retire_v himself_o thus_o unto_o prayer_n and_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n lodging_n at_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n when_o ananias_n be_v send_v to_o he_o at_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n of_o ananias_n his_o come_n as_o peter_n have_v of_o the_o vessel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v at_o prayer_n in_o private_a in_o the_o house_n of_o simon_n the_o tanner_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v bless_v and_o countenance_v such_o solemn_a private_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n unto_o his_o servant_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o servant_n christian_n of_o those_o time_n but_o as_o to_o any_o limit_a time_n for_o prayer_n we_o find_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o christian_n or_o those_o who_o live_v in_o gospel_n time_n under_o the_o law_n morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v accompany_v with_o prayer_n by_o the_o faithful_a david_n say_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o midday_n he_o will_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n yea_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o daniel_n use_v thrice_o in_o the_o day_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o sure_o the_o devotion_n and_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o in_o gospel_n time_n than_o be_v they_o under_o the_o law_n but_o rather_o more_o and_o more_o frequent_o exercise_v although_o christian_n be_v not_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o command_v give_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o time_n how_o oft_o to_o be_v retire_v out_o of_o all_o worldly_a occasion_n to_o give_v themselves_o solemn_o to_o prayer_n every_o day_n that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o as_o it_o teach_v all_o true_a christian_n what_o and_o how_o to_o pray_v so_o no_o doubt_n it_o show_v also_o the_o time_n when_o which_o time_n be_v frequent_a even_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n his_o moving_z of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n who_o be_v become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o moving_n and_o leading_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o outward_a occasion_n such_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n may_v be_v divert_v or_o hinder_v by_o some_o inevitable_a let_n or_o hindrance_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a as_o oft_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v either_o conveniency_n of_o time_n or_o place_n to_o be_v so_o frequent_o retire_v in_o the_o outward_a posture_n of_o
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
of_o the_o mind_n unto_o god._n now_o the_o soul_n appetite_n after_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v unto_o the_o body_n for_o as_o the_o bodily_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n 1._o make_v the_o nourishment_n which_o the_o body_n receive_v comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o it_o and_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o bodily_a health_n in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o 3._o it_o cause_v a_o good_a digestion_n so_o that_o the_o body_n be_v the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o nourish_v even_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n appetite_n and_o desire_n after_o god_n and_o the_o refresh_n that_o come_v from_o his_o heavenly_a presence_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n as_o christ_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v david_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n psal._n 42._o 2._o the_o soul_n which_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o when_o it_o receive_v this_o enjoyment_n in_o any_o measure_n oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o hungry_a soul_n but_o the_o full_a soul_n even_o loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n whereas_o to_o the_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a yea_o even_o the_o judgement_n and_o chastning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o have_v need_v of_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a unto_o it_o 2._o the_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o soul_n health_n and_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o 3._o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a food_n and_o nourishment_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v even_o that_o live_a bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n do_v the_o more_o nourish_v up_o the_o soul_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o grow_v the_o more_o up_o into_o the_o heavenly_a image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o also_o in_o spiritual_n may_v and_o strength_n and_o likewise_o in_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o more_o that_o the_o soul_n desire_n be_v enlarge_v after_o god_n so_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n desire_v the_o more_o it_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o bread_n be_v christ_n the_o live_a word_n and_o the_o more_o it_o feed_v the_o more_o it_o grow_v and_o be_v nourish_v up_o unto_o his_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a image_n and_o the_o more_o it_o be_v nourish_v and_o grow_v the_o more_o again_o it_o desire_v after_o god._n and_o beside_o in_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o true_a attractive_a virtue_n so_o to_o speak_v which_o draw_v or_o suck_v the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n isa._n 12._o 3._o and_o both_o draw_v life_n from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v the_o soul_n after_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o desire_n that_o we_o have_v after_o the_o air_n cause_v we_o to_o suck_v or_o draw_v it_o in_o to_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o infant_n desire_v after_o the_o mother_n milk_n cause_v it_o to_o suck_v and_o draw_v at_o the_o breast_n thus_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n and_o christ_n draw_v in_o a_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a divine_a breathe_v of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o it_o again_o breathe_v forth_o in_o holy_a breathe_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o those_o soul_n who_o desire_n be_v live_v and_o fresh_a after_o