if_o we_o can_v pray_v as_o well_o or_o better_a without_o it_o when_o it_o be_v main_o give_v because_o we_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o now_o here_o you_o ask_v again_o for_o you_o so_o far_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o write_v that_o you_o lay_v it_o down_o by_o query_n rather_o than_o position_n i_o say_v you_o ask_v far_o whether_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o prescribe_v form_n be_v to_o last_o beyond_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o not_o be_v there_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n to_o limit_v it_o only_o to_o that_o time_n do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v absolute_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o its_o be_v temporary_a what_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o pretend_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v out_o of_o date_n may_v not_o this_o artifice_n make_v void_a all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o fix_v 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beside_o though_o christ_n name_n be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v virtual_o imply_v in_o almost_o every_o petition_n of_o it_o for_o we_o can_v call_v god_n father_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n neither_o can_v we_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n or_o deliverance_n from_o any_o evil_n but_o through_o his_o mercy_n and_o mediation_n so_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n either_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n or_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o this_o divine_a form_n but_o i_o must_v not_o whole_o pass_v by_o what_o you_o offer_v against_o the_o testimony_n i_o produce_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n as_o a_o form_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o ignatius_n that_o be_v the_o one_o prayer_n or_o the_o one_o supplication_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n or_o of_o one_o common_a prayer_n compose_v by_o it_o for_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v vary_v every_o day_n they_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v one_o prayer_n and_o against_o this_o i_o do_v not_o find_v any_o objection_n in_o the_o second_o century_n when_o i_o cite_v the_o testimony_n of_o lucian_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n you_o except_v against_o he_o because_o he_o be_v a_o scoff_v pagan_a but_o sir_n may_v not_o a_o scoffer_n be_v a_o good_a witness_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o scoff_v at_o be_v not_o the_o atheist_n and_o the_o deist_n good_a witness_n of_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o present_a age_n though_o themselves_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o deny_v the_o one_o and_o deride_v the_o other_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n st._n cyprian_n and_o other_o father_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n though_o you_o struggle_v and_o labour_v hard_a to_o say_v something_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o so_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_n or_o truth_n that_o it_o need_v no_o answer_n and_o you_o be_v so_o choke_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n and_o other_o divine_n abroad_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o home_o who_o both_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n themselves_o and_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o form_n to_o other_o that_o you_o wise_o enough_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o say_v much_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n i_o think_v you_o be_v better_o yield_v this_o point_n than_o wrangle_v any_o more_o about_o it_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o hope_v pretty_a well_o clear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o same_o word_n i_o shall_v next_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n and_o use_n of_o liturgy_n compose_v by_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n aug._n 19_o 1697._o letter_n xii_o sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o form_n and_o so_o use_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o likewise_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o disuse_n and_o contempt_n which_o some_o have_v cast_v upon_o it_o though_o it_o be_v sad_a that_o our_o unhappy_a and_o divide_a age_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o task_n necessary_a in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o liturgy_n and_o other_o form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v by_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o pretty_a conceit_n of_o you_o concern_v liturgy_n in_o your_o letter_n of_o july_n the_o 6_o for_o find_v they_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o ancient_a father_n you_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v in_o your_o claim_n to_o they_o and_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o book_n of_o prescribe_v stint_a form_n as_o of_o unwritten_a and_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o the_o public_a ministration_n alas_o what_o will_v not_o some_o man_n say_v or_o do_v to_o help_v out_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o where_o sir_n in_o any_o of_o the_o father_n be_v extempore_o prayer_n so_o much_o as_o mention_v much_o less_o style_v a_o liturgy_n or_o make_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v when_o it_o consist_v only_o of_o present_a and_o sudden_a conception_n be_v not_o the_o ancient_a liturgy_n the_o set_v and_o stand_a office_n of_o public_a and_o solemn_a devotion_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o people_n who_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o they_o and_o have_v often_o recourse_n to_o they_o and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v say_v of_o extempore_o prayer_n where_o neither_o minister_n nor_o people_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o before_o nor_o scarce_o remember_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o after_o but_o in_o this_o and_o likewise_o in_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n peter_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n