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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n church_n divine_a tradition_n 5,425 5 9.4683 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53685 A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief enquiry into the nature and use of mental prayer and forms / by John Owen ... Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1682 (1682) Wing O738; ESTC R11815 119,966 289

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a_o discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o nathanael_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1682._o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o premise_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o necessity_n benefit_n and_o use_v of_o prayer_n in_o general_n all_o man_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v principal_o consist_v therein_o wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n unto_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o error_n which_o either_o pervert_v its_o nature_n or_o countenance_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendanceunto_o it_o be_v pernicious_a in_o religion_n so_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o dispute_n about_o any_o of_o its_o vital_a concern_v can_v but_o be_v dangerous_a and_o of_o evil_a consequence_n for_o on_o each_o hand_n these_o pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a regulation_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a in_o our_o religion_n than_o that_o true_a apprehension_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o use_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o declaration_n and_o defence_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v oppose_v or_o undue_o traduce_v be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a also_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n as_o such_o also_o there_o be_v particular_a operation_n ascribe_v unto_o he_o mention_n be_v likewise_o frequent_o make_v of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n some_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v experience_n as_o also_o of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v receive_v according_o these_o regulate_v themselves_o in_o this_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o expectation_n or_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v accommodate_v with_o other_o aid_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o they_o esteem_v sufficient_a for_o they_o do_v look_v on_o the_o former_a profession_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a empty_a pretence_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o these_o different_a apprehension_n those_o at_o variance_n seem_v to_o be_v almost_o barbarian_n one_o to_o another_o the_o one_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o other_o do_v vehement_o affirm_v for_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o mere_o by_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o by_o the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o sense_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n communicate_v unto_o one_o another_o for_o whereas_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o other_o demonstration_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conviction_n of_o other_o hence_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o supply_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v admire_v that_o the_o use_n or_o necessity_n of_o they_o herein_o shall_v be_v contradict_v nor_o can_v they_o understand_v what_o they_o intend_v who_o seem_v to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o all_o his_o circumstance_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o make_v use_n in_o his_o so_o do_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o prayer_n they_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o only_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n do_v denote_v namely_o that_o which_o be_v vocal_a some_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o reality_n that_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n they_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v use_v as_o a_o notable_a expression_n of_o scorn_n the_o thing_n signify_v be_v esteem_v fond_a and_o contemptible_a moreover_o in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o excess_n in_o thing_n and_o way_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a either_o to_o countenance_v their_o own_o opinion_n or_o to_o depress_v and_o decry_v those_o of_o they_o from_o who_o they_o differ_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o great_a extravagancy_n than_o in_o that_o under_o consideration_n for_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o do_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o free_a prayer_n among_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o invention_n of_o the_o jesuit_n which_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v they_o the_o author_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o other_o do_v avow_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n use_v among_o we_o in_o public_a worship_n be_v mere_a traduction_n from_o the_o roman_a breviaries_n and_o missal_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o they_o be_v here_o mention_v only_o to_o evince_v the_o use_n of_o a_o sedate_n enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o which_o shall_v principal_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o edification_n without_o strife_n or_o contention_n now_o this_o can_v be_v without_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o two_o sole_a rule_n of_o judgement_n herein_o namely_o scripture-revelation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o although_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o former_a yet_o where_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o water_n face_n answer_v unto_o face_n so_o do_v scripture_n revelation_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n unto_o one_o another_o all_o other_o reason_n from_o custom_n tradition_n and_o feign_a consequence_n be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n the_o inquiry_n before_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o that_o work_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o thereby_o antecedent_o hereunto_o it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v whether_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v only_o vain_o pretend_v unto_o by_o some_o that_o be_v deceive_v but_o the_o determination_n hereof_o depend_v absolute_o on_o the_o forego_n enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v handle_v joint_o with_o they_o and_o needs_o no_o distinct_a consideration_n he_o that_o will_v not_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n must_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o experience_n other_o safe_a guide_n he_o have_v none_o yet_o will_v it_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whence_o this_o duty_n spring_v wherein_o it_o be_v found_v from_o whence_o as_o unto_o its_o essence_n it_o can_v vary_v as_o also_o from_o general_o receive_v principle_n of_o religion_n suit_v thereunto_o with_o the_o uncorrupted_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n much_o direction_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o testimony_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o experience_n wherefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o consideration_n and_o exposition_n of_o some_o of_o those_o text_n
unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o be_v oblige_v whether_o personal_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v unto_o other_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v duty_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n by_o virtue_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o aid_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o promise_v unto_o that_o end_n be_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o command_n wherefore_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v in_o any_o circumstance_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n or_o office_n but_o he_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v according_a unto_o what_o be_v require_v of_o he_o and_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a for_o he_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o 6._o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o pray_v but_o be_v no_o where_o command_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o ourselves_o much_o less_o for_o other_o this_o be_v supperad_v for_o a_o suppose_a conveniency_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture-institution_n 7._o there_o be_v assistance_n promise_v unto_o believer_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v to_o enable_v any_o to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v explain_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v disprove_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o be_v a_o good_a work_n fall_v under_o the_o general_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n necessary_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n whatever_o yet_o be_v not_o those_o aid_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n with_o his_o actual_a assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o assistance_n by_o grace_n and_o gift_n every_o man_n that_o use_v they_o do_v actual_o pray_v nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v use_v but_o man_n do_v not_o pray_v in_o the_o make_n and_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v do_v so_o in_o the_o read_n of_o they_o afterward_o 8._o whatever_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n or_o prayer_n of_o david_n they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o everlasting_a use_n therein_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o be_v design_v unto_o and_o be_v their_o end_n and_o use_v what_o it_o will_v they_o can_v give_v no_o more_o warranty_n for_o humane_a composition_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o their_o use_n than_o for_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture_n these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n which_o be_v evident_a in_o their_o own_o light_n and_o truth_n will_v be_v of_o use_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n so_o far_o as_o our_o present_a design_n be_v concern_v therein_o for_o it_o be_v the_o vindication_n of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o not_o a_o opposition_n unto_o those_o of_o other_o man_n wherefore_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v neither_o these_o principle_n nor_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o we_o shall_v more_o large_o insist_v upon_o be_v engage_v to_o condemn_v all_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o or_o absolute_o unlawful_a or_o such_o as_o so_o vitiate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v it_o whole_o unacceptable_a in_o they_o that_o choose_v so_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v he_o though_o through_o invincible_a ignorance_n they_o may_v mistake_v in_o sundry_a thing_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o how_o far_o as_o unto_o particular_a instance_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o rule_n may_v extend_v he_o only_o know_v and_o of_o man_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v not_o one_o and_o where_o any_o do_v worship_n god_n in_o christ_n with_o a_o evidence_n of_o holy_a fear_n and_o sincerity_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o conversation_n answerable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o have_v manifold_a corruption_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o worship_n i_o shall_v never_o judge_v severe_o either_o of_o their_o present_a acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o of_o their_o future_a eternal_a condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o our_o own_o be_v to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v concern_v his_o worship_n and_o absolute_o comply_v therewith_o without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o please_v he_o nor_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v also_o that_o the_o general_a prevalency_n of_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o humane_a invention_n in_o christian_a 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sufficient_o know_v the_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o by_o this_o artifice_n of_o new_a addition_n to_o receive_a form_n they_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n admit_v into_o and_o state_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o principal_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o preserve_v their_o station_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v that_o foundation_n of_o they_o take_v away_o they_o will_v quick_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v those_o abomination_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n both_o leaven_n and_o poison_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n the_o dispute_n of_o speculative_a man_n superstitious_a and_o subtle_a about_o these_o thing_n have_v never_o infect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o
church_n for_o some_o age_n be_v demonstrative_o prove_v with_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o the_o mass_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o their_o worship_n for_o beside_o the_o utter_a silence_n of_o they_o in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n and_o those_o of_o the_o next_o ensue_a age_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v their_o pretence_n unto_o any_o such_o antiquity_n there_o be_v such_o description_n give_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o worship_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o exclusive_a of_o they_o beside_o they_o give_v such_o a_o new_a face_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o different_a from_o the_o portraiture_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a thereunto_o and_o so_o not_o quick_o embrace_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_o devise_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o horrible_a abuse_n make_v of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o condemn_v they_o as_o absolute_o unlawful_a for_o where_o the_o opinion_n lead_v unto_o such_o idolatrous_a practice_n be_v open_o reject_v and_o condemn_v as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o all_o the_o cause_n mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o that_o idolatry_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o they_o and_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n whether_o impose_v or_o leave_v free_a but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o that_o veneration_n which_o their_o general_a observance_n in_o many_o age_n may_v invite_v or_o procure_v and_o it_o be_v so_o also_o to_o warrant_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a another_o evil_n which_o either_o accompany_v or_o close_o follow_v on_o the_o introduction_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n into_o the_o church_n be_v a_o suppose_a necessity_n of_o adorn_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o with_o sundry_a arbitrary_a ceremony_n and_o this_o also_o in_o the_o end_n as_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o protestant_n increase_a superstition_n in_o its_o worship_n with_o various_a practice_n lead_v unto_o idolatry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o use_v of_o free_a prayer_n in_o church_n