god_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v appear_v why_o we_o shall_v pray_v rather_o and_o most_o if_o not_o only_o and_o altogether_o for_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a then_o for_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a thing_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n do_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v the_o soul_n and_o raise_v it_o up_o after_o they_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n like_v unto_o they_o yea_o transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o likeness_n of_o they_o for_o love_n and_o desire_n have_v a_o wonderful_a transform_a power_n in_o they_o whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o the_o love_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spritual_a thing_n make_v the_o soul_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o godly_a and_o godlike_a and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v it_o christ-like_a and_o to_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o manifold_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a thing_n make_v not_o the_o soul_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a but_o rather_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n q._n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n be_v prayer_n to_o be_v distinguish_v a._n prayer_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a as_o also_o it_o be_v either_o mental_a or_o vocal_a mental_a prayer_n be_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o or_o after_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v lam._n 2._o 18._o their_o heart_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26._o 9_o say_v with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n yea_o with_o my_o spirit_n within_o i_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o early_o again_o mental_a prayer_n may_v be_v either_o with_o word_n conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o not_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n as_o that_o of_o the_o psalm_n 4._o 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o as_o the_o old_a latin_a have_v it_o speak_v in_o your_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v still_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o mental_a prayer_n be_v that_o which_o abraham_n servant_n use_v gen._n 24._o 45._o and_o say_v he_o before_o i_o have_v do_v speak_v in_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o that_o of_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 14._o 15._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n wherefore_o ery_a thou_o unto_o i_o but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o any_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_v by_o moses_n at_o that_o time_n or_o that_o to_o wit_n mental_a prayer_n may_v be_v without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o deep_a silence_n of_o all_o word_n such_o as_o that_o in_o the_o psalm_n 62._o 1._o where_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v true_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god._n for_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n and_o that_o desire_n may_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n without_o word_n so_o much_o as_o conceive_v even_o as_o a_o natural_a desire_n after_o meat_n or_o drink_n may_v be_v in_o we_o without_o word_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o praver_fw-mi that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n without_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v the_o which_o prayer_n be_v oft_o time_n the_o most_o effectual_a and_o permanent_a for_o it_o may_v remain_v continual_o in_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o intermission_n as_o it_o do_v in_o every_o good_a man_n by_o which_o prayer_n he_o do_v pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v as_o the_o scripture_n require_v for_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n may_v remain_v a_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a thing_n by_o which_o it_o continual_o prefle_v after_o god_n as_o the_o stone_n continual_o incline_v to_o the_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o needle_n of_o the_o compass_n that_o be_v well_o touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n and_o have_v drink_v in_o or_o receive_v the_o magnetical_a virtue_n thereof_o continual_o point_v northward_o and_o if_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n divert_v by_o any_o violent_a motion_n it_o cease_v not_o until_o it_o have_v arrive_v at_o its_o former_a station_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v effectual_o touch_v with_o god_n live_a arm_n and_o power_n that_o its_o desire_n be_v continual_o after_o he_o and_o that_o desire_n cause_v in_o it_o a_o continual_a motion_n towards_o he_o and_o to_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a will_n to_o know_v and_o perform_v it_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v unto_o god_n both_o with_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n in_o word_n audible_o utter_v or_o express_v and_o betwixt_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v a_o mix_a sort_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o audible_o express_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o
child_n and_o have_v twin_n in_o her_o womb_n that_o be_v hard_o for_o to_o make_v she_o miscarry_v in_o the_o one_o but_o she_o will_v miscarry_v also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v to_o kill_v one_o of_o the_o twin_n in_o the_o mother_n belly_n shall_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o kill_v the_o other_o also_o but_o why_o shall_v the_o one_o be_v kill_v or_o choke_v more_o than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o shall_v the_o divine_a beget_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o in_o its_o reason_n and_o imagination_n be_v strangle_v more_o than_o these_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n see_v they_o have_v both_o one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n as_o they_o have_v one_o mother_n which_o be_v the_o soul._n and_o also_o see_v what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o great_a dependency_n what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o love_v he_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o on_o reasonable_a account_n and_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o