Selected quad for the lemma: prayer_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
prayer_n hear_v lord_n time_n 7,447 5 3.8734 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44145 Letters written to J.M. a nonconformist teacher, concerning the gift and forms of prayer The second part. By Matthew Hole, B.D. sometime fellow of Exeter College, Oxon. now vicar of Stoke-gursey in Somersetshire.; Correct copy of some letters written to J.M. a nonconformist teacher, concerning the gift and forms of prayer. Part 2. Hole, Matthew, 1639 or 40-1730. 1699 (1699) Wing H2410; ESTC R215281 96,332 185

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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 they_o to_o a_o certain_a period_n and_o take_v off_o their_o obligation_n from_o all_o that_o live_v beyond_o take_v heed_n sir_n of_o such_o arts._n but_o if_o christ_n have_v intend_v it_o for_o a_o perpetual_a form_n say_v you_o with_o other_o of_o your_o brethren_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v leave_v out_o his_o own_o name_n sir_n to_o ask_v in_o christ_n name_n be_v to_o ask_v through_o christ_n merit_n which_o do_v not_o take_v place_n till_o after_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o likewise_o to_o ask_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n as_o our_o intercessor_n and_o advocate_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n which_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o disciple_n 16.24_o joh._n 16.24_o who_o before_o that_o have_v ask_v nothing_o in_o his_o name_n be_v after_o enjoin_v and_o encourage_v to_o ask_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o with_o a_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v 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 if_o the_o use_v of_o liturgy_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o prove_v there_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v no_o value_n for_o they_o sir_n though_o we_o want_v not_o proof_n of_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n yet_o learned_a man_n have_v give_v such_o wise_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o they_o in_o those_o as_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n as_o may_v well_o enough_o satisfy_v any_o rational_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n about_o it_o if_o you_o have_v not_o consider_v they_o i_o will_v recommend_v some_o of_o they_o to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n as_o first_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o assistance_n
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 will_v believe_v against_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o steer_v your_o course_n against_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o antiquity_n but_o nothing_o stick_v so_o much_o in_o your_o stomach_n as_o charge_v the_o pharisee_n with_o vain_a babble_v and_o you_o will_v never_o have_v do_v with_o repeat_v their_o vain_a repetition_n what_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o guess_v unless_o it_o be_v that_o your_o prayer_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o same_o fault_n if_o you_o can_v clear_v the_o pharisee_n prayer_n from_o this_o imputation_n it_o may_v help_v to_o free_v you_o from_o it_o and_o set_v they_o off_o the_o better_a but_o let_v those_o take_v care_n say_v you_o how_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o pharisee_n who_o in_o a_o morning_n service_n do_v five_o or_o six_o time_n repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o do_v so_o often_o cry_v lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o repeat_v good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o seven_o or_o 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 agony_n to_o be_v reckon_v in_o that_o number_n no_o certain_o he_o that_o blame_v this_o fault_n in_o other_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o himself_o for_o the_o clear_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n i_o must_v show_v you_o what_o be_v not_o vain_a repetition_n and_o likewise_o what_o be_v such_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o first_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v and_o ardent_a desire_n of_o what_o we_o ask_v at_o god_n hand_n be_v no_o vain_a repetition_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n feel_v a_o inward_a joy_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o repeat_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v vain_a and_o much_o less_o be_v our_o saviour_n say_v the_o same_o word_n from_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o be_v hear_v to_o be_v esteem_v such_o thus_o the_o double_n and_o treble_v our_o petition_n for_o mercy_n with_o earnestness_n and_o affection_n be_v no_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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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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declare_v that_o it_o be_v without_o all_o question_n that_o they_o have_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o this_o age._n however_o all_o these_o thing_n