administration_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o be_v natural_a circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n do_v material_o consist_v divine_a institution_n and_o natural_a light_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o these_o devise_a form_n be_v introduce_v with_o a_o supposition_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o sole_a use_n in_o the_o church_n in_o all_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n man_n quick_o sound_a that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o set_v they_o off_o with_o adventitious_a ornament_n hereon_o there_o be_v gradual_o sound_v out_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o constant_a observation_n so_o many_o outward_a posture_n and_o gesture_n with_o attire_n music_n bowing_n cringe_n cross_n veneration_n censing_n altar_n image_n crucifix_n respond_v alternative_n and_o such_o a_o rabble_n of_o other_o ceremony_n as_o render_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n ludicrous_a burdensome_a and_o superstition_n and_o hereon_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o who_o be_v to_o officiate_v in_o divine_a service_n be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o himself_o eastward_o and_o westward_o to_o the_o altar_n to_o the_o wall_n to_o the_o people_n so_o many_o gesture_n and_o posture_n in_o kneel_v rising_z stand_n bowing_n less_o and_o profound_a secret_a and_o loud_a speaking_n in_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o cross_n with_o removal_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o with_o provision_n of_o attire_n in_o their_o variety_n of_o colour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o their_o altar_n as_o be_v difficult_a to_o learn_v and_o foolish_o antic_a in_o their_o practice_n above_o all_o the_o preparation_n of_o player_n for_o the_o stage_n injunction_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a observance_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o missal_n and_o the_o cautel_n of_o the_o mass._n that_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o only_o no_o affinity_n with_o the_o purity_n simplicity_n and_o spiritualty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n but_o be_v invent_v utter_o to_o exclude_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n need_v no_o proof_n unto_o any_o who_o ever_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o due_a consideration_n nor_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n less_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o a_o so●●y_a cunning_n in_o this_o practice_n and_o the_o read_n of_o some_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o accommodation_n unto_o these_o rite_n there_o be_v little_o more_o beside_o a_o easy_a good_a intention_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o not_o the_o quite_o contrary_a require_v to_o make_v any_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n as_o it_o once_o at_o least_o fell_a out_o to_o administer_v in_o all_o sacred_a worship_n have_v utter_o lose_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n neglect_v at_o best_a all_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o experience_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o they_o they_o find_v it_o necessary_a by_o these_o mean_n to_o set_v off_o and_o recommend_v their_o dead_a form_n for_o the_o lifeless_a carcase_n of_o their_o form_n mere_o alone_a be_v no_o more_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n than_o a_o tree_n or_o a_o log_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o god_n before_o it_o be_v shape_v fashion_a gild_a and_o adorn_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o teach_v the_o image_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v make_v to_o speak_v and_o act_v a_o part_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o spectator_n for_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v order_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v never_o have_v give_v the_o least_o contentment_n unto_o the_o multitude_n have_v it_o not_o be_v set_v off_o with_o this_o variety_n of_o ceremony_n compose_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o sacred_a veneration_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v do_v their_o utmost_a they_o can_v never_o equal_v the_o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o old_a temple-worship_n in_o beauty_n glory_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o sacred_a eleusinian_n mystery_n for_o number_n solemnity_n gravity_n and_o appearance_n of_o devotion_n reject_v the_o true_a glory_n of_o gospel-worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o substitute_v that_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o which_o debase_v the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n beneath_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_n especial_o consider_v that_o the_o most_o of_o their_o ceremony_n be_v borrow_v of_o they_o or_o steal_v from_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v that_o their_o conversion_n of_o the_o holy_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o into_o a_o theatrical_a pompous_a observance_n of_o ludicrous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n can_v give_v so_o much_o as_o present_a satisfaction_n unto_o any_o who_o be_v not_o give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n the_o exercise_n of_o engraft_a prevalent_a superstition_n will_v appease_v a_o natural_a conscience_n outward_a form_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n believe_v will_v please_v the_o fancy_n and_o exercise_v the_o imagination_n variety_n and_o frequent_a change_n of_o mode_n gesture_n and_o posture_n with_o a_o sort_n of_o prayer_n always_o beginning_n and_o always_o end_v will_v entertain_v present_a thought_n and_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o that_o man_n find_v themselves_o by_o these_o mean_n great_o affect_v may_v suppose_v that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o when_o they_o do_v nothing_o less_o for_o prayer_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n trust_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n act_v themselves_o in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o will_n and_o desire_v unto_o he_o through_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v absent_a where_o all_o these_o be_v most_o effectual_o present_v this_o also_o produce_v all_o the_o pretend_a ornament_n of_o their_o temple_n chapel_n and_o oratory_n by_o crucifix_n image_n a_o multiplication_n of_o altar_n with_o relic_n taper_n vestment_n and_o other_o utensil_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n whereby_o christian_n religion_n be_v corrupt_v and_o debase_v