best_a and_o great_a reason_n for_o to_o love_v he_o and_o those_o reason_n be_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reasonable_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n do_v common_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o according_a as_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a do_v most_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o desire_v thereof_o do_v embrace_v what_o be_v present_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a good_a or_o only_o seem_v and_o apparent_a so_o that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o man_n be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a dictate_v which_o raise_v and_o spring_v up_o from_o their_o understanding_n and_o intellectual_a faculty_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a and_o thus_o either_o wisdom_n or_o folly_n rule_v the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n with_o their_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o action_n all_o good_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a counsel_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n beget_v in_o they_o and_o all_o bad_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o foolish_a and_o evil_a counsel_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o so_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o every_o bad_a or_o evil_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o scripture_n and_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v folly_n and_o the_o real_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o see_v therefore_o all_o good_a inclination_n motion_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n rise_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a counsel_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n we_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v operate_v in_o both_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o beget_v those_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o truth_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o good_a inclination_n and_o affection_n which_o afterward_o he_o beget_v and_o cause_v to_o arise_v in_o the_o will._n but_o these_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o counsel_n can_v be_v without_o word_n at_o least_o inward_o speak_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o reason_n or_o rational_a understanding_n of_o man._n and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o help_n and_o assist_v the_o understanding_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v good_a word_n than_o it_o do_v help_v the_o will_n to_o conceive_v good_a desire_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n and_o error_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v only_o excite_v or_o beget_v in_o his_o child_n good_a desire_n and_o affection_n but_o do_v not_o suggest_v unto_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a word_n of_o meditation_n and_o that_o as_o well_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o see_v preacher_n be_v not_o stint_v to_o set_v form_n of_o word_n in_o preach_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v any_o more_o stint_a to_o set_v form_n in_o pray_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o near_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n preach_v not_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o long_a premeditation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o less_o danger_n to_o utter_v or_o express_v unsound_a and_o impertinent_a word_n in_o their_o deliberate_a and_o long_o premeditate_a sermon_n than_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v find_v by_o frequent_a experience_n that_o even_o in_o those_o long_o study_v and_o premeditate_a sermon_n many_o man_n have_v utter_v very_o impertinent_a and_o unsound_a yea_o false_a and_o hurtful_a word_n and_o expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o much_o or_o long_a time_n to_o study_v or_o premeditate_v a_o discourse_n that_o make_v it_o good_a or_o soundp_n see_v they_o who_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o have_v receive_v or_o drink_v in_o wrong_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wrong_v and_o false_a traditional_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n may_v preach_v very_o unsound_a and_o erroneous_a sermon_n although_o they_o have_v take_v a_o long_a time_n to_o study_v and_o prepare_v they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o former_a reply_n if_o man_n shall_v study_v beforehand_o their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sermon_n than_o they_o be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o speak_v impertinent_a and_o unsound_a word_n in_o prayer_n than_o in_o preach_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o such_o a_o danger_n because_o in_o prayer_n man_n common_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o controversy_n or_o disputable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a 3._o he_o who_o preach_v or_o pray_v by_o the_o true_a and_o real_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o keep_v faithful_o and_o careful_o unto_o the_o same_o although_o what_o he_o do_v either_o preach_v or_o pray_v proceed_v from_o premeditation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mouth_n can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v first_o conceive_v it_o which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a kind_n of_o premeditation_n yet_o he_o need_v eth_z not_o any_o long_a time_n for_o the_o say_a premeditation_n for_o when_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v once_o well_o prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v ing_z etc._n etc._n the_o which_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n at_o time_n may_v require_v a_o considerable_a season_n long_o or_o short_a as_o the_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o grow_v up_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n iâ—_n the_o least_o space_n of_o time_n imaginable_a as_o in_o moment_n or_o instant_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o assist_v the_o understanding_n by_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o can_v be_v and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o and_o conceive_v as_o many_o solid_a and_o live_a meditation_n 〈◊〉_d truth_n as_o may_v sufficient_o yield_v matter_n 〈◊〉_d discourse_n