the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a 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and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n very_o inconvenient_a and_o be_v likewise_o a_o late_a invention_n of_o our_o own_o never_o use_v by_o any_o foreign_a church_n either_o popish_a or_o reform_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v find_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v be_v take_v up_o to_o supply_v the_o negligence_n and_o laziness_n of_o people_n who_o will_v not_o now_o as_o former_o be_v at_o pain_n to_o get_v psalm_n by_o heart_n or_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v book_n or_o learn_v to_o read_v they_o 5._o notwithstanding_o your_o directory_n require_v the_o voice_n in_o sing_v psalm_n to_o be_v tuneable_a and_o grave_o order_v yet_o you_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a mean_n to_o help_v the_o voice_n and_o make_v it_o tuneable_a and_o be_v use_v by_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n but_o have_v also_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o press_v the_o use_n of_o instrument_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o these_o part_n where_o so_o many_o for_o want_v of_o be_v use_v to_o they_o have_v entertain_v prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o and_o some_o be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v affect_v by_o they_o yet_o the_o make_v they_o unlawful_a be_v against_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o be_v on_o that_o account_n a_o dangerous_a superstition_n and_o encroachment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 6._o the_o same_o superstition_n and_o encroachment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v to_o praise_n god_n in_o sing_v or_o say_v psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o way_n of_o response_n or_o answer_v of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v such_o noble_a precedent_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o even_o to_o determine_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a last_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o appear_v you_o have_v altogether_o lay_v aside_o the_o psalm_n in_o prose_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n hymn_n that_o be_v of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n and_o for_o the_o use_v of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o saint_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o use_v by_o you_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n but_o in_o their_o stead_n you_o have_v substitute_v as_o be_v before_o observe_v a_o few_o verse_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o human_a composure_n without_o scripture-example_n or_o precedent_n and_o sing_v they_o in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o ancient_a practice_n much_o less_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o be_v pure_o and_o immediate_o a_o invention_n of_o men._n iv._o the_o case_n then_o between_o our_o church_n and_o you_o in_o this_o point_n i_o think_v impartial_o stand_v thus_o our_o church_n praise_v god_n every_o day_n with_o five_o or_o six_o psalm_n beside_o other_o hymn_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o in_o his_o own_o word_n and_o method_n and_o yet_o be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o you_o in_o this_o very_a point_n as_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o who_o only_o praise_v he_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o your_o own_o find_v out_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a from_o human_a invention_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n serious_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o for_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o think_v what_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v judge_v of_o it_o now_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o god_n will_v judge_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o you_o in_o earnest_n lie_v these_o thing_n to_o heart_n and_o reflect_v on_o they_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n and_o prevent_v your_o judge_n much_o less_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o chap._n ii_o of_o prayer_n sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o main_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o christian_n which_o i_o observe_v be_v prayer_n or_o supplication_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rule_n direction_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a part_n of_o prayer_n distinct_o by_o themselves_o such_o as_o confession_n supplication_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n 1._o confession_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n mercy_n to_o aggravate_v it_o be_v common_o look_v on_o as_o the_o first_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o proper_a to_o introduce_v our_o supplication_n now_o in_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v express_a command_n to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o confession_n so_o deuteron_n xxvi_o 3_o thou_o shall_v go_v unto_o the_o priest_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o profess_v this_o day_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o i_o be_o come_v unto_o the_o country_n which_o the_o lord_n swear_v unto_o our_o forefather_n to_z give_v we_o and_o then_o the_o offerer_n be_v to_o make_v his_o confession_n vers_n 5_o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v and_o say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o person_n vnworthiness_n and_o of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o set_n &_o prepare_a word_n the_o same_o appear_v from_o solomon_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o confession_n for_o the_o penitent_a israelite_n 1_o king_n viij_o 47_o which_o word_n we_o find_v according_o apply_v in_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 6_o and_o make_v part_n of_o a_o large_a form_n of_o confession_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o captivity_n as_o solomon_n design_v they_o which_o appear_v from_o the_o 47th_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o psalm_n take_v from_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 1_o chro._n xuj_o 35_o and_o daniel_n in_o his_o form_n of_o confession_n in_o captivity_n chap._n ix_o vers_fw-la 5._o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v arbitrary_o to_o choice_n or_o discretion_n though_o other_o word_n may_v be_v join_v with_o they_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o enlarge_v or_o vary_v the_o form_n many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o be_v use_v and_o daily_o repeat_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n psal._n li._n be_v the_o form_n of_o confession_n david_n prepare_v and_o use_v for_o his_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o he_o not_o only_o use_v it_o himself_o but_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o master_n of_o his_o choir_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o it_o psal._n lxxviii_o be_v a_o general_a confession_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n set_v forth_o at_o large_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o their_o ingratitude_n disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n and_o this_o not_o as_o a_o pattern_n but_o as_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o their_o public_a service_n all_o which_o show_v we_o that_o address_n to_o god_n in_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v a_o warrant_n to_o we_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o our_o confession_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o manner_n 2._o the_o second_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v supplication_n for_o good_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o a_o form_n of_o word_n deut._n xxvi_o 13_o 15._o then_o thou_o shall_v say_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n look_v down_o from_o thy_o holy_a habitation_n from_o heaven_n and_o bless_v thy_o people_n israel_n and_o the_o land_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o as_o thou_o swear_v unto_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n so_o hos._n fourteen_o 2_o take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n moses_n in_o the_o wilderness_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o psal._n xc_o which_o have_v this_o title_n a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n
