of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v express_o reveal_v and_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o to_o insist_v on_o they_o all_o be_v endless_a this_o we_o principal_o labour_v in_o as_o that_o whereby_o not_o only_o must_v the_o controversy_n be_v final_o determine_v but_o the_o person_n that_o manage_v it_o be_v eternal_o judge_v what_o be_v add_v concern_v the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n herein_o claim_v no_o more_o of_o argument_n unto_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o than_o it_o have_v evidence_n of_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v suit_v unto_o those_o divine_a testimony_n but_o whereas_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o they_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o as_o contain_v the_o principal_a act_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v here_o somewhat_o at_o large_a on_o all_o occasion_n insist_v on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o who_o concernment_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o unless_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n produce_v and_o insist_v on_o do_v not_o contain_v that_o sense_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o word_n do_v determinate_o express_v for_o that_o only_o be_v plead_v or_o that_o some_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o it_o all_o other_o contest_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n plead_v herein_o as_o shall_v be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o condemnatory_n of_o all_o those_o outward_a aid_n of_o prayer_n by_o set_a compose_a form_n which_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o device_n be_v ancient_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o measure_n receive_v general_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o a_o no_o less_o general_a apostasy_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o place_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o shall_v not_o judge_v of_o what_o advantage_n it_o may_v be_v or_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o what_o acceptance_n they_o have_v find_v therein_o where_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o abuse_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n be_v only_o this_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o which_o they_o may_v be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o truth_n hereof_o to_o expect_v those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v thereby_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n rise_v up_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a instruction_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n but_o moreover_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o be_v some_o general_o allow_v principle_n which_o though_o not_o always_o due_o consider_v yet_o can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v modest_o deny_v that_o give_v direction_n towards_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o sollow_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n multiply_v divine_a command_n with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o give_v life_n and_o light_n unto_o this_o principle_n to_o own_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v to_o own_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a relation_n or_o of_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o other_o also_o so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o child_n and_o household_n this_o also_o derive_v from_o those_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o all_o society_n of_o his_o own_o erection_n and_o that_o those_o in_o the_o relation_n mention_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v commit_v unto_o their_o care_n and_o so_o be_v it_o frequent_o enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o flock_n by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a institution_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v nor_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o be_v question_v by_o any_o but_o practical_o the_o most_o of_o man_n live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v this_o but_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o from_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n unto_o the_o institute_v office_n of_o minister_n and_o public_a teacher_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o contest_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v than_o at_o present_a we_o have_v it_o be_v holy_a practice_n that_o must_v reconcile_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o they_o will_v never_o be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o world_n 3._o every_o one_o who_o pray_v either_o by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o use_n property_n and_o circumstance_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o instance_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o best_a the_o consirmation_n and_o exemplification_n hereof_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o they_o that_o the_o chief_a and_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o own_o duty_n towards_o he_o will_v admit_v that_o we_o shall_v expect_v any_o acceptance_n with_o he_o unless_o our_o design_n be_v to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n himself_o declare_v in_o the_o prophet_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a you_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v tear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a and_o sick_a shall_v i_o accept_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n but_o curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a 4._o in_o our_o reasonable_a service_n the_o best_a wherewith_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n consist_v in_o the_o intense_a sincere_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n according_a unto_o their_o respective_a power_n through_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a assistance_n we_o can_v attain_v and_o if_o we_o omit_v or_o forgo_v in_o any_o instance_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o present_a ability_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sick_a and_o the_o lame_a if_o man_n can_v take_v it_o on_o themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o the_o like_o outward_a mode_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o best_a that_o he_o have_v endow_v they_o withal_o for_o his_o service_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consideration_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aid_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n he_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o duty_n oblige_v whether_o he_o pray_v by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o also_o there_o be_v not_o by_o these_o mean_v perfection_n attainable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n neither_o can_v all_o attain_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o unto_o the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v but_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o according_a
will_v ever_o have_v come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o establishment_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o wherever_o they_o be_v retain_v proportionable_o unto_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o man_n profess_v some_o such_o ceremony_n must_v be_v retain_v also_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o deny_v but_o that_o here_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_a difference_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a worship_n suppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o confine_v the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o sundry_a ritual_n and_o ceremony_n may_v be_v well_o judge_v necessary_a to_o accompany_v their_o observance_n for_o without_o they_o they_o will_v quick_o grow_v obsolete_a and_o unsatisfactory_a and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n free_a prayer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v allow_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o decency_n of_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v require_v in_o divine_a service_n or_o can_v be_v admit_v therein_o neither_o yet_o be_v this_o consequent_a how_o inseparable_a soever_o it_o seem_v from_o the_o sole_a public_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o sacred_a administration_n plead_v to_o prove_v they_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o use_n to_o be_v unlawful_a the_o design_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o abase_v that_o they_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o do_v so_o always_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v abuse_v that_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o by_o they_o as_o much_o weaken_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o imposition_n for_o this_o also_o be_v another_o evil_n that_o have_v attend_v their_o invention_n the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o while_n be_v not_o content_v to_o make_v use_n of_o humane_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n confine_v themselves_o unto_o their_o use_n alone_o in_o all_o public_a administration_n but_o moreover_o they_o judge_v it_o meet_v to_o impose_v the_o same_o practice_n on_o all_o who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v under_o their_o power_n and_o this_o at_o length_n they_o think_v lawful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o do_v on_o penalty_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a and_o in_o the_o issue_n capital_n when_o this_o injunction_n first_o find_v a_o prevalent_a entertainment_n be_v very_o uncertain_a for_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o century_n there_o be_v no_o systeme_n of_o compose_a form_n of_o prayer_n use_v in_o any_o church_n whatever_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v afterward_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v on_o such_o ground_n and_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o but_o may_v do_v so_o in_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o spiritual_a gift_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o decay_n the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a person_n do_v recommend_v the_o use_n of_o their_o composition_n unto_o other_o church_n even_o such_o as_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o they_o see_v good_a but_o as_o unto_o this_o device_n of_o their_o imposition_n confine_v church_n not_o only_o unto_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o they_o in_o general_a but_o unto_o a_o certain_a composition_n and_o collection_n of_o they_o we_o be_v behold_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n receive_v thereby_o unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n alone_o among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o second_o edition_n for_o from_o their_o own_o good_a inclination_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o council_n or_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n the_o two_o gorgon_n head_n whereby_o in_o other_o case_n they_o frighten_v poor_a mortal_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o stone_n by_o various_a degree_n they_o obtain_v a_o pretence_n of_o right_a to_o impose_v they_o and_o do_v it_o according_o for_o when_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o have_v be_v for_o a_o while_n plead_v and_o thence_o a_o progress_n make_v unto_o their_o necessity_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n by_o their_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o when_o afterward_o they_o have_v insinuate_v into_o they_o and_o lodge_v in_o their_o bowel_n the_o two_o great_a idol_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o unbloudy_a sacrifice_n not_o only_o mulct_n personal_a and_o pecuniary_a but_o capital_a punishment_n be_v enact_v and_o execute_v to_o enforce_v their_o observance_n this_o bring_v fire_n and_o faggot_n into_o christian_a religion_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o shed_v blood_n of_o thousand_o for_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o all_o that_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n derive_v original_o from_o this_o spring_n alone_o of_o the_o necessary_a imposition_n of_o complete_a liturgical_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o roman_a breviary_n and_o missal_n which_o have_v be_v the_o abaddon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a once_o more_o to_o be_v so_o again_o take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o they_o all_o fall_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o what_o kind_n that_o principle_n be_v which_o be_v natural_o improve_v unto_o such_o pernicious_a effect_n which_o quick_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o meet_a and_o effectual_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o servant_n of_o christ._n have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o primitive_a liberty_n under_o the_o enjoin_a duty_n of_o read_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n of_o sing_v psalm_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o diligent_a preach_v the_o word_n all_o of_o they_o with_o prayer_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o they_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o imagine_v what_o evil_n will_v have_v ensue_v thereon_o that_o may_v be_v of_o any_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o enormous_a mischief_n which_o follow_v on_o the_o contrary_a practice_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v may_v ensue_v on_o this_o liberty_n there_o be_v sufficient_a evangelical_n provision_n for_o their_o prevention_n or_o cure_n make_v in_o the_o gospel_n constitution_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o evil_a that_o attend_v this_o imposition_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o spiritual_a ministerial_a gift_n be_v cause_v to_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n for_o as_o they_o be_v talent_n give_v to_o trade_n withal_o or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o profit_n or_o edify_v the_o church_n they_o will_v not_o reside_v in_o any_o subject_n they_o will_v not_o abide_v if_o they_o be_v by_o any_o receive_v if_o they_o be_v not_o improve_v by_o continual_a exercise_n we_o see_v every_o day_n what_o effect_n the_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o they_o do_v produce_v wherefore_o this_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v restrain_v and_o exclude_v by_o this_o imposition_n they_o be_v utter_o lose_v in_o the_o church_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o rare_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n yea_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o ability_n be_v esteem_v a_o crime_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o a_o sin_n scarce_o to_o be_v pardon_v yet_o do_v i_o not_o find_v it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n reckon_v among_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v but_o that_o hereon_o arise_v in_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o officiate_v in_o public_a assembly_n as_o unto_o the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divine_a administration_n that_o neglect_n which_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a wound_n unto_o the_o light_n and_o holiness_n of_o it_o be_v open_o evident_a for_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o that_o order_n have_v provision_n of_o prayer_n make_v for_o they_o which_o they_o purchase_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n or_o have_v they_o provide_v for_o they_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n they_o
end_n that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v suit_v unto_o our_o occasion_n he_o who_o can_v divide_v this_o text_n or_o cut_v it_o out_o into_o a_o garment_n to_o clothe_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n with_o will_v discover_v a_o admirable_a dexterity_n in_o the_o use_n and_o disposal_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v i_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o such_o form_n be_v unlawful_a only_o that_o another_o way_n of_o pray_v be_v here_o enjoin_v we_o be_v i_o suppose_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o impartial_a searcher_n after_o truth_n and_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o endeavour_n a_o compliance_n therewith_o and_o if_o person_n be_v able_a in_o the_o daily_a constant_a read_n of_o any_o book_n whatever_o mere_o of_o a_o humane_a composition_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o his_o holy_a act_n of_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n endeavour_v labour_a and_o watch_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o have_v attain_v what_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o sole_a enquiry_n remain_v be_v how_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v in_o who_o mind_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v thus_o work_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o i_o do_v say_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o affect_v by_o he_o do_v never_o want_v a_o gracious_a ability_n of_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o circumstance_n calling_n state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o interposition_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o they_o may_v for_o the_o present_a be_v able_a only_o to_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o to_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n that_o be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o mind_n clear_o and_o dictinct_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o groan_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o also_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o acceptance_n in_o that_o condition_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v few_o believer_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o have_v more_o or_o less_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o devotion_n discharge_v itself_o in_o a_o formal_a course_n of_o the_o same_o word_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n wherein_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o prayer_n at_o least_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o and_o such_o supplication_n as_o be_v not_o various_o influence_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o they_o that_o make_v they_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v like_o one_o constant_a tone_n or_o noise_n which_o have_v no_o harmony_n nor_o music_n in_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o measure_n necessary_a unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n the_o scripture_n assign_v they_o thereunto_o and_o believer_n find_v they_o so_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o we_o discourse_v not_o about_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n towards_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n express_v thereby_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o flesh_n in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o come_v to_o god_n nor_o yet_o upon_o those_o cry_n which_o legal_a conviction_n will_v wrest_v from_o they_o that_o fall_v under_o their_o power_n but_o we_o treat_v only_o of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v a_o access_n through_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o 2._o that_o those_o in_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o any_o degree_n do_v not_o in_o ordinary_a case_n want_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o ability_n herein_o will_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o moral_a faculty_n be_v the_o genuine_a way_n of_o their_o strengthen_n and_o improvement_n but_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n god_n have_v design_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o growth_n and_o give_v his_o blessing_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n suitable_o unto_o the_o condition_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o man_n grow_v not_o up_o unto_o further_a degree_n in_o that_o ability_n by_o exercise_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o by_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 3._o that_o although_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o some_o as_o be_v pretend_v yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o none_o that_o be_v unto_o no_o true_a believer_n as_o unto_o acceptable_a evangelical_n prayer_n but_o whoever_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o which_o he_o do_v infallible_o effect_v in_o every_o one_o who_o through_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o cry_n abba_n father_n as_o every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n offer_v unto_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o believer_n beyond_o what_o may_v be_v doctrinal_a or_o instructive_a in_o they_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o inclination_n unto_o party_n or_o of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o what_o use_n form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o have_v not_o therefore_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n belong_v not_o direct_o unto_o our_o disquisition_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o unless_o a_o contrivance_n to_o relieve_v they_o in_o that_o condition_n without_o a_o due_a endeavour_n after_o a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v for_o these_o person_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v open_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n their_o mind_n be_v not_o effectual_o influence_v by_o any_o conviction_n these_o seldom_o pray_v unless_o it_o be_v under_o danger_n fear_n trouble_n pain_n or_o other_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v smite_v they_o will_v cry_v even_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v cry_v and_o not_o else_o and_o their_o design_n be_v to_o treat_v about_o their_o especial_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v thereof_o and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v supply_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n express_v their_o sense_n conception_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o how_o ridiculous_o they_o may_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o read_v these_o prayer_n which_o be_v no_o way_n suit_v unto_o their_o condition_n be_v easy_o suppose_v a_o form_n to_o such_o person_n may_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o a_o charm_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v divert_v by_o it_o from_o such_o a_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v to_o jonahs_n mariner_n in_o the_o storm_n cry_v every_o one_o unto_o his_o god_n and_o call_v on_o he_o also_o to_o do_v so_o too_o chap._n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o substance_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o god_n will_v think_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o perish_v and_o man_n in_o such_o condition_n if_o not_o divert_v by_o this_o pretend_a relief_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o will_v not_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o prayer_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o beyond_o that_o whatever_o word_n they_o be_v supply_v withal_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n nor_o advantage_n unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v
