language_n which_o themselves_o or_o other_o have_v utter_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o among_o other_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 1._o which_o as_o i_o remember_v be_v the_o only_a place_n where_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 14._o it_o be_v also_o call_v a_o spirit_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n at_o large_a of_o this_o miraculous_a way_n of_o pray_v now_o that_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o pray_v in_o and_o interpret_n prayer_n out_o of_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o perform_v their_o ministerial_a office_n in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n they_o be_v send_v to_o but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n from_o god_n as_o all_o other_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 22._o that_o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o intend_v only_o for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o infidel_n world_n and_o after_o that_o to_o cease_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o too_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n indite_v the_o matter_n and_o if_o you_o will_v the_o word_n of_o those_o inspire_a prayer_n be_v also_o extraordinary_a will_v require_v a_o large_a proof_n because_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n do_v and_o will_v communicate_v to_o all_o successive_a age_n of_o the_o world_n against_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o offer_v these_o follow_a reason_n to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o any_o such_o gift_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o stand_v and_o ordinary_a benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n we_o receive_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n in_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n it_o be_v presumption_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o what_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v we_o but_o now_o in_o all_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o promise_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n will_v immediate_o indite_v to_o we_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o that_o of_o zachary_n 12._o 10._o which_o be_v the_o only_a promise_n that_o be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o they_o shall_v mourn_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n when_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o inward_a piety_n and_o devotion_n even_o as_o the_o follow_a word_n imply_v and_o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v that_o be_v for_o their_o horrid_a sin_n of_o crucify_a i_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o all_o hand_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o good_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o inspiration_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o fain_o to_o be_v behold_v to_o their_o own_o recollection_n and_o invention_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sufficient_a quickness_n of_o invention_n to_o be_v behold_v to_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n neither_o of_o which_o they_o need_v be_v they_o immediate_o inspire_v and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a dissenter_n as_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o unjust_a censure_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a who_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n but_o be_v always_o fain_o to_o depend_v either_o on_o his_o own_o invention_n or_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o devotion_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o a_o stand_a promise_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o which_o good_a christian_n may_v have_v no_o right_a or_o title_n and_o of_o which_o they_o may_v never_o actual_o partake_v which_o be_v utter_o to_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o extend_v to_o all_o who_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o our_o dependence_n upon_o it_o 2._o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n have_v promise_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n unto_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v and_o to_o what_o end_n have_v he_o promise_v this_o but_o only_o to_o supply_v our_o necessity_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v those_o duty_n which_o through_o our_o own_o impotency_n we_o can_v perform_v without_o he_o for_o so_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o readiness_n of_o parent_n to_o supply_v their_o child_n with_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o bodily_a life_n and_o subsistence_n to_o the_o readiness_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v his_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n as_o the_o parallel_n plain_o imply_v upon_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o all_o we_o can_v expect_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o promise_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o aid_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o those_o necessary_a case_n wherein_o our_o duty_n and_o spiritual_a life_n be_v concern_v and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o either_o matter_n or_o word_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n to_o expect_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o or_o such_o like_a promise_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n i_o conceive_v be_v very_o apparent_a for_o first_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o plain_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o any_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o that_o with_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n we_o may_v thence_o easy_o recollect_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o need_v and_o what_o we_o be_v warrant_v and_o command_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o for_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o church_n catechism_n which_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n after_o the_o lord_n prayer_n what_o desire_v thou_o of_o god_n in_o this_o prayer_n sum_n up_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o a_o few_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o to_o suppose_v after_o such_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n a_o necessity_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o reason_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a word_n nor_o memory_n enough_o to_o retain_v and_o recollect_v it_o but_o against_o this_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v object_v by_o our_o brethren_n rom._n 8._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v from_o which_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o infer_v that_o how_o plain_o soever_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o can_v in_o
of_o god_n second_o another_o sign_n that_o this_o admire_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o mere_a natural_a enthusiasm_n be_v this_o that_o general_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n they_o find_v themselves_o streighten_v and_o confine_v both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o till_o they_o have_v pray_v on_o for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v more_o ready_a and_o fluent_a which_o how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o suppose_v the_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v unless_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o only_a in_o the_o middle_n or_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o invention_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o what_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v for_o such_o a_o imagination_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o guess_v the_o true_a account_n therefore_o of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n their_o spirit_n be_v usual_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a and_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o reflow_v so_o brisk_o to_o their_o head_n and_o heart_n as_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v be_v thorough_o chafe_v and_o heat_v with_o the_o labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o invention_n by_o which_o be_v excite_v and_o awaken_v they_o natural_o raise_v the_o droop_a fancy_n and_o render_v the_o invention_n more_o copious_a fluent_a and_o easy_a so_o that_o mere_o by_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o plain_a a_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o extemporary_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n of_o prayer_n as_o of_o any_o other_o natural_a effect_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o for_o our_o brethren_n to_o attribute_v to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o which_o have_v such_o apparent_a sign_n of_o its_o derivation_n from_o natural_a cause_n be_v i_o conceive_v very_o unwarrantable_a by_o all_o which_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a not_o only_o that_o we_o have_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n remain_v among_o we_o but_o that_o we_o have_v manifest_a sign_n of_o the_o contrary_n 4._o and_o last_o that_o to_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o suppose_v more_o than_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v of_o viz._n that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v infallible_a and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o prayer_n be_v dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v as_o infallible_a as_o he_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o who_o infinite_a veracity_n will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o deceive_v and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o he_o dictate_v or_o inspire_v must_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v so_o too_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o must_v be_v infallible_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o must_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v their_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o matter_n or_o word_n be_v so_o inspire_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o matter_n or_o word_n in_o scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v give_v by_o his_o inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v his_o word_n for_o what_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v who_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o mouth_n be_v the_o oracle_n through_o which_o god_n speak_v if_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n what_o we_o pray_v must_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o what_o they_o speak_v so_o that_o either_o our_o brethren_n must_v affirm_v that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v presume_v or_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o those_o extraordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o very_a brief_a account_n because_o herein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o short_a therefore_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o exciting_a in_o we_o the_o grace_n and_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o shame_v and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o in_o our_o supplication_n for_o pardon_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o goodness_n in_o our_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n in_o our_o petition_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o in_o a_o word_n gratitude_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a and_o gracious_a affection_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o prayer_n consist_v as_o for_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o about_o which_o our_o brethren_n disagree_v with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o account_n with_o god_n than_o as_o they_o signify_v to_o he_o the_o grace_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o which_o he_o regard_v they_o no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o whistle_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o affection_n be_v the_o main_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o word_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o account_n in_o comparison_n with_o they_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o those_o affection_n will_v be_v ever_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o they_o be_v present_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o not_o in_o extemporary_a effusion_n sure_o that_o father_n will_v be_v very_o capricious_a that_o shall_v deny_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a child_n mere_o because_o he_o ask_v it_o to_o day_n in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o he_o do_v yesterday_o and_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v dislike_v or_o reject_v the_o good_a affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v every_o day_n express_v in_o the_o same_o form_n be_v to_o suppose_v he_o a_o very_a captious_a be_v and_o one_o that_o be_v more_o take_v with_o our_o word_n than_o with_o our_o affection_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a in_o that_o whereas_o he_o have_v withdraw_v from_o we_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o due_a activity_n for_o to_o this_o among_o other_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o devout_a and_o holy_a affection_n thus_o gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v by_o kindle_v devout_a and_o filial_a affection_n in_o your_o soul_n enable_v you_o to_o cry_v to_o god_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a father_n and_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o those_o good_a affection_n be_v raise_v in_o we_o that_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v inspire_v with_o those_o holy_a affection_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o according_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v not_o to_o
certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n part_n i._o viz._n i._o whether_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n ii_o whether_o the_o use_v public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a omission_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n iii_o whether_o pray_v by_o a_o public_a form_n do_v not_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o book_n print_v by_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_v unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n a_o persuasion_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n '_o s_z symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n a_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n one_o of_o the_o main_a point_n which_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n insist_v on_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o public_a worship_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n of_o man_n invention_n which_o they_o conceive_v be_v unlawful_a for_o hereby_o say_v some_o of_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o inspire_v our_o prayer_n be_v stint_v and_o limit_v and_o hereby_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n say_v other_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n communicate_v to_o minister_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n be_v render_v useless_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o even_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n too_o be_v mighty_o deaden_v by_o be_v continual_o express_v in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o want_n of_o christian_n be_v various_a casual_a and_o emergent_a can_v be_v so_o full_o represent_v in_o a_o fix_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o variation_n in_o expression_n may_v be_v the_o better_o extend_v to_o the_o continual_a variation_n of_o man_n case_n and_o circumstance_n beside_o all_o which_o say_v they_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o universal_a imposition_n of_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o this_o according_a to_o the_o best_a recollection_n i_o can_v make_v be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o our_o brethren_n urge_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o we_o in_o a_o state_v liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v reduce_v their_o whole_a plea_n to_o these_o follow_a case_n and_o endeavour_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a resolution_n of_o they_o 1._o whether_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v not_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n 2._o whether_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n 3._o whether_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o very_o much_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n 4._o whether_o the_o common_a want_n of_o christian_a congregation_n may_v not_o be_v better_o represent_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n than_o in_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 5._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o warrant_n for_o form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o pure_a antiquity_n 6._o whether_o suppose_v form_n to_o be_v lawful_a the_o imposition_n of_o they_o can_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o case_n i._o whether_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n do_v not_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n 1._o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o he_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o other_o that_o be_v ordinary_a fix_v and_o stand_v the_o through_o state_n and_o distinguish_v of_o which_o will_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o it_o first_o i_o say_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a and_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n together_o with_o a_o ability_n to_o express_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o know_v or_o unknown_a language_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n which_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v immediate_o indict_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o so_o when_o hannah_n present_v her_o son_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o shiloh_n the_o text_n only_o say_v that_o she_o pray_v and_o say_v but_o the_o targum_fw-la paraphrase_n it_o that_o she_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o according_o pray_v and_o praise_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v frequent_o call_v prophesy_v so_o 1_o sam._n 10._o 5._o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v prophesy_v that_o be_v as_o expositor_n general_o interpret_v it_o thou_o shall_v utter_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n on_o the_o place_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o word_n use_v numb_a 11._o 25._o 1_o chron._n 25._o 1._o and_o according_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n that_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o prophesy_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o all_o which_o prayer_n and_o praise_n together_o with_o those_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o sundry_a other_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o those_o inspire_a person_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o deliver_v by_o they_o without_o any_o recourse_n to_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o consideration_n though_o as_o to_o the_o word_n of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o composure_n as_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a the_o word_n of_o all_o other_o inspiration_n be_v for_o consider_v how_o the_o inspire_a person_n differ_v in_o their_o stile_n according_a as_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o education_n in_o their_o natural_a part_n and_o intellectual_a improvement_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a they_o themselves_o compose_v and_o word_v their_o own_o inspiration_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v care_n only_o so_o to_o oversee_v and_o direct_v they_o that_o their_o word_n may_v not_o misrepresent_v their_o matter_n and_o if_o so_o how_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v the_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o however_o after_o that_o great_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o pentecost_n wherein_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v communicate_v to_o enable_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o propagate_v it_o through_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o even_o the_o very_a language_n too_o in_o which_o they_o express_v they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o enable_v to_o pray_v upon_o the_o place_n in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a expression_n but_o also_o to_o pray_v in_o language_n which_o they_o never_o understand_v before_o and_o which_o even_o then_o they_o understand_v but_o very_o imperfect_o and_o also_o to_o interpret_v those_o prayer_n into_o the_o vulgar_a
all_o case_n know_v what_o it_o be_v without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o or_o that_o though_o it_o be_v we_o can_v understand_v it_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n word_n imply_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o tother_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a those_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v simple_o but_o with_o reference_n to_o as_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o know_v not_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n how_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n with_o that_o fervency_n of_o desire_n that_o dependence_n upon_o and_o resignation_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v as_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a i_o see_v no_o necessity_n why_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o again_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o warrant_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v it_o but_o then_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o necessity_n can_v there_o be_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o we_o when_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o quickness_n enough_o of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n to_o express_v our_o want_n and_o desire_n in_o our_o own_o word_n we_o may_v ready_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n which_o with_o very_o short_a addition_n and_o variation_n of_o our_o own_o we_o may_v easy_o adapt_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o with_o such_o help_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v word_n our_o desire_n to_o god_n without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v mere_a whisper_a pipe_n that_o can_v breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v breathe_v into_o we_o 3._o that_o as_o there_o be_v neither_o promise_n nor_o need_v of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a sign_n or_o testimony_n of_o it_o remain_v among_o we_o whenever_o god_n inspire_v man_n with_o divine_a matter_n and_o word_n his_o way_n be_v always_o to_o attest_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o some_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o though_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o inspire_a age_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v by_o what_o token_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n know_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o own_o inspiration_n while_o they_o be_v seize_v with_o they_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v that_o after_o they_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o god_n always_o take_v care_n to_o attest_v they_o by_o some_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o so_o miracle_n be_v style_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a pretence_n we_o be_v better_o be_v without_o inspiration_n than_o with_o it_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n either_o of_o admit_v all_o inspiration_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v true_o so_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n we_o know_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o requisite_a if_o such_o divine_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o that_o the_o proper_a sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v too_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o conclude_v they_o all_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a or_o believe_v they_o all_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o entertain_v they_o according_o if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o either_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o inspiration_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a for_o first_o as_o for_o natural_a enthusiasm_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n by_o natural_a inspiration_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o natural_a or_o accidental_a fervency_n of_o temper_n arise_v either_o from_o a_o constant_a heat_n of_o constitution_n or_o a_o casual_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n occasion_v either_o by_o vapour_n of_o heat_a melancholy_n or_o a_o intermixture_n of_o sharp_a and_o feverish_a humour_n with_o the_o blood_n which_o as_o all_o man_n know_v who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o composition_n of_o humane_a body_n natural_o heighten_v and_o impregnate_v the_o fancy_n and_o cause_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v fast_o into_o it_o and_o appear_v more_o distinct_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o produce_v a_o very_a ready_a invention_n of_o matter_n and_o extraordinary_a fluency_n of_o word_n so_o that_o if_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a fervency_n a_o man_n fancy_n happen_v to_o run_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v fail_v to_o pray_v with_o great_a readiness_n and_o fluency_n and_o sometime_o with_o that_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o enlargement_n as_o shall_v cause_v he_o assure_o to_o believe_v himself_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o instance_n enough_o may_v be_v give_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o among_o the_o devoto_n of_o mahomet_n and_o the_o poet_n and_o orator_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o fancy_n have_v be_v very_o often_o so_o strange_o exalt_v by_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o temper_n or_o disease_n that_o not_o only_o they_o themselves_o but_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n suppose_v then_o that_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a enthusiasm_n a_o man_n shall_v pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o know_v by_o scripture_n whether_o the_o present_a inspiration_n he_o be_v under_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o avoid_v many_o time_n attribute_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o temper_n or_o disease_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v good_a man_n with_o holy_a and_o fervent_a affection_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o this_o fervency_n of_o affection_n do_v sometime_o also_o proceed_v from_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n notwithstanding_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sign_n or_o testimony_n beside_o that_o of_o scripture_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v when_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o natural_a do_v not_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o such_o sign_n as_o effectual_o conclude_v against_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v the_o fervour_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o against_o his_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v claim_v the_o promise_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v when_o we_o feel_v our_o affection_n actual_o excite_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o other_o cause_n may_v contribute_v to_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n but_o where_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o conclusion_n beside_o which_o we_o have_v no_o such_o need_n of_o sign_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o as_o for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o affection_n we_o may_v easy_o distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a by_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o our_o present_a fervour_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o constant_a devotion_n of_o soul_n we_o
proper_a act_n and_o deed_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o only_o that_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o and_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o they_o join_v with_o he_o be_v good_a and_o express_v in_o decent_a and_o suitable_a word_n they_o join_v with_o he_o in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o they_o because_o he_o neglect_v to_o express_v their_o desire_n in_o word_n of_o his_o own_o composure_n and_o invention_n 2._o i_o shall_v also_o premise_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o though_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o a_o state_v liturgy_n yet_o be_v not_o hereby_o restrain_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o public_a prayer_n for_o after_o they_o have_v finish_v the_o service_n appoint_v in_o the_o liturgy_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o conceive_a prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n in_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o the_o dissent_v minister_n can_v claim_v or_o pretend_v to_o that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o their_o own_o word_n all_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n with_o all_o the_o sobriety_n affection_n and_o seriousness_n they_o be_v able_a and_o this_o permission_n be_v of_o long_a continuance_n and_o hitherto_o uncontrolled_a by_o our_o church_n governor_n amount_n to_o a_o allowance_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v express_o allow_v in_o our_o 55th_o canon_n which_o direct_v that_o before_o all_o sermon_n lecture_n and_o homily_n the_o preacher_n and_o minister_n shall_v move_v the_o people_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o prayer_n in_o this_o form_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n as_o brief_o as_o convenient_o they_o may_v now_o that_o to_o this_o effect_n as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o this_o form_n be_v mean_v some_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o compose_v to_o this_o purpose_n seem_v evident_a from_o the_o general_a and_o uninterrupted_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o doubtful_a case_n be_v the_o best_a explication_n of_o her_o meaning_n since_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liturgy_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o gift_n of_o prayer_n but_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o exert_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o be_v with_o convenient_a brevity_n i_o see_v not_o how_o this_o case_n can_v concern_v our_o clergy_n for_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o form_n consist_v in_o the_o minister_n omission_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n as_o this_o case_n suppose_v than_o where_o the_o use_n of_o form_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o omission_n but_o leave_v we_o as_o free_a to_o exercise_v this_o gift_n as_o those_o be_v who_o use_v no_o form_n at_o all_o the_o suppose_a evil_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o have_v premise_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o a_o particular_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o this_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n or_o ability_n to_o express_v in_o our_o own_o word_n the_o common_a devotion_n of_o our_o congregation_n to_o god_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o in_o their_o admission_n to_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v inspire_v his_o minister_n with_o this_o ability_n we_o may_v thence_o more_o plausible_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v ordinary_o exercise_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o neglect_v or_o omit_v it_o by_o use_v form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o god_n shall_v inspire_v they_o with_o a_o ability_n which_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o but_o of_o god_n inspire_v we_o in_o our_o ordination_n with_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o promise_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v it_o but_o in_o fact_n we_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n among_o we_o for_o not_o only_o we_o but_o the_o dissent_v minister_n must_v own_v if_o they_o will_v speak_v ingenuous_o that_o just_a before_o their_o ordination_n they_o be_v as_o able_a to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v just_a after_o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o new_a ability_n to_o pray_v inspire_v in_o their_o ordination_n and_o as_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o find_v any_o proof_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o experience_n that_o this_o ability_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n of_o our_o own_o composure_n have_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o promptness_n of_o invention_n and_o speech_n which_o some_o man_n have_v by_o nature_n and_o which_o other_o have_v acquire_v by_o art_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o so_o this_o ability_n be_v no_o otherwise_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n than_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o vigour_n or_o our_o skill_n in_o language_n and_o history_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o after_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v suppose_v ordinary_o at_o least_o to_o be_v confer_v on_o right_o ordain_v minister_n our_o brethren_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v one_o promise_n wherein_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o confer_v it_o no_o nor_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o imply_v such_o a_o promise_n all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o minister_n be_v to_o concur_v with_o their_o honest_a endeavour_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v do_v this_o without_o pray_v extempore_o or_o in_o their_o own_o word_n be_v to_o take_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n for_o grant_v 2._o that_o this_o natural_a or_o acquire_v gift_n be_v no_o where_o appropriate_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n but_o leave_v common_a to_o other_o use_n and_o purpose_n for_o though_o in_o minister_n especial_o it_o be_v ordinary_o call_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o where_o style_v so_o in_o scripture_n indeed_o the_o ability_n of_o pray_v in_o unknown_a language_n be_v once_o call_v a_o gift_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o but_o as_o for_o this_o ordinary_a ability_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v of_o pray_v in_o our_o native_a language_n it_o be_v no_o where_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o ability_n give_v by_o god_n to_o man_n pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v and_o unless_o our_o brethren_n can_v produce_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o yet_o they_o never_o attempt_v wherein_o god_n have_v appropriate_v this_o gift_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o prayer_n they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o common_a to_o all_o other_o honest_a use_n and_o purpose_n that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o and_o that_o in_o short_a it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o freedom_n of_o utterance_n and_o elocution_n which_o in_o some_o be_v natural_a and_o in_o some_o acquire_v by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v ready_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o how_o many_o honest_a purpose_n this_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n be_v applicable_a to_o so_o many_o it_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v and_o consequent_o may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o conversation_n in_o good_a company_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o plead_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o dispute_v in_o the_o school_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o oratory_n in_o the_o forum_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a or_o public_a worship_n it_o be_v all_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o gift_n apply_v to_o several_a use_n and_o purpose_n according_o we_o find_v that_o those_o who_o have_v this_o gift_n have_v it_o not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o prayer_n but_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v upon_o other_o occasion_n and_o that_o ordinary_o they_o can_v express_v themselves_o to_o man_n with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o fluency_n in_o conversation_n as_o they_o express_v their_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o their_o gift_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n but_o common_a to_o all_o the_o other_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o elocution_n 3._o that_o this_o gift_n of_o utterance_n not_o be_v appropriate_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n may_v upon_o just_a reason_n be_v as_o lawful_o omit_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o any_o other_o use_n or_o purpose_n it_o be_v design_v for_o i_o do_v confess_v have_v god_n any_o where_o