james_n though_o you_o vain_o think_v you_o have_v do_v great_a feat_n and_o make_v some_o new_a discovery_n to_o the_o utter_a confound_v of_o liturgy_n yet_o it_o be_v all_o take_v out_o of_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o reasonable_a account_n why_o some_o nonconforming_a minister_n refuse_v to_o perform_v their_o ministerial_a act_n of_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n by_o the_o prescribe_v form_n of_o other_o and_o likewise_o out_o of_o a_o posthumous_n piece_n of_o mr._n david_n clarkson_n both_o which_o book_n be_v so_o full_o answer_v and_o refute_v the_o one_o by_o dr._n falkner_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o liturgy_n the_o other_o by_o dr._n comber_n in_o his_o original_a and_o use_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o refer_v you_o to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o valuable_a antiquity_n say_v you_o but_o the_o three_o first_o century_n and_o 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of_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o public_a service_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o synagogue_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o full_o prove_v by_o the_o learned_a dr._n lightfoot_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v only_o to_o refer_v you_o to_o he_o where_o you_o may_v read_v some_o of_o the_o set_a form_n that_o compose_v their_o liturgy_n together_o with_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o their_o whole_a service_n collect_v from_o the_o best_a and_o ancient_a of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n there_o you_o may_v learn_v likewise_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n be_v not_o the_o national_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n join_v but_o sect_n and_o excrescence_n from_o it_o and_o be_v such_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n often_o reprove_v but_o never_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o you_o will_v believe_v that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o other_o common-prayer-book_n but_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v you_o 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eight_o time_n in_o the_o litany_n and_o we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n one_o and_o twenty_o time_n sir_n be_v the_o frequent_a repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o be_v the_o pattern_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v account_v vain_a repetition_n especial_o be_v use_v only_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o occasion_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pious_a 56._o page_n 56._o and_o learned_a meditation_n of_o dr._n comber_n who_o ask_v how_o we_o can_v too_o often_o join_v his_o perfect_a prayer_n to_o we_o that_o be_v so_o imperfect_a since_o by_o he_o alone_o both_o we_o and_o our_o prayer_n become_v acceptable_a again_o be_v all_o affectionate_a repeat_n think_v you_o of_o the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v think_v vain_a repetition_n be_v david_n repeat_n his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o thirty_o six_o time_n in_o one_o psalm_n to_o be_v account_v such_o or_o be_v our_o saviour_n say_v the_o same_o word_n three_o time_n in_o his_o 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the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o form_n of_o supplication_n we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n which_o be_v put_v up_o every_o time_n for_o some_o distinct_a grace_n or_o mercy_n can_v be_v reckon_v a_o vain_a repetition_n thus_o have_v show_v you_o what_o be_v not_o vain_a repetition_n and_o likewise_o free_v our_o church-service_n from_o they_o let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v such_o and_o how_o you_o can_v clear_v extempore-prayer_n from_o they_o battology_n then_o or_o vain_a repetition_n be_v when_o man_n think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n when_o too_o great_a a_o stress_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o word_n and_o this_o be_v occaon_v by_o a_o vain_a opinion_n that_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o long_a prayer_n than_o short_a which_o put_v man_n upon_o lengthen_v their_o prayer_n by_o vary_a phrase_n to_o run_v out_o their_o petition_n into_o many_o word_n and_o to_o ask_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o new_a 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show_v they_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o impartial_a judge_n however_o since_o such_o weak_a or_o rather_o wilful_a person_n who_o be_v impatient_a of_o truth_n and_o resolve_v to_o shut_v both_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n against_o it_o do_v thereby_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v prejudice_v and_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o better_a judgement_n of_o more_o know_v and_o lessbyass_v reader_n farewell_n letter_n i._o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o receive_v another_o packet_n of_o letter_n from_o you_o in_o which_o i_o find_v you_o try_v your_o skill_n in_o make_v some_o reply_v to_o my_o former_a letter_n concern_v the_o gift_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v you_o sensible_a by_o degree_n and_o to_o that_o end_n all_o that_o you_o offer_v in_o they_o of_o any_o moment_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o due_a time_n and_o order_n 1_o first_o then_o for_o the_o letter_n that_o 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show_v you_o the_o different_a nature_n and_o place_n of_o both_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o attend_v to_o because_o the_o want_n of_o it_o have_v lead_v many_o into_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v for_o he_o that_o can_v use_v most_o new_a word_n and_o have_v the_o best_a faculty_n of_o change_v and_o vary_v phrase_n be_v by_o too_o many_o think_v to_o pray_v best_a and_o the_o ordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o you_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o and_o will_v have_v study_v and_o practise_v by_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v nothing_o else_o than_o this_o faculty_n of_o