in_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o live_a word_n for_o divers_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o suggest_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n as_o a_o moment_n or_o instant_n but_o only_o as_o much_o as_o to_o furnish_v the_o speaker_n with_o two_o or_o three_o sentence_n or_o perhaps_o but_o one_o sentence_n at_o first_o before_o that_o one_o sentence_n be_v well_o speak_v further_a matter_n may_v and_o do_v oft_o arise_v from_o open_n of_o life_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o speak_v more_o and_o so_o continual_o still_o new_a matter_n may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v afford_v to_o continue_v his_o speech_n long_o or_o short_a as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o require_v or_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o service_n be_v see_v or_o feel_v and_o indeed_o various_a and_o manifold_a as_o well_o as_o wonderful_a be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o his_o servant_n who_o mouth_n he_o do_v open_a either_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o as_o one_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n and_o in_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n his_o heart_n at_o the_o present_a time_n be_v
empty_a of_o all_o thought_n or_o meditation_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o particular_a subject_n or_o matter_n of_o discourse_n and_o not_o have_v one_o particular_a subject_n more_o than_o another_o in_o his_o view_n but_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n single_o exercise_v towards_o god_n sudden_o and_o as_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n a_o particular_a subject_n be_v present_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o open_n of_o some_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o here_o the_o lord_n choose_v his_o text_n for_o he_o and_o ground_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v empty_a before_o of_o thought_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v now_o fill_v with_o live_a thought_n and_o meditation_n concern_v they_o be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v they_o forth_o by_o the_o shower_n or_o rain_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o at_o other_o time_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o as_o a_o little_a at_o first_o give_v and_o then_o a_o little_a more_o as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o order_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n either_o of_o the_o speaker_n or_o hearer_n do_v require_v it_o as_o even_o in_o natural_a conception_n of_o natural_a thing_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o fruitful_a understanding_n and_o a_o quick_a and_o ready_a invention_n upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n how_o sudden_o and_o as_o in_o a_o moment_n will_v plenty_n of_o good_a and_o pertinent_a matter_n arise_v in_o they_o to_o discourse_v of_o if_o in_o a_o lawyer_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n if_o in_o a_o physician_n to_o discourse_v of_o physic_n or_o in_o a_o philosopher_n to_o discourse_v of_o moral_a or_o natural_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n the_o which_o extemporary_a and_o ready_a discourse_n when_o they_o come_v from_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o real_a fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n have_v always_o more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a hearer_n than_o long_o study_v or_o premeditate_a speech_n which_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n smell_v of_o the_o lamp_n and_o have_v more_o of_o art_n than_o of_o nature_n in_o they_o and_o more_o of_o form_n than_o substance_n and_o extemporary_a discourse_n that_o flow_v and_o spring_v free_o from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o the_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n or_o faculty_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v and_o clear_a mind_n be_v like_o fresh_a water_n that_o have_v new_o stream_v from_o the_o live_a spring_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o that_o on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a than_o discourse_n long_o since_o premeditate_a and_o treasure_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n which_o through_o their_o oldness_n contract_v a_o certain_a tincture_n and_o lose_v of_o their_o freshness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o savour_n even_o as_o water_v long_o keep_v in_o 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mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o have_v as_o many_o and_o as_o various_a good_a and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o contain_v or_o comprehend_v only_o he_o be_v outward_o limit_v to_o those_o form_n as_o to_o his_o tongue_n and_o mouth_n whereas_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n do_v remain_v free_a to_o abound_v in_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n for_o the_o people_n who_o hear_v they_o may_v also_o abound_v in_o these_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o open_v a_o mouth_n in_o the_o assembly_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v as_o there_o be_v many_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o their_o own_o particular_a comfort_n and_o profit_v such_o as_o these_o which_o the_o people_n have_v who_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o there_o be_v also_o many_o which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o profit_v of_o other_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v but_o utter_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v lead_v and_o order_v according_a to_o his_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o require_v a_o man_n to_o bring_v forth_o these_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o he_o will_v so_o move_v and_o require_v where_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v give_v to_o the_o man_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o also_o for_o other_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a limit_v and_o confine_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n not_o to_o give_v he_o liberty_n either_o in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n to_o bringforth_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v in_o his_o mind_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n be_v not_o this_o