the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v the_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v further_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n and_o many_o of_o you_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o our_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n therefore_o that_o you_o shall_v understand_v what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o our_o worship_n which_o you_o thus_o forsake_v be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v and_o these_o principle_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o your_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v each_o of_o these_o principle_n apart_o ii_o and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o serious_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o can_v make_v i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_v make_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v any_o dissenter_n that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v any_o such_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n if_o then_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v not_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o presumption_n in_o the_o compiler_n of_o your_o directory_n to_o obtrude_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n or_o persuade_v people_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o nay_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o command_n in_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o conceive_v extemporary_a or_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o example_n in_o a_o settle_a ordinary_a congregation_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v if_o then_o you_o can_v show_v none_o of_o these_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o promise_n nor_o command_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v seven_o 7_o if_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o confute_v a_o adversary_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a but_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v both_o grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o they_o and_o set_v it_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v under_o the_o follow_a head_n iii_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o whoever_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n sincerity_n fervency_n love_n humility_n conformity_n to_o god_n will_n understanding_n and_o decency_n of_o expression_n pray_v acceptable_o to_o he_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whoever_o pray_v without_o these_o do_v want_v it_o 2._o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v attain_v these_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o beget_v they_o in_o we_o 3._o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acquire_v by_o natural_a mean_n a_o ability_n to_o express_v himself_o decent_o in_o prayer_n though_o he_o can_v so_o acquire_v faith_n or_o any_o other_o inward_a grace_n so_o that_o decency_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o always_o a_o part_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n may_v have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o dissenter_n 1._o from_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n which_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v how_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v the_o answer_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 2._o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o turn_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o metre_n and_o then_o sing_v they_o line_n by_o line_n after_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o example_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o psalm_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o translation_n they_o use_v give_v ear_n unto_o my_o word_n o_o lord_n my_o meditation_n weigh_v hear_v my_o loud_a cry_n my_o king_n my_o god_n for_o i_o to_o thou_o will_v pray_v this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o any_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o by_o their_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v they_o plain_o practice_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o do_v further_o also_o allow_v that_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o may_v repeat_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n with_o what_o reason_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v against_o we_o that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n sing_v in_o verse_n and_o after_o the_o minister_n read_v it_o be_v commendable_a but_o the_o same_o say_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n be_v unlawful_a 5._o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n may_v want_v these_o spiritual_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o contend_v most_o for_o they_o and_o they_o often_o be_v manifest_o deficient_a be_v sometime_o perform_v without_o reverence_n or_o decency_n of_o expression_n and_o by_o some_o even_o without_o understanding_n and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v find_v other_o may_v be_v want_v the_o scripture_n observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n he_o may_v want_v faith_n humility_n fervency_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 6._o therefore_o when_o god_n promise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n to_o his_o people_n zach._n twelve_o 10_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o enable_v all_o man_n who_o be_v god_n child_n to_o conceive_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n without_o a_o form_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o every_o one_o to_o who_o god_n give_v a_o heart_n and_o disposition_n to_o pray_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o who_o from_o this_o principle_n offer_v up_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o a_o form_n pray_v acceptable_o and_o he_o that_o offer_v they_o without_o that_o principle_n though_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unpremeditated_a and_o extemporary_a word_n be_v reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o grace_n the_o heart_n the_o disposition_n and_o ability_n to_o pray_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n such_o a_o man_n prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v great_o superstitious_a to_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o if_o god_n give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o pray_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v provide_v we_o a_o form_n
as_o we_o will_v be_v account_v his_o disciple_n neither_o will_n say_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o in_o other_o word_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n answer_v the_o intent_n of_o this_o command_n since_o 1._o we_o be_v sure_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n be_v put_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o apposite_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o other_o be_v plain_o to_o decline_v the_o choice_n of_o word_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o substitute_n less_o apposite_a of_o our_o own_o to_o express_v those_o petition_n in_o 2._o the_o more_o particular_o any_o thing_n be_v command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o may_v be_v the_o more_o confident_a that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v particular_o command_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o other_o prayer_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v 3._o in_o general_n we_o be_v command_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n to_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o offer_v this_o prayer_n these_o command_n agree_v very_o well_o together_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o ought_v not_o to_o justle_v out_o the_o other_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o prayer_n particular_o command_v by_o christ_n for_o other_o of_o our_o own_o compose_n in_o pusuance_n of_o the_o general_a command_n be_v too_o apparent_o to_o prefer_v our_o own_o invention_n to_o god_n command_n 4._o when_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o word_n our_o own_o prayer_n we_o may_v forget_v some_o thing_n we_o may_v mix_v our_o own_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n in_o our_o petition_n and_o this_o too_o often_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o word_v of_o they_o the_o way_n therefore_o to_o supply_v these_o defect_n and_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n for_o our_o infirmity_n be_v to_o use_v our_o lord_n perfect_a prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n for_o prayer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o but_o likewise_o as_o a_o form_n necessary_a to_o be_v use_v to_o correct_v what_o may_v be_v amiss_o or_o defective_a in_o our_o own_o prayer_n 5._o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o lay_v aside_o some_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o also_o particular_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o petition_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o many_o who_o lie_v aside_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v neither_o in_o term_n nor_o substance_n