variation_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o hindrance_n than_o furtherance_n of_o true_a devotion_n and_o yet_o you_o seem_v to_o put_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n chief_o in_o it_o for_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o same_o word_n be_v apt_a to_o deaden_a and_o cloy_v and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v delight_v with_o variety_n and_o new_a thing_n and_o to_o 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vulgar_a mind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o lead_v by_o imagination_n that_o be_v thus_o take_v with_o the_o novelty_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o seek_v about_o for_o variety_n of_o expression_n now_o this_o be_v a_o weakness_n in_o they_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cherish_v and_o encourage_a that_o you_o ought_v rather_o to_o use_v your_o best_a skill_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n neither_o expect_v nor_o be_v delight_v with_o these_o thing_n for_o true_a religion_n incline_v still_o to_o the_o do_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o constant_a reverence_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o by_o a_o daily_a continue_a practice_n desire_v the_o same_o blessing_n in_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v be_v more_o sober_o and_o religious_o devout_a and_o find_v better_a acceptance_n with_o he_o than_o he_o that_o love_v and_o labour_n for_o new_a word_n 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the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man._n and_o certain_o if_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o object_n make_v the_o idolatry_n by_o how_o much_o the_o worse_o the_o representation_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o grosser_n must_v the_o idolatry_n be_v sir_n if_o you_o will_v thorough_o weigh_v and_o consider_v these_o thing_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o main_a work_n and_o business_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o perform_v it_o must_v proper_o be_v place_v there_o so_o that_o your_o great_a mistake_n all_o this_o while_n have_v be_v in_o take_v the_o gift_n of_o word_v prayer_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o rectify_v which_o you_o must_v know_v that_o word_n be_v no_o part_n of_o prayer_n or_o if_o they_o be_v the_o well-considered_a and_o digest_v word_n of_o a_o form_n be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o majesty_n we_o 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place_v it_o there_o for_o what_o you_o call_v the_o special_a internal_a devout_a spiritual_a and_o successful_a gift_n be_v true_o the_o gift_n or_o grace_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o you_o style_v the_o common_a external_a and_o artificial_a gift_n be_v proper_o the_o gift_n of_o speech_n utterance_n and_o elocution_n apply_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o word_n you_o grant_v in_o your_o letter_n of_o april_n one_a that_o it_o be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o the_o various_a matter_n and_o occasion_n require_v so_o that_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n by_o these_o concession_n that_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v come_v to_o a_o pretty_a good_a issue_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o you_o endeavour_v to_o undeceive_v the_o people_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o vain_a and_o high_a thought_n of_o this_o verbal_a gift_n that_o they_o may_v return_v to_o the_o ancient_n public_a and_o devout_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v ignorant_o swerve_v i_o be_o you_o in_o all_o true_a affection_n m._n h._n july_n 24_o 1697._o letter_n ii_o sir_n i_o considere_v in_o my_o last_o the_o letter_n relate_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o find_v nothing_o of_o moment_n object_v against_o they_o that_o may_v need_v or_o deserve_v a_o far_a answer_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o letter_n that_o relate_v to_o form_n of_o prayer_n about_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v viz._n one_a their_o lawfulness_n and_o two_o their_o expediency_n and_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v thing_n to_o some_o good_a issue_n i_o will_v show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o compromize_v matter_n where_o we_o differ_v 1._o first_o then_o we_o be_v agree_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o
that_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o for_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o which_o we_o be_v free_v any_o further_a than_o we_o be_v prescribe_v to_o by_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n as_o god_n minister_n and_o viceroy_n upon_o earth_n when_o i_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v thus_o right_o inform_v in_o these_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o good_a firm_a and_o well-grounded_n conscience_n and_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n and_o guide_n of_o our_o action_n and_o this_o be_v a_o healthy_a and_o find_v temper_n of_o mind_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o mind_n be_v ill_o inform_v and_o unsettle_a take_v thing_n lawful_a for_o unlawful_a and_o unlawful_a thing_n for_o lawful_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n as_o sinful_a which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v as_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o do_v other_o thing_n with_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o necessity_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o require_v as_o extempore_o and_o vary_v prayer_n this_o be_v a_o entangle_v and_o perplex_a conscience_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncertain_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n insomuch_o that_o to_o be_v act_v by_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o any_o find_a principle_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n but_o by_o the_o wrong_a measure_n of_o fancy_n humour_n and_o mistake_v opinion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sickly_a weak_a and_o unsound_a state_n of_o mind_n which_o will_v lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o erroneous_a doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a conscience_n the_o three_o grievous_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v be_v best_a cure_v and_o rid_v of_o they_o and_o first_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o lawful_a and_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v be_v judge_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o likewise_o when_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a and_o forbid_v by_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v yet_o be_v judge_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v this_o be_v a_o err_a conscience_n and_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o very_o great_a strait_n for_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v let_v he_o go_v which_o way_n he_o will_v if_o he_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v unlawful_a he_o act_v against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n if_o he_o refuse_v the_o do_v of_o it_o he_o act_v against_o lawful_a authority_n and_o sin_n in_o disobey_v that_o power_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v as_o in_o the_o former_a instance_n if_o any_o shall_v judge_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n enjoin_v by_o superior_n to_o be_v unlawful_a here_o if_o he_o use_v it_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o his_o own_o conscience_n if_o he_o use_v it_o not_o he_o sin_n against_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o his_o lawful_a superior_n both_o way_n he_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n which_o he_o can_v avoid_v whilst_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o error_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a and_o grievous_a snare_n and_o where_o a_o man_n be_v real_o entangle_v with_o it_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o deserve_v pity_n now_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o because_o our_o mind_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o alter_v our_o mind_n and_o bring_v it_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v bring_v humble_a and_o teachable_a mind_n free_a from_o pride_n passion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o prejudice_n not_o mislead_v by_o interest_n humour_n or_o vain_a conceit_n but_o willing_a to_o learn_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n confult_v our_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o some_o other_o able_a divine_n that_o may_v be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o direct_v we_o weigh_v the_o argument_n on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n as_o well_o as_o those_o against_o it_o use_v as_o much_o of_o the_o prescribe_a form_n as_o we_o lawful_o may_v and_o go_v with_o authority_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v if_o this_o be_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o do_v there_o will_v be_v few_o separatist_n or_o dissenter_n for_o satisfaction_n this_o way_n may_v soon_o be_v have_v and_o wherein_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v soon_o reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o he_o two_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o hang_v as_o it_o be_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la have_v argument_n sometime_o persuade_v it_o one_o way_n and_o sometime_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n which_o way_n to_o incline_v in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v a_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o superior_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o authority_n shall_v turn_v the_o scale_n and_o that_o lay_v aside_o the_o doubt_n we_o shall_v do_v the_o thing_n command_v for_o in_o doubtful_a matter_n the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v now_o since_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v certain_a and_o the_o particular_a matter_n of_o the_o command_n only_o doubtful_a reason_n will_n that_o we_o choose_v a_o certainty_n before_o a_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o superior_n must_v over-rule_v and_o a_o certain_a duty_n take_v place_n of_o a_o uncertain_a doubt_n this_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v act_v against_o conscience_n for_o here_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n and_o have_v not_o determine_v or_o pass_v sentence_n either_o way_n it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o against_o the_o conscience_n than_o with_o it_o and_o the_o weight_n of_o government_n must_v be_v esteem_v very_o light_a if_o it_o can_v carry_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o expediency_n of_o prescribe_v form_n the_o injunction_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o discard_v those_o doubt_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v yes_o he_o that_o do_v a_o thing_n doubt_o wherein_o he_o be_v under_o no_o command_n but_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eat_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n just_o incur_v the_o peril_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n in_o a_o thing_n wherein_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o but_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v not_o full_o persuade_v but_o have_v only_o some_o doubt_n about_o it_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o guide_v his_o doubt_n and_o do_v as_o he_o be_v command_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o he_o do_v amiss_o in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o governor_n who_o require_v it_o and_o not_o he_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n to_o obey_v three_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v when_o the_o mind_n be_v pretty_a well_o satisfy_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o have_v some_o slight_a fear_n and_o scruple_n about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o crazy_a and_o weak_a temper_n of_o mind_n proceed_v from_o melancholy_a or_o too_o great_a timorousness_n occasion_v by_o read_v some_o sort_n of_o book_n and_o converse_v with_o some_o ill_o instruct_v person_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v needless_a fear_n and_o objection_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o come_v near_o