like_o the_o hinder_v the_o child_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mother_n belly_n when_o its_o appoint_a time_n be_v come_v and_o to_o make_v her_o womb_n its_o grave_a than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o cruel_a but_o 5._o there_o be_v this_o great_a hurt_n and_o inconveniency_n to_o limit_v and_o confine_v both_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n to_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o one_o to_o speak_v and_o read_v they_o the_o other_o to_z hear_v they_o that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o those_o set_a and_o stint_a prayer_n will_v either_o always_o or_o at_o most_o time_n suit_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n be_v like_o picture_n of_o gold_n in_o apple_n of_o silver_n and_o concern_v isaiah_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a soul._n and_o indeed_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v or_o pray_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a it_o be_v now_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o calendar_n such_o prayer_n on_o such_o a_o day_n and_o other_o on_o other_o day_n as_o the_o calendar_n or_o order_n of_o the_o service_n require_v can_v these_o form_n be_v always_o or_o for_o most_o part_n seasonable_a to_o the_o people_n state_n and_o condition_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o spiris_fw-la shall_v regular_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o season_n and_o day_n of_o the_o year_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o think_v or_o imagine_v or_o how_o do_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o tell_v we_o daily_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o agree_v with_o paul_n word_n rom._n 28._o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o most_o of_o those_o set_a form_n be_v conceive_v in_o such_o general_a word_n that_o they_o may_v suit_v or_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v to_o suit_n or_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o a_o general_a way_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o suit_v they_o in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v another_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o prayer_n so_o much_o that_o relieve_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n as_o the_o life_n that_o go_v along_o in_o word_n that_o be_v utter_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o speaker_n as_o god_n give_v he_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o various_a and_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n according_a to_o which_o sense_n of_o their_o various_a state_n he_o be_v furnish_v both_o with_o suitable_a
sentence_n have_v more_o than_o other_o as_o that_o spirit_n be_v feel_v from_o who_o original_o they_o come_v and_o though_o all_o the_o scripture_n word_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o some_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o more_o depth_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o hold_v forth_o somewhat_o of_o more_o majesty_n and_o deep_a inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n and_o be_v common_o accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v or_o in_o meditation_n and_o may_v be_v also_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v move_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n thereunto_o either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o even_o under_o the_o law_n or_o at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o lord_n do_v limit_v and_o confine_v his_o people_n or_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o make_v unlawful_a unto_o they_o to_o use_v any_o other_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o public_a or_o that_o any_o one_o be_v ever_o forbid_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o utter_v word_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o psalm_n or_o song_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o help_n and_o move_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v that_o many_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v they_o or_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n of_o word_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a as_o solomon_n prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n also_o esdras_n prayer_n chap._n 9_o and_o the_o levite_n prayer_n nehem._n 9_o and_o daniel_n prayer_n dan._n 9_o and_o for_o private_a prayer_n david_n prayer_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o asaph_n also_o moses_n and_o samuel_n and_o habbakkuk_n their_o prayer_n with_o many_o other_o under_o the_o law_n be_v clear_a instance_n and_o before_o the_o law_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n their_o prayer_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o a_o book_n of_o prayer_n contain_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o number_n to_o be_v say_v or_o read_v in_o order_n be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o prayer_n or_o as_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o law._n for_o though_o divers_a excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o put_v into_o book_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v read_v or_o use_v in_o so_o many_o word_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o prayer_n but_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n as_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n patt_o for_o information_n and_o partly_o to_o excite_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o hearer_n except_v only_o some_o very_a few_o short_a form_n as_o above_o mention_v which_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o stop_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o express_v itself_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o any_o other_o word_n and_o those_o few_o form_n they_o use_v as_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n when_o they_o pray_v they_o but_o speak_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n where_o they_o be_v live_o as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o record_v and_o though_o the_o word_n of_o these_o short_a form_n be_v former_o conceive_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v old_a or_o ancient_a yet_o as_o they_o utter_v or_o pronounce_v they_o in_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o power_n which_o never_o wax_v