application_n of_o they_o to_o such_o idol_n as_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n there_o will_v be_v in_o such_o person_n dread_a and_o reverence_n and_o fear_v as_o there_o be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a unto_o a_o unspeakable_a horror_n when_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o mere_o imaginary_a presence_n of_o their_o god_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v begin_v and_o finish_v in_o their_o fancy_n and_o sometime_o great_a joy_n satisfaction_n and_o delight_n do_v ensue_v on_o what_o they_o do_v for_o as_o what_o they_o so_o do_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o best_a light_n they_o have_v and_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v a_o complacency_n in_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o micah_n have_v judg._n 17._o 13._o and_o upon_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o most_o man_n in_o religion_n their_o conscience_n find_v relief_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o person_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o dreadful_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o heighten_v unto_o inexpressible_a agitation_n of_o mind_n in_o horror_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n on_o the_o other_o and_o they_o be_v all_o temper_a and_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o mode_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n wherein_o man_n be_v engage_v but_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o be_v natural_a or_o effect_n and_o impression_n upon_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o excel_v in_o this_o devotion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o idolatrous_a christian_n who_o place_n the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o profession_n therein_o wherefore_o such_o devotion_n such_o affection_n will_v be_v excite_v by_o religious_a office_n in_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o use_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n or_o no._n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o god_n through_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o effect_n produce_v thereby_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n and_o nature_n and_o unless_o man_n do_v know_v how_o real_o to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o plead_v spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n see_v possible_o it_o may_v be_v no_o other_o but_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o all_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o 2._o let_v they_o diligent_o inquire_v whether_o the_o effect_n on_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o plead_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o precedent_a preparation_n a_o good_a design_n and_o upright_o end_v occasional_o excite_v let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o who_o thus_o make_v use_n of_o and_o plead_v for_o form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o in_o public_a do_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o holy_a meditation_n with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o holy_a frame_n of_o fear_n delight_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n let_v it_o also_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a end_n and_o design_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o address_v themselves_o unto_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a advantage_n the_o prayer_n themselves_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n irregular_a may_v give_v occasion_n to_o exercise_v those_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v otherwise_o prepare_v for_o and_o i_o say_v yet_o far_o 3._o that_o while_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v be_v esteem_v as_o such_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o be_v accompany_v in_o their_o use_n with_o the_o motive_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n express_v no_o matter_n unlawful_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o prayer_n direct_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o none_o but_o lawful_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o prayer_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o while_o man_n make_v use_v of_o they_o with_o the_o true_a design_n of_o prayer_n look_v after_o due_a assistance_n unto_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o judge_v there_o be_v any_o such_o evil_n in_o they_o as_o that_o god_n will_v not_o communicate_v his_o spirit_n to_o any_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o and_o under_o they_o much_o less_o will_v i_o say_v that_o god_n never_o therein_o regard_v their_o person_n or_o reject_v their_o pray_v as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o person_n and_o duty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n when_o they_o walk_v and_o act_n in_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o light_n though_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o no_o small_a importance_n sundry_a irregularity_n be_v find_v both_o in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o where_o person_n walk_v before_o god_n in_o their_o integrity_n and_o practice_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o their_o light_n and_o conviction_n in_o his_o worship_n god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o although_o they_o order_v not_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o word_n so_o be_v it_o with_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n they_o have_v not_o cleanse_v themselves_o but_o do_v eat_v the_o passover_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v write_v 2_o chorn._n 30._o 18._o for_o who_o the_o good_a king_n make_v the_o solemn_a prayer_n suit_v to_o their_o occasion_n the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v every_o one_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o his_o father_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o hezekiah_n and_o heal_v the_o people_n ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o appoint_v of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n there_o be_v a_o failure_n they_o do_v it_o not_o according_a to_o what_o be_v write_v which_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n this_o god_n be_v displease_v withal_o yet_o gracious_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n and_o accept_v they_o who_o heart_n be_v upright_o in_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o do_v yet_o judge_v that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v in_o itself_o obstructive_a of_o all_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacred_a worship_n where_o they_o be_v alone_o use_v they_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o they_o be_v impose_v to_o the_o absolute_a exclusion_n of_o other_o prayer_n be_v destructive_a of_o its_o liberty_n and_o render_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n thing_n be_v thus_o state_v it_o will_v be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n to_o this_o enquiry_n some_o thing_n shall_v be_v return_v brief_o in_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o a_o end_v put_v unto_o this_o discourse_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o to_o compose_v and_o write_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v directive_n and_o doctrinal_a help_n unto_o other_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o method_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v useful_a it_o be_v better_a it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o another_o way_n suit_v to_o give_v direction_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o use_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o unlawful_a mere_o for_o the_o form_n and_o method_n whereinto_o it_o be_v cast_v while_o its_o true_a use_n only_o be_v attend_v unto_o 2._o to_o read_v consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o such_o write_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o they_o compose_v by_o person_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n direction_n or_o to_o make_v use_n of_o expression_n set_v down_o in_o they_o where_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o read_v they_o be_v real_o affect_v because_o they_o find_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n their_o want_n and_o desire_v declare_v in_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a but_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n unto_o some_o though_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o express_v any_o great_a benefit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v thereby_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a
that_o some_o may_v so_o do_v for_o no_o such_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n be_v assert_v as_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o proper_a mean_n the_o better_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o ability_n of_o prayer_n grant_v as_o to_o supersede_n the_o duty_n of_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o furtherance_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o set_v up_o and_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n universal_o in_o opposition_n and_o unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v contrary_a not_o only_o to_o many_o divine_a precept_n before_o insist_v on_o but_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o require_v every_o man_n to_o pray_v and_o on_o some_o occasion_n necessitate_v they_o thereunto_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n i_o know_v not_o that_o any_o such_o opinion_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o so_o shall_v not_o far_o oppose_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o inquire_v whether_o form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o as_o they_o may_v be_v design_v unto_o and_o use_v for_o other_o end_n and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o prayer_n have_v in_o their_o composition_n any_o thing_n of_o intrinsical_v evil_a in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v they_o have_v not_o but_o the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o in_o their_o use_n as_o prayer_n they_o be_v not_o hindrance_n unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o so_o may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o that_o respect_n for_o i_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o use_n no_o where_o command_v so_o to_o be_v use_v whence_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v against_o their_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o divine_a acceptable_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o if_o on_o the_o account_v mention_v they_o appear_v not_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o be_v not_o use_v in_o a_o way_n exclusive_a of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v reducible_a unto_o any_o divine_a prohibition_n while_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o own_o liberty_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v with_o any_o about_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o engage_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n which_o some_o have_v great_o multiply_v as_o i_o suppose_v not_o much_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o in_o thing_n of_o religious_a practice_n one_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n right_o explain_v and_o apply_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n thereon_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o value_n than_o a_o thousand_o dubious_a reason_n which_o can_v be_v evident_o resolve_v into_o those_o principle_n wherefore_o some_o few_o additional_a consideration_n shall_v put_v a_o issue_n unto_o this_o discourse_n 1._o some_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v and_o prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a such_o they_o say_v be_v the_o form_n of_o blessing_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n on_o solemn_a occasion_n numb_a 6._o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o also_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a which_o be_v grant_v yet_o may_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v unnecessary_a 2._o the_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o extend_v at_o least_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o some_o person_n on_o some_o occasion_n therefore_o man_n may_v invent_v yea_o and_o prescribe_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o common_a and_o constant_a use_n he_o who_o forbid_v all_o image_n or_o all_o use_n of_o they_o in_o sacred_a thing_n appoint_v the_o make_n of_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n 3._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n in_o use_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o can_v thence_o be_v take_v when_o the_o people_n be_v carnal_a and_o tie_v up_o unto_o carnal_a ordinance_n unto_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v before_o disprove_v 4._o the_o word_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o a_o prayer_n proper_o but_o a_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o a_o institute_v sign_n of_o god_n blessing_n the_o people_n for_o so_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o ordinance_n they_o shall_v put_v my_o name_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o ver_fw-la 27._o 5._o david_n psalm_n be_v give_v out_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v most_o of_o they_o mystical_a and_o prophetical_a appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n as_o all_o other_o scripture_n only_o some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o certain_a manner_n namely_o of_o sing_v and_o that_o manner_n also_o determine_v by_o divine_a appointment_n 6._o that_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o form_n be_v neither_o grant_v nor_o can_v be_v prove_v 7._o give_v we_o prayer_n compose_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n with_o a_o command_n for_o their_o use_n with_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o form_n of_o their_o usage_n which_o these_o instance_n prove_v to_o be_v lawful_a if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o contest_v about_o they_o 8._o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o precedent_n or_o example_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n man_n or_o woman_n be_v all_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a occasion_n and_o utter_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n do_v all_o give_v testimony_n unto_o free_a prayer_n if_o not_o against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o that_o duty_n 2._o moreover_o it_o seem_v that_o when_o any_o one_o pray_v his_o prayer_n be_v a_o form_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o whether_o in_o family_n or_o church-assembly_n which_o some_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o it_o in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v sole_o about_o he_o that_o pray_v and_o his_o discharge_n of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o concern_v they_o who_o join_v with_o he_o 2._o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o with_o he_o that_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n 3_o those_o who_o so_o join_v be_v at_o liberty_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pray_v themselves_o 4._o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o form_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o a_o form_n to_o any_o for_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o so_o than_o mere_o that_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o present_a invention_n it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o gift_n bestow_v for_o their_o edification_n in_o its_o present_a exercise_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o only_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o any_o which_o he_o himself_o use_v as_o a_o form_n for_o its_o nature_n depend_v on_o its_o use_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v incogent_a god_n have_v command_v some_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o invent_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n by_o they_o or_o we_o 3._o that_o which_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o moderation_n in_o this_o matter_n plead_v be_v that_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n but_o pray_v by_o or_o with_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n and_o may_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v due_o establish_v it_o will_v be_v of_o huge_a importance_n but_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o invent_v and_o prescribe_v such_o outward_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o outward_a worship_n as_o shall_v leave_v nothing_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v but_o the_o empty_a name_n 2._o pray_v before_o a_o image_n or_o worship_v god_n or_o christ_n by_o a_o image_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n yet_o such_o as_o render_v the_o whole_a idolatrous_a 3._o any_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n the_o attendance_n whereunto_o or_o the_o observance_n whereof_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o it_o be_v annex_v be_v inexpedient_a and_o what_o there_o be_v hereof_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n must_v be_v judge_v from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n finis_fw-la abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la nos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o nathanael_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1682._o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o premise_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o necessity_n benefit_n and_o use_v of_o prayer_n in_o general_n all_o man_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v principal_o consist_v therein_o wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n unto_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o error_n which_o either_o pervert_v its_o nature_n or_o countenance_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendanceunto_o it_o be_v pernicious_a in_o religion_n so_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o dispute_n about_o any_o of_o its_o vital_a concern_v can_v but_o be_v dangerous_a and_o of_o evil_a consequence_n for_o on_o each_o hand_n these_o pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a regulation_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a in_o our_o religion_n than_o that_o true_a apprehension_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o use_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o declaration_n and_o defence_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v oppose_v or_o undue_o traduce_v be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a also_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n as_o such_o also_o there_o be_v particular_a operation_n ascribe_v unto_o he_o mention_n be_v likewise_o frequent_o make_v of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n some_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v experience_n as_o also_o of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v receive_v according_o these_o regulate_v themselves_o in_o this_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o expectation_n or_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v accommodate_v with_o other_o aid_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o they_o esteem_v sufficient_a for_o they_o do_v look_v on_o the_o former_a profession_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a empty_a pretence_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o these_o different_a apprehension_n those_o at_o variance_n seem_v to_o be_v almost_o barbarian_n one_o to_o another_o the_o one_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o other_o do_v vehement_o affirm_v for_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o mere_o by_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o by_o the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o sense_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n communicate_v unto_o one_o another_o for_o whereas_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o other_o demonstration_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conviction_n of_o other_o hence_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o supply_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v admire_v that_o the_o use_n or_o necessity_n of_o they_o herein_o shall_v be_v contradict_v nor_o can_v they_o understand_v what_o they_o intend_v who_o seem_v to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o all_o his_o circumstance_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o make_v use_n in_o his_o so_o do_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o prayer_n they_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o only_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n do_v denote_v namely_o that_o which_o be_v vocal_a some_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o reality_n that_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n they_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v use_v as_o a_o notable_a expression_n of_o scorn_n the_o thing_n signify_v be_v esteem_v fond_a and_o contemptible_a moreover_o in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o excess_n in_o thing_n and_o way_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a either_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o opinion_n or_o to_o depress_v and_o decry_v those_o of_o they_o from_o who_o they_o differ_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o great_a extravagancy_n than_o in_o that_o under_o consideration_n for_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o do_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o free_a prayer_n among_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o invention_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v they_o the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o do_v avow_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n use_v among_o we_o in_o public_a worship_n be_v mere_a traduction_n from_o the_o roman_a breviaries_n and_o missal_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o they_o be_v here_o mention_v only_o to_o evince_v the_o use_n of_o a_o sedate_n enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o which_o shall_v principal_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o edification_n without_o strife_n or_o contention_n now_o this_o can_v be_v without_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o two_o sole_a rule_n of_o judgement_n herein_o namely_o scripture-revelation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o although_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o former_a yet_o where_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o water_n face_n answer_v unto_o face_n so_o do_v scripture_n revelation_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n unto_o one_o another_o all_o other_o reason_n from_o custom_n tradition_n and_o feign_a consequence_n be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n the_o inquiry_n before_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o that_o work_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o thereby_o antecedent_o hereunto_o it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v whether_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v only_o vain_o pretend_v unto_o by_o some_o that_o be_v deceive_v but_o the_o determination_n hereof_o depend_v absolute_o on_o the_o forego_n enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v handle_v joint_o with_o they_o and_o needs_o no_o distinct_a consideration_n he_o that_o will_v not_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n must_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o experience_n other_o safe_a guide_n he_o have_v none_o yet_o will_v it_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whence_o this_o duty_n spring_v wherein_o it_o be_v found_v from_o whence_o as_o unto_o its_o essence_n it_o can_v vary_v as_o also_o from_o general_o receive_v principle_n of_o religion_n suit_v thereunto_o with_o the_o uncorrupted_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n much_o direction_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o testimony_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o experience_n wherefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o consideration_n and_o exposition_n of_o some_o of_o those_o text_n
unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v oblige_v whether_o personal_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v unto_o other_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v duty_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n by_o virtue_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o aid_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v unto_o that_o end_n be_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o command_n wherefore_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v in_o any_o circumstance_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v according_a unto_o what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a for_o he_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o 6._o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v but_o be_v no_o where_o command_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o ourselves_o much_o less_o for_o other_o this_o be_v supperad_v for_o a_o suppose_a conveniency_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture-institution_n 7._o there_o be_v assistance_n promise_v unto_o believer_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v to_o enable_v any_o to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v explain_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v disprove_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o be_v a_o good_a work_n fall_v under_o the_o general_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n necessary_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n whatever_o yet_o be_v not_o those_o aid_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o his_o actual_a assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o assistance_n by_o grace_n and_o gift_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o do_v actual_o pray_v nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v use_v but_o man_n do_v not_o pray_v in_o the_o make_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o afterward_o 8._o whatever_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n or_o prayer_n of_o david_n they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o everlasting_a use_n therein_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o be_v design_v unto_o and_o be_v their_o end_n and_o use_v what_o it_o will_v they_o can_v give_v no_o more_o warranty_n for_o humane_a composition_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o their_o use_n than_o for_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture_n these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o truth_n will_v be_v of_o use_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n so_o far_o as_o our_o present_a design_n be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o those_o of_o other_o man_n wherefore_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v neither_o these_o principle_n nor_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o we_o shall_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o be_v engage_v to_o condemn_v all_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o absolute_o unlawful_a or_o such_o as_o so_o vitiate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v it_o whole_o unacceptable_a in_o they_o that_o choose_v so_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v he_o though_o through_o invincible_a ignorance_n they_o may_v mistake_v in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o how_o far_o as_o unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o rule_n may_v extend_v he_o only_o know_v and_o of_o man_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v not_o one_o and_o where_o any_o do_v worship_n god_n in_o christ_n with_o a_o evidence_n of_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincerity_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o conversation_n answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o have_v manifold_a corruption_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n i_o shall_v never_o judge_v severe_o either_o of_o their_o present_a acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o of_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o our_o own_o be_v to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o absolute_o comply_v therewith_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o please_v he_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o general_a prevalency_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a invention_n in_o christian_a assembly_n for_o many_o age_n more_o than_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o be_v urge_v for_o their_o necessity_n require_v a_o tenderness_n in_o judgement_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o acceptance_n of_o their_o person_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n by_o who_o they_o be_v use_v yet_o no_o consideration_n of_o this_o usage_n see_v it_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v of_o apostolical_a example_n nor_o be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n aught_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o nor_o from_o discover_v how_o far_o they_o be_v unwarrantable_a as_o unto_o their_o imposition_n and_o these_o evil_n may_v be_v here_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a composition_n into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a but_o that_o the_o reception_n of_o they_o be_v progressive_a by_o new_a addition_n from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v know_v to_o all_o for_o neither_o rome_n nor_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n be_v build_v in_o a_o day_n in_o that_o and_o the_o breviaries_n do_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n issue_n at_o least_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n no_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v of_o one_o entire_a composition_n the_o work_n of_o one_o age_n of_o one_o man_n or_o any_o assembly_n of_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n unless_o they_o be_v so_o brutish_o devout_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o mass-book_n be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o pope_n by_o a_o angel_n as_o the_o alcoran_n be_v to_o mahomet_n it_o be_v evident_a indeed_o that_o the_o common_a people_n at_o least_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o their_o church_n hence_o be_v it_o unto_o they_o a_o idol_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_a how_o from_o small_a beginning_n by_o various_a accession_n it_o increase_v unto_o its_o present_a form_n and_o station_n and_o this_o progress_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o sundry_a pernicious_a concomitant_n which_o we_o may_v brief_o consider_v 1._o in_o and_o by_o the_o addition_n make_v unto_o the_o first_o receive_v form_n the_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostasy_n in_o several_a age_n be_v insinuate_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n that_o such_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n be_v gradual_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n and_o be_v sufficient_o know_v the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n of_o new_a addition_n to_o receive_a form_n they_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n admit_v into_o and_o state_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o principal_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o preserve_v their_o station_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v that_o foundation_n of_o they_o take_v away_o they_o will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v those_o abomination_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n both_o leaven_n and_o poison_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n the_o dispute_n of_o speculative_a man_n superstitious_a and_o subtle_a about_o these_o thing_n have_v never_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o