be_v content_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n free_v from_o that_o labour_n and_o travel_v of_o mind_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o imposition_n be_v the_o grave_a wherein_o they_o be_v bury_v for_o at_o length_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v provoke_v with_o their_o sloth_n and_o unbelief_n do_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v officiate_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o hereby_o they_o lose_v also_o one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o mediatory_a life_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o be_v and_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o reference_n unto_o their_o whole_a worship_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o although_o they_o have_v indulge_v divers_a enthusiast_n who_o revelation_n and_o act_n pretend_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v at_o notion_n about_o mental_a prayer_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o themselves_o yet_o as_o unto_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n or_o otherwise_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o fierce_a opposer_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n so_o to_o be_v for_o shake_v this_o foundation_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o entire_a systeme_n of_o humane_o devise_v prayer_n for_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o mass_n with_o all_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o religion_n if_o vanity_n and_o imagination_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n which_o be_v lay_v thereon_o will_v tumble_v into_o the_o pit_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v here_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o first_o occasion_n of_o write_v this_o discourse_n be_v the_o perusal_n of_o mr._n cressy_n preface_n to_o his_o church_n history_n wherein_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o advance_v the_o pretend_a mental_a prayer_n of_o some_o of_o his_o enthusiast_n he_o reflect_v with_o much_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n upon_o that_o free_a pray_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o all_o his_o pretence_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o their_o prayer_n private_a and_o public_a and_o have_v prevail_v thereby_o on_o many_o dispose_v unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o by_o their_o own_o gild_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v well_o detect_v by_o evince_v the_o idolatry_n whereby_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o their_o devotion_n be_v vitiate_a and_o render_v unacceptable_a but_o this_o also_o be_v of_o weight_n with_o i_o that_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o systeme_n and_o order_n of_o their_o whole_a devotion_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v apparent_o compose_v and_o fit_v unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o do_v they_o continue_v under_o a_o incredible_a delusion_n as_o to_o oppose_v revile_v and_o condemn_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n that_o those_o who_o make_v they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nor_o his_o aid_n which_o be_v all_o confine_v unto_o their_o church_n but_o if_o any_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n maintain_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v do_v more_o to_o exclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n in_o prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n than_o their_o church_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o great_o mistake_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a work_n with_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o i_o say_v not_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o that_o cause_v any_o to_o embrace_v their_o way_n of_o devotion_n but_o to_o return_v the_o thing_n plead_v for_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n 1._o no_o person_n no_o church_n be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a constitution_n precept_n or_o approve_a example_n to_o confine_v themselves_o in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a worship_n unto_o set_n or_o humane_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n if_o any_o such_o constitution_n precept_n or_o example_n can_v be_v produce_v which_o hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v do_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v withal_o and_o whilst_o other_o be_v leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o use_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enervate_v all_o plea_n for_o their_o imposition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o promise_v make_v and_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o it_o as_o unto_o peculiar_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n to_o deny_v this_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o bring_v present_a ruin_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o distress_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o look_v after_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n without_o this_o all_o those_o promise_n be_v despise_v and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o flourish_n of_o word_n without_o truth_n power_n or_o efficacy_n in_o they_o but_o 4._o this_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v and_o have_v bless_a experience_n of_o success_n therein_o the_o former_a be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o testimony_n live_v and_o die_v 5._o beyond_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o they_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o natural_a light_n in_o outward_a circumstance_n there_o be_v nothing_o needful_a unto_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n in_o its_o assembly_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v it_o be_v what_o christ_n never_o appoint_v nor_o the_o apostle_n ever_o practise_v nor_o the_o first_o church_n after_o they_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n 6._o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o therein_o they_o may_v express_v a_o agreement_n as_o in_o doctrine_n by_o a_o joint_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o in_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o material_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o order_n and_o method_n thereof_o on_o which_o foundation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n communicate_v with_o each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o member_n 7._o whereas_o the_o difference_n about_o prayer_n under_o consideration_n concern_v christian_a practice_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n great_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o be_v not_o obstruct_v and_o cloud_v by_o prejudices_fw-la sloth_n or_o adverse_a principle_n and_o opinion_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n consist_v principal_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o those_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n which_o relate_v unto_o practice_n and_o experience_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 8._o that_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o compose_v these_o difference_n among_o we_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o all_o of_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o that_o diligence_n frequency_n fervency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o time_n wherein_o they_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v who_o trouble_v other_o may_v for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v near_o unto_o trouble_v themselves_o this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o lead_v we_o all_o into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o a_o agreement_n in_o notion_n be_v of_o little_a use_n or_o value_n but_o i_o confess_v hope_n be_v weak_a concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o this_o remedy_n unto_o any_o of_o our_o evil_n or_o distemper_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o