to_o your_o case_n for_o though_o you_o be_v reasonable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a yet_o you_o entertain_v yourself_o and_o feed_v other_o with_o some_o unreasonable_a jealousy_n and_o scruple_n about_o they_o such_o be_v they_o about_o the_o calendar_n the_o rule_n for_o find_v easter_n the_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o some_o expression_n in_o the_o rubric_n and_o other_o office_n together_o with_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o they_o which_o little_a cavil_n or_o scruple_n like_o the_o fly_n of_o egypt_n be_v still_o buzz_v about_o your_o ear_n for_o i_o find_v they_o mention_v almost_o in_o every_o letter_n no._n sir_n be_v pretty_a will_n satisfy_v in_o the_o main_n if_o you_o canâ—…_n otherwise_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o scruple_n it_o will_v be_v your_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n too_o to_o throw_v they_o clear_v off_o as_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o decent_a and_o public_a constitution_n without_o mind_v the_o clamour_v and_o importunity_n of_o they_o for_o if_o great_a doubt_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o
governor_n certain_o such_o little_a scruple_n ought_v not_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o but_o the_o 14_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n say_v you_o if_o well_o mind_v will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o difference_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o will_v if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o observe_v for_o the_o thing_n discourse_v of_o in_o that_o chapter_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o leave_v so_o as_o to_o their_o use_n as_o the_o eat_n of_o herb_n and_o sundry_a sort_n of_o meat_n the_o observe_v of_o day_n and_o the_o like_a in_o which_o every_o one_o have_v their_o liberty_n no_o superior_a power_n have_v interpose_v either_o to_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o in_o which_o case_n they_o sin_v not_o in_o use_v or_o austain_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v they_o not_o to_o censure_v or_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o use_v this_o liberty_n either_o way_n but_o the_o case_n with_o we_o be_v very_o different_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o leave_v so_o as_o to_o our_o judgement_n about_o they_o yet_o our_o practice_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n which_o be_v to_o sway_v and_o over-rule_v in_o these_o matter_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o thing_n leave_v arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a to_o we_o about_o which_o man_n may_v and_o do_v entertain_v some_o scruple_n as_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n lend_v upon_o usury_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v under_o no_o command_n man_n may_v do_v in_o they_o as_o they_o think_v most_o convenient_a here_o the_o case_n be_v parallel_n with_o we_o and_o the_o roman_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n direction_n about_o the_o one_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o other_o but_o as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v command_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o the_o decency_n and_o order_n of_o public_a worship_n it_o become_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o our_o sin_n to_o neglect_v or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o hope_v give_v you_o some_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n i_o shall_v next_o consider_v your_o notion_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n sept._n 28_o 1697._o letter_n ix_o sir_n we_o have_v see_v that_o neither_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n can_v null_a the_o obligation_n or_o dispense_v with_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o your_o notion_n of_o moderation_n can_v do_v towards_o it_o whether_o that_o will_v not_o take_v off_o some_o part_n of_o they_o or_o allow_v we_o to_o observe_v only_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o you_o so_o frequent_o cry_v up_o moderation_n which_o be_v a_o plausible_a term_n for_o some_o abatement_n you_o talk_v much_o of_o a_o due_a temper_n towards_o dissenter_n by_o which_o you_o mean_v no_o doubt_n the_o indulge_v they_o in_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o to_o draw_v in_o some_o churchman_n of_o your_o side_n you_o often_o commend_v such_o as_o fail_v and_o falter_v in_o their_o duty_n for_o moderate_a men._n now_o because_o the_o apostle_n will_v 4.5_o phil._n 4.5_o that_o our_o moderation_n shall_v be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o virtue_n that_o we_o may_v right_o know_v ourselves_o what_o we_o be_v to_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v note_n first_o that_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o god_n creature_n or_o keep_v the_o mean_a in_o eat_v or_o drink_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n which_o help_v to_o regulate_v our_o appetite_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o necessary_a action_n and_o refreshment_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o useful_a virtue_n yet_o it_o fall_v not_o under_o our_o present_a consideration_n second_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o well-governing_a our_o passion_n and_o affection_n keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v into_o inordinacy_n or_o excess_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o meekness_n or_o gentleness_n which_o teach_v man_n to_o moderate_v their_o anger_n and_o regulate_v all_o other_o passion_n by_o fix_v they_o upon_o right_a object_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o their_o due_a measure_n and_o proportion_n this_o likewise_o be_v a_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o high_o conduce_v both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o private_a peace_n three_o moderation_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o mild-interpreting_a and_o execute_v of_o law_n construe_v they_o in_o the_o more_o favourable_a sense_n and_o abate_v the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o they_o injuria_fw-la summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la