common_a people_n of_o christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o idolatry_n which_o at_o length_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o device_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o those_o abomination_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o graphical_o represent_v and_o act_v so_o violent_o affect_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a impose_v they_o on_o their_o practice_n which_o gradual_o harden_v they_o with_o a_o obdurate_a credulity_n for_o although_o they_o see_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n doctrinal_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o about_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o all_o the_o conductive_a principle_n of_o man_n and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n reason_n and_o sense_n yet_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o obstinate_a pretence_n of_o believe_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v admit_v in_o practice_n man_n i_o say_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v have_v dispute_v long_o enough_o about_o vagrant_a form_n accident_n without_o subject_n transmutation_n of_o substance_n without_o accident_n sacrifice_n bloody_a and_o unbloody_a before_o they_o have_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o gross_a idolatry_n have_v not_o this_o engine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o its_o introduction_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_v inveagle_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o and_o at_o length_n comprise_v in_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v continual_o to_o use_v in_o divine_a service_n their_o whole_a soul_n become_v leaven_v and_o taint_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o and_o love_n unto_o these_o abomination_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o become_v gradual_o corrupt_v be_v not_o at_o once_o objective_o and_o doctrinal_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o consideration_n of_o man_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o their_o truth_n or_o error_n a_o method_n due_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o gradual_o insinuate_v into_o their_o practice_n by_o additional_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o poisonous_a pill_n who_o operation_n when_o it_o be_v swallow_v be_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o their_o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o mad_o avow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o all_o beside_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o idolatry_n namely_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v so_o act_v and_o represent_v in_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o take_v great_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n until_o they_o be_v mad_a on_o their_o idol_n for_o when_o all_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n excite_v by_o outward_a spectacle_n they_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o have_v therefore_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n shall_v have_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n have_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o universal_o receive_v at_o least_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o introduce_v and_o so_o establish_v as_o to_o procure_v and_o cause_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a person_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n alone_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o fatal_a engine_n of_o the_o church_n ruin_n from_o who_o murderous_a efficacy_n few_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n or_o soul_n have_v all_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o leave_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o irregularity_n may_v have_v prevail_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o many_o mistake_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o this_o monster_n of_o the_o mass_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o many_o have_v never_o be_v conceive_v nor_o bring_v forth_o at_o least_o not_o nourish_v into_o that_o terrible_a form_n and_o power_n wherein_o it_o appear_v and_o act_v for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n receive_v their_o tephilloth_n or_o prayer-book_n from_o armillus_n that_o be_v antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v determine_v and_o establish_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v profess_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o outward_a advantage_n liturgy_n compose_v in_o compliance_n therewithal_o be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o this_o mischief_n but_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o external_a cause_n alone_o otherwise_o where_o ever_o those_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o most_o so_o to_o do_v form_n of_o prayer_n answerable_a unto_o those_o deviation_n will_v quick_o be_v insinuate_v and_o the_o present_a various_a liturgy_n that_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o little_a other_o use_n than_o to_o establish_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o peculiar_a error_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hereby_o do_v god_n suffer_v contempt_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n of_o man_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v unto_o his_o institution_n and_o his_o care_n of_o they_o but_o do_v first_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n and_o then_o like_o uzzah_n put_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o force_n to_o hold_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o shake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o the_o first_o invention_n yet_o the_o first_o public_a recommendation_n and_o prescription_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v the_o insinuation_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o corrupt_a modes_n of_o worship_n into_o the_o public_a administration_n this_o be_v fear_v from_o person_n infect_v with_o heresy_n that_o may_v creep_v into_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o arian_n compose_v prayer_n hymn_n and_o doxology_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o insert_v in_o they_o passage_n confirm_v their_o own_o profession_n and_o condemn_v that_o of_o their_o adversary_n now_o however_o this_o invention_n may_v be_v approve_v while_o it_o keep_v within_o bound_n yet_o it_o prove_v the_o trojan_a horse_n that_o bring_v in_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o its_o belly_n for_o he_o who_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o engine_n and_o occasion_n to_o corrupt_v those_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v power_n in_o they_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v and_o confine_v unto_o and_o this_o take_v place_n effectual_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o second_o race_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o western_a roman_a empire_n to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n alone_o namely_o of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o alone_o that_o the_o mass_n with_o its_o transubstantiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v be_v introduce_v until_o the_o world_n inflame_v with_o those_o idol_n drench_v itself_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o those_o abomination_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v that_o no_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o liturgy_n compose_v no_o impose_v use_v of_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a
church_n for_o some_o age_n be_v demonstrative_o prove_v with_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o mass_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o their_o worship_n for_o beside_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o they_o in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n and_o those_o of_o the_o next_o ensue_a age_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v their_o pretence_n unto_o any_o such_o antiquity_n there_o be_v such_o description_n give_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o worship_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o exclusive_a of_o they_o beside_o they_o give_v such_o a_o new_a face_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o different_a from_o the_o portraiture_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a thereunto_o and_o so_o not_o quick_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_o devise_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o horrible_a abuse_n make_v of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v they_o as_o absolute_o unlawful_a for_o where_o the_o opinion_n lead_v unto_o such_o idolatrous_a practice_n be_v open_o reject_v and_o condemn_v as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o all_o the_o cause_n mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o idolatry_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n whether_o impose_v or_o leave_v free_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o that_o veneration_n which_o their_o general_a observance_n in_o many_o age_n may_v invite_v or_o procure_v and_o it_o be_v so_o also_o to_o warrant_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a another_o evil_n which_o either_o accompany_v or_o close_o follow_v on_o the_o introduction_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n into_o the_o church_n be_v a_o suppose_a necessity_n of_o adorn_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o with_o sundry_a arbitrary_a ceremony_n and_o this_o also_o in_o the_o end_n as_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o protestant_n increase_a superstition_n in_o its_o worship_n with_o various_a practice_n lead_v unto_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o use_v of_o free_a prayer_n in_o church_n administration_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o be_v natural_a circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n do_v material_o consist_v divine_a institution_n and_o natural_a light_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o these_o devise_a form_n be_v introduce_v with_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o sole_a use_n in_o the_o church_n in_o all_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n man_n quick_o sound_a that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o set_v they_o off_o with_o adventitious_a ornament_n hereon_o there_o be_v gradual_o sound_v out_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o constant_a observation_n so_o many_o outward_a posture_n and_o gesture_n with_o attire_n music_n bowing_n cringe_n cross_n veneration_n censing_n altar_n image_n crucifix_n respond_v alternative_n and_o such_o a_o rabble_n of_o other_o ceremony_n as_o render_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n ludicrous_a burdensome_a and_o superstition_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v to_o officiate_v in_o divine_a service_n be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o himself_o eastward_o and_o westward_o to_o the_o altar_n to_o the_o wall_n to_o the_o people_n so_o many_o gesture_n and_o posture_n in_o kneel_v rising_z stand_n bowing_n less_o and_o profound_a secret_a and_o loud_a speaking_n in_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o cross_n with_o removal_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o with_o provision_n of_o attire_n in_o their_o variety_n of_o colour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o their_o altar_n as_o be_v difficult_a to_o learn_v and_o foolish_o antic_a in_o their_o practice_n above_o all_o the_o preparation_n of_o player_n for_o the_o stage_n injunction_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a observance_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o missal_n and_o the_o cautel_n of_o the_o mass._n that_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o only_o no_o affinity_n with_o the_o purity_n simplicity_n and_o spiritualty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n but_o be_v invent_v utter_o to_o exclude_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n need_v no_o proof_n unto_o any_o who_o ever_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o due_a consideration_n nor_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n less_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o a_o soâ—â—y_a cunning_n in_o this_o practice_n and_o the_o read_n of_o some_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o accommodation_n unto_o these_o rite_n there_o be_v little_o more_o beside_o a_o easy_a good_a intention_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o the_o quite_o contrary_a require_v to_o make_v any_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o it_o once_o at_o least_o fell_a out_o to_o administer_v in_o all_o sacred_a worship_n have_v utter_o lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n neglect_v at_o best_a all_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o experience_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o they_o they_o find_v it_o necessary_a by_o these_o mean_n to_o set_v off_o and_o recommend_v their_o dead_a form_n for_o the_o lifeless_a carcase_n of_o their_o form_n mere_o alone_a be_v no_o more_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n than_o a_o tree_n or_o a_o log_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o god_n before_o it_o be_v shape_v fashion_a gild_a and_o adorn_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o teach_v the_o image_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o speak_v and_o act_v a_o part_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o spectator_n for_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v order_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v never_o have_v give_v the_o least_o contentment_n unto_o the_o multitude_n have_v it_o not_o be_v set_v off_o with_o this_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n compose_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o sacred_a veneration_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v do_v their_o utmost_a they_o can_v never_o equal_v the_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o old_a temple-worship_n in_o beauty_n glory_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o sacred_a eleusinian_n mystery_n for_o number_n solemnity_n gravity_n and_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n reject_v the_o true_a glory_n of_o gospel-worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o substitute_v that_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o which_o debase_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n beneath_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o most_o of_o their_o ceremony_n be_v borrow_v of_o they_o or_o steal_v from_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v that_o their_o conversion_n of_o the_o holy_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o into_o a_o theatrical_a pompous_a observance_n of_o ludicrous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n can_v give_v so_o much_o as_o present_a satisfaction_n unto_o any_o who_o be_v not_o give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n the_o exercise_n of_o engraft_a prevalent_a superstition_n will_v appease_v a_o natural_a conscience_n outward_a form_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n believe_v will_v please_v the_o fancy_n and_o exercise_v the_o imagination_n variety_n and_o frequent_a change_n of_o mode_n gesture_n and_o posture_n with_o a_o sort_n of_o prayer_n always_o beginning_n and_o always_o end_v will_v entertain_v present_a thought_n and_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o that_o man_n find_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_n great_o affect_v may_v suppose_v that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o when_o they_o do_v nothing_o less_o for_o prayer_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o will_n and_o desire_v unto_o he_o through_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v absent_a where_o all_o these_o be_v most_o effectual_o present_v this_o also_o produce_v all_o the_o pretend_a ornament_n of_o their_o temple_n chapel_n and_o oratory_n by_o crucifix_n image_n a_o multiplication_n of_o altar_n with_o relic_n taper_n vestment_n and_o other_o utensil_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n whereby_o christian_n religion_n be_v corrupt_v and_o debase_v
be_v content_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n free_v from_o that_o labour_n and_o travel_v of_o mind_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o imposition_n be_v the_o grave_a wherein_o they_o be_v bury_v for_o at_o length_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v provoke_v with_o their_o sloth_n and_o unbelief_n do_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v officiate_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o hereby_o they_o lose_v also_o one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o mediatory_a life_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o be_v and_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o reference_n unto_o their_o whole_a worship_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o although_o they_o have_v indulge_v divers_a enthusiast_n who_o revelation_n and_o act_n pretend_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v at_o notion_n about_o mental_a prayer_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o themselves_o yet_o as_o unto_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n or_o otherwise_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o fierce_a opposer_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n so_o to_o be_v for_o shake_v this_o foundation_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o entire_a systeme_n of_o humane_o devise_v prayer_n for_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o mass_n with_o all_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o religion_n if_o vanity_n and_o imagination_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n which_o be_v lay_v thereon_o will_v tumble_v into_o the_o pit_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v here_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o first_o occasion_n of_o write_v this_o discourse_n be_v the_o perusal_n of_o mr._n cressy_n preface_n to_o his_o church_n history_n wherein_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o advance_v the_o pretend_a mental_a prayer_n of_o some_o of_o his_o enthusiast_n he_o reflect_v with_o much_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n upon_o that_o free_a pray_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o all_o his_o pretence_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o their_o prayer_n private_a and_o public_a and_o have_v prevail_v thereby_o on_o many_o dispose_v unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o by_o their_o own_o gild_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v well_o detect_v by_o evince_v the_o idolatry_n whereby_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o their_o devotion_n be_v vitiate_a and_o render_v unacceptable_a but_o this_o also_o be_v of_o weight_n with_o i_o that_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o systeme_n and_o order_n of_o their_o whole_a devotion_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v apparent_o compose_v and_o fit_v unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o do_v they_o continue_v under_o a_o incredible_a delusion_n as_o to_o oppose_v revile_v and_o condemn_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n that_o those_o who_o make_v they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nor_o his_o aid_n which_o be_v all_o confine_v unto_o their_o church_n but_o if_o any_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n maintain_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v do_v more_o to_o exclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n in_o prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n than_o their_o church_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o great_o mistake_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a work_n with_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o i_o say_v not_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o that_o cause_v any_o to_o embrace_v their_o way_n of_o devotion_n but_o to_o return_v the_o thing_n plead_v for_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n 1._o no_o person_n no_o church_n be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a constitution_n precept_n or_o approve_a example_n to_o confine_v themselves_o in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a worship_n unto_o set_n or_o humane_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n if_o any_o such_o constitution_n precept_n or_o example_n can_v be_v produce_v which_o hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v do_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v withal_o and_o whilst_o other_o be_v leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o use_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enervate_v all_o plea_n for_o their_o imposition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o promise_v make_v and_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o it_o as_o unto_o peculiar_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n to_o deny_v this_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o bring_v present_a ruin_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o distress_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o look_v after_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n without_o this_o all_o those_o promise_n be_v despise_v and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o flourish_n of_o word_n without_o truth_n power_n or_o efficacy_n in_o they_o but_o 4._o this_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v and_o have_v bless_a experience_n of_o success_n therein_o the_o former_a be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o testimony_n live_v and_o die_v 5._o beyond_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o they_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o natural_a light_n in_o outward_a circumstance_n there_o be_v nothing_o needful_a unto_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n in_o its_o assembly_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v it_o be_v what_o christ_n never_o appoint_v nor_o the_o apostle_n ever_o practise_v nor_o the_o first_o church_n after_o they_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n 6._o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o therein_o they_o may_v express_v a_o agreement_n as_o in_o doctrine_n by_o a_o joint_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o in_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o material_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o order_n and_o method_n thereof_o on_o which_o foundation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n communicate_v with_o each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o member_n 7._o whereas_o the_o difference_n about_o prayer_n under_o consideration_n concern_v christian_a practice_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n great_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o be_v not_o obstruct_v and_o cloud_v by_o prejudices_fw-la sloth_n or_o adverse_a principle_n and_o opinion_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n consist_v principal_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o those_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n which_o relate_v unto_o practice_n and_o experience_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 8._o that_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o compose_v these_o difference_n among_o we_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o all_o of_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o that_o diligence_n frequency_n fervency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o time_n wherein_o they_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v who_o trouble_v other_o may_v for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v near_o unto_o trouble_v themselves_o this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o lead_v we_o all_o into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o a_o agreement_n in_o notion_n be_v of_o little_a use_n or_o value_n but_o i_o confess_v hope_n be_v weak_a concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o this_o remedy_n unto_o any_o of_o our_o evil_n or_o distemper_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o