well_o consider_v may_v abundant_o satisfy_v any_o wise_a man_n why_o we_o can_v have_v so_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n in_o that_o which_o you_o call_v the_o best_a antiquity_n the_o three_o first_o century_n let_v we_o go_v on_o then_o to_o the_o four_o century_n which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n before_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n this_o be_v the_o first_o age_n as_o the_o forecited_a author_n observe_v when_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n be_v settle_v under_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o since_o we_o plead_v for_o a_o prescribe_v liturgy_n in_o a_o establish_v church_n it_o be_v as_o much_o antiquity_n as_o our_o cause_n needs_o to_o show_v it_o from_o this_o age_n which_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n circumstance_n and_o we_o do_v agree_v 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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 d●ss●●●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 orn●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
inter_fw-la ipsas_fw-la pectoris_fw-la latebras_fw-la silent_o and_o modest_o within_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n so_o that_o as_o the_o nature_n so_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v so_o define_v as_o to_o extend_v to_o and_o comprise_v both_o the_o not_o know_v or_o consider_v this_o have_v lead_v he_o into_o this_o mistake_n of_o restrain_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n only_o to_o that_o which_o be_v vocal_a by_o which_o mean_n he_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a and_o common_a with_o it_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o prayer_n viz._n the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o place_n the_o gift_n of_o it_o in_o a_o ability_n of_o expression_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o that_o too_o not_o as_o it_o be_v prayer_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v vocal_a which_o have_v occasion_v that_o vulgar_a error_n of_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o speech_n apply_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n this_o plain_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o it_o be_v not_o concern_v prayer_n in_o general_a and_o likewise_o the_o absurdity_n of_o what_o follow_v in_o call_v his_o gift_n of_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o name_n of_o ministerial_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n lay_v in_o pray_v by_o these_o effusion_n and_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministerial_a function_n that_o can_v or_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o but_o be_v not_o pray_v by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o public_a form_n ministerial_a prayer_n and_o be_v there_o no_o well_o qualify_v minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o utter_v any_o thing_n hasty_o before_o god_n or_o use_v this_o talon_n of_o free_a prayer_n beside_o do_v not_o many_o among_o the_o laity_n exercise_n and_o as_o he_o say_v excel_v too_o in_o this_o gift_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o be_v style_v ministerial_a prayer_n do_v the_o people_n invade_v the_o minister_n office_n when_o they_o pray_v extempore_o into_o what_o gross_a absurdity_n have_v these_o wrong_a notion_n lead_v he_o and_o yet_o upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o mistake_v be_v his_o whole_a answer_n ground_v which_o have_v so_o bad_a a_o foundation_n all_o the_o frame_n and_o superstructure_n raise_v upon_o it_o must_v fall_v with_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v he_o say_v that_o sincere_a prayer_n whether_o conceive_v or_o compose_v be_v as_o ill_o choose_v a_o enemy_n as_o any_o can_v light_v on_o for_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o expose_v and_o difficult_a to_o conquer_v it_o now_o how_o tender_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v of_o conceive_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v load_v compose_v devotion_n with_o the_o black_a reproach_n for_o liturgy_n be_v with_o he_o only_o the_o brat_n and_o imp_n of_o darkness_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o laziness_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o product_n of_o a_o dark_a and_o degenerate_a age._n whereas_o free_a prayer_n he_o say_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o meridian_n light_n and_o none_o can_v triumph_v in_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o triumphant_a paper_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o have_v this_o expression_n in_o it_o nil_fw-la restat_fw-la superare_fw-la regem_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o be_v ambiguous_a he_o say_v be_v construe_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n viz._n either_o that_o nothing_o remain_v but_o for_o the_o king_n to_o conquer_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o fanatic_n or_o for_o the_o prayer_n of_o fanatic_n to_o conquer_v the_o king_n and_o the_o fanatic_n prayer_n it_o seem_v have_v the_o best_a on_o