offer_v this_o petition_n to_o god_n nay_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v this_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o pardon_n as_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o public_o dispute_v against_o the_o form_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n though_o christ_n who_o foresee_v the_o objection_n which_o our_o corruption_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v have_v answer_v it_o and_o bind_v it_o upon_o we_o indispensible_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o ask_v forgiveness_n on_o these_o and_o no_o other_o term_n matth._n vi_fw-la 15_o and_o indeed_o if_o such_o a_o sentence_n have_v be_v prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v only_o repeat_v by_o christian_n once_o or_o often_o every_o day_n it_o will_v have_v seem_v but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_v they_o of_o that_o peculiar_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o their_o profession_n we_o see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n think_v fit_a to_o reduce_v their_o doctrine_n or_o instruction_n into_o proverb_n or_o short_a sentence_n to_o be_v get_v by_o heart_n and_o keep_v continual_o in_o memory_n as_o of_o great_a influence_n for_o guide_a man_n life_n and_o action_n and_o such_o sentence_n must_v be_v of_o much_o great_a influence_n when_o repeat_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o these_o in_o our_o lord_n prayer_n be_v require_v to_o be_v last_o this_o prayer_n be_v give_v we_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n a_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o christian_n and_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n it_o be_v no_o more_o lawful_a to_o alter_v it_o than_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o presumption_n and_o hazard_n to_o substitute_v other_o word_n instead_o of_o christ_n in_o this_o prayer_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v always_o to_o use_v when_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o change_v the_o word_n of_o our_o creed_n or_o as_o it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o battle_n to_o change_v the_o word_n give_v by_o a_o general_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o retain_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n have_v require_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o the_o difference_n we_o find_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o deliver_v by_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o syriac_a or_o vulgar_a hebrew_n and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o gospel_n in_o greek_a now_o in_o the_o syriack_n one_o and_o the_o same_o word_n express_v both_o those_o different_a word_n which_o the_o evangelist_n use_v in_o the_o same_o petition_n as_o debt_n and_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a but_o a_o seem_a difference_n between_o they_o all_o the_o different_a word_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o original_a language_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v iv._o as_o we_o have_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o in_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n so_o we_o have_v the_o like_a example_n for_o join_v voice_n upon_o occasion_n in_o offer_v these_o word_n general_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o people_n join_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o word_n of_o public_a prayer_n yet_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v also_o on_o some_o occasion_n their_o join_v their_o voice_n 1._o thus_o we_o find_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n judge_n xxi_o 2_o and_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o abode_n there_o till_o even_o before_o god_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o weep_v sore_o and_o say_v o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o israel_n etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n which_o be_v also_o prayer_n in_o great_a part_n as_o i_o note_v before_o the_o people_n be_v general_o allow_v by_o all_o as_o be_v full_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n so_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n exod._n xv_o 1_o 3._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o practice_n act_v four_o 24_o where_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o be_v god_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o prayer_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v as_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v than_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v inspire_v together_o not_o only_o to_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o likewise_o to_o utter_v the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o it_o have_v attest_v the_o fitness_n and_o decency_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n pronounce_v the_o same_o prayer_n together_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v convenient_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v some_o time_n practise_v in_o our_o christian_a assembly_n god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v we_o this_o example_n if_o the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o join_v in_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o our_o public_a prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v so_o here_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o have_v lead_v they_o to_o do_v a_o indecent_a thing_n or_o a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o god_n worship_n 4._o st._n paul_n and_o silas_n join_v also_o their_o voice_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xuj_o 25_o and_o at_o midnight_n paul_n and_o silas_n pray_v and_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o prisoner_n hear_v they_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o they_o sing_v their_o prayer_n which_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o on_o that_o account_n join_v their_o voice_n i_o confess_v the_o original_a favour_n this_o inference_n but_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n sing_v their_o prayer_n together_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o they_o may_v likewise_o say_v they_o together_o for_o we_o find_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n offer_v not_o only_o their_o praise_n together_o but_o their_o prayer_n also_o so_o rev._n vi_fw-mi 10_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o
o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_n and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o join_v our_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n in_o some_o of_o our_o public_a supplication_n to_o god_n and_o that_o this_o practice_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n of_o men._n v._o if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o priest_n part_n to_o make_v public_a intercession_n for_o the_o people_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n by_o themselves_o and_o answer_v in_o the_o service_n which_o we_o common_o call_v response_n 1._o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v it_o psal._n cvi_fw-la 48_o where_o after_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o which_o the_o psalm_n consist_v be_v end_v it_o be_v add_v let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o according_o we_o find_v 1_o chr._n xuj_o 36_o that_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o and_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v more_o signal_o observable_a in_o that_o solemn_a service_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o solomon_n temple_n where_o we_o find_v first_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n praise_v god_n 2_o chron._n v._n 13_o and_o say_v for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o the_o usual_a form_n of_o praise_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o psalm_n particular_o in_o the_o cxxxvi_o which_o be_v probable_o use_v at_o that_o time_n then_o solomon_n who_o build_v the_o temple_n perform_v another_o part_n of_o the_o service_n chap._n vi_fw-la 3_o he_o bless_v first_o the_o people_n second_o he_o bless_a and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o last_o offer_v that_o divine_a prayer_n of_o dedication_n which_o we_o find_v in_o that_o chapter_n then_o follow_v the_o burn_a offering_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v peculiar_o the_o priest_n share_n of_o the_o service_n chap._n seven_o and_o god_n give_v his_o approbation_n of_o their_o praise_n prayer_n &_o offering_n by_o send_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o last_o of_o all_o follow_v the_o people_n part_n which_o they_o perform_v chap._n seven_o 3_o they_o bow_v themselves_o with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n upon_o the_o pavement_n and_o worship_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o service_n be_v