deny_v all_o internal_a real_a efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o deride_v all_o their_o effect_n have_v so_o far_o diffuse_v and_o rivet_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o that_o little_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o retreat_n unto_o those_o aid_n and_o relief_n this_o evil_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v reserve_v for_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o although_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v much_o neglect_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o age_n past_a of_o such_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o all_o his_o internal_a grace_n and_o operation_n as_o now_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o pelagian_n who_o be_v most_o guilty_a do_v fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n they_o have_v escape_v the_o record_n and_o monument_n that_o remain_v of_o their_o deportment_n bold_n effort_n they_o be_v of_o atheistical_a inclination_n in_o man_n open_o avow_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o utter_a want_n of_o all_o experience_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a neither_o do_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n meet_v with_o better_a entertainment_n among_o many_o and_o by_o some_o have_v be_v treat_v with_o scurrility_n and_o blasphemy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n be_v great_a and_o fierce_a but_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v those_o who_o live_v not_o on_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n will_v not_o forsake_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n or_o renounce_v faith_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o flesh_n almost_o have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v general_o lose_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n nor_o will_v long_o abide_v yea_o multitude_n all_o the_o world_n over_o seem_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a unless_o it_o be_v where_o they_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o great_a pretence_n of_o a_o flourish_a state_n in_o religion_n than_o that_o of_o some_o church_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n especial_o one_o at_o this_o day_n but_o if_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o from_o among_o themselves_o concern_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o for_o set_v aside_o the_o multitude_n of_o atheist_n antiscripturist_n and_o avow_a disbeliever_n of_o the_o supernatural_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o herd_n that_o remain_v influence_v into_o a_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n uphold_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o extravagant_a secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n be_v not_o very_o high_o considerable_a yea_o their_o present_a height_n seem_v to_o be_v on_o a_o precipice_n what_o inroad_n in_o other_o place_n bold_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o pretence_n of_o morality_n in_o opposition_n to_o evangelical_n grace_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n be_v make_v every_o day_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o although_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o poison_n discover_v themselves_o daily_o in_o the_o decay_v of_o piety_n the_o increase_n of_o immorality_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o the_o abound_a of_o flagitious_a sin_n expose_v nation_n unto_o the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o security_n of_o most_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n proclaim_v itself_o in_o various_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o deplore_v whereas_o therefore_o one_o mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o deliverance_n out_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o declaration_n of_o its_o nature_n with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o spring_n and_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v its_o efficacy_n which_o be_v attempt_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n may_v i_o hope_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v of_o some_o use_n unto_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n errata_fw-la pag._n 13._o l._n 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 16._o l._n 15._o supplication_n and_o it_o be_v l._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 18._o l._n 13._o these_o r._n therefore_o l._n 14._o in_o r._n for_o l._n 15._o but_o r._n put_v p._n 23._o l._n 17._o r._n out_o for_o p._n 28._o l._n 1._o r._n prophecy_n p._n 41._o margin_n deal_n abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o l._n 7._o r._n ymma_fw-la l._n 9_o in_o regard_n r._n be_v require_v l._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 51._o l._n 12._o what_o whereas_o r._n that_o p._n 72._o l._n 26._o like_v not_o p._n 73._o these_o word_n in_o the_o margin_n omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o quotation_n which_o be_v omit_v the_o whole_a be_v as_o follow_v omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la orationis_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o curiam_fw-la intrare_fw-la coelestem_fw-la illam_fw-la utique_fw-la curiam_fw-la in_o qua_fw-la rex_fw-la regum_fw-la stellato_fw-la sedet_fw-la solio_fw-la circumdante_fw-la innumerabili_fw-la &_o inessabili_fw-la beatorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la exercitu_fw-la quanta_fw-la ergo_fw-la cum_fw-la reverentia_fw-la quanto_fw-la timore_fw-la quantâ_fw-la illuc_fw-la humilitate_fw-la accedere_fw-la debet_fw-la è_fw-la palude_fw-la sua_fw-la procedens_fw-la ranuncula_fw-la vilis_fw-la quam_fw-la tremebundus_fw-la quam_fw-la denique_fw-la humilis_fw-la &_o solicitus_fw-la &_o toto_fw-la intentus_fw-la animo_fw-la majestatali_fw-la gloriae_fw-la bernard_n serm._n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la orandi_fw-la modis_fw-la p._n 74._o l._n 7._o r._n prayer_n p._n 119._o l._n 22._o other_o there_o be_v p._n 120._o l._n 28._o unwearied_a r._n unvaried_a p._n 142._o l._n 2._o this_o r._n their_o p._n 144._o l._n 21._o affliction_n r._n affection_n p._n 175._o l._n 21._o their_o r._n these_o p._n 201._o l._n 26._o the_o r._n their_o p._n 202._o l._n 11._o r._n noxious_a l._n 14._o r._n obnoxious_a the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n therein_o with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n chap._n i._n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n be_v either_o general_a and_o not_o confine_v with_o a_o respect_n unto_o any_o one_o duty_n more_o than_o another_o or_o particular_a with_o respect_n unto_o some_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o they_o all_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o all_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o particular_a duty_n in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v moreover_o sundry_a especial_a work_n or_o operation_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o although_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o general_a head_n of_o sanctification_n yet_o they_o fall_v under_o a_o especial_a consideration_n proper_a unto_o themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o aid_n or_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o prayer_n in_o the_o whole_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o comprise_v meditation_n supplication_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o signal_n duty_n of_o religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o most_o pregnant_a notion_n with_o its_o practical_a language_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n concur_v in_o their_o suffrage_n with_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o they_o both_o of_o they_o joint_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a duty_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o without_o it_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o person_n live_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n they_o think_v the_o duty_n of_o vow_n prayer_n and_o praise_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n yea_o although_o they_o find_v out_o external_a ceremonious_a way_n of_o solemnize_n their_o devotion_n yet_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n alone_o which_o be_v
5._o 2._o luk._n 2._o 52._o act_n 4._o 33._o and_o sometime_o for_o the_o free_a effectual_a efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v act_v 14._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 9_o and_o sometime_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n john_n 1._o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 13._o for_o the_o gospel_n itself_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o eph._n 3._o 2._o col._n 1._o 6._o tit._n 2._o 11._o for_o the_o free_a donation_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 1._o 16._o eph._n 4._o 7._o and_o many_o other_o signification_n it_o have_v which_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o purpose_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v in_o this_o adjunct_n of_o grace_n 1._o a_o respect_n of_o the_o sovereign_a cause_n of_o his_o dispensation_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n because_o his_o donation_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o any_o desert_n in_o those_o unto_o who_o he_o be_v give_v this_o reason_n of_o the_o appellation_n be_v declare_v titus_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o sole_a cause_n and_o reason_n in_o opposition_n unto_o our_o own_o work_n or_o deserve_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o be_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n whence_o he_o may_v be_v just_o call_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 2._o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o on_o who_o he_o be_v pour_v out_o so_o god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n because_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o we_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o prove_v both_o in_o general_a and_o in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o further_o confirm_v in_o what_o do_v ensue_v 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v common_o use_v for_o that_o grace_n or_o favour_n which_o one_o have_v with_o another_o let_v i_o find_v grace_n in_o thy_o sight_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n before-quoted_n and_o so_o the_o spirit_n also_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n because_o those_o on_o who_o he_o be_v pour_v out_o have_v grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n they_o be_v gracious_a with_o he_o as_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 2._o 18._o whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o concur_v wherever_o this_o spirit_n be_v communicate_v i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v they_o all_o here_o include_v though_o that_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v especial_o intend_v the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o work_v grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o all_o on_o who_o he_o be_v bestow_v he_o be_v as_o thus_o pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o supplication_n that_o be_v of_o prayer_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o word_n be_v form_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o other_o to_o be_v gracious_a or_o merciful_a and_o express_v our_o act_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v prayer_n for_o grace_n supplication_n and_o the_o original_a word_n be_v never_o use_v but_o to_o express_v vocal_a prayer_n either_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o by_o private_a person_n harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o my_o supplication_n be_v render_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 5._o 7._o in_o which_o place_n alone_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o word_n be_v use_v original_o it_o signify_v a_o bough_n or_o olive_n branch_n wrap_v about_o with_o wool_n or_o bay_n or_o something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o those_o carry_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o lift_v up_o who_o be_v suppliant_n unto_o other_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n or_o the_o avert_n of_o their_o displeasure_n hence_o come_v the_o phrase_n of_o velamenta_fw-la praeferre_fw-la to_o hold_v out_o such_o cover_a branch_n so_o livy_n de_fw-fr bel._n punic_n ramas_n oleae_fw-la ac_fw-la velamenta_fw-la alia_fw-la supplicantium_fw-la portantes_fw-la orant_fw-la ut_fw-la reciperent_fw-la sese_fw-la hold_v forth_o olive_n branch_n and_o other_o cover_a token_n use_v by_o suppliant_n they_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o custom_n virgil_n declare_v in_o his_o aeneas_n address_v himself_o to_o evander_n optime_fw-la grajugenum_fw-la cui_fw-la i_o fortuna_fw-la precari_fw-la et_fw-la vitta_fw-la comptos_fw-la voluit_fw-la praetendere_fw-la ramos_n and_o they_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d branch_n of_o supplication_n or_o prayer_n and_o they_o constant_o call_v those_o prayer_n which_o they_o make_v solemn_o unto_o their_o god_n supplicia_fw-la and_o supplicationes_fw-la liv._o lib._n 10._o eo_fw-la anno_fw-la multa_fw-la prodigia_fw-la erant_fw-la quarum_fw-la avertendarum_fw-la causa_fw-la supplicationes_fw-la in_o biduum_fw-la senatus_n decrevit_fw-la a_o form_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o prayer_n we_o have_v in_o cato_n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi rustica_fw-la cap_n 13._o mars_n pater_fw-la te_fw-la precor_fw-la quaesoque_fw-la ut_fw-la calamitates_fw-la some_o tender_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o miserationes_fw-la or_o lamentationes_fw-la and_o interpret_v it_o of_o man_n bemoan_v themselves_o in_o their_o prayer_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o in_o the_o issue_n vary_v not_o from_o the_o sense_n insist_v on_o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o be_v merciful_a or_o gracious_a and_o express_v a_o act_n of_o we_o towards_o god_n it_o can_v proper_o signify_v nothing_o but_o supplication_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n nor_o be_v it_o otherwise_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n see_v job_n 40._o 21._o prov._n 18._o 23._o dan._n 9_o 3._o jer._n 31._o 60._o 2_o chron._n 6._o 21._o jer._n 3._o 21._o psal._n 28._o 2_o 6._o 31_o 23._o 116._o 1._o 130._o 2._o 140._o 7._o 143._o 1._o dan._n 9_o 18._o 25._o psal._n 46._o 6._o which_o be_v all_o the_o place_n beside_o this_o where_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o all_o which_o it_o denote_v deprecation_n of_o evil_a and_o supplication_n for_o grace_n constant_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n to_o denote_v the_o earnestness_n of_o men._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o be_v proper_o supplication_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o freedom_n and_o deliverance_n from_o evil_a but_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o prayer_n whatever_o we_o may_v therefore_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n or_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o attribution_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o must_v be_v so_o either_o formal_o or_o efficient_o either_o because_o he_o be_v so_o in_o himself_o or_o unto_o we_o if_o in_o the_o former_a way_n than_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n who_o himself_o pray_v and_o according_a to_o the_o import_n of_o those_o hebraism_n abound_v in_o that_o duty_n as_o a_o man_n of_o wickedness_n isaiah_n 55._o 7._o or_o a_o man_n of_o blood_n be_v a_o man_n whole_o give_v to_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n abound_v in_o prayer_n for_o mercy_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o evil_a as_o the_o word_n import_v now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v thus_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n neither_o for_o himself_o nor_o we_o no_o imagination_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v admit_v with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o without_o the_o high_a blasphemy_n nor_o can_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n make_v supplication_n for_o we_o for_o beside_o that_o any_o such_o interposition_n in_o heaven_n on_o our_o behalf_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n whole_o confine_v unto_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o intercession_n all_o prayer_n whether_o oral_a or_o interpretative_a only_a be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o nature_n inferior_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v unto_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o he_o have_v no_o nature_n inferior_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a we_o can_v therefore_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v formal_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n unless_o we_o deny_v his_o deity_n he_o be_v therefore_o so_o efficient_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v promise_v unto_o we_o our_o enquiry_n therefore_o in_o general_n be_v how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n conceivable_a whereby_o this_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o he_o 1._o by_o work_v gracious_a inclination_n and_o disposition_n in_o we_o unto_o this_o duty_n 2._o by_o give_v
thing_n that_o have_v some_o low_a and_o mean_a resemblance_n of_o what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n suggest_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o mystery_n contain_v therein_o the_o principal_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n conceal_v from_o himself_o and_o much_o more_o from_o other_o only_o it_o be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n that_o believer_n may_v search_v and_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o what_o be_v signify_v and_o foretell_v therein_o that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v gradual_o lead_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v please_v gracious_o to_o communicate_v of_o his_o save_v light_a unto_o they_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o david_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n that_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o minister_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o as_o have_v mystery_n in_o they_o which_o they_o can_v not_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o comprehend_v but_o as_o this_o gift_n be_v cease_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o by_o any_o pretend_a unto_o so_o be_v it_o confine_v of_o old_a unto_o a_o very_a few_o inspire_a person_n and_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o believer_n and_o herein_o a_o preference_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o those_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v which_o i_o know_v it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v use_v of_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n without_o any_o other_o end_n use_v or_o mystical_a instruction_n all_o which_o concur_v in_o their_o prophetical_a composure_n for_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o prayer_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o whatever_o any_o pretend_v or_o plead_v thence_o follow_v that_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v do_v the_o same_o much_o less_o that_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v always_o so_o to_o do_v for_o there_o be_v now_o a_o more_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n upon_o they_o than_o be_v upon_o those_o of_o old_a and_o as_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o god_n command_n so_o god_n command_n be_v suit_v unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o person_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v not_o to_o make_v use_n constant_o in_o their_o so_o do_v of_o the_o gift_n aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v peculiar_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v therein_o on_o pretence_n of_o what_o be_v do_v under_o the_o old_a be_v to_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n wherefore_o although_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o promise_a grace_n and_o assistance_n nor_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n do_v plead_v for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v compose_v by_o some_o and_o read_v by_o other_o or_o themselves_o and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n yet_o such_o as_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o who_o own_o it_o their_o duty_n constant_o to_o use_v and_o improve_v the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o such_o principle_n or_o practice_n as_o will_v plain_o annihilate_v the_o promise_n thus_o much_o then_o we_o may_v suppose_v ourselves_o to_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o give_v unto_o believer_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n or_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n therein_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v and_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o oppose_v in_o general_n this_o one_o promise_n unto_o the_o open_a reproach_n and_o bold_a contempt_n that_o be_v by_o many_o cast_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o framer_n unless_o they_o can_v blot_v this_o text_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n will_v fail_v at_o last_o in_o their_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o need_v to_o plead_v any_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o way_n of_o promise_n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v express_o assign_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o promise_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o one_o promise_v to_o that_o purpose_n wherein_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o include_v therefore_o the_o know_a multiplication_n of_o they_o add_v strength_n unto_o our_o argument_n chap._n iii_o gal._n 4._o 6._o open_v and_o vindicated_n the_o next_o general_a evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n under_o consideration_n be_v the_o account_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n herein_o be_v in_o general_n express_v and_o '_o this_o be_v gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n cry_v abba_n father_n a_o account_n as_o be_v say_v be_v here_o give_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_v before_o explain_v and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o word_n first_o the_o subject_a on_o who_o he_o be_v bestow_v and_o in_o who_o he_o work_v be_v believer_n or_o those_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n and_o because_o we_o be_v son_n he_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o privilege_n of_o adoption_n we_o obtain_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a appellation_n or_o description_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o promise_v and_o give_v unto_o this_o purpose_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n that_o the_o original_a ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v his_o eternal_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n as_o proceed_n from_o he_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o evince_v but_o there_o be_v something_o more_o particular_a here_o intend_v he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o communication_n to_o believer_n there_o be_v therefore_o include_v herein_o that_o especial_a regard_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o work_n mention_v as_o it_o be_v a_o evangelical_n mercy_n and_o privilege_n he_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n not_o only_o because_o of_o his_o eternal_a procession_n from_o he_o but_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o unction_n consecration_n and_o sanctification_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n here_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o give_v a_o example_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o and_o towards_o all_o his_o member_n 2._o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o and_o by_o he_o that_o he_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o fatherand_n he_o whereon_o upon_o his_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mediation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n according_a to_o it_o he_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v he_o on_o who_o he_o will_v for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mediation_n act_v 2._o 33._o chap._n 5._o 31._o 2_o formal_o in_o that_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o spiritual_a life_n in_o who_o they_o be_v all_o treasure_v and_o lay_v up_o unto_o that_o purpose_n col._n 2._o 19_o eph._n 4._o 16._o col._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o second_o the_o work_n of_o this_o spirit_n in_o general_a as_o bestow_v on_o believer_n be_v partly_o include_v partly_o express_v in_o these_o word_n in_o general_n which_o be_v include_v he_o enable_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o suitable_o unto_o that_o state_n and_o
or_o spiritual_a faculty_n of_o exercise_v faith_n love_n reverence_n fear_v delight_n and_o other_o grace_n in_o a_o way_n of_o vocal_a request_n supplication_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4._o 6._o this_o gift_n and_o ability_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v bestow_v and_o this_o work_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n insist_v on_o so_o cry_v abba_n father_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o wherein_o we_o shall_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o go_v before_o we_o in_o and_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n due_o exercise_v in_o duty_n of_o obedience_n do_v confirm_v and_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o endeavour_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v ecstatical_a enthusiastical_a unaccountable_a rapture_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o a_o real_a gracious_a effect_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n herein_o be_v that_o he_o supply_v and_o furnish_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o what_o ought_v both_o in_o general_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o without_o this_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n pray_v that_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o comprehension_n hereof_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n be_v destroy_v and_o herein_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v rom._n 8._o 26._o likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n 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 but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v it_o be_v that_o expression_n only_o which_o at_o present_a i_o urge_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v otherwise_o namely_o that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o only_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o what_o they_o know_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v make_v no_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v abominable_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v abide_v by_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o i_o shall_v further_o evidence_n immediate_o namely_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n no_o man_n know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v impudent_a if_o we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n unto_o he_o whereof_o there_o be_v the_o least_o colourable_a pretence_n that_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o effect_v or_o provide_v for_o so_o great_a a_o unwillingness_n be_v there_o to_o allow_v he_o either_o place_n work_v or_o office_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o although_o man_n do_v not_o of_o themselves_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o yet_o this_o defect_n may_v be_v supply_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v and_o confine_v man_n unto_o what_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o may_v therefore_o dismiss_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o assistance_n as_o unto_o this_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o set_v down_o and_o fix_v on_o ink_n and_o paper_n that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v miss_v of_o his_o duty_n therein_o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o our_o ensue_a discourse_n namely_o what_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o affirm_v that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o ourselves_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v universal_o true_a as_o unto_o all_o person_n as_o well_o those_o who_o prescribe_v prayer_n as_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v and_o relieve_v we_o herein_o whether_o we_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o relinquish_v and_o neglect_v his_o assistance_n and_o so_o to_o rely_v only_o on_o such_o supply_n as_o be_v invent_v or_o use_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o be_v plain_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v unto_o in_o this_o matter_n or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatever_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o in_o the_o book_n another_o thing_n to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v unto_o we_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o mouth_n must_v speak_v in_o this_o matter_n mat._n 12._o 34._o there_o be_v therefore_o in_o we_o a_o threefold_a defect_n with_o respect_v unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o can_v be_v so_o no_o other_o way_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o therein_o be_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o want_n 2._o we_o know_v not_o the_o supply_v of_o they_o that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o the_o end_n whereunto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v which_o i_o add_v unto_o the_o former_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o these_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v and_o we_o can_v no_o way_n know_v they_o but_o by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a it_o will_v be_v evident_a how_o in_o this_o first_o instance_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o our_o want_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o three_o head_n and_o none_o of_o they_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o know_v aright_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o due_a subject_n of_o our_o supplication_n and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o this_o first_o consist_v in_o our_o outward_a strait_n pressure_n and_o difficulty_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o with_o all_o other_o temporal_a thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o those_o thing_n it_o shall_v seem_v wondrous_o clear_a that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v of_o they_o and_o our_o natural_a desire_n about_o they_o yet_o how_o and_o when_o under_o what_o condition_n and_o limitation_n with_o what_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n what_o submission_n unto_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o therefore_o do_v god_n call_v the_o prayer_n of_o most_o about_o they_o howl_v and_o not_o a_o cry_n unto_o he_o with_o the_o heart_n hos._n 7._o 14._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o voice_n of_o nature_n cry_v in_o its_o distress_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n prayer_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o and_o man_n ofttimes_o most_o miss_v it_o where_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o know_v our_o temporal_a want_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n require_v more_o wisdom_n than_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o who_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o this_o life_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o vain_a life_n which_o he_o spend_v as_o a_o shadow_n eccl._n 6._o 12._o and_o ofttimes_o believer_n be_v never_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n than_o how_o to_o pray_v aright_o about_o temporal_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v in_o pain_n or_o distress_n or_o under_o any_o want_n who_o continuance_n will_v be_v destructive_a to_o his_o be_v but_o he_o may_v yea_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v deliverance_n from_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n so_o