it_o for_o they_o bring_v that_o good_a king_n to_o the_o block_n and_o make_v three_o once_a flourish_a kingdom_n miserable_a and_o unhappy_a ever_o since_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a atchieument_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n moreover_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o that_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o one_o party_n be_v extempore_o effusion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v which_o do_v the_o most_o mischief_n but_o he_o be_v not_o he_o say_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o vicar_n in_o this_o controversy_n how_o so_o do_v the_o inequality_n lie_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o vicar_n cause_n that_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n indeed_o or_o do_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o back_v it_o this_o be_v true_a too_o though_o he_o will_v scarce_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o one_o be_v establish_v and_o the_o other_o only_o wink_v at_o but_o the_o vicar_n may_v say_v any_o thing_n against_o free_a prayer_n and_o have_v not_o he_o say_v the_o worst_a he_o can_v against_o liturgy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v if_o some_o man_n have_v the_o power_n they_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o 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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 some_o countenance_n in_o reject_v all_o yea_o they_o take_v these_o half_a conformist_n to_o be_v inward_a approver_n of_o their_o way_n they_o think_v and_o say_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v with_o they_o and_o will_v glad_o come_v to_o they_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o advantage_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o church_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o '_o they_o now_o this_o beside_o the_o hollowness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o conformity_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o moderation_n for_o it_o harden_v dissenter_n in_o their_o schism_n betray_v the_o church_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o assault_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o its_o great_a enemy_n again_o he_o that_o conform_v to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o long_a pulpit-prayer_n before_o sermon_n hasty_o run_v over_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v more_o room_n for_o his_o long-winded_a conception_n he_o go_v for_o a_o moderate_a man_n and_o many_o such_o you_o tell_v i_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o who_o you_o have_v some_o acquaintance_n and_o for_o who_o you_o have_v no_o small_a honour_n sir_n i_o hope_v the_o number_n of_o those_o man_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o you_o imagine_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o church_n give_v they_o no_o leave_n or_o encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o practice_n for_o this_o will_v we_o in_o our_o pulpit-prayer_n to_o use_v either_o those_o concise_a word_n mention_v in_o the_o canon_n or_o some_o short_a form_n of_o our_o own_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n and_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o we_o find_v the_o father_n before_o their_o sermon_n have_v only_o some_o vota_fw-la pacis_fw-la or_o benediction_n of_o the_o people_n or_o some_o short_a ejaculation_n implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o homily_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n
they_o do_v but_o walk_v on_o still_o in_o darkness_n and_o sit_v in_o the_o very_a region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n one_o will_v think_v the_o bare_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n shall_v fill_v you_o with_o blush_a and_o make_v you_o ashamed_a of_o such_o unparalleled_a pride_n and_o folly_n but_o you_o have_v a_o worse_a charge_n than_o all_o this_o against_o liturgy_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o breed_v nothing_o but_o looseness_n and_o laziness_n in_o those_o that_o use_v they_o and_o give_v your_o reason_n for_o it_o too_o which_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o my_o next_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o m._n h._n aug._n 25_o 1697._o letter_n xiii_o to_o j._n m._n sir_n i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v of_o late_a to_o compromise_n matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o show_v how_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o main_n and_o rectify_v some_o few_o mistake_v that_o create_v and_o continue_v the_o difference_n hope_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o bring_v thing_n to_o some_o good_a issue_n but_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o find_v that_o you_o be_v incline_v to_o break_v off_o the_o treaty_n and_o whilst_o we_o retain_v our_o liturgy_n will_v hear_v nothing_o of_o a_o accommodation_n for_o in_o your_o letter_n of_o july_n the_o one_a you_o tell_v i_o that_o liturgy_n and_o laziness_n settle_v together_o and_o in_o the_o same_o