appropriate_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n those_o who_o have_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o to_o omit_v it_o ordinary_o by_o confine_v themselves_o to_o form_n of_o other_o man_n indite_v will_v be_v to_o neglect_v a_o mean_n of_o prayer_n of_o god_n special_a appointment_n and_o institution_n for_o have_v he_o any_o where_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o give_v it_o we_o pure_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o pray_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o end_n we_o can_v not_o have_v omit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o prayer_n without_o cross_v his_o intention_n and_o frustrate_v he_o of_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o he_o intend_v it_o but_o since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o such_o intimation_n we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o he_o intend_v it_o in_o common_a for_o all_o those_o honest_a end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v applicable_a and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o unlawful_a to_o omit_v use_v it_o to_o one_o end_n than_o to_o another_o so_o that_o either_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o unlawful_a to_o omit_v use_v our_o own_o elocution_n to_o any_o purpose_n whatsoever_o whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v honest_o apply_v or_o it_o must_v be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o suppose_v i_o have_v this_o gift_n of_o utterance_n either_o i_o may_v not_o use_v a_o form_n in_o petition_v my_o prince_n or_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n or_o i_o may_v use_v a_o form_n in_o address_v myself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n since_o my_o gift_n be_v common_a to_o both_o thâ—se_a purpose_n and_o no_o more_o appropriate_v to_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o in_o short_a therefore_o as_o for_o those_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v applicable_a to_o sundry_a purpose_n and_o which_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o for_o one_o than_o for_o another_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o discretion_n whether_o we_o will_v apply_v they_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a purpose_n or_o no_o and_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o use_v his_o gift_n to_o all_o those_o just_a and_o lawful_a purpose_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o he_o have_v two_o gift_n which_o serve_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o may_v lawful_o omit_v the_o one_o and_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o see_v occasion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o this_o gift_n of_o utterance_n which_o be_v natural_o serviceable_a to_o sundry_a excellent_a purpose_n and_o among_o other_o to_o this_o of_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n but_o it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o in_o common_a with_o other_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n whether_o we_o will_v employ_v it_o in_o this_o in_o that_o or_o in_o another_o purpose_n and_o we_o be_v neither_o oblige_v to_o employ_v it_o in_o all_o nor_o in_o this_o more_o than_o in_o another_o but_o if_o we_o have_v another_o gift_n that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o this_o of_o utterance_n it_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o pious_a discretion_n whether_o we_o will_v use_v this_o or_o the_o other_o so_o that_o unless_o our_o brethren_n can_v prove_v that_o this_o gift_n of_o utterance_n or_o elocution_n be_v by_o special_a command_n of_o god_n make_v a_o appropriate_a mean_n of_o public_a prayer_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v either_o that_o it_o be_v more_o unlawful_a to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o prayer_n than_o in_o any_o other_o office_n of_o elocution_n or_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v determine_v to_o this_o more_o than_o to_o another_o 4._o that_o to_o read_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o other_o man_n word_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mean_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o speak_v they_o in_o our_o own_o for_o to_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o word_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a prayer_n than_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o express_v to_o god_n the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o if_o these_o may_v be_v as_o well_o express_v by_o read_v they_o in_o other_o man_n word_n as_o by_o speak_v they_o in_o our_o own_o the_o end_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v as_o effectual_o serve_v by_o the_o one_o as_o by_o the_o other_o and_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n compose_v by_o another_o he_o may_v express_v the_o common_a devotion_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o extempore_o or_o premeditate_v word_n of_o his_o own_o invention_n for_o this_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o none_o but_o himself_o can_v compose_v a_o public_a prayer_n or_o at_o lest_o none_o so_o well_o as_o he_o for_o if_o another_o prayer_n may_v be_v as_o expressive_a of_o the_o devotion_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o his_o own_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o read_n of_o that_o may_v not_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o mean_n of_o public_a prayer_n as_o the_o speak_n of_o this_o here_o then_o be_v two_o mean_n of_o prayer_n viz._n read_v other_o man_n form_n and_o speak_v our_o own_o conception_n and_o therefore_o unless_o our_o brethren_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v express_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v both_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o we_o can_v lawful_o omit_v the_o one_o because_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o prayer_n neither_o can_v we_o lawful_o omit_v the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o either_o we_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o use_v they_o both_o which_o be_v impossible_a at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o we_o must_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v either_o according_a to_o our_o own_o discretion_n in_o sum_n therefore_o since_o we_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o any_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o our_o ordination_n and_o since_o our_o gift_n of_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o word_n be_v not_o appropriate_v by_o god_n to_o this_o use_n but_o leave_v in_o common_a to_o other_o purpose_n and_o since_o what_o be_v not_o appropriate_v by_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o omit_v when_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o since_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v another_o mean_n of_o prayer_n beside_o this_o of_o pray_v in_o our_o own_o word_n viz._n pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o other_o which_o god_n have_v lose_v as_o free_v to_o we_o as_o the_o former_a it_o plain_o follow_v from_o the_o whole_a that_o to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o gift_n and_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o to_o use_v that_o other_o gift_n of_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o other_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o any_o way_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a case_n iii_o whether_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n for_o thus_o our_o brethren_n argue_v that_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o pray_v with_o the_o utmost_a devotion_n we_o be_v able_a and_o according_o to_o use_v such_o mean_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o heighten_v and_o intend_v our_o devotion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o if_o therefore_o form_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o not_o through_o our_o fault_n and_o erroneous_a prejudice_n less_o apt_a to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v devotion_n than_o conceive_v prayer_n it_o will_v be_v grant_v of_o all_o hand_n that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o use_n of_o they_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o we_o differ_v our_o brethren_n say_v that_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o be_v in_o themselves_o apt_a to_o dispirit_v and_o deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o we_o say_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o public_a form_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o apt_a to_o improve_v and_o quicken_v the_o common_a devotion_n than_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o the_o minister_n own_o conceive_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o clear_n and_o full_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n we_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o these_o advantage_n to_o public_a devotion_n be_v which_o conceive_v or_o extemporary_a prayer_n pretend_v to_o 2._o whether_o these_o advantage_n be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n fantastical_a and_o imaginary_a and_o whether_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v real_a they_o be_v not_o much_o more_o peculiar_a to_o form_n than_o to_o extempore_o prayer_n 3._o whether_o beside_o these_o common_a advantage_n public_a form_n have_v not_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o conceive_v prayer_n can_v pretend_v to_o 1._o we_o will_v inquire_v what_o those_o advantage_n to_o the_o public_a devotion_n be_v which_o conceive_v or_o