themselves_o in_o our_o supplication_n be_v innumerable_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o excellent_a in_o its_o self_n so_o useful_a unto_o we_o so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o it_o may_v be_v vitiate_a corrupt_a and_o prayer_n itself_o render_v vain_a by_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o false_a or_o mistake_v ends._n and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o herein_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n chap._n v._n the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n these_o thing_n be_v considerable_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o nor_o how_o nor_o when_o and_o the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n in_o believer_n be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o understanding_n of_o all_o their_o want_n and_o of_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o promise_n cause_v a_o sense_n of_o they_o to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v on_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o according_a unto_o their_o measure_n they_o be_v continual_o furnish_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n without_o which_o man_n never_o pray_v and_o by_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o pray_v always_o for_o 1._o he_o alone_o do_v and_o he_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o understanding_n of_o our_o own_o want_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v our_o thought_n about_o they_o know_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v our_o want_n be_v so_o likewise_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n either_o in_o request_n or_o prayer_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v manifest_v in_o some_o instance_n whereunto_o other_o may_v be_v reduce_v 1._o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n concern_v faith_n and_o unbelief_n so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o poor_a man_n pray_v in_o his_o distress_n lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n i_o can_v think_v that_o they_o ever_o pray_v aright_o who_o never_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o unbelief_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n if_o unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a of_o sin_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o christian_n if_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n unto_o this_o end_n we_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n of_o unbelief_n as_o also_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n nor_o without_o that_o conviction_n do_v we_o either_o know_v our_o own_o chief_a want_n or_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n express_o declare_v john_n 16._o 9_o he_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o he_o i_o do_v and_o must_v deny_v that_o any_o one_o be_v or_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n of_o that_o unbelief_n either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o it_o which_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a condemn_a sin_n under_o the_o gospel_n without_o a_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n for_o unbelief_n as_o it_o respect_v jesus_n christ_n not_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o not_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n alone_o that_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n nor_o the_o law_n will_v convince_v any_o one_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o unbelief_n with_o respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o no_o innate_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n no_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n will_v reach_v hereunto_o and_o to_o think_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o pray_v or_o to_o help_v they_o out_o in_o pray_v without_o a_o sense_n of_o unbelief_n or_o the_o remainder_n of_o it_o in_o its_o gild_n and_o power_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n with_o its_o necessity_n use_n and_o efficacy_n be_v to_o say_v unto_o the_o naked_a and_o the_o hungry_a be_v you_o warm_v and_o fill_v and_o not_o give_v they_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o body_n this_o therefore_o belong_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n and_o let_v man_n tear_v and_o tire_v themselves_o night_n and_o day_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o prayer_n if_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o teach_v the_o nature_n and_o gild_n of_o unbelief_n the_o nature_n efficacy_n and_o use_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n go_v not_o with_o it_o all_o will_v be_v lose_v and_o perish_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o little_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n occur_v in_o most_o of_o those_o composition_n which_o have_v be_v publish_v to_o be_v use_v as_o form_n of_o prayer_n they_o be_v general_o omit_v in_o such_o endeavour_n as_o if_o they_o be_v thing_n wherein_o christian_n be_v very_o little_o concern_v the_o gospel_n positive_o and_o frequent_o determine_v the_o present_a acceptation_n of_o man_n with_o god_n or_o their_o disobedience_n with_o their_o future_a salvation_n and_o condemnation_n according_a unto_o their_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n for_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n be_v infallible_a consequent_n thereon_o now_o if_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n unto_o we_o and_o whereon_o all_o other_o thing_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v concern_v do_v depend_v be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o daily_a prayer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v second_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n respect_v the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o want_n on_o that_o account_n the_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n thereby_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o mind_n under_o the_o shade_n and_o covert_a of_o this_o darkness_n the_o stubbornness_n obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n of_o our_o will_n by_o nature_n with_o their_o reluctancy_n unto_o and_o dislike_v of_o thing_n spiritual_a with_o innumerable_a latent_fw-la guile_n thence_o arise_v all_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o a_o due_a conformity_n unto_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v thing_n which_o believer_n have_v a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o supplication_n they_o know_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o great_a concernment_n between_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o sin_n and_o holiness_n do_v lie_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v never_o more_o jealous_a over_o themselves_o than_o when_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n least_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o to_o give_v over_o treat_v with_o god_n about_o they_o for_o mercy_n in_o their_o pardon_n for_o grace_n in_o their_o removal_n and_o the_o daily_a renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o they_o thereby_o be_v to_o renounce_v all_o religion_n and_o all_o design_n of_o live_v unto_o god_n wherefore_o without_o a_o knowledge_n a_o sense_n a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v because_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o this_o knowledge_n we_o can_v attain_v of_o ourselves_o nature_n be_v so_o corrupt_v as_o not_o to_o understand_v its_o own_o depravation_n hence_o some_o absolute_o deny_v this_o corruption_n of_o it_o so_o take_v away_o all_o necessity_n of_o labour_v after_o its_o cure_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o hereby_o they_o overthrow_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o believer_n which_o the_o ancient_a church_n continual_o press_v the_o pelagian_n withal_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o must_v profess_v i_o understand_v not_o how_o any_o man_n can_v pray_v and_o this_o knowledge_n as_o be_v say_v we_o have_v not_o of_o ourselves_o nature_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v they_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o will_v not_o own_v they_o stupid_a and_o be_v senseless_a of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v we_o a_o due_a conviction_n of_o a_o spiritual_a insight_n
god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o suit_v the_o various_a condition_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v pen_v up_o in_o any_o one_o form_n of_o man_n devise_v much_o of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v about_o may_v be_v in_o general_a and_o doctrinal_o comprise_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o give_v direction_n in_o and_o a_o boundary_a unto_o our_o request_n but_o that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o shall_v be_v prepare_v and_o suit_v unto_o the_o condition_n and_o want_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o a_o objective_a proposal_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v which_o man_n may_v do_v and_o the_o implant_n a_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o love_n unto_o they_o upon_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o when_o thing_n be_v so_o prepare_v and_o cast_v into_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n those_o by_o who_o such_o form_n be_v use_v do_v no_o more_o understand_v they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v cast_v into_o any_o such_o form_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v they_o a_o understanding_n of_o they_o which_o the_o form_n itself_o be_v no_o sanctify_a mean_n unto_o and_o where_o that_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o give_v unto_o believer_n such_o a_o comprehension_n of_o promise_a grace_n and_o mercy_n as_o that_o they_o may_v constant_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o that_o or_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o present_a daily_a want_n and_o occasion_n with_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v spiritual_a beauty_n and_o order_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n namely_o the_o suit_v of_o want_n and_o supply_n of_o a_o thankful_a disposition_n and_o praise_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n unto_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n all_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o when_o a_o person_n be_v make_v to_o pray_v by_o his_o directory_n for_o thing_n though_o good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o not_o suit_v unto_o his_o present_a state_n frame_n inclination_n want_n and_o desire_n there_o be_v spiritual_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o nothing_o else_o again_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o promise_n must_v also_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o god_n these_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n both_o as_o to_o confession_n and_o supplication_n and_o without_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o they_o we_o can_v perform_v no_o part_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o ought_v this_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o apprehension_n who_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n do_v subjoin_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o want_n of_o mercy_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o transgression_n of_o they_o i_o suppose_v and_o their_o desire_n to_o have_v their_o heart_n incline_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o the_o law_n with_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o inward_a with_o who_o true_a sense_n and_o importance_n in_o their_o extent_n and_o latitude_n we_o can_v have_v a_o useful_a acquaintance_n but_o by_o the_o enlighten_v instruct_v efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o where_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n be_v great_o supply_v with_o the_o true_a matter_n of_o prayer_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v learn_v the_o spirituality_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o law_n its_o extent_n unto_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o outward_a action_n and_o its_o require_v absolute_a holiness_n rectitude_n and_o conformity_n unto_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n then_o do_v it_o see_v and_o learn_v its_o own_o discrepancy_n from_o it_o and_o come_v short_a of_o it_o even_o then_o when_o as_o to_o outward_a act_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v unblameable_a and_o hence_o do_v proceed_v those_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a believer_n which_o they_o who_o understand_v not_o these_o thing_n do_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o this_o mean_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v by_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o due_a and_o proper_a matter_n of_o supplication_n even_o by_o acquaint_v we_o and_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o command_n and_o our_o come_n short_a thereof_o in_o our_o disposition_n and_o frequent_v inordinate_a act_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o affection_n he_o who_o be_v instruct_v herein_o will_v on_o all_o occasion_n be_v prepare_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o matter_n for_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n as_o also_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o obedience_n require_v of_o we_o three_o he_o alone_o gide_v and_o direct_v believer_n to_o pray_v or_o ask_v for_o any_o thing_n in_o order_n unto_o right_n and_o proper_a ends._n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o so_o useful_a unto_o we_o so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o it_o may_v be_v vitiate_a corrupt_a and_o prayer_n itself_o be_v render_v vain_a by_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o false_a or_o mistake_v ends._n and_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v relieve_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n under_o consideration_n for_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v he_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o according_a unto_o god_n that_o be_v his_o mind_n or_o his_o will_n v_o 27._o this_o be_v well_o explain_v by_o origen_n on_o the_o place_n velut_fw-la si_fw-la magister_fw-la suscipiens_fw-la ad_fw-la rudiment_n a_o discipulum_fw-la &_o ignorantem_fw-la penitus_fw-la literas_fw-la ut_fw-la eum_fw-la docere_fw-la possit_fw-la &_o instituere_fw-la necesse_fw-la habet_fw-la inclindre_fw-fr se_fw-la ad_fw-la discipuli_fw-la rudimenta_fw-la &_o ipse_fw-la prius_fw-la dicere_fw-la nomen_fw-la literae_fw-la ut_fw-la respondendo_fw-la discipulus_fw-la discat_fw-la &_o sit_fw-la quodammodo_fw-la magister_fw-la incipienti_fw-la discipulo_fw-la similis_fw-la ea_fw-la loquens_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la meditans_fw-la quae_fw-la incipiens_fw-la loqui_fw-la debeat_fw-la ac_fw-la meditari_fw-la it_o a_o &_o sanctus_n spiritus_fw-la ubi_fw-la oppugnationibus_fw-la carnis_fw-la perturbari_fw-la nostrum_fw-la spiritum_fw-la viderit_fw-la &_o nescientem_fw-la quid_fw-la orare_fw-la debeat_fw-la secundum_fw-la quod_fw-la oportet_fw-la ipse_fw-la velut_fw-la magister_fw-la orationem_fw-la praemittit_fw-la quam_fw-la noster_fw-la spiritus_fw-la si_fw-la tamen_fw-la discipulus_fw-la esse_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la desiderat_fw-la prosequatur_fw-la ipse_fw-la gemitus_fw-la ossert_v quibus_fw-la noster_fw-la spiritus_fw-la discat_fw-la ingemiscere_fw-la ut_fw-la repropitiet_n sibi_fw-la deum_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n speak_v damascen_n lib._n 4._o ch._n 3._o and_o austin_n in_o sundry_a place_n collect_v by_o beda_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o this_o he_o do_v it_o in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o or_o enable_v we_o so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o spirit_n himself_o without_o we_o have_v no_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v immediate_o towards_o god_n nor_o any_o nature_n inferior_a unto_o the_o divine_a wherein_o he_o may_v intercede_v the_o whole_a of_o any_o such_o work_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o be_v incumbent_a on_o christ_n he_o alone_o in_o his_o own_o person_n perform_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o god_n for_o we_o what_o the_o spirit_n do_v he_o do_v in_o and_o by_o we_o he_o therefore_o direct_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v supplication_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v his_o end_n and_o design_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o request_n this_o god_n know_v that_o be_v approve_v of_o and_o accept_v so_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v we_o as_o to_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o our_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v more_o in_o that_o expression_n god_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o work_v such_o high_a holy_a spiritual_a desire_n and_o design_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o supplication_n as_o god_n alone_o know_v and_o understand_v in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fail_v and_o mistake_n have_v be_v declare_v from_o james_n 4._o 3._o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o particular_n but_o only_o mention_v two_o general_a
alone_o and_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o that_o he_o keep_v our_o soul_n intent_n upon_o christ_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n of_o our_o approach_n unto_o god_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o admittance_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o where_o faith_n be_v not_o actual_o exercise_v unto_o this_o purpose_n all_o prayer_n be_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o whether_o our_o duty_n herein_o be_v answer_v with_o a_o few_o word_n wherein_o his_o name_n be_v express_v with_o little_a spiritual_a regard_n unto_o he_o be_v worth_a our_o enquiry_n to_o enable_v we_o hereunto_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o it_o be_v that_o glorify_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n john_n 16._o 14._o and_o this_o he_o do_v when_o he_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v faith_n on_o he_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n express_o eph._n 2._o 18._o for_o through_o he_o we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n it_o be_v through_o jesus_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v our_o access_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o so_o we_o have_v our_o access_n unto_o he_o for_o our_o person_n in_o justification_n rom._n 5._o 2._o by_o who_o we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o faith_n unto_o this_o grace_n wherein_o we_o stand_v and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v our_o actual_a access_n unto_o he_o in_o our_o supplication_n when_o we_o draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v he_o who_o enable_v we_o hereunto_o by_o keep_v our_o mind_n spiritual_o intent_n on_o he_o in_o all_o our_o address_n unto_o god_n this_o be_v a_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n under_o which_o consideration_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n he_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v gal._n 4._o 6._o and_o hereof_o believer_n have_v a_o refresh_a experience_n in_o themselves_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n leave_v a_o better_a savour_n or_o relish_v on_o their_o soul_n than_o when_o they_o have_v have_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n keep_v close_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o their_o prayer_n i_o may_v yet_o insist_v on_o more_o instance_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n but_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o declare_v what_o may_v be_v speak_v but_o to_o speak_v what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v many_o other_o thing_n therefore_o may_v be_v add_v but_o these_o will_v suffice_v to_o give_v a_o express_a understanding_n of_o this_o work_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v any_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o volume_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n yet_o something_o may_v be_v here_o add_v to_o free_v our_o passage_n from_o any_o just_a exception_n for_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o pertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n which_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o assistance_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o now_o this_o be_v only_o in_o the_o word_n that_o we_o use_v unto_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o not_o in_o that_o spiritual_a delight_n and_o confidence_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o which_o with_o other_o grace_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v be_v of_o another_o consideration_n an._n 1_o it_o may_v be_v that_o some_o think_v so_o and_o also_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o some_o who_o will_v be_v talk_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o this_o duty_n not_o know_v therefore_o the_o thing_n they_o hate_v the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o as_o indeed_o it_o can_v but_o be_v uncouth_a unto_o all_o who_o be_v no_o way_n interest_v in_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n intend_v by_o it_o the_o objection_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o as_o the_o stroke_n of_o blinde-man_n whatever_o strength_n and_o violence_n be_v in_o they_o they_o always_o miss_v the_o mark_n such_o be_v the_o fierce_a arguing_n of_o the_o most_o against_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v full_a of_o fury_n and_o violence_n but_o never_o touch_v the_o matter_n intend_v 2._o my_o design_n be_v so_o to_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o general_n as_o that_o therewith_o i_o may_v declare_v what_o be_v a_o furtherance_n thereunto_o and_o what_o be_v a_o hindrance_n thereof_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o way_n of_o pray_v which_o man_n use_v or_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o which_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o or_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o promote_v or_o be_v unconcern_v in_o or_o do_v not_o express_v those_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o assign_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n they_o be_v all_o nothing_o but_o mean_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o disappoint_v the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o render_v the_o prayer_n themselves_o so_o use_v and_o as_o such_o unacceptable_a with_o god_n and_o apparent_a it_o be_v at_o least_o that_o most_o of_o the_o way_n and_o mode_n of_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o papacy_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o exclusive_a of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n chap._n vii_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n with_o respect_n unto_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o vocal_a prayer_n eph._n 6._o 18._o open_v and_o vindicated_n the_o duty_n i_o be_o endeavour_v to_o express_v be_v that_o enjoin_v in_o eph._n 6._o 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o saint_n some_o have_v make_v bold_a to_o advance_v a_o fond_a imagination_n as_o what_o will_v not_o enmity_n unto_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n put_v man_n upon_o that_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n intend_v only_o pray_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n but_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v here_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o believer_n none_o except_v man_n and_o woman_n who_o yet_o i_o suppose_v have_v not_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o that_o extraordinary_a miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o fancy_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o that_o expression_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n prescribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d always_o say_v we_o in_o every_o season_n that_o be_v such_o just_a and_o due_a season_n of_o prayer_n as_o duty_n and_o our_o occasion_n call_v for_o but_o the_o apostle_n express_o confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n unto_o some_o certain_a season_n when_o under_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v needful_a or_o useful_a unto_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n where_o that_o name_n itself_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v foolish_a conceit_a fanatical_a the_o holy_a apostle_n must_v answer_v for_o it_o yea_o he_o by_o who_o he_o be_v inspire_v but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o god_n himself_o of_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v deride_v let_v their_o pretence_n be_v what_o they_o please_v beside_o in_o the_o text_n all_o believer_n be_v say_v thus_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n at_o all_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n that_o be_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n according_a as_o our_o own_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v a_o man_n certain_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n can_v scarce_o judge_v himself_o oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n unto_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n for_o a_o variety_n in_o our_o prayer_n commensurate_a unto_o the_o various_a occasion_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v here_o enjoin_v we_o how_o we_o can_v comply_v therewith_o in_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o any_o one_o form_n i_o know_v not_o those_o who_o do_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n and_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diligent_o watch_v unto_o this_o very_a