letter_n you_o have_v these_o word_n sc_n that_o which_o i_o have_v affirm_v and_o will_v stand_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o establish_n form_n for_o universal_a use_v particular_o our_o liturgy_n or_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o all_o minister_n to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a prayer_n and_o none_o other_o do_v open_v a_o door_n for_o a_o lazy_a i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v a_o loose_a ministry_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o that_o in_o the_o present_a lapse_v state_n of_o discipline_n many_o such_o in_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v expect_v yea_o be_v now_o this_o be_v a_o bold_a stroke_n indeed_o in_o which_o you_o act_v the_o part_n not_o of_o a_o puny_a slanderer_n to_o cast_v a_o little_a dirt_n here_o and_o there_o but_o like_o a_o wholesale_n calumniator_n strike_v home_o and_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o ever_o since_o she_o have_v retain_v liturgy_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n have_v cherish_v only_o a_o pack_n of_o loose_a and_o idle_a drone_n this_o you_o say_v you_o have_v affirm_v and_o like_o a_o undaunted_a champion_n that_o scorn_v to_o flinch_v you_o will_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o prove_v it_o too_o and_o that_o first_o from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o looseness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o any_o accidental_a fault_n occasion_v by_o the_o neligence_n of_o some_o person_n but_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o liturgy_n and_o whosoever_o use_v they_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o these_o enormity_n brave_o charge_v and_o if_o you_o pursue_v this_o well_o you_o must_v necessary_o rout_n all_o liturgy_n out_o of_o the_o world_n well_o but_o how_o be_v this_o make_v good_a why_o thus_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o sluggish_a and_o will_v take_v its_o ease_n and_o remit_v the_o reins_o if_o it_o be_v not_o urge_v by_o some_o necessity_n or_o attract_v by_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v need_v of_o all_o obligation_n to_o keep_v it_o to_o its_o duty_n very_o true_a but_o be_v there_o no_o way_n to_o employ_v the_o mind_n or_o to_o cure_v this_o sluggishness_n but_o by_o make_v new_a prayer_n must_v the_o mind_n necessary_o remit_v the_o reins_o if_o the_o tongue_n be_v keep_v in_o with_o bit_n and_o bridle_n do_v the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o soul_n lie_v in_o study_v new_a expression_n and_o must_v the_o prayer_n be_v dull_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o laziness_n if_o the_o phrase_n be_v not_o vary_v may_v not_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o employ_v in_o a_o hearty_a and_o devout_a use_n of_o pious_a and_o well_o compose_v form_n no_o say_v you_o a_o musician_n will_v be_v weary_a if_o he_o have_v constant_o the_o same_o instrument_n and_o tune_n variety_n please_v in_o diet_n novelty_n affect_v in_o recreation_n and_o commonness_n dull_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o mind_n must_v be_v entertain_v as_o much_o with_o variety_n in_o religion_n as_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o fiddler_n with_o new_a tune_n and_o we_o must_v have_v as_o much_o change_n and_o novelty_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o in_o our_o diet_n and_o recreation_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v grow_v weary_a of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o admirable_a way_n think_v you_o to_o keep_v man_n firm_a and_o stable_a in_o their_o religion_n to_o be_v daily_o ring_v change_n and_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n every_o day_n into_o new_a phrase_n have_v not_o this_o variety_n of_o prayer_n already_o beget_v a_o variety_n of_o opinion_n do_v not_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v you_o that_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v giddiness_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o have_v we_o not_o find_v confusion_n enough_o already_o from_o this_o principle_n but_o you_o must_v needs_o cherish_v it_o to_o breed_v more_o but_o must_v all_o man_n necessary_o be_v lazy_a that_o use_v a_o liturgy_n then_o what_o a_o parcel_n of_o idle_a lazy_a person_n have_v all_o former_a christian_n be_v through_o every_o age_n that_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n only_o in_o the_o old_a mumpsimus_n of_o form_n without_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o invent_v or_o make_v any_o new_a prayer_n of_o their_o own_o this_o sir_n be_v a_o calumny_n sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o wound_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o cut_v through_o all_o generation_n but_o be_v there_o no_o take_v pain_n in_o prayer_n without_o the_o invention_n and_o study_n of_o new_a word_n do_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o take_v pain_n with_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v that_o close_a and_o intent_n upon_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v much_o