extemporary_a prayer_n pretend_v to_o in_o short_a it_o be_v pretend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n that_o they_o do_v much_o more_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o raise_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o people_n mind_n in_o prayer_n than_o public_a form_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v more_o confine_v the_o roving_n of_o man_n thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o keep_v their_o mind_n more_o attentive_a to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v much_o more_o warm_a and_o enliven_v their_o affection_n in_o it_o for_o say_v our_o brethren_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n be_v very_o much_o raise_v or_o deaden_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o minister_n according_a as_o he_o be_v more_o or_o less_o devout_a in_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o minister_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o devout_a in_o a_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o conceive_n than_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o public_a form_n because_o first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o mind_n so_o attentive_a in_o read_v a_o prayer_n as_o in_o conceive_v one_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o conception_n the_o care_n of_o perform_v which_o natural_o bound_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o more_o fix_v and_o attentive_a and_o second_o because_o when_o he_o utter_v his_o word_n immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n his_o thought_n have_v not_o that_o scope_n to_o wander_v as_o when_o he_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n and_o as_o conceive_v do_v more_o fix_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o minister_n so_o it_o do_v also_o more_o raise_v his_o intention_n or_o in_o other_o word_n more_o warm_a and_o inflame_v his_o affection_n for_o first_o whereas_o in_o read_v a_o form_n his_o affection_n follow_v his_o word_n and_o be_v raise_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n his_o word_n follow_v his_o affection_n and_o be_v immediate_o utter_v from_o and_o indict_v by_o they_o and_o second_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v they_o that_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o he_o read_v out_o of_o a_o form_n shall_v so_o well_o express_v his_o affection_n as_o his_o own_o beside_o three_o that_o while_o he_o be_v read_v his_o form_n his_o soul_n be_v so_o intent_n in_o direct_v his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o it_o can_v direct_v its_o affection_n to_o god_n with_o that_o fervour_n and_o intention_n as_o it_o may_v do_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n these_o be_v the_o suppose_a help_n which_o the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o from_o his_o the_o people_n receive_v from_o conceive_a prayer_n above_o what_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v afford_v and_o as_o conceive_v prayer_n have_v these_o peculiar_a advantage_n to_o raise_v the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o by_o his_o the_o people_n so_o it_o have_v another_o advantage_n by_o which_o it_o more_o immediate_o influence_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v still_o express_v in_o new_a word_n which_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o affect_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o people_n than_o when_o it_o be_v always_o express_v in_o the_o same_o word_n without_o any_o variation_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o to_o its_o peculiar_a advantageousness_n to_o public_a devotion_n above_o state_v form_n 2._o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o these_o advantage_n be_v not_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n imaginary_a and_o whether_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v real_a they_o be_v not_o much_o more_o peculiar_a to_o form_n than_o to_o conceive_v prayer_n and_o here_o i_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o by_o express_v a_o serious_a and_o devout_a affection_n the_o minister_n do_v real_o advantage_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n even_o as_o by_o his_o good_a example_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n he_o excite_v the_o people_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a imitation_n in_o who_o eye_n devotion_n never_o look_v so_o amiable_a as_o when_o it_o be_v express_v in_o serious_a and_o well_o compose_v word_n accompany_v with_o a_o devout_a a_o sober_a and_o affectionate_a behaviour_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v real_o true_a that_o the_o use_n of_o conceive_a or_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n most_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o excite_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o herein_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o form_n 1._o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o these_o advantage_n it_o pretend_v to_o as_o to_o the_o exciting_a the_o minister_n attention_n in_o prayer_n be_v real_a or_o no_o the_o first_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o very_o conceive_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o conception_n do_v natural_o more_o bind_v his_o attention_n than_o the_o read_n it_o out_o of_o a_o form_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o do_v it_o more_o bind_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o be_v it_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n or_o be_v it_o to_o attend_v to_o those_o act_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o sin_n and_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o confession_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o common_a want_n and_o common_a dependency_n upon_o god_n for_o supply_v in_o petition_n to_o admire_v god_n perfection_n and_o grateful_o commemorate_v his_o goodness_n in_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n the_o true_a devotion_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n consist_v and_o it_o be_v only_o by_o be_v a_o example_n of_o these_o in_o his_o prayer_n that_o the_o minister_n excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o his_o people_n it_o be_v by_o confess_v sin_n as_o if_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o it_o that_o he_o excite_v their_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n by_o petition_v for_o mercy_n as_o if_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o do_v hearty_o desire_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o excite_v their_o sense_n of_o need_n and_o their_o desire_n and_o hope_v of_o relief_n and_o supply_v by_o praise_v and_o thank_v god_n as_o if_o he_o hearty_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o grateful_o resent_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o excite_v their_o admiration_n and_o gratitude_n that_o mode_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n of_o devotion_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o as_o for_o the_o mode_n of_o pray_v from_o his_o own_o conception_n i_o real_o think_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o unfix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n than_o that_o of_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n because_o it_o force_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o other_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n viz._n the_o recollection_n of_o matter_n and_o invention_n of_o suitable_a expression_n which_o must_v more_o or_o less_o divert_v he_o from_o attend_v to_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o devotion_n according_a as_o his_o fancy_n and_o tongue_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pregnant_a and_o voluble_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o several_a thing_n as_o close_o as_o he_o may_v to_o one_o but_o when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n his_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v ready_a before_o he_o and_o so_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o his_o devotion_n and_o certain_o when_o a_o man_n have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o prayer_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o that_o more_o fix_o and_o close_o than_o when_o he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v true_a by_o be_v release_v from_o attend_v to_o the_o invention_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o word_n his_o mind_n be_v more_o at_o leisure_n to_o wander_v and_o instead_o of_o attend_v as_o he_o ought_v more_o close_o to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n by_o employ_v those_o thought_n which_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n he_o employ_v in_o invention_n in_o a_o close_a attention_n to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n he_o may_v if_o he_o please_v permit_v they_o to_o rove_v abroad_o but_o if_o he_o do_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o the_o form_n he_o pray_v by_o the_o design_n of_o his_o form_n be_v to_o release_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o business_n in_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o of_o inward_a devotion_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o prayer_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o attentive_a to_o
it_o but_o if_o instead_o of_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o design_n he_o suffer_v it_o to_o wander_v abroad_o he_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o a_o good_a thing_n and_o convert_v that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o indevotion_n but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o while_o his_o thought_n be_v employ_v in_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o his_o prayer_n they_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o while_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v well_o employ_v though_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o attentive_o fix_v upon_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o to_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o study_v a_o prayer_n and_o till_o our_o brethren_n have_v prove_v that_o our_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o our_o attention_n to_o it_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n we_o believe_v that_o when_o we_o pray_v devout_o by_o a_o form_n we_o discharge_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n though_o we_o do_v not_o invent_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_n prove_v we_o will_v not_o only_o yield_v that_o to_o attend_v to_o invent_v be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n but_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v yield_v neither_o one_o nor_o other_o see_v then_o that_o form_n be_v in_o themselves_o more_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o attend_v to_o these_o act_n or_o at_o least_o by_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o influence_n the_o attention_n of_o the_o people_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n form_n be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o public_a devotion_n than_o conceive_v or_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v in_o itself_o more_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n in_o prayer_n than_o form_n because_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n he_o utter_v his_o word_n immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o his_o thought_n have_v not_o that_o scope_n to_o wander_v as_o when_o he_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o have_v devout_a affection_n he_o may_v utter_v his_o word_n as_o immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n in_o a_o form_n as_o in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o insignificant_a for_o his_o own_o invention_n be_v as_o much_o a_o medium_n between_o his_o affection_n and_o utterance_n in_o pray_v extempore_o as_o the_o book_n in_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v that_o in_o confess_v sin_n he_o be_v affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n he_o can_v express_v it_o in_o word_n but_o by_o use_v his_o own_o invention_n or_o a_o form_n and_o whether_o he_o use_v one_o or_o tother_o he_o use_v a_o medium_n to_o express_v it_o and_o why_o those_o word_n which_o he_o read_v shall_v not_o be_v as_o immediate_a to_o his_o affection_n as_o those_o which_o he_o invent_v provide_v they_o do_v as_o full_o express_v they_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v in_o short_a therefore_o if_o he_o have_v devout_a affection_n they_o will_v at_o least_o as_o much_o confine_v his_o thought_n from_o wander_v when_o he_o pray_v by_o form_n as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o if_o he_o have_v not_o he_o can_v utter_v his_o word_n from_o his_o affection_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o tother_o 2._o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o those_o advantage_n which_o our_o brethren_n ascribe_v to_o conceive_a prayer_n above_o form_n as_o to_o the_o raise_v the_o minister_n intention_n in_o prayer_n be_v real_a or_o no_o first_o they_o pretend_v that_o in_o read_v a_o form_n his_o affection_n follow_v his_o word_n and_o be_v raise_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o whereas_o in_o pray_v extempore_o his_o word_n follow_v his_o affection_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a curious_a distinction_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o apprehend_v either_o what_o foundation_n there_o be_v for_o it_o or_o