possible_a when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o work_v natural_o towards_o god_n however_o unskilled_a and_o rude_a their_o expression_n may_v be_v a_o deep_a sense_n may_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o mind_n with_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o error_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o but_o the_o bound_a and_o direct_v of_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n perhaps_o little_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o their_o affection_n tend_v only_o to_o stifle_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o former_a security_n 2._o other_o such_o as_o by_o education_n and_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v so_o far_o bring_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n as_o conscientious_o according_a unto_o their_o light_n to_o attend_v unto_o prayer_n as_o unto_o other_o duty_n also_o now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n will_v be_v more_o full_o determine_v afterward_o where_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v speak_v unto_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o can_v believe_v until_o further_a conviction_n that_o any_o one_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o request_n and_o petition_n in_o word_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o what_o he_o do_v by_o any_o advantage_n beyond_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o prayer_n man_n may_v by_o sloth_n and_o other_o vicious_a distemper_n of_o mind_n especial_o of_o a_o negligence_n in_o get_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n due_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o prayer_n keep_v themselves_o under_o a_o real_a or_o suppose_a disability_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o whereas_o prayer_n in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o common_a illumination_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o person_n do_v real_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o about_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o help_v they_o to_o express_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o either_o private_o or_o in_o their_o family_n but_o those_o who_o will_v never_o enter_v the_o water_n but_o with_o flag_n or_o bladder_n under_o they_o will_v scarce_o ever_o learn_v to_o swim_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v all_o progress_n or_o growth_n in_o gift_n or_o grace_n when_o every_o one_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o be_v his_o best_a and_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o what_o he_o have_v before_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o he_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o external_n prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o ae_z spiritual_a gift_n explain_v and_o vindicated_n what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v believer_n to_o pray_v or_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n belong_v principal_o unto_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therein_o wherein_o we_o have_v occasional_o only_o divert_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n either_o free_o or_o impose_v and_o indeed_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n testimony_n herein_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n render_v all_o further_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n needless_a for_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v require_v unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o effect_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a use_n there_o remain_v of_o such_o pretend_a aid_n but_o moreover_o prayer_n fall_v under_o another_o consideration_n namely_o as_o to_o its_o external_a performance_n and_o as_o the_o duty_n be_v discharge_v by_o any_o one_o in_o lesser_a or_o great_a society_n wherein_o upon_o his_o word_n and_o expression_n do_v depend_v their_o conjunction_n with_o he_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o consequent_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o in_o assembly_n of_o his_o appointment_n as_o church_n and_o family_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n one_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o join_v with_o he_o thus_o be_v minister_n enable_v to_o pray_v in_o church-assembly_n as_o other_o christian_n in_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n parent_n in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_n every_o believer_n for_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n give_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v in_o word_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o lead_v on_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o unto_o a_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n i_o do_v not_o confine_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o assembly_n every_o one_o may_v and_o usual_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v for_o himself_o also_o for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o in_o private_a and_o alone_a he_o can_v have_v none_o to_o pray_v in_o public_a and_o society_n wherefore_o take_v prayer_n as_o vocal_a without_o which_o adjunct_n it_o be_v not_o complete_a and_o this_o ability_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o also_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o meet_v with_o such_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n from_o many_o and_o which_o have_v other_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o yea_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o it_o even_o from_o family_n and_o closet_n also_o what_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o be_v by_o some_o not_o only_o to_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o way_n to_o belong_v thereunto_o a_o fruit_n they_o say_v it_o be_v of_o wit_n fancy_n memory_n elocution_n volubility_n and_o readiness_n of_o speech_n namely_o in_o they_o in_o who_o on_o other_o account_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v at_o least_o in_o no_o considerable_a degree_n some_o while_n since_o indeed_o they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o esteem_n of_o this_o ability_n by_o cry_v out_o that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v but_o babble_n and_o talk_v nonsense_n but_o those_o who_o have_v any_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n receive_v do_v use_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a relief_n that_o any_o can_v find_v in_o cavil_v at_o some_o expression_n which_o perhaps_o good_a and_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o yet_o suit_v not_o their_o palate_n or_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o miss_v of_o due_a order_n and_o decency_n yet_o be_v not_o their_o failure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o extravagancy_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o in_o suppose_a quaint_a and_o elegant_a expression_n use_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o herein_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o this_o countenance_n that_o this_o ability_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o natural_a endowment_n before_o mention_v only_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n but_o a_o little_a beneath_o a_o intolerable_a impudence_n thus_o it_o seem_v be_v it_o with_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o pray_v as_o god_n enable_v they_o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n example_n of_o scripture_n express_v testimony_n and_o command_n be_v able_a to_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v way_n unto_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v or_o call_v upon_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v able_a with_o respect_n
unto_o his_o own_o condition_n relation_n occasion_n and_o duty_n certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o forfeit_v all_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n unto_o atheism_n or_o utter_o bury_v all_o their_o operation_n under_o the_o fury_n of_o brutish_a affection_n but_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o deity_n he_o own_v in_o word_n of_o his_o own_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v nor_o direct_v unto_o the_o artificial_a help_n of_o constant_a form_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a invention_n and_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o do_v so_o pray_v and_o those_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o other_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n compose_v unto_o some_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n though_o not_o absolute_o to_o their_o occasion_n as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o thing_n they_o will_v pray_v for_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a can_v as_o i_o conceive_v but_o sometime_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o not_o only_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o of_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o perform_v and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o ignorance_n the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o infatuation_n of_o superstition_n be_v divert_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o scripture_n direction_n to_o say_v a_o paternoster_n it_o may_v be_v a_o ave_fw-la or_o a_o credo_fw-la for_o their_o prayer_n intend_v it_o for_o this_o or_o that_o end_n the_o benefit_n it_o may_v be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n or_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o be_v no_o way_n mention_v or_o include_v in_o what_o they_o utter_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o prayer_n in_o it_o but_o a_o mere_a take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a with_o the_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n person_n tie_v up_o unto_o such_o rule_n and_o form_n never_o pray_v in_o their_o life_n but_o in_o their_o occasional_a ejaculation_n which_o break_v from_o they_o almost_o by_o surprisal_n and_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o one_o more_o effectual_a mean_n of_o bring_v unholiness_n with_o a_o ungodly_a course_n of_o conversation_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o this_o one_o of_o teach_v man_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n by_o their_o say_v read_v or_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o other_o man_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o understand_v not_o and_o certain_o be_v not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n affect_v withal_o for_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n whereby_o our_o whole_a course_n be_v principal_o influence_v and_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v our_o conversation_n in_o walk_v before_o god_n which_o principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v influence_v and_o regulate_v by_o our_o attendance_n unto_o and_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o who_o prayer_n be_v hypocritical_a be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o whole_a course_n and_o he_o who_o be_v but_o negligent_a in_o they_o be_v equal_o negligent_a in_o all_o other_o duty_n now_o whereas_o our_o whole_a obedience_n unto_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o such_o a_o irrational_a supposition_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o pray_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v able_a but_o read_v the_o form_n of_o other_o instead_o thereof_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 2._o all_o the_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a either_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o express_v the_o gracious_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n before_o describe_v i_o call_v it_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o outward_a aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o other_o or_o a_o antecedaneous_a prescription_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n unto_o themselves_o not_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v they_o spread_v forth_o their_o hand_n sometime_o that_o they_o list_v up_o their_o voice_n sometime_o that_o they_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n and_o cry_v sometime_o that_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n when_o overwhelm_v all_o according_a unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n the_o solemn_a benediction_n of_o the_o priest_n institute_v of_o god_n like_o the_o present_a form_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n give_v out_o and_o write_v discourse_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o part_n mystical_a and_o in_o part_n prophetical_a we_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o some_o plead_v indeed_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n have_v sundry_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o they_o even_o at_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o their_o synagogue_n but_o they_o pretend_v and_o plead_v what_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o i_o challenge_v any_o learned_a man_n to_o give_v but_o a_o tolerable_a evidence_n unto_o the_o assertion_n for_o what_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n among_o the_o talmudist_n be_v mix_v with_o such_o ridiculous_a fable_n as_o the_o first_o suit_v the_o number_n of_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bone_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o man_n as_o full_o defeat_v its_o own_o evidence_n 3._o the_o command_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o according_a unto_o our_o own_o ability_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o all_o the_o command_v we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v at_o all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o respect_n unto_o outward_a form_n aid_n or_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o prayer_n itself_o be_v so_o describe_v limit_v and_o determine_v as_o that_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v intend_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o servent_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n continual_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n so_o as_o not_o to_o take_v care_n ourselves_o about_o our_o present_n concern_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o those_o thing_n be_v suit_v unto_o any_o kind_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o ability_n which_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o the_o entire_a discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v evident_o intimate_v in_o these_o precept_n and_o direction_n such_o various_a occasional_a work_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n such_o act_n of_o gracious_a affection_n as_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n own_o ability_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v include_v therein_o the_o conscientious_a diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o they_o or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o the_o due_a use_n exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o such_o mean_n there_o be_v and_o such_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o as_o 1._o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o their_o frames_n disposition_n inclination_n and_o act_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n indeed_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v absolute_o unsearchable_a unto_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v as_o unto_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o hence_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v search_v and_o try_v he_o and_o lead_v and_o conduct_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n according_a unto_o what_o he_o find_v in_o he_o and_o not_o leave_v he_o whole_o to_o act_n or_o be_v act_v according_a unto_o his_o own_o apprehension_n of_o himself_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o but_o yet_o where_o we_o do_v in_o sincerity_n inquire_v
the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n do_v manifest_v it_o for_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o our_o heart_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o duty_n be_v in_o order_n unto_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v and_o if_o he_o give_v not_o that_o expression_n all_o that_o he_o do_v beside_o may_v be_v lose_v as_o to_o its_o principal_a end_n and_o use._n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o he_o do_v in_o we_o where_o this_o be_v want_v or_o that_o in_o fix_a meditation_n which_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n be_v equivalent_a thereunto_o rise_v not_o beyond_o that_o frame_n which_o david_n express_v by_o his_o keep_a silence_n whereby_o he_o declare_v a_o estate_n of_o trouble_n wherein_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o free_o bring_v over_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n about_o it_o as_o he_o do_v afterward_o by_o prayer_n and_o find_v relief_n therein_o that_o which_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v hereunto_o namely_o that_o not_o any_o part_n only_o but_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v be_v a_o effect_n in_o we_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n or_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o some_o distinguish_v be_v inseparable_a consist_v in_o two_o unsound_a consequent_n which_o as_o be_v suppose_v will_v thence_o ensue_v as_o 1._o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v or_o in_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v the_o gracious_a disposition_n before_o describe_v have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n see_v these_o thing_n be_v inseparable_a and_o 2._o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n or_o who_o have_v a_o ability_n to_o pray_v with_o utterance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o have_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o act_n of_o save_a grace_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n intend_v but_o these_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v manifest_o otherwise_o and_o contrary_a to_o all_o experience_n ans._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inference_n i_o grant_v it_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a under_o the_o ensue_a limitation_n 1._o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n in_o its_o habit_n or_o principle_n but_o in_o its_o actual_a exercise_n in_o the_o first_o respect_n it_o be_v in_o all_o that_o be_v sanctify_v even_o in_o those_o infant_n that_o be_v so_o from_o the_o womb._n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o respect_v only_a grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n and_o thus_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o all_o those_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v gracious_o act_v faith_n love_n delight_n desire_n in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n unto_o god_n have_v a_o ability_n from_o he_o to_o express_v themselves_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o such_o person_n be_v find_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o so_o meet_v to_o receive_v the_o influential_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whoever_o will_v use_v or_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o spiritual_a gift_n must_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n stir_v up_o by_o constant_a and_o frequent_a exercise_n the_o ability_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v which_o neglect_n must_v be_v account_v for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o any_o person_n who_o yet_o may_v have_v as_o they_o speak_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n shall_v not_o yet_o have_v the_o gift_n or_o a_o faculty_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n and_o desire_n in_o prayer_n by_o word_n of_o their_o own_o some_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o ability_n in_o any_o and_o therefore_o never_o look_v after_o it_o in_o themselves_o but_o despise_v whatever_o they_o hear_v speak_v unto_o that_o purpose_n what_o assistance_n such_o person_n may_v have_v in_o their_o prayer_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v have_v much_o of_o his_o aid_n or_o help_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o some_o be_v so_o accustom_v unto_o and_o so_o deceive_v by_o pretend_a help_n in_o prayer_n as_o make_v use_n of_o or_o read_v prayer_n by_o other_o compose_v for_o they_o that_o they_o never_o attempt_v to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o but_o always_o think_v they_o can_v do_v that_o which_o indeed_o they_o will_v not_o as_o if_o a_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o among_o none_o but_o such_o impotent_a person_n as_o go_v on_o crutch_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o shall_v refuse_v to_o try_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o resolve_v himself_o to_o make_v use_n of_o crutch_n also_o good_a instruction_n or_o some_o sudden_a surprisal_n with_o fear_n remove_v his_o prejudice_n he_o will_v cast_v away_o this_o needless_a help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o strength_n some_o gracious_a person_n bring_v up_o where_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o general_a use_n may_v have_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o to_o pray_v but_o neither_o know_v it_o nor_o ever_o try_v it_o through_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n yea_o so_o as_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v any_o otherwise_o but_o when_o instruction_n free_v they_o from_o this_o prejudice_n or_o some_o sudden_a surprisal_n with_o fear_n or_o affliction_n cast_v they_o into_o a_o entrance_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n their_o former_a aid_n and_o help_n quick_o grow_v into_o disuse_n with_o they_o 3._o the_o ability_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n condition_n duty_n calling_n and_o the_o like_a we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n must_v necessary_o have_v a_o gift_n enable_v he_o to_o pray_v as_o become_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n or_o any_o person_n on_o the_o like_a solemn_a occasion_n no_o nor_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o family_n or_o in_o the_o company_n of_o many_o if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o his_o condition_n of_o life_n call_v thereunto_o but_o every_o one_o have_v this_o ability_n according_a to_o his_o necessity_n condition_n of_o life_n and_o call_v he_o that_o be_v only_o a_o private_a person_n have_v so_o and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o family_n have_v so_o and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n have_v so_o also_o and_o as_o god_n enlarge_v man_n occasion_n and_o call_n so_o he_o will_v enlarge_v their_o ability_n provide_v they_o do_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o slothful_a the_o negligent_a the_o fearful_a those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prejudices_fw-la will_v have_v no_o share_n in_o this_o mercy_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v in_o this_o particular_a every_o adult_n person_n who_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v grace_n in_o prayer_n any_o save_a grace_n without_o which_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o abomination_n if_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a aid_n communicate_v unto_o he_o do_v so_o far_o partake_v of_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o pray_v according_a as_o his_o own_o occasion_n and_o duty_n do_v require_v he_o who_o want_v mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o supply_v of_o grace_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o like_a if_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o want_n and_o have_v gracious_a desire_n after_o this_o supply_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o ask_v they_o of_o god_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n if_o he_o be_v not_o woeful_o and_o sinful_o want_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o duty_n second_o as_o to_o the_o second_o inference_n namely_o that_o if_o this_o ability_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n than_o whosoever_o have_v this_o gift_n and_o ability_n he_o have_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o gracious_a assistance_n or_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v save_v grace_n act_v in_o he_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v on_o what_o we_o have_v assert_v