which_o in_o many_o case_n will_v be_v great_a injury_n and_o oppression_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o equity_n which_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o extremity_n of_o law_n and_o give_v all_o those_o allowance_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o reason_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o this_o too_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o welfare_n and_o good_a government_n of_o all_o society_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a if_o not_o the_o only_o approve_a sense_n of_o moderation_n but_o beside_o these_o some_o have_v late_o start_v a_o new_a and_o wild_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o rise_v of_o our_o unhappy_a schism_n and_o dissension_n since_o which_o some_o have_v take_v moderation_n for_o a_o pare_n off_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n and_o comply_v too_o far_o with_o the_o dissenter_n from_o it_o thus_o he_o that_o prevaricate_v and_o perform_v his_o duty_n by_o half_n by_o curtail_v and_o cut_v short_a the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n mangle_v and_o leave_v out_o what_o part_n he_o please_v of_o they_o in_o the_o public_a ministration_n he_o that_o baptize_v without_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o many_o time_n neglect_v the_o decent_a habit_n and_o gesture_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o divine_a service_n such_o a_o one_o be_v style_v and_o frequent_o pass_v for_o a_o moderate_a man_n and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o commend_v their_o moderation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o plain_a reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o they_o do_v just_a as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o that_o be_v by_o neglect_v some_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n they_o give_v they_o 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esteem_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o renegade_n or_o deserter_n of_o religion_n who_o wilful_o abstain_v and_o alienates_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o it_o by_o which_o you_o plain_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n and_o founder_n of_o your_o sect_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n letter_n xi_o sir_n have_v in_o the_o former_a letter_n assert_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o enjoin_v form_n of_o prayerupon_o all_o person_n and_o occasion_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o likewise_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o your_o plea_n and_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o antiquity_n of_o form_n to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v adjust_a matter_n there_o and_o here_o i_o find_v you_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o grant_v any_o thing_n for_o fear_v of_o give_v countenance_n to_o liturgy_n and_o disparage_v the_o great_a diana_n of_o 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of_o prayer_n that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v they_o no_o new_a prayer_n but_o the_o same_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o year_n and_o half_a before_o in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n partly_o as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v because_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o and_o partly_o because_o a_o better_a can_v not_o be_v give_v and_o yet_o you_o tell_v i_o that_o we_o build_v more_o upon_o this_o prayer_n than_o it_o will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o bear_v how_o so_o we_o build_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o use_v this_o and_o other_o form_n compose_v by_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v well_o enough_o bear_v that_o and_o that_o so_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o christ_n practice_n and_o command_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o warrant_v these_o thing_n no_o say_v you_o it_o be_v design_v only_o for_o a_o directory_n to_o frame_v other_o 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use_v in_o both_o the_o evangelist_n that_o record_v it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o petition_n in_o the_o four_o st._n matthew_n have_v it_o give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n st._n luke_n give_v we_o day_n by_o day_n our_o daily_a bread_n in_o the_o 5_o the_o one_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n the_o other_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n for_o we_o also_o forgive_v they_o that_o be_v indebt_v unto_o we_o and_o what_o be_v more_o material_a say_v you_o in_o st._n luke_n the_o doxology_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o but_o sir_n may_v not_o the_o difference_n of_o copy_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n easy_o occasion_n so_o small_a a_o alteration_n and_o be_v we_o not_o infinite_o behold_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o hand_v it_o down_o to_o we_o through_o so_o many_o age_n with_o so_o little_a variation_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v own_a with_o thankfulness_n than_o 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of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n of_o our_o hear_n and_o read_v so_o little_a of_o form_n at_o that_o time_n for_o whilst_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v by_o those_o gift_n there_o can_v not_o be_v so_o great_a need_n or_o use_v of_o they_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v expect_v to_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o live_v in_o the_o four_o century_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o public_a ministration_n be_v perform_v cease_v but_o a_o little_a before_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o dr._n comber_n have_v well_o observe_v 77._o dr._n comber_n of_o liturg._n p._n 77._o this_o be_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o cease_n of_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n if_o form_n of_o prayer_n then_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o warrant_v the_o 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and_o here_o we_o be_v surround_v with_o evidence_n