how_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o matter_n for_o first_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o either_o that_o his_o affection_n shall_v follow_v his_o word_n in_o a_o form_n more_o than_o in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n or_o that_o his_o word_n shall_v follow_v his_o affection_n in_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n more_o than_o in_o a_o form_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n be_v devout_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o before_o he_o express_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n as_o well_o as_o before_o he_o express_v it_o extempore_o since_o if_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o form_n he_o can_v but_o know_v beforehand_o what_o he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v true_o devout_a can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o before_o he_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n as_o well_o be_v unaffected_a with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n till_o he_o have_v express_v it_o as_o with_o the_o matter_n he_o pray_v for_o in_o a_o form_n or_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o the_o affection_n may_v not_o follow_v the_o word_n and_o be_v excite_v by_o they_o in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o may_v not_o a_o man_n pray_v inconsiderate_o and_o suffer_v his_o tongue_n to_o run_v before_o his_o heart_n in_o both_o and_o may_v not_o his_o affection_n which_o be_v before_o asleep_a be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o word_n in_o either_o in_o short_a therefore_o since_o in_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n a_o man_n may_v know_v as_o well_o at_o least_o and_o have_v as_o much_o time_n to_o consider_v the_o matter_n he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o beforehand_o as_o in_o pray_v extempore_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o difficult_a for_o he_o to_o affect_v his_o soul_n beforehand_o with_o it_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v equal_o hard_a and_o easy_a in_o both_o than_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a for_o his_o affection_n to_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v his_o word_n in_o either_o but_o than_o second_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n the_o word_n follow_v the_o affection_n and_o in_o a_o form_n the_o affection_n the_o word_n how_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o conceive_v prayer_n do_v more_o intend_v and_o heighten_v the_o affection_n than_o form_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v why_o those_o act_n of_o inward_a affection_n which_o follow_v our_o word_n in_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o intense_a and_o vigorous_a as_o those_o which_o go_v before_o they_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n exert_v as_o flagrant_a a_o act_n of_o desire_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v express_v his_o petition_n as_o immediate_o before_o especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o our_o brethren_n affirm_v and_o which_o most_o man_n find_v by_o experence_n that_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n if_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o expressive_a do_v natural_o quicken_v and_o excite_v the_o affection_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n only_o that_o excite_v the_o affection_n they_o may_v be_v as_o vehement_o excite_v after_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v as_o before_o if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n also_o the_o affection_n must_v be_v less_o vehement_o excite_v before_o the_o word_n than_o after_o in_o short_a therefore_o when_o the_o minister_n pray_v in_o public_a whether_o it_o be_v by_o form_n or_o extempore_o he_o pray_v on_o without_o make_v any_o long_a pause_n between_o one_o petition_n and_o another_o so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v conceive_v the_o matter_n he_o express_v it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v immediate_o before_o or_o immediate_o after_o or_o while_o he_o be_v express_v it_o that_o he_o join_v his_o affection_n to_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n assign_v if_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n he_o join_v they_o to_o why_o he_o shall_v more_o affect_v it_o now_o than_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o order_n of_o before_o or_o after_o to_o raise_v and_o excite_v his_o affection_n and_o if_o so_o his_o affection_n follow_v his_o word_n though_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n can_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o
his_o devotion_n nor_o the_o contrary_a a_o advantage_n to_o it_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o pray_v extempore_o but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o minister_n can_v so_o well_o express_v his_o devout_a affection_n in_o other_o man_n word_n as_o in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n it_o be_v impossible_a his_o affection_n shall_v be_v so_o lively_o represent_v as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o minister_n business_n in_o public_a prayer_n be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o degree_n and_o heighth_n of_o his_o own_o affection_n or_o to_o acquaint_v god_n of_o the_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a fervency_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o in_o public_a he_o pray_v as_o the_o common_a mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o express_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n any_o matter_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o represent_v his_o own_o particular_a extraordinary_a fervour_n as_o the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o his_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o every_o honest_a and_o ordinary_a christian_a may_v true_o join_v with_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o he_o to_o express_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n such_o height_n of_o devotion_n as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v arrive_v to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o to_o confess_v in_o their_o name_n such_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o that_o if_o the_o minister_n have_v such_o peculiar_a heighth_n of_o affection_n as_o can_v be_v fit_o express_v only_o in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o in_o a_o public_a prayer_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o express_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o honest_a and_o sincere_a christian_a and_o this_o certain_o may_v be_v as_o fit_o express_v in_o another_o man_n word_n as_o in_o his_o own_o unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v so_o well_o express_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o he_o that_o pray_v extempore_o yea_o and_o that_o he_o himself_o can_v so_o fit_o express_v it_o in_o premeditate_a word_n as_o in_o extemporary_a one_o neither_o of_o which_o i_o suppose_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v affirm_v but_o than_o three_o and_o last_o it_o be_v also_o pretend_a that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n the_o minister_n soul_n be_v so_o engage_v in_o direct_v his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o intense_o affect_v with_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o recollect_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n the_o dispose_n of_o it_o into_o a_o due_a method_n and_o invent_v of_o proper_a phrase_n to_o express_v it_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v act_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o show_v before_o must_v not_o much_o more_o busy_a and_o engage_v the_o minister_n soul_n when_o he_o be_v pray_v public_o than_o the_o direct_n of_o his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o be_v whether_o one_o that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o habit_n of_o read_v as_o that_o he_o can_v ready_o exercise_v it_o without_o employ_v one_o think_v about_o it_o can_v read_v a_o prayer_n more_o easy_o than_o invent_v one_o for_o so_o much_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o read_v than_o to_o invent_v a_o prayer_n so_o much_o less_o his_o soul_n have_v to_o divert_v it_o from_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n than_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o raise_v the_o minister_n devotion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o imaginary_a or_o as_o aught_o rather_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o form_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o only_o deaden_a the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o do_v also_o deaden_a the_o people_n by_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n because_o they_o still_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v often_o hear_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o cloy_v their_o attention_n whereas_o the_o very_a newness_n and_o variety_n of_o word_n in_o which_o conceive_v prayer_n be_v express_v do_v natural_o awaken_v and_o entertain_v their_o mind_n and_o keep_v they_o more_o fix_v and_o intent_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v upon_o what_o it_o be_v that_o this_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n do_v keep_v our_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o intent_n on_o be_v it_o upon_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n doubtless_o no_o for_o that_o be_v general_o the_o same_o especial_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v that_o that_o fix_v our_o mind_n it_o will_v as_o well_o do_v it_o in_o the_o same_o as_o in_o new_a and_o vary_a expression_n and_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v old_a and_o for_o the_o main_n will_v be_v always_o so_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o as_o well_o affect_v we_o in_o old_a word_n as_o in_o new_a provide_v they_o express_v it_o with_o equal_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o phrase_n it_o be_v express_v in_o that_o fix_v their_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o a_o mere_a surprise_n and_o amusement_n of_o their_o fancy_n which_o instead_o of_o fix_v do_v unfix_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o prayer_n and_o divert_v its_o attention_n from_o the_o devotion_n to_o the_o oratory_n of_o it_o so_o that_o this_o fixation_n of_o their_o mind_n on_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o method_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o advantage_n that_o it_o be_v a_o distraction_n to_o their_o devotion_n as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o may_v be_v compose_v with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o expression_n and_o pronounce_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o extempore_o composure_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o advantage_n of_o the_o music_n of_o speech_n to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o for_o novelty_n of_o method_n and_o expression_n that_o may_v indeed_o entertain_v their_o mind_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o rove_a out_o to_o other_o object_n but_o even_o this_o entertainment_n be_v a_o rove_a and_o excursion_n of_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n which_o while_o they_o be_v amuse_v with_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o method_n of_o the_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o more_o intent_n on_o the_o devotion_n of_o it_o than_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o secular_a object_n and_o affair_n and_o indeed_o that_o seem_a devotion_n that_o be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o jingle_n of_o the_o minister_n word_n about_o their_o fancy_n be_v general_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a for_o as_o word_n do_v natural_o impress_v the_o fancy_n so_o the_o fancy_n do_v natural_o excite_v the_o sensitive_a affection_n so_o that_o when_o the_o affection_n be_v excite_v mere_o by_o the_o art_n and_o music_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o devotion_n but_o mechanism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o man_n may_v be_v and_o many_o time_n be_v strange_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a devotion_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o when_o they_o fancy_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o word_n the_o movement_n of_o their_o affection_n will_v cease_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o impression_n be_v wear_v out_o which_o the_o word_n make_v upon_o their_o fancy_n and_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o happen_v to_o hear_v any_o other_o matter_n express_v in_o the_o same_o affectionate_a word_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v as_o much_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v true_o devout_a and_o do_v affect_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n for_o itself_o and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o word_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o new_a word_n shall_v any_o way_n advantage_n its_o devotion_n unless_o they_o be_v to_o express_v new_a matter_n since_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n neither_o