better_a painstaking_a than_o pump_v for_o new_a phrase_n this_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o such_o as_o may_v very_o well_o be_v let_v alone_o for_o since_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v and_o be_v comprise_v in_o well-digested_a form_n what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v to_o clothe_v it_o in_o a_o daily_a change_n and_o diversity_n of_o expression_n yea_o this_o be_v not_o only_o needless_a but_o hurtful_a labour_n for_o it_o take_v of_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o main_a work_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o mind_v the_o great_a business_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v you_o charge_v they_o with_o laziness_n who_o only_o decline_v such_o lose_a labour_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n employ_v themselves_o to_o much_o better_a purpose_n beside_o sir_n there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a labour_n in_o this_o extempore_o way_n of_o pray_v as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o be_v a_o knack_n that_o be_v easy_o learn_v and_o easy_o perform_v a_o teem_v imagination_n and_o a_o ready_a tongue_n will_v pour_v out_o word_n enough_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n or_o difficulty_n and_o he_o that_o have_v get_v any_o dexterity_n this_o way_n may_v as_o easy_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n with_o this_o slight_a of_o the_o tongue_n as_o juggler_n do_v with_o the_o slight_a of_o hand_n and_o i_o think_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o know_v this_o will_v be_v find_v a_o more_o loose_a and_o lazy_a way_n of_o pray_v than_o that_o which_o you_o charge_v with_o it_o but_o you_o have_v second_o another_o way_n of_o prove_v this_o charge_n and_o that_o be_v by_o appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n whether_o such_o a_o imposition_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o let_v in_o a_o lazy_a ministry_n and_o here_o i_o think_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v clear_o against_o you_o for_o they_o see_v and_o know_v that_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o prayer_n will_v help_v to_o keep_v man_n more_o steady_a and_o sound_a in_o their_o religion_n more_o serious_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o sober_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a devotion_n than_o your_o changeable_a method_n and_o study_n of_o variation_n but_o may_v not_o a_o child_n of_o ten_o year_n old_a say_v you_o read_v the_o prayer_n and_o homily_n as_o distinct_o and_o laudable_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a i_o think_v very_o hardly_o and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a forward_a child_n that_o can_v arrive_v to_o that_o at_o those_o year_n but_o if_o this_o may_v be_v do_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o commendation_n than_o disparagement_n of_o our_o liturgy_n and_o homily_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v bring_v down_o to_o
the_o mean_a capacity_n so_o that_o the_o young_a person_n can_v distinct_o read_v they_o and_o he_o that_o occupi_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a may_v say_v amen_n to_o they_o and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o young_a child_n in_o our_o prayer_n it_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v do_v by_o old_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o you_o but_o if_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_v say_v you_o be_v only_o to_o read_v a_o liturgy_n that_o may_v be_v do_v as_o laudable_o extempore_o as_o upon_o the_o long_a premeditation_n and_o why_o shall_v you_o not_o like_o that_o which_o help_v you_o to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o pain_n after_o a_o little_a use_n be_v much_o the_o same_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o mind_n be_v better_a edify_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o fancy_n more_o gratify_v by_o the_o other_o but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a say_v you_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o reading_n be_v more_o admirable_a in_o the_o minister_n at_o church_n than_o in_o their_o child_n at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o profane_a objection_n of_o some_o loose_a person_n who_o ask_v what_o need_v they_o go_v to_o church_n when_o they_o can_v read_v the_o same_o or_o as_o good_a thing_n at_o home_n but_o sir_n be_v not_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o private_a have_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v a_o great_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o house_n than_o those_o that_o abide_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o 10.25_o heb._n 10.25_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o strist_n charge_v to_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v beside_o do_v not_o the_o order_n office_n and_o authority_n derive_v by_o christ_n upon_o his_o minister_n give_v a_o great_a efficacy_n and_o solemnity_n to_o the_o prayer_n when_o 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