old_a this_o give_v they_o always_o a_o new_a lustre_n and_o put_v a_o new_a savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v always_o new_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o when_o they_o pray_v either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v frequent_o find_v and_o feel_v scripture_n word_n of_o prayer_n former_o conceive_v and_o utter_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o moses_n david_n etc._n etc._n to_o arise_v in_o they_o from_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v they_o forth_o in_o prayer_n and_o this_o without_o any_o limitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o come_v free_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o of_o heart_n soul_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v manifest_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o also_o limit_v or_o confine_v the_o man_n understanding_n only_o to_o those_o scripture_n word_n but_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o that_o free_o arise_v or_o spring_v up_o in_o he_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n as_o it_o be_v open_v in_o he_o as_o a_o fountain_n or_o well_o of_o live_v water_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n who_o even_o then_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n matth._n 6._o 9_o luke_n 11._o 2._o answ._n though_o they_o be_v endue_v at_o that_o time_n with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o yet_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o if_o moses_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o people_n under_o the_o law_n some_o short_a but_o of_o a_o very_a excellent_a composure_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n without_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o these_o well_o may_v christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n this_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a composure_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o yet_o most_o comprehensive_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n express_v in_o so_o few_o word_n a_o most_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v lawsul_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v most_o easy_o reducible_a to_o some_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o say_a prayer_n and_o though_o it_o have_v great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o word_n yet_o great_a depth_n of_o matter_n and_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o solomon_n temple_n which_o have_v not_o only_o the_o outer_a court_n but_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o it_o and_o within_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o most_o holy_a or_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o beside_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n to_o the_o outer_a courtesan_n it_o have_v a_o holy_a inward_a sense_n or_o understanding_n which_o none_o can_v reach_v or_o come_v into_o but_o who_o be_v make_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n unto_o god_n as_o none_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n but_o such_o as_o be_v priest_n under_o the_o law._n and_o although_o many_o christian_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a prayer_n in_o great_a part_n yet_o who_o can_v say_v he_o have_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a depth_n of_o it_o and_o most_o inward_a pith_n or_o marrow_n thereof_o which_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o any_o ever_o reach_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o but_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o speak_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n and_o riches_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n who_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o 2._o christ_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v they_o a_o book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o form_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o this_o only_a which_o therefore_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o they_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o pray_o than_o tie_n or_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 6._o 9_o after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o say_v he_o pray_v you_o
and_o although_o luke_n 11._o 2._o have_v it_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n yet_o luke_n may_v be_v expound_v by_o matthew_n as_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v oft_o expound_v by_o another_o so_o that_o luke_n may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o matthew_n his_o word_n thus_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v viz_o after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n nor_o can_v this_o one_o only_a short_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o make_v a_o large_a book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o impose_v they_o by_o constraint_n upon_o christian_n for_o either_o this_o one_o form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o other_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o sufficient_a for_o they_o why_o not_o also_o for_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o these_o call_v christian_n who_o confine_v themselves_o only_o to_o it_o or_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v but_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o express_v their_o prayer_n frequent_o in_o other_o word_n for_o variety_n and_o change_n of_o word_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o do_v help_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o beget_v in_o man_n the_o more_o fervent_a affection_n but_o if_o that_o one_o only_a form_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n to_o give_v they_o or_o their_o successor_n a_o entire_a system_n or_o scheme_n of_o common_a prayer_n but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n or_o example_n unto_o they_o and_o also_o to_o afford_v unto_o they_o matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v open_v the_o deep_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o by_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a meditation_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n and_o word_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o unto_o prayer_n their_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o unto_o god_n upon_o the_o