be_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v upon_o extraordinary_a public_a emergency_n what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n shall_v be_v more_o affect_v with_o it_o in_o new_a word_n than_o in_o old_a suppose_v it_o be_v express_v and_o pronounce_v with_o the_o same_o propriety_n and_o affection_n in_o both_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o those_o advantage_n of_o public_a devotion_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o conceive_v prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n imaginary_a and_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v real_a they_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n viz._n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o sundry_a advantage_n of_o public_a devotion_n peculiar_a to_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o conceive_v prayer_n can_v pretend_v to_o that_o there_o be_v i_o do_v affirm_v and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o follow_a instance_n 1._o one_o great_a advantage_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v address_v themselves_o to_o they_o with_o great_a preparation_n for_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v peruse_v the_o word_n beforehand_o and_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o i_o know_v beforehand_o what_o word_n my_o sin_n will_v be_v confess_v in_o when_o i_o be_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a devotion_n i_o can_v consider_v beforehand_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o prepare_v such_o affection_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o as_o suppose_v the_o confession_n be_v that_o of_o our_o church_n liturgy_n wherein_o we_o begin_v with_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n i_o can_v consider_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n before_o i_o come_v to_o church_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a nature_n excite_v my_o affection_n to_o a_o awful_a dread_n of_o his_o power_n and_o a_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n by_o which_o when_o i_o come_v to_o join_v with_o these_o word_n in_o the_o public_a confession_n i_o shall_v be_v due_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o my_o soul_n will_v beready_o melt_v into_o all_o that_o filial_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n for_o my_o sin_n with_o the_o consideration_n that_o i_o have_v offend_v by_o it_o a_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n suggest_v and_o so_o if_o i_o consider_v and_o apply_v beforehand_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confession_n i_o shall_v thereby_o tune_v and_o set_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o each_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o it_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v when_o i_o be_o to_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n because_o i_o can_v know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o will_v be_v beside_o which_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o public_a form_n there_o may_v be_v write_v excellent_a paraphrase_n and_o meditation_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o companion_n to_o the_o temple_n by_o read_v of_o which_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n may_v be_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o improve_v which_o be_v such_o a_o advantage_n as_o the_o word_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o 2._o another_o advantage_n peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n be_v that_o in_o join_v with_o they_o the_o people_n may_v pray_v with_o more_o understanding_n than_o they_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v in_o conceive_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n wherein_o general_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o come_v first_o to_o hand_n have_v not_o leisure_n enough_o to_o pick_v and_o choose_v his_o word_n without_o make_v long_o and_o undecent_a pause_n and_o interruption_n so_o that_o sometime_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v a_o hard_a word_n which_o perhaps_o not_o half_a the_o people_n understand_v because_o a_o easy_a do_v not_o come_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o sometime_o to_o entangle_v his_o expression_n with_o long_a parenthesis_n sometime_o to_o darken_v his_o matter_n with_o far_o fetch_a metaphor_n or_o to_o express_v it_o by_o half_n in_o break_a sentence_n and_o sometime_o to_o run_v out_o his_o period_n to_o a_o inordinate_a length_n by_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v very_o much_o cloud_v and_o obscure_v these_o and_o such_o like_a inconvenience_n all_o the_o world_n know_v do_v very_o common_o attend_v extempore_o effusion_n and_o let_v a_o man_n fancy_n and_o tongue_n be_v never_o so_o fluent_a and_o voluble_a he_o can_v never_o be_v so_o secure_a of_o express_v himself_o intelligible_o to_o the_o people_n when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o as_o he_o may_v be_v if_o he_o take_v time_n enough_o beforehand_o to_o choose_v his_o word_n and_o form_v his_o expression_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v much_o more_o secure_a of_o understanding_n what_o they_o pray_v for_o when_o they_o join_v with_o a_o form_n than_o when_o they_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o compose_v public_a form_n more_o care_n will_v be_v take_v of_o the_o phrase_n that_o the_o word_n may_v fit_v the_o matter_n and_o express_v it_o intelligible_o to_o the_o people_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o long_a consideration_n no_o alteration_n upon_o second_o thought_n no_o after-scanning_a or_o revisal_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v but_o it_o must_v pass_v as_o it_o happen_v whether_o it_o be_v intelligible_a or_o no_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o who_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a be_v many_o time_n force_v to_o break_v off_o pray_v for_o want_n of_o understanding_n what_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o prayer_n mean_v for_o whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o word_n that_o be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o for_o still_o their_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o long_o their_o devotion_n must_v be_v break_v and_o interrupt_v 3._o another_o advantage_n peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v join_v with_o they_o with_o much_o more_o faith_n and_o ussurance_n than_o they_o can_v with_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o a_o man_n devotion_n in_o public_a to_o be_v satisfy_v beforehand_o that_o the_o matter_n he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o pray_v on_o with_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o sure_a hope_n of_o be_v hear_v and_o accept_v but_o this_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v of_o aforehand_o that_o join_v in_o extempore_o prayer_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o his_o minister_n that_o he_o will_v say_v nothing_o to_o god_n but_o what_o be_v true_a nor_o ask_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a which_o how_o he_o can_v certainl_o depend_v on_o i_o can_v imagine_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o pray_v be_v many_o time_n a_o stranger_n to_o he_o both_z as_o to_o his_o person_n and_o principle_n and_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v may_v be_v very_o erroneous_a rash_a and_o unadvised_a or_o very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o not_o and_o even_o those_o minister_n who_o he_o know_v and_o can_v best_o confide_v in_o be_v not_o always_o so_o very_o sure_a of_o their_o hand_n but_o that_o some_o time_n they_o may_v mistake_v their_o passion_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o reek_v their_o anger_n or_o faction_n in_o their_o prayer_n or_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o hurry_v of_o speak_v what_o come_v next_o let_v drop_v a_o error_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a or_o express_v themselves_o so_o doubtful_o or_o unadvised_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o discern_a mind_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o join_v with_o he_o so_o that_o in_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o a_o excellent_a divine_a upon_o this_o argument_n that_o as_o we_o go_v along_o with_o the_o minister_n we_o shall_v judge_v of_o what_o he_o say_v before_o our_o heart_n consent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o novelty_n or_o ambiguity_n affectation_n or_o indigestedness_n of_o his_o expression_n or_o any_o such_o rub_n in_o our_o way_n we_o can_v ready_o judge_v but_o be_v fain_o to_o hesitate_n and_o deliberate_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o who_o pray_v be_v go_v on_o and_o now_o upon_o a_o
new_a subject_n and_o we_o be_v leave_v behind_o and_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o perhaps_o miserable_o confound_v before_o our_o devotion_n can_v close_v in_o again_o and_o no_o soon_o it_o may_v be_v be_v it_o well_o fix_v but_o it_o be_v lead_v away_o again_o into_o the_o same_o inconveniency_n and_o maze_n all_o which_o may_v be_v easy_o prevent_v by_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o which_o the_o people_n may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o aforehand_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o will_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o pray_v and_o keep_v their_o holy_a affection_n a_o go_v they_o will_v have_v no_o new_a judgement_n to_o make_v of_o what_o be_v say_v no_o doubtful_a phrase_n or_o matter_n to_o examine_v and_o their_o judgement_n be_v satisfy_v before_o they_o begin_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n their_o devotion_n may_v go_v on_o with_o it_o without_o pause_n or_o stop_v in_o a_o even_a and_o uninterrupted_a current_n 4._o another_o advantage_n peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n be_v that_o they_o have_v much_o less_o in_o they_o to_o divert_v the_o affefection_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o disturb_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o perform_v if_o he_o who_o perform_v it_o hesitate_v or_o blunder_n or_o express_v himself_o in_o crude_a undecent_a or_o fantastic_a phrase_n instead_o of_o attend_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o join_v their_o affection_n with_o it_o they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v pity_v or_o contemn_v he_o carp_a at_o what_o come_v next_o and_o run_v descant_n on_o his_o weakness_n and_o impertinence_n if_o he_o perform_v well_o and_o his_o method_n be_v orderly_o and_o artificial_a his_o matter_n good_a and_o his_o expression_n fluent_a and_o apt_a and_o easy_a they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v admire_v his_o part_n and_o entertain_v their_o curiosity_n with_o the_o elegancy_n of_o his_o phrase_n the_o solidity_n and_o promptness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o the_o art_n and_o finery_n of_o his_o composure_n either_o of_o which_o must_v very_o much_o divert_v and_o call_v off_o their_o affection_n from_o the_o matter_n whereas_o while_o