for_o although_o wherever_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v the_o gift_n also_o in_o its_o measure_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o where_o the_o gift_n be_v there_o must_v be_v the_o grace_n also_o for_o the_o gift_n be_v for_o the_o grace_n sake_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_n grace_n can_v be_v act_v without_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o gift_n may_v without_o grace_n 2._o we_o shall_v assent_v that_o this_o gift_n do_v grow_v in_o another_o soil_n and_o have_v not_o its_o root_n in_o itself_o it_o follow_v on_o and_o arise_v from_o one_o distinct_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n from_o which_o it_o be_v inseparable_a and_o this_o be_v his_o work_n on_o the_o mind_n in_o acquaint_v it_o with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o inward_a conviction_n of_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o declaration_n make_v thereof_o in_o the_o scripture_n now_o this_o may_v in_o some_o be_v only_o a_o common_a work_n of_o illumination_n which_o the_o gift_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n may_v flow_v from_o and_o accompany_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n work_v no_o far_o in_o they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o man_n in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n do_v never_o reside_v nor_o save_o operate_v may_v have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n unto_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n for_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o illumination_n which_o be_v its_o foundation_n and_o from_o which_o it_o be_v inseparable_a where_o this_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v not_o grant_v in_o some_o measure_n no_o ability_n no_o industry_n can_v attain_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n in_o prayer_n unto_o edification_n for_o spiritual_a light_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o in_o all_o their_o variety_n be_v but_o the_o various_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o to_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n without_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v a_o gift_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o know_v not_o what_o which_o real_a or_o pretend_a enthusiasm_n we_o abhor_v wherefore_o wherever_o be_v this_o gift_n of_o illumination_n and_o conviction_n there_o be_v such_o a_o foundation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o absent_a in_o some_o measure_n where_o due_a use_n and_o exercise_n be_v observe_v add_v unto_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n ordinary_o be_v not_o complete_a unless_o it_o be_v express_v in_o word_n it_o be_v call_v plead_v with_o god_n fill_v our_o mouth_n with_o argument_n cry_v unto_o he_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o hear_v our_o voice_n which_o thing_n be_v so_o express_v not_o that_o they_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o god_n but_o unto_o we_o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o prayer_n by_o internal_a meditation_n where_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o voice_n or_o of_o word_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hanna_n that_o she_o pray_v in_o her_o heart_n but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 13._o i_o grant_v in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v so_o where_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o duty_n do_v not_o require_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o or_o where_o the_o vehemency_n of_o affliction_n which_o cause_n man_n to_o cry_v out_o and_o roar_v will_v permit_v it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o withal_o i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o prayer_n by_o meditation_n the_o thing_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v form_v in_o the_o mind_n into_o that_o sense_n and_o those_o sentence_n which_o may_v be_v express_v and_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v no_o more_o in_o this_o way_n of_o prayer_n than_o it_o can_v express_v so_o of_o hanna_n it_o be_v say_v when_o she_o pray_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o as_o she_o say_v herself_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o her_o meditation_n ver_fw-la 16._o that_o her_o lip_n move_v though_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v she_o not_o only_o frame_v the_o sense_n of_o her_o supplication_n into_o petition_n but_o tacit_o express_v they_o to_o herself_o and_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o prescribe_a form_n be_v as_o destructive_a of_o prayer_n by_o inward_a meditation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prayer_n conceive_a and_o express_v for_o it_o take_v away_o the_o liberty_n and_o prevent_v the_o ability_n of_o frame_v petition_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o mind_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o party_n pray_v have_v of_o they_o wherefore_o if_o this_o expression_n of_o prayer_n in_o word_n do_v necessary_o belong_v unto_o the_o duty_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o he_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n unto_o we_o second_o utterance_n be_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o it_o be_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o eph._n 6._o 19_o col._n 4._o 3._o and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o part_n or_o there_o be_v two_o duty_n to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o 1._o a_o ability_n to_o speak_v unto_o man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o a_o ability_n to_o speak_v unto_o god_n for_o ourselves_o or_o in_o the_o name_n and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o utterance_n in_o both_o these_o duty_n and_o in_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v equal_o a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o eph._n 6._o 19_o col._n 4._o 3._o the_o word_n use_v in_o these_o place_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speech_n which_o be_v well_o render_v utterance_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d facultas_fw-la &_o libertas_n dicendi_fw-la a_o ability_n and_o liberty_n to_o speak_v out_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v conceive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 6._o 19_o utterance_n in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o mouth_n with_o boldness_n or_o rather_o freedom_n of_o speech_n this_o in_o sacred_a thing_n in_o pray_v and_o preach_v be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o as_o such_o be_v we_o enjoin_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o as_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v and_o although_o this_o gift_n may_v by_o somebe_n despise_v yet_o the_o whole_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o it_o yea_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n act_v 2._o 4._o and_o its_o superstructure_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a mean_n of_o public_a or_o solemn_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v spiritual_a light_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o exercise_n be_v utterance_n this_o gift_n or_o ability_n as_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o the_o habit_n or_o as_o to_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o in_o the_o habit_n have_v yet_o experience_n of_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o exercise_n which_o in_o natural_a and_o moral_a habit_n where_o the_o same_o preparation_n precede_v do_v not_o usual_o appear_v for_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v free_a and_o act_n arbitrary_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n unto_o who_o he_o communicate_v the_o gift_n itself_o for_o he_o divide_v to_o every_o man_n as_o he_o will_v so_o he_o act_v also_o as_o he_o please_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o do_v bestow_v hence_o believer_n do_v sometime_o find_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o gracious_a work_n in_o they_o in_o prayer_n or_o of_o his_o assistance_n to_o pray_v as_o also_o enlargement_n in_o utterance_n than_o at_o other_o time_n for_o in_o both_o he_o breathe_v and_o act_v as_o he_o please_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o their_o own_o not_o absolute_o in_o their_o own_o power_n nor_o will_v either_o the_o habitual_a grace_n they_o have_v receive_v enable_v they_o to_o pray_v gracious_o nor_o their_o gift_n of_o utterance_n unto_o edification_n without_o his_o actual_a excitation_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o his_o assistance_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n both_o the_o conceive_n and_o utterance_n of_o our_o desire_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n be_v from_o he_o and_o so_o be_v all_o spiritual_a enlargement_n in_o this_o duty_n vocal_a prayer_n whether_o
better_o but_o for_o evident_a reason_n we_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o man_n although_o they_o shall_v not_o here_o be_v plead_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o know_v that_o from_o he_o which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o person_n endow_v sometime_o with_o a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o light_n and_o illumination_n improve_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v have_v lose_v both_o their_o light_n and_o gift_n also_o and_o thus_o suitable_o unto_o my_o design_n and_o purpose_n i_o have_v give_v a_o delineation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n promise_v unto_o and_o bestow_v on_o all_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n chap._n ix_o duty_n infer_v from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n the_o issue_n of_o all_o inquiry_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v how_o we_o may_v improve_v they_o unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o know_v they_o happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v they_o and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o our_o practice_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o a_o due_a and_o constant_a return_v of_o glory_n unto_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o that_o free_a gift_n of_o he_o who_o nature_n we_o have_v inquire_v into_o 2._o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v gracious_o enable_v unto_o thereby_o and_o 1._o we_o ought_v continual_o to_o bless_v god_n and_o give_v 〈◊〉_d glory_n to_o he_o for_o this_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 1._o and_o supplication_n grant_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n on_o their_o part_n of_o all_o holy_a intercourse_n with_o god_n and_o of_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o how_o do_v the_o world_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o fruit_n of_o divine_a bounty_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o wander_v after_o vain_a imagination_n whilst_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o manage_v its_o conviction_n nor_o how_o at_o all_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n about_o its_o concern_v that_o world_n which_o can_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n can_v never_o have_v aught_o to_o do_v with_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n there_o be_v by_o who_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v be_v revile_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o under_o the_o shade_n of_o many_o pretence_n do_v they_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o light_n in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o by_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v act_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n even_o on_o they_o also_o who_o will_v quick_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v and_o it_o appear_v two_o way_n how_o great_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o enjoy_v and_o improve_v this_o privilege_n 1._o in_o that_o both_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o prophet_n pray_v direct_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o without_o limitation_n that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o fury_n on_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n psal._n 79._o 6._o jer._n 10._o 25._o and_o 2._o in_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o faith_n in_o obedience_n be_v denominate_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10._o 13._o for_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n so_o eminent_o annex_v unto_o it_o or_o it_o be_v place_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o declare_v the_o benefit_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o have_v thereby_o no_o heart_n can_v conceive_v that_o treasury_n of_o mercy_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o one_o privilege_n in_o have_v liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n at_o all_o time_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n this_o be_v the_o relief_n the_o refuge_n the_o weapon_n and_o assure_a refreshment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n that_o he_o have_v grant_v a_o ampliation_n of_o this_o privilege_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n be_v now_o pour_v forth_o from_o above_o and_o enlarge_v in_o his_o dispensation_n both_o intensive_o and_o extensive_o those_o on_o who_o he_o be_v bestow_v do_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n than_o they_o do_v former_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n thence_o be_v that_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n in_o their_o access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o cry_a abba_n father_n which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v among_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o of_o old_a they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o the_o new_a lay_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v especial_o methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o by_o they_o who_o seem_v real_o to_o prefer_v the_o pomp_n of_o legal_a worship_n before_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_n but_o to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n understand_v their_o difference_n well_o enough_o and_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o some_o will_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n or_o a_o pretence_n of_o they_o for_o such_o help_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o seem_v not_o compliant_a with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n before_o describe_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o indeed_o they_o can_v prove_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o principal_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o people_n be_v then_o carnal_a and_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o carnal_a ordinance_n do_v in_o this_o particular_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o which_o be_v mere_o so_o and_o only_o so_o nor_o have_v that_o we_o know_v of_o any_o use_n of_o they_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v unquestionable_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n pour_v on_o they_o shall_v either_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o or_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o different_a dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o we_o where_o different_a fruit_n and_o effect_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v be_v set_v free_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n know_v the_o difference_n and_o will_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o it_o again_o it_o be_v extensive_o enlarge_v in_o that_o it_o be_v now_o communicate_v unto_o multitude_n whereas_o of_o old_a it_o be_v confine_v unto_o a_o few_o then_o the_o dew_n of_o it_o only_o water_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n now_o the_o shower_n of_o it_o be_v pour_v down_o on_o all_o nation_n even_o all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o every_o assembly_n of_o mount_n zion_n through_o the_o world_n call_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v offer_v unto_o god_n through_o the_o effectual_a work_n
a_o security_n as_o forerun_v destruction_n 4._o have_v any_o receive_v this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o cherish_v it_o to_o stir_v it_o up_o and_o improve_v it_o it_o be_v free_o bestow_v but_o it_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v preserve_v it_o be_v a_o gospel_n talent_n give_v to_o be_v trade_v withal_o and_o thereby_o to_o be_v increase_v there_o be_v various_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o this_o gift_n in_o those_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o what_o ever_o measure_v any_o one_o have_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o cherish_v preserve_v and_o improve_v we_o do_v not_o assert_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o shall_v render_v our_o diligence_n therein_o unnecessary_a or_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n useless_a yea_o the_o end_n of_o this_o gift_n be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v it_o so_o it_o be_v to_o improve_v it_o and_o it_o be_v one_o reason_n against_o the_o restraint_n of_o form_n because_o there_o be_v in_o they_o too_o little_a exercise_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v stir_v up_o this_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o at_o least_o as_o that_o if_o through_o any_o weakness_n or_o infirmity_n of_o mind_n we_o thrive_v not_o much_o in_o the_o outward_a part_n if_o it_o yet_o that_o we_o decay_v not_o nor_o lose_v what_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o fire_n that_o kindle_v all_o our_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n now_o although_o that_o fire_n of_o old_a on_o the_o altar_n first_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n or_o forth_o from_o the_o lord_n levit._n 9_o 24._o yet_o after_o it_o be_v once_o there_o place_v it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v keep_v alive_a with_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v extinguish_v as_o any_o other_o fire_n levit._n 6._o 12_o 13._o hence_o the_o apostle_n warn_v timothy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o fire_n of_o his_o gift_n blow_v off_o the_o ash_n and_o add_v fuel_n unto_o it_o now_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o a_o constant_a consideration_n and_o observation_n of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o heart_n with_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n thence_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o request_n or_o petition_n in_o prayer_n to_o be_v take_v psal._n 16._o 7._o and_o as_o our_o state_n in_o general_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o depth_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o our_o darkness_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v such_o as_o will_v find_v we_o matter_n of_o continual_a search_n and_o examination_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n as_o be_v express_v in_o those_o prayer_n psal._n 19_o 12._o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o so_o we_o be_v subject_a unto_o various_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o our_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o act_n every_o day_n as_o also_o unto_o temptation_n of_o all_o sort_n about_o these_o thing_n according_a as_o our_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v be_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o our_o supplication_n phil._n 4._o 6._o how_o shall_v we_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n hereunto_o prepare_v with_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o prayer_n if_o we_o neglect_v a_o constant_a and_o diligent_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o herein_o or_o the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o gift_n where_o it_o be_v neglect_v the_o gift_n itself_o will_v decay_v if_o man_n consider_v only_o a_o form_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o course_n they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o give_v light_n into_o our_o state_n and_o want_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a thereof_o be_v part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o herein_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v continue_v his_o aid_n unto_o we_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n wherefore_o let_v a_o man_n speak_v in_o prayer_n with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o the_o high_a satisfaction_n and_o it_o may_v be_v good_a edification_n of_o other_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v negligent_a if_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o duty_n of_o consider_v the_o state_n act_n and_o temptation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n he_o have_v but_o a_o perish_a decay_a outside_n and_o shell_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o those_o by_o who_o this_o self-search_a and_o judgement_n be_v attend_v unto_o shall_v ordinary_o thrive_v in_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v we_o know_v the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o temptation_n the_o deceitful_a act_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n the_o rise_n of_o particular_a corruption_n with_o the_o occasion_n yield_v they_o advantage_n and_o power_n the_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o daily_o receive_v and_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o as_o he_o who_o pray_v without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n pray_v at_o random_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o one_o beat_v the_o air_n so_o he_o who_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o will_v have_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n the_o due_a matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v able_a to_o fill_v his_o mouth_n with_o plea_n and_o argument_n whereby_o the_o gift_n itself_o will_v be_v cherish_v and_o strengthen_v 2._o constant_n search_v of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v another_o subservient_fw-fr duty_n unto_o this_o of_o prayer_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o glass_n wherein_o we_o may_v take_v the_o best_a view_n of_o ourselves_o because_o it_o at_o once_o represent_v both_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o what_o we_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o frames_n action_n and_o way_n and_o what_o be_v their_o defect_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o a_o high_a instruction_n what_o to_o pray_v for_o or_o how_o to_o pray_v can_v be_v give_v we_o psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o some_o imagine_v that_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n thence_o to_o take_v form_n of_o speech_n or_o expression_n accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o set_v they_o in_o order_n or_o retain_v they_o in_o memory_n be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a it_o be_v most_o true_a if_o a_o man_n be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n singular_o conversant_a and_o exercise_v in_o they_o abound_v in_o their_o sense_n and_o expression_n and_o have_v the_o help_n of_o a_o faithful_a memory_n withal_o it_o may_v exceed_o further_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o but_o this_o collection_n of_o phrase_n speech_n and_o expression_n where_o perhaps_o the_o mind_n be_v barren_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o press_v for_o be_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o they_o for_o therein_o be_v our_o want_n in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o consequent_n discover_v and_o represent_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o be_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o the_o former_a with_o authority_n to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o they_o and_o the_o latter_a with_o that_o evidence_n of_o grace_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n for_o they_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o our_o want_n when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v and_o so_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v intercession_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o yea_o who_o be_v it_o who_o almost_o at_o any_o time_n read_v the_o scripture_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n and_o subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o he_o that_o have_v not_o some_o particular_a matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o praise_n effectual_o suggest_v unto_o he_o and_o christian_n will_v find_v no_o small_a advantage_n on_o many_o account_n not_o here_o to_o be_v insist_v upon_o if_o they_o will_v frequent_o if_o not_o constant_o
immediate_o inquire_v but_o this_o examination_n of_o it_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o absurd_a and_o impertinent_a for_o if_o we_o must_v try_v all_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o whole_o depend_v on_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o standard_n our_o measure_n of_o they_o will_v be_v false_a and_o perverse_a and_o i_o say_v no_o doubt_n they_o will_v wherefore_o we_o call_v only_o that_o concern_v of_o it_o unto_o a_o trial_n hereby_o who_o true_a notion_n be_v confess_o fix_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o extend_v that_o line_n beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n we_o may_v by_o it_o take_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v prayer_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o therein_o it_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o at_o present_a we_o engage_v about_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o enquiry_n we_o may_v bring_v it_o also_o unto_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o as_o foreign_a as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n intelligible_a may_v be_v from_o thence_o collect_v it_o exceed_v or_o deviate_v from_o whatever_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v prayer_n even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v and_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o wherefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n exclude_v it_o from_o be_v prayer_n in_o any_o kind_n prayer_n in_o the_o scripture-representation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n access_n and_o approach_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v know_v its_o request_n unto_o he_o with_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o whereon_o it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o be_v its_o external_a adjunct_n and_o its_o internal_a grace_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n earnestness_n fervency_n importunity_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n be_v the_o principal_a no_o man_n can_v attend_v unto_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n without_o this_o whatever_o look_v like_o any_o of_o they_o be_v brutish_a fury_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o internal_a form_n of_o it_o in_o that_o description_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o its_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n delight_n fear_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n do_v consist_v a_o continual_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n through_o which_o mean_n he_o exhibit_v himself_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n these_o thing_n be_v both_o plain_o and_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o but_o for_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o our_o author_n and_o other_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n for_o it_o nor_o direction_n about_o it_o nor_o motive_n unto_o it_o nor_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v marvellous_a to_o some_o at_o least_o that_o whereas_o this_o duty_n and_o all_o its_o concernment_n be_v more_o insist_v on_o therein_o than_o any_o other_o christian_a duty_n or_o privilege_n what_o ever_o that_o the_o height_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o they_o be_v decry_v shall_v not_o obtain_v the_o least_o intimation_n therein_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a place_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v describe_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v such_o as_o for_o instance_n ephes._n 6._o 18._o phil._n 4._o 6._o heb._n 4._o 16._o chap._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o apostle_n nor_o of_o any_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n either_o for_o themselves_o or_o the_o whole_a church_n any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n declare_v what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n nor_o be_v any_o gift_n of_o his_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n capable_a of_o the_o least_o exercise_n therein_o so_o that_o in_o no_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v that_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o example_n propose_v unto_o our_o imitation_n no_o mark_n set_v before_o we_o nor_o any_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o pretend_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n whatever_o be_v fancy_v or_o speak_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o must_v owe_v itself_o unto_o the_o delude_a imagination_n of_o some_o few_o person_n beside_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o access_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o any_o near_a approach_n unto_o he_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o and_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o in_o this_o pretence_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n aim_v at_o as_o be_v regardless_o of_o christ_n and_o leave_v he_o quite_o behind_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v all_o in_o all_o immediate_o unto_o the_o church_n until_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v full_o deliver_v up_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n unto_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o silence_n concern_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n or_o rather_o the_o exclusion_n of_o he_o from_o any_o concernment_n in_o it_o as_o mediator_n be_v sufficient_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n name_n or_o thing_n neither_o do_v this_o imagination_n belong_v any_o more_o unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o exercise_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o universal_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o what_o we_o do_v towards_o god_n and_o what_o we_o do_v enjoy_v of_o he_o therein_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n belong_v unto_o our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o more_o be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o reasonable_a service_n wherein_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n have_v no_o concernment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v any_o where_o promise_v unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o promise_v alone_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n communicate_v unto_o we_o there_o seem_v therefore_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o bravery_n of_o these_o affect_a expression_n but_o a_o endeavour_n to_o fancy_v somewhat_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o possible_a attainment_n in_o this_o life_n fall_v unspeakable_o beneath_o those_o of_o future_a glory_n a_o kind_n of_o purgatory_n it_o be_v in_o devotion_n somewhat_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o another_o above_o the_o earth_n and_o beneath_o heaven_n where_o we_o may_v leave_v it_o in_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n chap._n xi_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n examine_v there_o be_v also_o great_a plea_n for_o the_o use_n of_o prescribe_a limit_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o spiritual_a ability_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o these_o form_n be_v contend_v for_o by_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n only_o as_o suitable_a to_o their_o experience_n and_o