order_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o plain_o show_v we_o that_o he_o approve_v of_o the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n or_o part_v peculiar_a to_o themselves_o in_o his_o worship_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o worship_v god_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v now_o abolish_v and_o unlawful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o levitical_a ceremony_n the_o apostle_n have_v answer_v this_o by_o continue_v this_o practice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o admit_v the_o people_n to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o prayer_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v no_o legal_a abolish_v ceremony_n this_o be_v manifest_a from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 16_o else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n how_o shall_v he_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a say_n amen_o at_o thy_o give_v of_o thanks_o which_o show_v that_o even_o the_o unlearned_a have_v a_o part_n assign_v they_o in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n it_o may_v be_v add_v to_o this_o what_o i_o observe_v before_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 1_o n._n 4._o of_o the_o response_n in_o praise_v god_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n describe_v in_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o angel_n and_o elder_n represent_v the_o clergy_n and_o the_o multitude_n represent_v the_o people_n bear_v each_o of_o they_o their_o distinct_a part_n in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o the_o people_n bear_v a_o part_n and_o answer_v to_o the_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n of_o he_o that_o officiated_n ever_o since_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v establish_v sect._n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v prayer_n have_v thus_o see_v the_o direction_n and_o example_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o they_o both_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o we_o who_o be_v of_o this_o communion_n it_o will_v clear_o appear_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o particular_o direct_v we_o to_o ask_v or_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v that_o be_v omit_v this_o advantage_n we_o have_v towards_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n that_o our_o prayer_n be_v fix_v and_o state_v and_o may_v be_v examine_v by_o all_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o they_o a_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o put_v they_o into_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n whereas_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o as_o use_v only_o extempore_o prayer_n thus_o to_o justify_v their_o service_n because_o their_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v on_o the_o present_a thought_n of_o the_o speaker_n 2._o our_o church_n require_v the_o people_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n with_o the_o minister_n in_o some_o of_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v and_o which_o seem_v of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o great_a moment_n such_o be_v the_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n 3._o our_o church_n have_v assign_v for_o the_o people_n some_o short_a answer_n or_o response_n to_o our_o prayer_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o attention_n and_o signify_v their_o concurrence_n with_o the_o minister_n thus_o to_o every_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v amen_o as_o we_o find_v the_o people_n do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o to_o join_v unanimous_o in_o some_o other_o short_a ejaculation_n to_o implore_v god_n mercy_n or_o beseech_v he_o to_o hear_v we_o in_o all_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v we_o have_v the_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v our_o service_n that_o we_o have_v take_v the_o rule_n thereof_o from_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o invent_v a_o service_n out_o of_o our_o own_o head_n and_o then_o as_o be_v too_o often_o the_o custom_n of_o innovator_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n comply_v with_o it_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o our_o church_n will_v never_o have_v retain_v and_o prepare_v form_n of_o prayer_n have_v they_o not_o find_v such_o in_o scripture_n they_o will_v never_o have_v require_v the_o people_n to_o join_v their_o voice_n in_o some_o prayer_n and_o answer_v to_o other_o if_o the_o example_n of_o scripture_n have_v not_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o profess_v and_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o rule_n and_o we_o see_v how_o exact_o they_o conform_v to_o it_o in_o these_o particular_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v say_v as_o much_o for_o all_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o protestant_n sect._n 3_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o vs._n i._o and_o here_o i_o must_v entreat_v you_o of_o my_o diocese_n who_o dissent_n from_o our_o worship_n serious_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o what_o it_o be_v which_o you_o have_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v entire_o lay_v aside_o though_o so_o express_o direct_v and_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n and_o examine_v whether_o your_o way_n have_v a_o solid_a foundation_n in_o god_n word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o fairness_n and_o impartiality_n and_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o here_o i_o find_v that_o some_o of_o your_o writer_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o no_o necessary_a use_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o stint_v
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v 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 those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
by_o the_o spirit_n on_o ordinary_a occasion_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o rashness_n for_o a_o ordinary_a person_n to_o speak_v to_o a_o prince_n or_o solemn_a assembly_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o word_n unpremeditated_a and_o unformed_a and_o we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o so_o rash_a as_o to_o venture_v on_o it_o king_n solomon_n here_o seem_v to_o have_v recommend_v the_o same_o modesty_n to_o man_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n 9_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v not_o express_o forbid_v all_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o to_o condemn_v all_o such_o as_o unlawful_a there_o may_v be_v some_o man_n though_o not_o very_o many_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o significant_o and_o decent_o extempore_o and_o there_o be_v some_o occasion_n that_o require_v it_o even_o in_o public_a and_o on_o these_o occasion_n when_o a_o man_n have_v not_o time_n allow_v he_o to_o reduce_v his_o desire_n into_o form_n before_o he_o offer_v they_o he_o may_v depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o we_o may_v in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o of_o necessity_n or_o at_o least_o hope_n for_o pardon_n of_o course_n to_o our_o infirmity_n but_o to_o depend_v on_o that_o spirit_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o provide_v ourselves_o look_v so_o like_o tempt_v he_o that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o i_o find_v prudent_a modest_a man_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o though_o they_o be_v very_o famous_a for_o extemporary_a prayer_n yet_o they_o pray_v real_o as_o much_o by_o a_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o common-prayer_n before_o they_o the_o secret_a be_v only_o this_o they_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n of_o several_a sort_n digest_v they_o well_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o memory_n so_o that_o they_o can_v on_o occasion_n transpose_v the_o part_n of_o they_o change_n add_v or_o leave_v out_o as_o they_o see_v reason_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n provide_v with_o a_o form_n though_o the_o people_n can_v perceive_v it_o and_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o readiness_n and_o fluency_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n of_o moderate_a part_n to_o manage_v the_o matter_n thus_o but_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o ordinary_a preacher_n that_o know_v not_o or_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o method_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o very_o indecent_a and_o vain_a repetition_n and_o be_v often_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o practice_v this_o way_n of_o addressing_z to_o god_n another_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o these_o seem_a extemporary_a prayer_n not_o much_o different_a