common_a people_n of_o christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o idolatry_n which_o at_o length_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o device_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o those_o abomination_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o graphical_o represent_v and_o act_v so_o violent_o affect_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a impose_v they_o on_o their_o practice_n which_o gradual_o harden_v they_o with_o a_o obdurate_a credulity_n for_o although_o they_o see_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n doctrinal_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o about_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o all_o the_o conductive_a principle_n of_o man_n and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n reason_n and_o sense_n yet_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o obstinate_a pretence_n of_o believe_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v admit_v in_o practice_n man_n i_o say_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v have_v dispute_v long_o enough_o about_o vagrant_a form_n accident_n without_o subject_n transmutation_n of_o substance_n without_o accident_n sacrifice_n bloody_a and_o unbloody_a before_o they_o have_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o gross_a idolatry_n have_v not_o this_o engine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o its_o introduction_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_v inveagle_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o and_o at_o length_n comprise_v in_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v continual_o to_o use_v in_o divine_a service_n their_o whole_a soul_n become_v leaven_v and_o taint_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o and_o love_n unto_o these_o abomination_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o become_v gradual_o corrupt_v be_v not_o at_o once_o objective_o and_o doctrinal_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o consideration_n of_o man_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o their_o truth_n or_o error_n a_o method_n due_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o gradual_o insinuate_v into_o their_o practice_n by_o additional_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o poisonous_a pill_n who_o operation_n when_o it_o be_v swallow_v be_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o their_o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o mad_o avow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o all_o beside_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o idolatry_n namely_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v so_o act_v and_o represent_v in_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o take_v great_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n until_o they_o be_v mad_a on_o their_o idol_n for_o when_o all_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n excite_v by_o outward_a spectacle_n they_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o have_v therefore_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n shall_v have_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n have_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o universal_o receive_v at_o least_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o introduce_v and_o so_o establish_v as_o to_o procure_v and_o cause_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a person_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n alone_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o fatal_a engine_n of_o the_o church_n ruin_n from_o who_o murderous_a efficacy_n few_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n or_o soul_n have_v all_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o leave_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o irregularity_n may_v have_v prevail_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o many_o mistake_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o this_o monster_n of_o the_o mass_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o many_o have_v never_o be_v conceive_v nor_o bring_v forth_o at_o least_o not_o nourish_v into_o that_o terrible_a form_n and_o power_n wherein_o it_o appear_v and_o act_v for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n receive_v their_o tephilloth_n or_o prayer-book_n from_o armillus_n that_o be_v antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v determine_v and_o establish_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v profess_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o outward_a advantage_n liturgy_n compose_v in_o compliance_n therewithal_o be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o this_o mischief_n but_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o external_a cause_n alone_o otherwise_o where_o ever_o those_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o most_o so_o to_o do_v form_n of_o prayer_n answerable_a unto_o those_o deviation_n will_v quick_o be_v insinuate_v and_o the_o present_a various_a liturgy_n that_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o little_a other_o use_n than_o to_o establish_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o peculiar_a error_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hereby_o do_v god_n suffer_v contempt_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n of_o man_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v unto_o his_o institution_n and_o his_o care_n of_o they_o but_o do_v first_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n and_o then_o like_o uzzah_n put_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o force_n to_o hold_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o shake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o the_o first_o invention_n yet_o the_o first_o public_a recommendation_n and_o prescription_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v the_o insinuation_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o corrupt_a modes_n of_o worship_n into_o the_o public_a administration_n this_o be_v fear_v from_o person_n infect_v with_o heresy_n that_o may_v creep_v into_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o arian_n compose_v prayer_n hymn_n and_o doxology_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o insert_v in_o they_o passage_n confirm_v their_o own_o profession_n and_o condemn_v that_o of_o their_o adversary_n now_o however_o this_o invention_n may_v be_v approve_v while_o it_o keep_v within_o bound_n yet_o it_o prove_v the_o trojan_a horse_n that_o bring_v in_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o its_o belly_n for_o he_o who_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o engine_n and_o occasion_n to_o corrupt_v those_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v power_n in_o they_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v and_o confine_v unto_o and_o this_o take_v place_n effectual_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o second_o race_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o western_a roman_a empire_n to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n alone_o namely_o of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o alone_o that_o the_o mass_n with_o its_o transubstantiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v be_v introduce_v until_o the_o world_n inflame_v with_o those_o idol_n drench_v itself_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o those_o abomination_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v that_o no_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o liturgy_n compose_v no_o impose_v use_v of_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a