for_o the_o use_v of_o liturgy_n be_v confirm_v by_o as_o many_o unquestionable_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v attest_v withal_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v the_o ample_a testimony_n of_o the_o father_n of_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a century_n be_v cite_v in_o my_o 15_o letter_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o liturgy_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o capellus_n and_o other_o foreign_a divine_n who_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o public_a form_n of_o liturgy_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o universal_a church_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o above_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o add_v that_o it_o do_v now_o every_o where_n obtain_v save_v among_o some_o upstart_n sect_n and_o independent_o yea_o smectymnus_n which_o be_v a_o club_n of_o presbyterian_a divine_n here_o at_o home_n date_n the_o rise_n and_o use_v of_o liturgy_n from_o this_o century_n derive_v it_o from_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o sit_v about_o the_o year_n 364_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o milevis_n which_o sit_v somewhat_o after_o and_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a age_n they_o with_o their_o adherent_n still_o keep_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o public_a liturgy_n till_o very_o late_o a_o new_a race_n of_o dissenter_n be_v start_v up_o in_o these_o time_n of_o liberty_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o all_o form_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o establish_a order_n and_o discipline_n and_o seem_v incline_v to_o drive_v the_o principle_n of_o confusion_n as_o far_o as_o they_o will_v go_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o you_o have_v to_o say_v against_o these_o testimony_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n beside_o the_o appoint_a prayer_n order_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v compose_v for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o soldier_n to_o this_o you_o say_v let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v then_o no_o public_a liturgy_n what_o because_o a_o new_a form_n be_v draw_v up_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o soldier_n have_v not_o we_o late_o prayer_n frame_v to_o be_v use_v at_o sea_n and_o will_v that_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v no_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n before_o be_v you_o not_o ashamed_a of_o such_o reason_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n and_o other_o foreign_a divine_n you_o tell_v i_o that_o all_o that_o calvin_n say_v or_o do_v about_o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v mere_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o difficulty_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o live_v which_o you_o say_v more_o than_o once_o be_v so_o gross_a that_o the_o people_n be_v persuade_v to_o eat_v hay_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n of_o liturgy_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n in_o such_o a_o dark_a age_n or_o that_o calvin_n wink_v at_o they_o in_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o be_v all_o those_o light_n that_o help_v we_o out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o popery_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a too_o and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o they_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o former_a age_n certain_o you_o think_v that_o our_o reformer_n too_o who_o show_v great_a wisdom_n than_o any_o before_o or_o since_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a likewise_o or_o at_o best_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a glimmer_a light_n which_o be_v break_v out_o upon_o you_o in_o its_o meridian_n splendour_n you_o take_v the_o continuance_n of_o liturgy_n to_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n and_o consequent_o you_o who_o lay_v they_o aside_o have_v a_o marvellous_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o you_o whereas_o we_o that_o continue_v to_o use_v
that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v keep_v entire_a without_o any_o schism_n or_o division_n in_o it_o to_o which_o end_n they_o have_v leave_v a_o strict_a charge_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n which_o can_v only_o be_v by_o join_v together_o in_o one_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n and_o now_o what_o think_v you_o sir_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o dissenter_n and_o nonconformist_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o leave_v a_o example_n of_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o show_v a_o exact_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n not_o only_o of_o divine_a but_o humane_a and_o ecclesiastical_a appointment_n use_v in_o it_o and_o will_v our_o saviour_n think_v you_o approve_v of_o rent_n and_o dâ—ssâ—â—â—ions_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o body_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n no_o certain_o the_o precept_n to_o unity_n and_o the_o prohibition_n of_o division_n be_v far_o more_o urgent_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o how_o can_v you_o conceive_v schism_n and_o separation_n to_o be_v sign_n of_o grace_n and_o pure_a christianity_n when_o they_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o both_o thus_o you_o see_v sir_n that_o your_o additional_a stroke_n serve_v but_o to_o add_v to_o the_o resemblance_n and_o your_o complete_n the_o character_n of_o the_o pharisee_n only_o show_v you_o the_o more_o complete_o like_o they_o but_o you_o have_v something_o far_a to_o say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n and_o ask_v whether_o they_o be_v by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o not_o which_o must_v be_v examine_v and_o answer_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n letter_n xviii_o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o that_o the_o additional_a stroke_n you_o give_v to_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o pharisee_n do_v but_o increase_v the_o resemblance_n and_o what_o you_o add_v to_o complete_a