from_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o good_a man_n who_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o have_v grow_v up_o in_o a_o constant_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o form_n even_o with_o themselves_o for_o how_o much_o soever_o their_o prayer_n be_v extempore_o at_o first_o yet_o have_v continual_a occasion_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n they_o find_v in_o time_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o best_o way_n of_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o necessary_o lead_v to_o a_o form_n however_o the_o various_a way_n they_o make_v use_v of_o before_o they_o settle_v on_o one_o serve_v they_o as_o so_o many_o form_n when_o they_o come_v in_o public_a and_o by_o change_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_v extempore_o 10._o last_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o the_o use_n of_o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n even_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v found_v on_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n only_o which_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n what_o we_o lack_v of_o which_o rule_n our_o own_o prudence_n make_v the_o application_n in_o such_o extemporary_a occasion_n but_o when_o we_o set_v up_o this_o human_a application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o particular_a manner_n of_o ask_v command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n which_o be_v by_o set_v and_o premeditate_a form_n in_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v god_n way_n out_o of_o his_o worship_n to_o make_v room_n for_o one_o of_o our_o own_o this_o be_v to_o displace_v a_o particular_a command_n of_o god_n on_o pretence_n of_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o a_o general_a one_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o more_o liable_a to_o mistake_n but_o we_o fail_v of_o pay_v due_a respect_n to_o god_n direction_n for_o general_a command_n ought_v only_o to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v down_o a_o particular_a rule_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v examine_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o dissenter_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n iv._o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o you_o for_o who_o i_o intend_v these_o paper_n of_o this_o opinion_n as_o i_o fear_v some_o of_o you_o be_v and_o all_o of_o you_o do_v in_o your_o practice_n comply_v with_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v acquit_v yourselves_o from_o countenance_v it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o the_o opinion_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a speculation_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v at_o their_o mistake_n but_o by_o what_o i_o have_v show_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n of_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o who_o maintain_v this_o principle_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n but_o in_o effect_n set_v themselves_o up_o above_o christ_n and_o countermand_v what_o he_o have_v require_v they_o not_o only_o add_v to_o the_o gospel_n a_o new_a command_n by_o teach_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o condemn_v but_o they_o teach_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o he_o have_v positive_o command_v whoever_o therefore_o do_v teach_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o countenance_v those_o that_o do_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n can_v acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pen_v i_o can_v foresee_v only_o one_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v that_o to_o pray_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n except_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o that_o therefore_o the_o assert_v the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n as_o to_o justify_v our_o contend_v with_o our_o brethren_n about_o it_o and_o that_o it_o seem_v uncharitable_a in_o we_o to_o insist_v on_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v unlawful_a and_o we_o ourselves_o count_v indifferent_a 1._o but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o a_o opinion_n which_o necessary_o divide_v he_o who_o believe_v it_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v make_v it_o and_o such_o be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n since_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v any_o establish_v church_n these_o 1500_o year_n disc._n but_o have_v maintain_v their_o lawfulness_n and_o use_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o whatever_o age_n he_o have_v live_v he_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o sure_o a_o opinion_n that_o necessary_o produce_v such_o a_o division_n must_v be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a &_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o examine_v and_o if_o false_a to_o be_v zealous_o oppose_v but_o 2._o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o drink_v wine_n be_v as_o indifferent_a as_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o less_o concern_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o teach_v these_o to_o be_v unlawful_a will_v be_v as_o innocent_a a_o mistake_n as_o to_o teach_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o two_o doctrine_n together_o
and_o the_o mischief_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v or_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a meat_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o ill_a effect_n as_o the_o forbid_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v have_v already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o st._n paul_n judge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n four_o 1_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v he_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n forbid_v to_o marry_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n you_o see_v here_o st._n paul_n count_v it_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o forbid_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o any_o sort_n of_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a to_o teach_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unclean_a when_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o then_o sure_a to_o teach_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o god_n have_v command_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o ought_v to_o make_v those_o who_o maintain_v it_o or_o any_o such_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n as_o practise_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o examine_v it_o careful_o and_o impartial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o seduce_v spirit_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o will_n but_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o this_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o share_v with_o god_n in_o our_o obedience_n and_o impose_v new_a command_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o to_o procure_v himself_o to_o be_v obey_v this_o he_o do_v most_o successful_o by_o give_v they_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n thus_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n under_o colour_n of_o mortification_n he_o forbid_v meat_n and_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v allow_v speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o under_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v prevail_v on_o some_o under_o colour_n of_o great_a spirituality_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o wherever_o the_o devil_n gain_v this_o point_n with_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v he_o soon_o bring_v a_o superadd_v command_v of_o his_o own_o in_o competition_n with_o some_o of_o god_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o prefer_v his_o command_n to_o god_n and_o so_o plunge_v they_o into_o direct_a disobedience_n which_o be_v his_o design_n at_o first_o thus_o when_o he_o have_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n they_o soon_o fall_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v fornication_n but_o even_o in_o some_o case_n to_o allow_v it_o rather_o than_o marriage_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a he_o have_v deprive_v they_o in_o many_o place_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o not_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o in_o public_a than_o with_o a_o form_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o worship_n god_n public_o no_o where_o but_o 3._o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v no_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n about_o it_o since_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o puff_n they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o take_v false_a