judge_v by_o they_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o they_o have_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o dissent_n about_o they_o but_o whereas_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o of_o their_o lawfulness_n but_o of_o their_o necessity_n be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n be_v high_o concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v make_v some_o enquiry_n thereinto_o i_o say_v it_o be_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n as_o give_v occasion_n or_o a_o suppose_a advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o oppose_v deny_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o end_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v that_o be_v that_o any_o way_n consider_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o use._n for_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n or_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o such_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o choose_v for_o their_o best_a and_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n in_o unless_o they_o be_v express_o idolatrous_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_a either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n revelation_n it_o be_v a_o silly_a apprehension_n and_o tend_v to_o atheism_n that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o act_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o that_o sovereign_a light_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o the_o form_n intend_v be_v how_o compose_v how_o use_v how_o in_o some_o case_n impose_v be_v thing_n so_o know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o prayer_n be_v god_n institution_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o form_n be_v that_o which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o likeness_n thereof_o or_o in_o compliance_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o to_o compose_v prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o we_o or_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o inference_n the_o direct_a contrary_a rather_o ensue_a on_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o it_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o beside_o the_o provision_n of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o moreover_o promise_v do_v not_o communicate_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o shall_v enable_v they_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a pretend_a help_n to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v not_o admit_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v christian_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v provide_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v and_o command_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o make_v one_o sermon_n to_o constant_o read_v in_o all_o assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o variation_n unless_o we_o shall_v grant_v also_o that_o he_o cease_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o enquiry_n therefore_o will_v be_v what_o place_n or_o use_v they_o may_v have_v therein_o or_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o perform_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o promise_v unto_o any_o to_o help_n or_o assist_v they_o in_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o or_o his_o assistance_n unto_o that_o end_n in_o particular_a nor_o foundation_n to_o build_v faith_n or_o expectation_n of_o receive_v he_o upon_z wherefore_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o especial_a or_o gracious_a manner_n concern_v in_o that_o work_n or_o endeavour_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o fall_v under_o his_o care_n as_o communicate_v gift_n in_o general_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o examine_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v no_o where_o peculiar_o promise_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o have_v we_o either_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o ask_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n i_o answer_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o plead_v at_o large_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v promise_v direct_o to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o which_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v be_v pray_v but_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o general_a so_o to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o our_o own_o or_o the_o use_n of_o other_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o aid_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o not_o as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a assistance_n in_o prayer_n not_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o gracious_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o it_o may_v be_v the_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v also_o pretend_v but_o as_o the_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o work_n be_v a_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ordinary_o promise_v or_o that_o any_o person_n can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v dictate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v use_v afterward_o by_o other_o as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v into_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o some_o of_o these_o external_a aid_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n utter_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o these_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v by_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n martyr_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o indeed_o have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o the_o person_n intend_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o assistance_n as_o any_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o single_a person_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a promise_n give_v unto_o any_o this_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o unto_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v thereunto_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o common_a duty_n and_o fall_n under_o the_o help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o general_n so_o some_o man_n from_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n above_o other_o which_o they_o attain_v by_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o comprehension_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o to_o be_v use_v and_o plead_v in_o our_o supplication_n may_v set_v down_o and_o express_v a_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o that_o shall_v declare_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o much_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o condition_n want_n and_o desire_n of_o christian_n than_o other_o can_v who_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o they_o be_v nor_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v have_v for_o those_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o man_n without_o such_o light_n and_o experience_n compose_v of_o phrase_n and_o expression_n gather_v up_o from_o other_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o invent_v by_o themselves_o and_o cast_v into_o a_o contexture_n and_o method_n such_o as_o they_o suppose_v suit_v unto_o prayer_n in_o
general_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o word_v so_o quaint_a and_o elegant_a in_o expression_n be_v so_o empty_a and_o jejune_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o use_n unto_o any_o unless_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o pray_v while_o they_o live_v and_o such_o we_o have_v book_n good_a store_n fill_v withal_o easy_a enough_o to_o be_v compose_v by_o such_o as_o never_o in_o their_o life_n pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o the_o former_a sort_n much_o may_v be_v learned_a as_o they_o doctrinal_o exhibit_v the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o prayer_n but_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o for_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o peculiar_a spiritual_a assistance_n in_o with_o respect_n unto_o prayer_n in_o particular_a 2._o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v a_o form_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o make_v prayer_n in_o that_o sense_n suppose_v man_n as_o before_o in_o so_o do_v may_v have_v his_o assistance_n in_o general_n as_o in_o other_o study_n and_o endeavour_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o that_o especial_a assistance_n which_o he_o give_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n for_o man_n do_v not_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n however_o they_o may_v use_v they_o by_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n which_o he_o excite_v and_o act_n in_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will._n nor_o be_v god_n the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o work_n their_o invention_n memory_n judgement_n be_v immediate_o exercise_v about_o their_o present_a composition_n and_o there_o they_o rest_v wherefore_o whereas_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n immediate_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o prayer_n be_v no_o part_n of_o man_n work_n or_o design_n when_o they_o compose_v and_o set_v down_o form_n for_o themselves_o or_o other_o if_o any_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o under_o a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n therein_o in_o the_o manner_n before_o declare_v 3._o as_o there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v unto_o the_o composition_n of_o such_o form_n so_o it_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o such_o singular_a and_o indispensible_a use_n unto_o all_o person_n the_o command_v for_o it_o be_v reiterated_a in_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o those_o concern_v any_o other_o particular_a duty_n whatever_o and_o if_o it_o have_v respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o sundry_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o his_o name_n it_o fall_v under_o a_o new_a divine_a institution_n hereon_o be_v command_n give_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o pray_v continual_o without_o cease_v to_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o self_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o in_o our_o closet_n in_o our_o family_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o this_o work_n of_o make_v or_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o command_n no_o institution_n no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o humane_a extract_n and_o original_a nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v expect_v from_o it_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o that_o fountain_n a_o blessing_n possible_o there_o may_v be_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o such_o as_o issue_v from_o the_o especial_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o nor_o from_o any_o divine_a appointment_n or_o institution_n whatever_o but_o the_o reader_n must_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v these_o thing_n to_o prove_v form_n of_o prayer_n unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v but_o only_o at_o present_a declare_v their_o nature_n and_o original_a with_o respect_n unto_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v 4._o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v in_o their_o use_n which_o alone_o be_v pleadable_a in_o their_o behalf_n come_v next_o under_o consideration_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v the_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o free_a prayer_n bestow_v on_o they_o or_o however_o have_v attain_v it_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a in_o this_o ability_n and_o therefore_o incompetent_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n without_o that_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o they_o and_o unto_o both_o sort_n they_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o use_n and_o advantage_n 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o much_o advantage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o those_o who_o can_v pray_v otherwise_o unto_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n yet_o ought_v sometime_o to_o use_v they_o what_o this_o benefit_n be_v have_v not_o be_v distinct_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v nor_o can_v divine_v wherein_o it_o shall_v consist_v sacred_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v mere_o to_o show_v our_o liberty_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v herein_o a_o neglect_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n if_o not_o also_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v they_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o and_o to_o forgo_v its_o exercise_n on_o any_o just_a occasion_n seem_v not_o warrantable_a we_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o make_v in_o the_o flock_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n that_o which_o in_o comparison_n thereof_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n we_o be_v deceiver_n free_a prayer_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o to_o scripture-commands_a and_o example_n than_o the_o use_n of_o any_o prescribe_a form_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a ability_n therein_o and_o voluntary_o to_o divert_v unto_o the_o other_o relief_n which_o yet_o in_o that_o case_n at_o least_o be_v no_o relief_n do_v not_o ready_o present_v its_o advantage_n unto_o a_o sober_a consideration_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o at_o present_a i_o examine_v not_o what_o man_n or_o church_n may_v agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n as_o judge_v and_o avow_v it_o best_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o another_o consideration_n but_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n and_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_v of_o such_o form_n be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v low_a and_o mean_a in_o their_o ability_n to_o pray_v of_o themselves_o i_o propose_v it_o thus_o because_o i_o can_v grant_v that_o any_o who_o sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o make_v request_n unto_o he_o for_o relief_n without_o any_o help_n but_o what_o be_v suggest_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o man_n will_v wilful_o neglect_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v if_o they_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o their_o duty_n be_v another_o neither_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o compose_a prayer_n with_o understanding_n but_o also_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v able_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o what_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o far_a no_o man_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v i_o speak_v therefore_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o ability_n see_v none_o be_v absolute_o unintere_v therein_o unto_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o use_v these_o form_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o low_a and_o mean_a all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n for_o whereas_o both_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o
the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o one_o whereof_o every_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v there_o be_v certain_a heavenly_a spark_n suit_v unto_o each_o condition_n the_o main_a duty_n of_o all_o man_n be_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o increase_v they_o even_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o lapse_v nature_n there_o be_v coelestes_fw-la igniculi_fw-la in-notices_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a accusation_n and_o apology_n of_o conscience_n these_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o increase_v which_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o in_o their_o sedulous_a exercise_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o effectual_a way_n of_o their_o exercise_n as_o in_o the_o soul_n application_n of_o itself_o unto_o god_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v do_v in_o prayer_n only_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o principal_o regard_v that_o be_v profess_a believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o have_v such_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o therein_o of_o all_o obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o as_o be_v improve_v and_o exercise_v under_o those_o continual_a supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n their_o head_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v every_o duty_n that_o in_o every_o condition_n or_o relation_n be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n among_o these_o be_v that_o of_o a_o ability_n for_o prayer_n and_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v it_o suppose_v they_o true_a believer_n be_v express_o to_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o because_o we_o be_v son_n god_n send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n but_o this_o ability_n as_o i_o have_v show_v be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v improve_v but_o in_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a exercise_n now_o whether_o the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n inquire_v into_o which_o certain_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o what_o ability_n they_o have_v do_v not_o tend_v direct_o to_o keep_v they_o still_o low_a and_o mean_a in_o their_o ability_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v but_o suppose_v these_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o yet_o real_a believer_n but_o only_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o gospel_n not_o yet_o sincere_o convert_v unto_o god_n who_o duty_n also_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v on_o all_o occasion_n these_o have_v no_o such_o principle_n or_o ability_n to_o improve_v and_o therefore_o this_o advantage_n be_v not_o by_o they_o to_o be_v neglect_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v spiritual_a light_n according_a therefore_o to_o their_o measure_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v their_o measure_n in_o spiritual_a gift_n also_o if_o they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a light_n no_o insight_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n prayer_n frame_v and_o compose_v according_a unto_o it_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o light_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n in_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o such_o indispensible_a necessity_n unto_o their_o soul_n 5._o but_o yet_o the_o advantage_n which_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n may_v have_v hereby_o in_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n prepare_v for_o they_o and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o be_v also_o insist_v on_o this_o they_o may_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v in_o who_o yet_o have_v sincere_a desire_n to_o pray_v and_o who_o affection_n will_v comply_v with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o indeed_o will_v carry_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n with_o it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v other_o way_n appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o which_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o under_o the_o guidance_n conduct_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n who_o work_n must_v be_v admit_v in_o all_o part_n of_o this_o duty_n unless_o we_o intend_v to_o frame_v prayer_n that_o shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n such_o be_v man_n diligent_a and_o sedulous_a consideration_n of_o themselves_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n their_o want_n and_o desire_n a_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v both_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o convince_v of_o their_o own_o concernment_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o help_v of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o all_o which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o who_o intend_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n to_o furnish_v man_n with_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v by_o they_o and_o so_o to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n whilst_o they_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o not_o to_o help_v or_o instruct_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v conscientious_o attend_v unto_o these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o other_o pretend_a help_n for_o man_n to_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o world_n not_o once_o inquire_v into_o their_o own_o way_n or_o reflect_v on_o their_o own_o heart_n unless_o under_o some_o charge_n of_o conscience_n accompany_v with_o fear_n or_o danger_n never_o endeavour_v to_o examine_v try_v or_o compare_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o scripture_n nor_o scarce_o consider_v either_o their_o own_o want_n or_o god_n promise_n to_o have_v a_o book_n lie_v ready_a for_o they_o wherein_o they_o may_v read_v a_o prayer_n and_o so_o suppose_v they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v a_o course_n which_o sure_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o encourage_v in_o nor_o be_v the_o perpetual_a rotation_n of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o expression_n suit_v to_o instruct_v or_o carry_v on_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o rather_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v and_o therefore_o common_o issue_v in_o formality_n and_o where_o man_n have_v word_n or_o expression_n prepare_v for_o they_o and_o suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o real_o signify_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v yet_o if_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n whence_o they_o be_v derive_v and_o whereinto_o they_o be_v resolve_v be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n fix_v and_o abide_v in_o their_o mind_n they_o can_v be_v much_o benefit_v or_o edisy_v by_o their_o repetition_n 6._o experience_n be_v plead_v in_o the_o same_o case_n and_o this_o with_o i_o where_o person_n be_v evident_o conscientious_a be_v of_o more_o moment_n than_o a_o hundred_o notional_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o trial._n some_o therefore_o say_v that_o they_o have_v have_v spiritual_a advantage_n the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n and_o have_v their_o affection_n warm_v and_o their_o heart_n much_o better_v thereby_o and_o this_o they_o take_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n and_o token_n that_o they_o be_v not_o disapprove_v of_o god_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n at_o least_o unto_o many_o in_o prayer_n answ._n whether_o they_o be_v approve_v or_o disapprove_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v but_o only_o whether_o they_o be_v for_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n before_o describe_v and_o herein_o i_o be_o very_o unwilling_a to_o oppose_v the_o experience_n of_o any_o one_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o least_o beam_n of_o gospel_n light_n only_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o propose_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o their_o consideration_n as_o 1._o whether_o they_o understand_v aright_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o natural_a devotion_n occasional_o excite_v and_o the_o due_a act_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o love_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o way_n direct_v unto_o by_o divine_a appointment_n all_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n or_o divine_a power_n which_o they_o adore_v when_o they_o address_v themselves_o serious_o to_o perform_v any_o religious_a worship_n thereunto_o in_o their_o own_o way_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v will_v have_v their_o affection_n move_v and_o excite_v suitable_o unto_o the_o apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o what_o they_o worship_v yea_o though_o in_o particular_a it_o have_v no_o existence_n but_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n for_o these_o thing_n ensue_v on_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o on_o the_o