their_o character_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v it_o look_v so_o much_o the_o hard_a upon_o you_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v far_o to_o say_v concern_v your_o prayer_n and_o here_o when_o i_o tell_v that_o the_o pharisee_n prayer_n be_v remarkable_a for_o two_o thing_n viz._n their_o length_n and_o their_o loudness_n you_o very_o fair_o quarrel_v with_o both_o for_o your_o cavil_a humour_n will_v scarce_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v and_o therefore_o something_o must_v be_v add_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o both_o as_o for_o their_o length_n our_o saviour_n have_v record_v it_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o their_o hypocrisy_n 23.14_o matt._n 23.14_o that_o they_o make_v long_a prayer_n no_o say_v you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o length_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o the_o make_n of_o they_o for_o a_o pretence_n that_o be_v there_o blame_v but_o sir_n do_v not_o the_o make_n of_o they_o for_o a_o pretence_n imply_v a_o opinion_n of_o some_o great_a excellency_n in_o they_o than_o in_o short_a prayer_n man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o pretend_v to_o but_o hide_v imperfection_n and_o if_o the_o pharisee_n make_v these_o prayer_n for_o a_o show_n or_o pretence_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o take_v prolixity_n for_o a_o perfection_n and_o ornâ—ment_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o place_v great_a holiness_n and_o sanctity_n in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o value_n for_o long_a prayer_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o they_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o observe_v in_o they_o as_o for_o their_o lowdness_n we_o read_v that_o they_o pray_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n which_o be_v do_v for_o ostentation_n and_o vanity_n and_o before_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n lowdness_n be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o sound_v a_o trumpet_n before_o their_o alm_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n so_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n like_o a_o trumpet_n in_o their_o street-prayer_n to_o be_v hear_v of_o they_o but_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o lowdness_n you_o can_v away_o with_o blame_v the_o length_n of_o prayer_n for_o be_v not_o jacob_n say_v you_o a_o long_a prayer_n yea_o be_v not_o david_n solomon_n nehemiah_n and_o daniel_n so_o sir_n there_o be_v far_o more_o example_n of_o short_a than_o of_o long_a prayer_n in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o read_v of_o much_o great_a success_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o as_o for_o the_o prayer_n you_o mention_v the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v but_o like_o one_o of_o our_o short_a collect_v the_o other_o like_o our_o long_a form_n compose_v for_o public_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o none_o of_o they_o like_o the_o tedious_a long-winded_a harangue_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n beside_o the_o former_a be_v the_o inspire_a prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o dedicate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o some_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o word_n sound_n pertinent_a and_o pithy_a whereas_o you_o proceed_v from_o the_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a conception_n of_o your_o own_o brain_n be_v far_o from_o either_o be_v oftentimes_o full_a of_o impertinence_n tautology_n and_o unsoundness_n but_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a prayer_n say_v you_o when_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n at_o it_o and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n spend_v sometime_o many_o hour_n together_o in_o prayer_n and_o some_o of_o their_o fast_n be_v celebrate_v with_o prayer_n prolong_v from_o the_o morning_n of_o one_o day_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o another_o sir_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o they_o spend_v all_o this_o time_n in_o verbal_n or_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o that_o they_o be_v all_o this_o 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father_n if_o this_o cup_n may_v not_o pass_v away_o from_o i_o except_o i_o drink_v it_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v after_o which_o he_o pray_v again_o the_o three_o time_n without_o any_o variation_n say_v the_o same_o word_n and_o with_o these_o few_o unvaried_a word_n together_o with_o many_o inward_a sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v he_o pass_v that_o night_n before_o his_o suffering_n with_o great_a devotion_n and_o hereunto_o the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o christ_n pray_v to_o his_o father_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n beside_o our_o saviour_n have_v blame_v the_o heathen_n for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o the_o pharisee_n for_o their_o long_a prayer_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o leave_v behind_o he_o a_o example_n or_o encouragement_n of_o either_o as_o for_o what_o you_o say_v of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n spend_v many_o hour_n and_o sometime_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v always_o do_v with_o the_o voice_n or_o the_o use_n of_o word_n for_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o service_n be_v perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o silence_n that_o be_v with_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o desire_n of_o mental_a prayer_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o acceptable_a with_o god_n than_o the_o great_a multitude_n or_o variety_n of_o word_n but_o you_o will_v have_v i_o tell_v you_o whether_o the_o pharisee_n long_a prayer_n be_v by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o no_o and_o if_o not_o where_o be_v the_o jewish_a service_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n frequent_v add_v that_o you_o believe_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o those_o day_n no_o other_o common-prayer-book_n but_o the_o bible_n sir_n that_o the_o national_a church_n