measure_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o we_o know_v that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guide_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n but_o no_o less_o in_o forgive_a a_o injury_n or_o resist_v a_o temptation_n and_o his_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a man_n mind_n be_v rather_o great_a and_o more_o sensible_a in_o these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o prayer_n love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 22_o and_o it_o be_v principal_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v that_o spirit_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n on_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n suitable_a desire_n entitle_v every_o one_o to_o god_n spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n that_o be_v able_a to_o express_v himself_o in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a word_n though_o without_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o expose_v every_o one_o to_o despair_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o as_o look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n though_o otherwise_o meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o endow_v with_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v much_o wear_v certain_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v many_o delude_v by_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o or_o other_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endow_v with_o this_o gift_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o qualification_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o some_o very_a immoral_a person_n guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n have_v not_o be_v eminent_a for_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o convince_v these_o person_n of_o their_o mistake_n or_o to_o comfort_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n deject_v only_o for_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n whilst_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n which_o in_o the_o four_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o indulge_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o secret_a devotion_n every_o christian_a ought_v at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o without_o a_o form_n child_n and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o 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account_n that_o the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_n up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o you_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a or_o easy_a method_n to_o revive_v and_o continue_v this_o regular_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o some_o certain_a form_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n which_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v whatever_o other_o prayer_n they_o use_v but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v whilst_o the_o opinion_n of_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
effectual_o upon_o you_o than_o those_o carnal_a and_o servile_a motive_n do_v on_o other_o let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o encourage_v and_o entreat_v you_o to_o do_v it_o more_o and_o more_o and_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o decline_v none_o of_o those_o art_n which_o be_v allowable_a when_o apply_v to_o gain_v the_o people_n to_o truth_n and_o holiness_n but_o very_o wicked_a when_o employ_v to_o divide_v and_o seduce_v they_o 5._o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o you_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o of_o a_o party_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o holiness_n and_o religion_n more_o than_o those_o difference_n that_o be_v often_o of_o little_a concern_v in_o themselves_o and_o be_v insist_v on_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n and_o badge_n of_o those_o people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o separate_v themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v up_o little_a difference_n for_o a_o distinction_n the_o less_o you_o meddle_v with_o these_o dispute_n it_o be_v common_o the_o better_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o prudent_a to_o mention_v they_o till_o man_n mind_n be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v by_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o the_o best_a way_n perhaps_o will_v be_v to_o show_v of_o what_o little_a weight_n they_o be_v to_o cause_n or_o justify_v division_n or_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n i_o be_o well_o aware_a that_o it_o may_v be_v object_v to_o we_o that_o whilst_o we_o press_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n and_o spend_v our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o defend_v our_o common_a christianity_n against_o papist_n socinian_o deist_n and_o atheist_n those_o that_o be_v our_o adversary_n in_o these_o lesser_a point_n have_v make_v their_o advantage_n of_o our_o be_v employ_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o undermine_v we_o with_o the_o people_n nay_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v even_o join_v with_o those_o enemy_n to_o pull_v down_o our_o constitution_n but_o yet_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o we_o be_v in_o less_o hazard_n from_o they_o whilst_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o great_a and_o common_a obligation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n then_o if_o we_o shall_v leave_v this_o expose_v to_o the_o assault_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n to_o guard_v ourselves_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o such_o back_n friend_n we_o must_v therefore_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o they_o but_o the_o other_o the_o great_a and_o common_a truth_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v our_o main_a business_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o remark_n proper_a to_o my_o present_a subject_n but_o i_o know_v your_o own_o prudence_n and_o observation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o suggest_v they_o to_o you_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v my_o prayer_n for_o you_o that_o god_n will_v increase_v your_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n and_o effectual_o 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found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o excuse_v scurrilous_a or_o unseemly_a reflection_n on_o it_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v for_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o be_v mistake_v as_o you_o suppose_v we_o be_v and_o therefore_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o be_v modest_a in_o censure_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o another_o propose_v reason_n against_o his_o opinion_n but_o to_o scoff_n at_o or_o revile_v any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n that_o another_o believe_v to_o be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o ill_a manner_n but_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v bitterness_n and_o animosity_n between_o the_o party_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v in_o a_o case_n where_o the_o practice_n or_o opinion_n be_v real_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n and_o impiety_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v this_o manner_n of_o treatment_n and_o whatever_o book_n use_v it_o we_o need_v trouble_v our_o self_n no_o further_o with_o it_o for_o it_o certain_o be_v write_v only_o to_o serve_v a_o party_n and_o not_o truth_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o in_o justice_n i_o think_v i_o may_v request_v of_o you_o which_o be_v that_o in_o your_o worship_n and_o practice_n you_o will_v not_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o it_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o a_o thing_n confess_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n mere_o because_o observe_v by_o we_o be_v sure_o very_o far_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o moderation_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v hope_v that_o you_o will_v not_o indulge_v your_o people_n in_o such_o affect_a distance_n that_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o make_v party_n irreconcilable_a and_o must_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n than_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o any_o christian._n and_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v my_o mind_n the_o better_a in_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n that_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v inoffensive_a and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v your_o compliance_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o be_v own_v in_o your_o large_a catechism_n to_o be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n and_o in_o your_o directory_n it_o be_v recommend_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o be_o inform_v that_o you_o my_o brethren_n of_o this_o diocese_n who_o separate_v from_o our_o communion_n do_v universal_o neglect_v it_o and_o thereby_o confirm_v your_o hearer_n in_o a_o opinion_n too_o common_a among_o they_o that_o 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it_o approve_v in_o scripture_n yet_o i_o understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o general_a posture_n in_o which_o your_o people_n offer_v their_o public_a prayer_n and_o either_o because_o it_o be_v for_o their_o ease_n or_o because_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n on_o outward_a performance_n or_o last_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v like_o we_o you_o indulge_v they_o in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o ignorant_a that_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o superstition_n in_o we_o to_o kneel_v at_o our_o prayer_n and_o be_v averse_a to_o our_o service_n among_o other_o reason_n because_o this_o be_v require_v at_o it_o which_o notion_n i_o suppose_v you_o yourselves_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v your_o people_n better_o and_o
religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o your_o account_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n to_o you_o of_o my_o concern_n for_o you_o and_o make_v my_o care_n to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v among_o you_o i_o hope_v my_o labour_n this_o way_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o doubtful_a and_o to_o awaken_v you_o all_o to_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v uncontroverted_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o your_o particular_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v you_o so_o many_o conveniency_n of_o frequent_v it_o in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v you_o so_o manifest_a 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as_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n can_v desire_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n i_o must_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o &_o passionate_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o that_o you_o will_v add_v diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o this_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a worship_n and_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n or_o a_o party_n you_o contend_v for_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o strive_v rather_o to_o outlive_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o then_o to_o out-argue_v they_o let_v the_o innocency_n of_o your_o life_n and_o your_o christian_a moderation_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o you._n i_o beseech_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o you_o and_o to_o influence_n you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o worship_v he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o dissenting-laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n that_o dissent_n from_o our_o communion_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v to_o you._n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v this_o way_n to_o inform_v you._n i_o will_v only_o add_v a_o few_o observation_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v leave_v the_o success_n entire_o to_o god_n 1._o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o have_v not_o lead_v you_o into_o long_a reason_n or_o the_o intricacy_n of_o human_a learning_n but_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o your_o bibles_n and_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o they_o to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o or_o not_o those_o of_o berea_n be_v reckon_v a_o noble_a people_n act_n xvii_o 11_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o pray_v most_o hearty_o to_o god_n to_o give_v you_o a_o part_n in_o that_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v search_v and_o find_v the_o truth_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n ever_o will_v be_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v more_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o invention_n then_o of_o what_o god_n command_v if_o we_o look_v 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his_o humour_n in_o they_o then_o in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n if_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n you_o will_v find_v that_o most_o of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o fondness_n and_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o church_n governor_n do_v long_o oppose_v they_o and_o be_v bring_v with_o difficulty_n at_o last_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a purgatory_n the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n half_a communion_n be_v present_a at_o church_n assembly_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o worship_v the_o host_n be_v all_o vulgar_a practice_n at_o first_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o be_v human_a invention_n the_o people_n be_v so_o violent_a for_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o withstand_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n they_o have_v will_v not_o comply_v the_o people_n do_v set_v up_o those_o that_o will_v now_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o all_o seriousness_n whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v something_o like_o this_o in_o your_o own_o case_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o do_v settle_v liturgy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o reform_a this_o knox_n do_v in_o scotland_n who_o lyturgy_n we_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o yet_o condemn_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o
unlawful_a this_o luther_n do_v for_o germany_n and_o calvin_n for_o geneva_n and_o for_o the_o french_a church_n who_o liturgye_n be_v still_o use_v by_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v this_o weigh_v not_o much_o with_o you_o though_o you_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v little_a to_o oppose_v to_o it_o beside_o a_o strange_a fondness_n and_o passion_n you_o have_v entertain_v for_o the_o contrary_a and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v better_o please_v with_o such_o extemporary_a prayer_n than_o with_o form_n for_o can_v any_o one_o wonder_n that_o a_o prayer_n which_o people_n never_o hear_v before_o and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o party_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o novelty_n give_v shall_v gratify_v carnal_a and_o itch_a ear_n more_o than_o the_o fix_a and_o settle_a prayer_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o form_n dictate_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o join_v in_o these_o with_o devotion_n require_v we_o due_o to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o strain_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n or_o we_o can_v be_v affect_v by_o they_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o sensual_a delight_n in_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o tone_n with_o which_o they_o be_v sometime_o deliver_v make_v the_o hearer_n imaginarily_o devout_a though_o they_o come_v to_o they_o without_o take_v pain_n to_o strain_v their_o mind_n to_o true_a devotion_n but_o you_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o mediatory_a saint_n have_v the_o very_a same_o effect_n on_o people_n long_o ago_o which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o worship_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o have_v now_o bring_v in_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n fond_a of_o what_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o people_n fondness_n of_o your_o peculiar_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o i_o find_v some_o of_o you_o use_v it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n especial_o since_o ill_a people_n be_v fond_a of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o good_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o many_o undeniable_a instance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v true_o and_o of_o itself_o spiritual_a 3._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o nothing_o can_v general_o induce_v our_o clergy_n to_o decline_v these_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o their_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o convenient_a in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o extemporary_a prayer_n will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o most_o of_o we_o and_o less_o burdensome_a than_o the_o service_n we_o use_v you_o may_v think_v otherwise_o but_o assure_v your_o self_n that_o you_o be_v mistake_v and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o