will_v ever_o have_v come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o establishment_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o wherever_o they_o be_v retain_v proportionable_o unto_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o man_n profess_v some_o such_o ceremony_n must_v be_v retain_v also_o i_o will_v not_o therefore_o deny_v but_o that_o here_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_a difference_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o divine_a worship_n suppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o confine_v the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o sundry_a ritual_n and_o ceremony_n may_v be_v well_o judge_v necessary_a to_o accompany_v their_o observance_n for_o without_o they_o they_o will_v quick_o grow_v obsolete_a and_o unsatisfactory_a and_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n free_a prayer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v allow_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o decency_n of_o natural_a circumstance_n be_v require_v in_o divine_a service_n or_o can_v be_v admit_v therein_o neither_o yet_o be_v this_o consequent_a how_o inseparable_a soever_o it_o seem_v from_o the_o sole_a public_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o sacred_a administration_n plead_v to_o prove_v they_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o use_n to_o be_v unlawful_a the_o design_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o abase_v that_o they_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o do_v so_o always_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v abuse_v that_o they_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o by_o they_o as_o much_o weaken_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o imposition_n for_o this_o also_o be_v another_o evil_n that_o have_v attend_v their_o invention_n the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n after_o a_o while_n be_v not_o content_v to_o make_v use_n of_o humane_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n confine_v themselves_o unto_o their_o use_n alone_o in_o all_o public_a administration_n but_o moreover_o they_o judge_v it_o meet_v to_o impose_v the_o same_o practice_n on_o all_o who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v under_o their_o power_n and_o this_o at_o length_n they_o think_v lawful_a yea_o necessary_a to_o do_v on_o penalty_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a and_o in_o the_o issue_n capital_n when_o this_o injunction_n first_o find_v a_o prevalent_a entertainment_n be_v very_o uncertain_a for_o the_o first_o two_o or_o three_o century_n there_o be_v no_o systeme_n of_o compose_a form_n of_o prayer_n use_v in_o any_o church_n whatever_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v afterward_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v general_o receive_v on_o such_o ground_n and_o for_o such_o reason_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o but_o may_v do_v so_o in_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o spiritual_a gift_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o decay_n the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a person_n do_v recommend_v the_o use_n of_o their_o composition_n unto_o other_o church_n even_o such_o as_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o they_o see_v good_a but_o as_o unto_o this_o device_n of_o their_o imposition_n confine_v church_n not_o only_o unto_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o they_o in_o general_a but_o unto_o a_o certain_a composition_n and_o collection_n of_o they_o we_o be_v behold_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n receive_v thereby_o unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n alone_o among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o second_o edition_n for_o from_o their_o own_o good_a inclination_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o council_n or_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n the_o two_o gorgon_n head_n whereby_o in_o other_o case_n they_o frighten_v poor_a mortal_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o stone_n by_o various_a degree_n they_o obtain_v a_o pretence_n of_o right_a to_o impose_v they_o and_o do_v it_o according_o for_o when_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o have_v be_v for_o a_o while_n plead_v and_o thence_o a_o progress_n make_v unto_o their_o necessity_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n by_o their_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o when_o afterward_o they_o have_v insinuate_v into_o they_o and_o lodge_v in_o their_o bowel_n the_o two_o great_a idol_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o unbloudy_a sacrifice_n not_o only_o mulct_n personal_a and_o pecuniary_a but_o capital_a punishment_n be_v enact_v and_o execute_v to_o enforce_v their_o observance_n this_o bring_v fire_n and_o faggot_n into_o christian_a religion_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o shed_v blood_n of_o thousand_o for_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o all_o that_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n derive_v original_o from_o this_o spring_n alone_o of_o the_o necessary_a imposition_n of_o complete_a liturgical_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o roman_a breviary_n and_o missal_n which_o have_v be_v the_o abaddon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a once_o more_o to_o be_v so_o again_o take_v away_o this_o foundation_n and_o they_o all_o fall_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o what_o kind_n that_o principle_n be_v which_o be_v natural_o improve_v unto_o such_o pernicious_a effect_n which_o quick_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o meet_a and_o effectual_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n to_o destroy_v and_o murder_v the_o servant_n of_o christ._n have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o primitive_a liberty_n under_o the_o enjoin_a duty_n of_o read_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n of_o sing_v psalm_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o diligent_a preach_v the_o word_n all_o of_o they_o with_o prayer_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o they_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o imagine_v what_o evil_n will_v have_v ensue_v thereon_o that_o may_v be_v of_o any_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o enormous_a mischief_n which_o follow_v on_o the_o contrary_a practice_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v may_v ensue_v on_o this_o liberty_n there_o be_v sufficient_a evangelical_n provision_n for_o their_o prevention_n or_o cure_n make_v in_o the_o gospel_n constitution_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o evil_a that_o attend_v this_o imposition_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o spiritual_a ministerial_a gift_n be_v cause_v to_o cease_v in_o the_o church_n for_o as_o they_o be_v talent_n give_v to_o trade_n withal_o or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o profit_n or_o edify_v the_o church_n they_o will_v not_o reside_v in_o any_o subject_n they_o will_v not_o abide_v if_o they_o be_v by_o any_o receive_v if_o they_o be_v not_o improve_v by_o continual_a exercise_n we_o see_v every_o day_n what_o effect_n the_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o they_o do_v produce_v wherefore_o this_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v restrain_v and_o exclude_v by_o this_o imposition_n they_o be_v utter_o lose_v in_o the_o church_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o rare_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n yea_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o ability_n be_v esteem_v a_o crime_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o a_o sin_n scarce_o to_o be_v pardon_v yet_o do_v i_o not_o find_v it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n reckon_v among_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n be_v to_o be_v depose_v but_o that_o hereon_o arise_v in_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o officiate_v in_o public_a assembly_n as_o unto_o the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o divine_a administration_n that_o neglect_n which_o have_v give_v a_o fatal_a wound_n unto_o the_o light_n and_o holiness_n of_o it_o be_v open_o evident_a for_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o that_o order_n have_v provision_n of_o prayer_n make_v for_o they_o which_o they_o purchase_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n or_o have_v they_o provide_v for_o they_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n they_o