they_o be_v join_v in_o public_a form_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o in_o which_o neither_o the_o strength_n nor_o weakness_n of_o the_o minister_n part_n appear_v they_o have_v none_o of_o all_o these_o snare_n to_o entangle_v their_o devotion_n for_o be_v use_v to_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o method_n they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o concern_v their_o mind_n any_o far_o about_o they_o than_o as_o they_o convey_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n to_o they_o and_o have_v none_o of_o the_o abovenamed_a diversion_n to_o carry_v away_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o matter_n they_o may_v doubtless_o if_o they_o please_v attend_v to_o it_o with_o much_o more_o fervour_n and_o affection_n 5._o another_o peculiar_a advantage_n to_o the_o people_n devotion_n in_o join_v with_o public_a form_n be_v that_o they_o be_v more_o secure_v as_o to_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o body_n will_v question_v but_o that_o the_o decent_a and_o solemn_a performance_n of_o public_a worship_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n but_o now_o whilst_o they_o join_v in_o extempore_o prayer_n the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o performance_n do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o ability_n and_o present_a disposedness_n of_o the_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o the_o minister_n happen_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o mean_a elocution_n of_o a_o unready_a memory_n or_o a_o unfruitful_a invention_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o office_n shall_v be_v perform_v with_o that_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o instead_o of_o that_o perhaps_o the_o wretched_a dulness_n the_o blunder_a confusion_n and_o impertinence_n of_o the_o performance_n may_v turn_v their_o devotion_n into_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n for_o of_o this_o i_o have_v see_v too_o many_o sad_a experiment_n but_o suppose_v the_o minister_n be_v a_o man_n of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ready_a invention_n and_o elocution_n yea_o and_o of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v frequent_o liable_a to_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n to_o dulness_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o wander_v and_o distraction_n of_o thought_n to_o deficiency_n of_o invention_n and_o failure_n of_o memory_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o mind_n with_o outward_a care_n and_o accident_n and_o if_o he_o be_v what_o remedy_n be_v there_o but_o that_o he_o must_v many_o time_n pray_v confuse_o and_o omit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o utter_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o in_o break_a or_o undecent_a expression_n and_o how_o can_v he_o avoid_v be_v sometime_o at_o a_o loss_n both_o for_o word_n and_o matter_n and_o be_v force_v to_o supply_v the_o present_a defect_n of_o his_o invention_n with_o fulsome_a repetition_n of_o what_o go_v before_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a almost_o but_o that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o slat_n and_o empty_a nonsense_n a_o great_a many_o crude_a and_o undigested_a conception_n and_o rash_a and_o unadvised_a expression_n shall_v escape_v from_o his_o lip_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o this_o if_o he_o have_v any_o grain_n of_o modesty_n in_o he_o must_v upon_o the_o least_o reflection_n put_v he_o into_o a_o great_a confusion_n and_o so_o amaze_v and_o bewild_a he_o that_o throughout_o the_o whole_a prayer_n perhaps_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v himself_o to_o any_o consistency_n of_o thought_n now_o be_v it_o not_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a and_o variable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o one_o single_a person_n so_o as_o that_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v indispose_v or_o disorder_v in_o his_o body_n or_o mind_n the_o devotion_n of_o 500_o or_o 1000_o person_n must_v partake_v of_o his_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o he_o be_v indispose_v their_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o pour_v out_o extempore_o and_o how_o flat_o unadvised_o or_o confuse_o soever_o he_o pray_v they_o must_v pray_v after_o he_o or_o not_o pray_v at_o all_o which_o vast_a inconvenience_n be_v whole_o cure_v and_o prevent_v by_o a_o well_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o how_o weak_a soever_o the_o minister_n part_n be_v or_o how_o much_o soever_o he_o may_v be_v at_o present_a indispose_v if_o he_o can_v but_o read_v distinct_o and_o serious_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o affect_a or_o influence_v by_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o his_o part_n or_o present_a temper_n be_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o orderly_a and_o methodical_a prayer_n to_o join_v with_o a_o prayer_n that_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o their_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n that_o be_v sober_a and_o good_a mature_a and_o well_o advise_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v full_a and_o plain_a and_o decent_a as_o to_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o end_n and_o office_n of_o public_a devotion_n and_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v satisfy_v themselves_o beforehand_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o prayer_n they_o be_v to_o join_v with_o but_o what_o become_v public_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o solemn_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n 6._o another_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o public_a form_n be_v that_o in_o join_v with_o they_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o secure_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o own_o devotion_n for_o in_o join_v with_o extempore_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o may_v and_o many_o time_n do_v mistake_v the_o tickle_a of_o their_o fancic_n for_o true_a and_o sincere_a devotion_n for_o their_o fancy_n be_v surprise_v and_o amuse_v mere_o by_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o expression_n will_v natural_o influence_n their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o chase_v they_o into_o such_o warmth_n as_o a_o undiscerning_a judgement_n may_v easy_o mistake_v for_o the_o holy_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n they_o find_v themselves_o strange_o heat_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o upon_o that_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v wonderful_o devout_a without_o ever_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o
phrase_n and_o expression_n that_o heat_v they_o and_o so_o from_o those_o transport_v of_o passion_n which_o be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o new_a and_o surprise_a word_n strike_v brisk_o on_o their_o fancy_n they_o many_o time_n take_v occasion_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o godliness_n whereas_o many_o of_o these_o person_n be_v notorious_o immoral_a in_o their_o life_n and_o utter_o disaffect_v to_o the_o matter_n they_o pray_v for_o with_o so_o much_o seem_a earnestness_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o their_o affection_n be_v not_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o mere_o to_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o same_o surprisingness_n of_o expression_n will_v have_v as_o much_o affect_v they_o at_o a_o play_n as_o it_o do_v at_o a_o prayer_n thus_o for_o instance_n when_o they_o hear_v god_n or_o christ_n speak_v of_o and_o their_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n represent_v in_o a_o new_a and_o surprise_a strain_n of_o expression_n their_o fancy_n many_o time_n be_v strange_o smite_v with_o it_o and_o this_o make_v their_o spirit_n flow_v in_o a_o sweet_a and_o placid_a torrent_n to_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o their_o frisk_v about_o it_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v it_o into_o great_a complacency_n and_o pleasure_n till_o at_o last_o it_o open_v and_o dilate_v it_o orifice_n and_o the_o grateful_a flood_n break_v in_o and_o drown_v it_o in_o delight_n and_o ravishment_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o many_o time_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o real_a complacency_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o god_n be_v only_o a_o complacency_n of_o their_o fancy_n in_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o he_o be_v describe_v and_o represent_v and_o have_v they_o hear_v the_o hero_n of_o play_n describe_v in_o the_o same_o phrase_n they_o may_v probable_o have_v be_v move_v to_o the_o same_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v now_o to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n for_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o influence_n that_o new_a and_o surprise_a expression_n have_v upon_o man_n fancy_n in_o prayer_n they_o will_v have_v when_o apply_v to_o other_o matter_n and_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v plutarch_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o the_o greek_a sophist_n by_o their_o honey_a word_n surprise_v phrase_n sing_v tone_n and_o effeminate_a accent_n to_o excite_v their_o auditor_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o bacchical_a enthusiasm_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o those_o hearer_n of_o who_o he_o there_o speak_v who_o be_v wont_a to_o applaud_v their_o orator_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o declamation_n with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_o heavenly_a unimitable_o speak_v find_v themselves_o as_o much_o move_v as_o many_o a_o man_n do_v at_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n who_o yet_o very_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o movement_n of_o his_o fancy_n but_o of_o his_o sincere_a and_o true_a devotion_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o public_a that_o mere_o by_o amuse_v the_o fancy_n of_o the_o people_n with_o the_o surprise_a novelty_n of_o its_o expression_n it_o put_v they_o into_o fit_n of_o counterfeit_a devotion_n and_o make_v they_o many_o time_n imagine_v that_o they_o be_v hearty_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n when_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o phrase_n of_o it_o that_o by_o strike_v on_o their_o fancy_n move_v their_o sensitive_a affection_n but_o whether_o this_o movement_n of_o affection_n be_v fancy_n or_o devotion_n a_o man_n may_v much_o more_o easy_o distinguish_v when_o he_o join_v with_o a_o form_n than_o when_o he_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o he_o be_v acquaint_v aforehand_o with_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o form_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v much_o surprise_v and_o amuse_v his_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o if_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o find_v himself_o hearty_o affect_v in_o the_o prayer_n he_o may_v much_o more_o secure_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o not_o mere_o the_o word_n that_o move_v and_o affect_v he_o and_o thus_o with_o all_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v those_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o form_n of_o prayer_n have_v above_o extempore_o one_o as_o to_o the_o quicken_a and_o improve_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n i_o may_v have_v give_v other_o instance_n of_o it_o but_o these_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v the_o case_n in_o debate_n and_o to_o convince_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o pious_a and_o well_o compose_v form_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deaden_v the_o public_a devotion_n that_o they_o contribute_v sundry_a great_a advantage_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o if_o public_a form_n do_v deaden_a the_o people_n devotion_n it_o must_v be_v either_o as_o they_o always_o confine_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o same_o set_v of_o word_n which_o as_o 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