those_o that_o have_v try_v both_o whether_o be_v most_o easy_a there_o be_v such_o both_o among_o you_o and_o we_o who_o have_v make_v the_o experiment_n and_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o they_o to_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n which_o of_o the_o two_o service_n they_o look_v on_o to_o be_v the_o great_a burden_n to_o he_o that_o perform_v they_o whatever_o you_o may_v think_v if_o we_o will_v indulge_v ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o to_o pass_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o our_o auditory_a or_o to_o turn_v the_o head_n of_o our_o sermon_n into_o one_o last_o i_o have_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v more_o especial_o request_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v believe_v that_o i_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o desire_v and_o study_v the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o i_o have_v in_o this_o 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it_o be_v that_o some_o people_n can_v endure_v our_o service_n but_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n that_o instead_o of_o the_o praise_n prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o god_n immediate_a appointment_n will_v gratify_v they_o every_o meeting_n with_o a_o new_a prayer_n without_o trouble_v they_o with_o such_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n as_o they_o think_v old_a which_o be_v incomparable_o better_a only_o the_o itch_a ear_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n foretold_v be_v please_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disgust_v the_o repetition_n of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v that_o of_o angel_n food_n psa._n lxxviii_o 25_o num._n xxi_o 5_o &_o xi_o 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o the_o business_n of_o the_o true_o conscientious_a to_o check_v and_o curb_v this_o humour_n in_o the_o people_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o discouragement_n the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n instead_o of_o comply_v with_o they_o 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god_n or_o design_n of_o religious_a assembly_n be_v visible_a or_o bodily_a adoration_n such_o among_o we_o be_v uncover_v the_o head_n bowing_n kneel_v and_o other_o outward_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o which_o we_o open_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o express_v the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o these_o attribute_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o head_n i_o will_v keep_v myself_o to_o the_o same_o method_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o consider_v first_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n that_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o they_o three_o examine_v the_o dissenter_n practise_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v for_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o find_v a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a worship_n in_o public_a psal._n xcv_o 6_o o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o bow_v down_o let_v we_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o public_a worship_n let_v we_o come_v before_o his_o presence_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o this_o bow_v or_o kneel_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v literal_o not_o figurative_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o sing_v thanksgiving_n and_o psalm_n be_v all_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n for_o understanding_n bow_v and_o kneel_v in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n than_o the_o other_o ii_o the_o same_o bodily_a worship_n be_v require_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o grave_a image_n by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v command_v to_o bow_v down_o to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o and_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n that_o the_o negative_a commandment_n include_v in_o they_o the_o contrary_a positive_a that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o a_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o require_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o first_o commandment_n forbid_v we_o to_o have_v any_o other_o god_n before_o the_o lord_n it_o require_v we_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o our_o only_a god_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o command_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o which_o rule_n when_o the_o second_o commandment_n exod._n xx_o 5_o forbid_v we_o in_o these_o word_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o serve_v they_o it_o require_v we_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a duty_n in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n to_o bow_v down_o to_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v he_o both_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n therefore_o as_o he_o that_o either_o bow_n or_o kneel_v or_o use_v any_o posture_n of_o reverence_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n break_v the_o second_o commandment_n so_o do_v he_o who_o on_o occasion_n of_o public_a worship_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o use_v some_o such_o posture_n to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o instance_n without_o some_o posture_n of_o adoration_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o kneel_v to_o a_o image_n without_o pray_v to_o it_o which_o the_o papist_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o one_o be_v idolatry_n and_o the_o other_o sacrilege_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o to_o bow_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n due_a to_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o give_v what_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o a_o image_n or_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o to_o himself_o we_o be_v equal_o robber_n of_o god_n we_o deny_v he_o his_o honour_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o sacrilege_n i_o wish_v all_o concern_v may_v serious_o consider_v and_o amend_v their_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a iii_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n command_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o he_o require_v or_o approve_v in_o his_o worship_n now_o through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n we_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o one_o sit_v at_o his_o devotion_n but_o on_o all_o occasion_n of_o worship_n especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n the_o people_n of_o god_n stand_v kneel_v bow_v or_o prostrate_v themselves_o it_o be_v say_v indeed_o 2_o sam._n seven_o 8_o that_o king_n david_n then_o go_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n but_o here_o the_o original_a word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o signification_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o remain_v stay_v or_o abode_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o according_o it_o be_v thus_o translate_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n particular_o gen._n xxii_o 5_o &_o xxiv_o 55_o &_o xxix_o 19_o 1_o king_n twelve_o 2_o this_o place_n therefore_o be_v no_o exception_n against_o that_o practice_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o holy_a man_n worship_v god_n with_o their_o body_n as_o well_o as_o with_o their_o mind_n iv._o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a t._n our_o saviour_n undoubted_o be_v the_o best_a example_n we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v what_o he_o do_v and_o approve_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n he_o offer_v to_o his_o father_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o address_v himself_o to_o he_o with_o bow_v the_o body_n with_o kneel_v and_o prostration_n as_o well_o as_o with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n so_o mat._n xxvi_o 39_o and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o luk._n xxii_o 41_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v and_o as_o he_o pay_v this_o bodily_a worship_n to_o god_n so_o he_o accept_v the_o same_o from_o man_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n thus_o the_o wise_a man_n worship_v he_o in_o his_o cradle_n mat._n two_o 11_o when_o they_o see_v the_o young_a child_n and_o his_o mother_n mary_n they_o fall_v down_o etc._n etc._n thus_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o mark_v v_o 22_o when_o he_o see_v he_o he_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o beseech_v etc._n etc._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o return_v he_o thanks_o luke_n xvii_o 16_o thus_o his_o belove_a mary_n come_v into_o his_o presence_n john_n xi_o 32_o and_o matth._n xxviii_o 9_o they_o