meditation_n on_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o say_v amen_o thereunto_o or_o express_v the_o inward_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o or_o more_o word_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o though_o i_o can_v and_o dare_v not_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o say_v as_o a_o prayer_n twice_o or_o thrice_o every_o day_n in_o a_o dead_a formal_a customary_a way_n as_o too_o many_o do_v nor_o can_v i_o limit_v any_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o word_n in_o it_o to_o pray_v by_o without_o use_v any_o more_o or_o less_o word_n lest_o thereby_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v most_o free_a in_o all_o his_o work_n yet_o i_o can_v and_o do_v free_o thus_o far_o recommend_v it_o even_o unto_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o great_a as_o small_a as_o a_o most_o worthy_a subject_n of_o their_o frequent_a meditation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o incline_v they_o unto_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o and_o how_o often_o in_o the_o day_n week_n month_n or_o year_n they_o be_v to_o meditare_fw-la upon_o it_o or_o how_o long_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o outward_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o must_v all_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o free_a order_n and_o lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o certain_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v regard_v and_o mind_v will_v be_v find_v very_o frequent_a for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o office_n to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a any_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v unto_o we_o no_o doubt_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o faithful_a remembrancer_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o our_o mind_n the_o more_o frequent_o and_o seasonable_a and_o i_o know_v no_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o often_o meditate_a upon_o than_o those_o very_a word_n contain_v in_o this_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ._n and_o indeed_o not_o only_o these_o few_o word_n of_o prayer_n teach_v the_o apostle_n by_o christ_n but_o any_o other_o word_n of_o prayer_n whither_o record_v in_o scripture_n or_o that_o be_v write_v and_o record_v any_o where_o else_o that_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a breathe_v and_o spring_n of_o life_n in_o these_o who_o first_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a service_n so_o that_o form_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o and_o our_o soul_n have_v oft_o be_v great_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v by_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n yea_o true_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n have_v oft_o be_v excite_v in_o we_o at_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v such_o prayer_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o the_o book_n of_o true_a martyr_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n have_v oft_o drop_v from_o they_o althongh_v but_o a_o little_a of_o those_o be_v record_v and_o it_o may_v be_v wish_v more_o of_o these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o testimony_n that_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o flow_v from_o they_o have_v be_v preserve_v if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god._n how_o oft_o when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v or_o call_v to_o mind_v these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o some_o part_n of_o they_o that_o any_o servant_n or_o handmaid_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_v either_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n or_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o find_v upon_o record_n in_o true_a history_n how_o oft_o i_o say_v and_o how_o pure_o do_v life_n spring_n in_o we_o and_o bear_v its_o live_a witness_n to_o the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o those_o prayer_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v proceed_v even_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o what_o pure_a inward_a live_a powerful_a and_o comfortable_a touch_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v we_o feel_v at_o such_o time_n confirm_v our_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n with_o those_o dear_a and_o precious_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v not_o against_o word_n or_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o word_n have_v a_o form_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n come_v or_o do_v and_o may_v come_v from_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v very_o much_o for_o they_o as_o fit_v and_o proper_a subject_n of_o meditation_n and_o occasion_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o concur_v to_o excite_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o thereby_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o gift_n as_o do_v oft_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o all_o such_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o we_o of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v set_v they_o up_o to_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o tie_v and_o confine_v ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o not_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o bare_a read_n or_o repeat_v the_o word_n be_v a_o prayer_n as_o many_o do_v ignorant_o imagine_v for_o all_o true_a vocal_a prayer_n come_v from_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v move_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n simple_o consider_v be_v not_o proper_o the_o prayer_n otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v and_o use_v the_o word_n shall_v pray_v those_o prayer_n which_o be_v far_o otherwise_o but_o the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o first_o conceive_v they_o and_o be_v call_v prayer_n only_o by_o a_o figure_n or_o metonymy_n of_o the_o sign_n for_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o that_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a pattern_n of_o our_o prayer_n so_o they_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o as_o prayer_n even_o as_o some_o weight_n and_o measure_n which_o be_v keep_v as_o standard_n to_o make_v other_o weight_n by_o may_v be_v use_v themselves_o as_o