immediate_o inquire_v but_o this_o examination_n of_o it_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o most_o absurd_a and_o impertinent_a for_o if_o we_o must_v try_v all_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o whole_o depend_v on_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o standard_n our_o measure_n of_o they_o will_v be_v false_a and_o perverse_a and_o i_o say_v no_o doubt_n they_o will_v wherefore_o we_o call_v only_o that_o concern_v of_o it_o unto_o a_o trial_n hereby_o who_o true_a notion_n be_v confess_o fix_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o extend_v that_o line_n beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n we_o may_v by_o it_o take_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v prayer_n and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o therein_o it_o can_v deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o at_o present_a we_o engage_v about_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o enquiry_n we_o may_v bring_v it_o also_o unto_o the_o scripture_n from_o which_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o as_o foreign_a as_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v so_o far_o as_o any_o thing_n intelligible_a may_v be_v from_o thence_o collect_v it_o exceed_v or_o deviate_v from_o whatever_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v prayer_n even_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v and_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n record_v therein_o wherefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n exclude_v it_o from_o be_v prayer_n in_o any_o kind_n prayer_n in_o the_o scripture-representation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n access_n and_o approach_v unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v know_v its_o request_n unto_o he_o with_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o whereon_o it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o be_v its_o external_a adjunct_n and_o its_o internal_a grace_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n earnestness_n fervency_n importunity_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n be_v the_o principal_a no_o man_n can_v attend_v unto_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n without_o this_o whatever_o look_v like_o any_o of_o they_o be_v brutish_a fury_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o internal_a form_n of_o it_o in_o that_o description_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o its_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o consist_v in_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n delight_n fear_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o these_o grace_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n do_v consist_v a_o continual_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o god_n through_o which_o mean_n he_o exhibit_v himself_o unto_o we_o as_o a_o god_n hear_v prayer_n these_o thing_n be_v both_o plain_o and_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o exemplify_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o holy_a person_n which_o be_v record_v therein_o but_o for_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v by_o our_o author_n and_o other_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n for_o it_o nor_o direction_n about_o it_o nor_o motive_n unto_o it_o nor_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o it_o can_v but_o seem_v marvellous_a to_o some_o at_o least_o that_o whereas_o this_o duty_n and_o all_o its_o concernment_n be_v more_o insist_v on_o therein_o than_o any_o other_o christian_a duty_n or_o privilege_n what_o ever_o that_o the_o height_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o they_o be_v decry_v shall_v not_o obtain_v the_o least_o intimation_n therein_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a place_n wherein_o the_o nature_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v describe_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o privilege_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v such_o as_o for_o instance_n ephes._n 6._o 18._o phil._n 4._o 6._o heb._n 4._o 16._o chap._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o apostle_n nor_o of_o any_o holy_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n either_o for_o themselves_o or_o the_o whole_a church_n any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n declare_v what_o be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n nor_o be_v any_o gift_n of_o his_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n capable_a of_o the_o least_o exercise_n therein_o so_o that_o in_o no_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v that_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o example_n propose_v unto_o our_o imitation_n no_o mark_n set_v before_o we_o nor_o any_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o pretend_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n whatever_o be_v fancy_v or_o speak_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o must_v owe_v itself_o unto_o the_o delude_a imagination_n of_o some_o few_o person_n beside_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o access_n unto_o god_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o any_o near_a approach_n unto_o he_o than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o and_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o but_o in_o this_o pretence_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n aim_v at_o as_o be_v regardless_o of_o christ_n and_o leave_v he_o quite_o behind_o but_o god_n will_v not_o be_v all_o in_o all_o immediate_o unto_o the_o church_n until_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v full_o deliver_v up_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n unto_o he_o and_o indeed_o the_o silence_n concern_v christ_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n or_o rather_o the_o exclusion_n of_o he_o from_o any_o concernment_n in_o it_o as_o mediator_n be_v sufficient_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n name_n or_o thing_n neither_o do_v this_o imagination_n belong_v any_o more_o unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o exercise_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o universal_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o belong_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o what_o we_o do_v towards_o god_n and_o what_o we_o do_v enjoy_v of_o he_o therein_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o all_o the_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god_n belong_v unto_o our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o more_o be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o that_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o reasonable_a service_n wherein_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n have_v no_o concernment_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v any_o where_o promise_v unto_o we_o and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o promise_v alone_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o have_v any_o thing_n from_o god_n communicate_v unto_o we_o there_o seem_v therefore_o to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o bravery_n of_o these_o affect_a expression_n but_o a_o endeavour_n to_o fancy_v somewhat_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o possible_a attainment_n in_o this_o life_n fall_v unspeakable_o beneath_o those_o of_o future_a glory_n a_o kind_n of_o purgatory_n it_o be_v in_o devotion_n somewhat_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o in_o another_o above_o the_o earth_n and_o beneath_o heaven_n where_o we_o may_v leave_v it_o in_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n chap._n xi_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n examine_v there_o be_v also_o great_a plea_n for_o the_o use_n of_o prescribe_a limit_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o spiritual_a ability_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o these_o form_n be_v contend_v for_o by_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o use_n and_o practice_n only_o as_o suitable_a to_o their_o experience_n and_o
general_n be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o word_v so_o quaint_a and_o elegant_a in_o expression_n be_v so_o empty_a and_o jejune_n as_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o use_n unto_o any_o unless_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o pray_v while_o they_o live_v and_o such_o we_o have_v book_n good_a store_n fill_v withal_o easy_a enough_o to_o be_v compose_v by_o such_o as_o never_o in_o their_o life_n pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o the_o former_a sort_n much_o may_v be_v learned_a as_o they_o doctrinal_o exhibit_v the_o matter_n and_o argument_n of_o prayer_n but_o the_o composition_n of_o they_o for_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o peculiar_a spiritual_a assistance_n in_o with_o respect_n unto_o prayer_n in_o particular_a 2._o no_o man_n have_v any_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o compose_v a_o form_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o make_v prayer_n in_o that_o sense_n suppose_v man_n as_o before_o in_o so_o do_v may_v have_v his_o assistance_n in_o general_n as_o in_o other_o study_n and_o endeavour_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o that_o especial_a assistance_n which_o he_o give_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n for_o man_n do_v not_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n however_o they_o may_v use_v they_o by_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n with_o those_o other_o grace_n which_o he_o excite_v and_o act_n in_o those_o supplication_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will._n nor_o be_v god_n the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o work_n their_o invention_n memory_n judgement_n be_v immediate_o exercise_v about_o their_o present_a composition_n and_o there_o they_o rest_v wherefore_o whereas_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n immediate_o on_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o prayer_n be_v no_o part_n of_o man_n work_n or_o design_n when_o they_o compose_v and_o set_v down_o form_n for_o themselves_o or_o other_o if_o any_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o under_o a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n therein_o in_o the_o manner_n before_o declare_v 3._o as_o there_o be_v no_o assistance_n promise_v unto_o the_o composition_n of_o such_o form_n so_o it_o be_v no_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o such_o singular_a and_o indispensible_a use_n unto_o all_o person_n the_o command_v for_o it_o be_v reiterated_a in_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o those_o concern_v any_o other_o particular_a duty_n whatever_o and_o if_o it_o have_v respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o sundry_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o his_o name_n it_o fall_v under_o a_o new_a divine_a institution_n hereon_o be_v command_n give_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o pray_v continual_o without_o cease_v to_o pray_v and_o faint_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o self_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o in_o our_o closet_n in_o our_o family_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o this_o work_n of_o make_v or_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o command_n no_o institution_n no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o humane_a extract_n and_o original_a nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v expect_v from_o it_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o that_o fountain_n a_o blessing_n possible_o there_o may_v be_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o such_o as_o issue_v from_o the_o especial_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o it_o nor_o from_o any_o divine_a appointment_n or_o institution_n whatever_o but_o the_o reader_n must_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v these_o thing_n to_o prove_v form_n of_o prayer_n unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v but_o only_o at_o present_a declare_v their_o nature_n and_o original_a with_o respect_n unto_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v 4._o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v in_o their_o use_n which_o alone_o be_v pleadable_a in_o their_o behalf_n come_v next_o under_o consideration_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v the_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o free_a prayer_n bestow_v on_o they_o or_o however_o have_v attain_v it_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a in_o this_o ability_n and_o therefore_o incompetent_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n without_o that_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o they_o and_o unto_o both_o sort_n they_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o use_n and_o advantage_n 1._o it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o good_a and_o so_o much_o advantage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o those_o who_o can_v pray_v otherwise_o unto_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n yet_o ought_v sometime_o to_o use_v they_o what_o this_o benefit_n be_v have_v not_o be_v distinct_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v nor_o can_v divine_v wherein_o it_o shall_v consist_v sacred_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v mere_o to_o show_v our_o liberty_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v herein_o a_o neglect_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n if_o not_o also_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v they_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o and_o to_o forgo_v its_o exercise_n on_o any_o just_a occasion_n seem_v not_o warrantable_a we_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o make_v in_o the_o flock_n and_o do_v sacrifice_n that_o which_o in_o comparison_n thereof_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n we_o be_v deceiver_n free_a prayer_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v more_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o to_o scripture-commands_a and_o example_n than_o the_o use_n of_o any_o prescribe_a form_n to_o omit_v therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a ability_n therein_o and_o voluntary_o to_o divert_v unto_o the_o other_o relief_n which_o yet_o in_o that_o case_n at_o least_o be_v no_o relief_n do_v not_o ready_o present_v its_o advantage_n unto_o a_o sober_a consideration_n and_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v that_o at_o present_a i_o examine_v not_o what_o man_n or_o church_n may_v agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n as_o judge_v and_o avow_v it_o best_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o another_o consideration_n but_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n as_o such_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n and_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o the_o use_v of_o such_o form_n be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v low_a and_o mean_a in_o their_o ability_n to_o pray_v of_o themselves_o i_o propose_v it_o thus_o because_o i_o can_v grant_v that_o any_o who_o sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o his_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o make_v request_n unto_o he_o for_o relief_n without_o any_o help_n but_o what_o be_v suggest_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o man_n will_v wilful_o neglect_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v if_o they_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o their_o duty_n be_v another_o neither_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o he_o can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o compose_a prayer_n with_o understanding_n but_o also_o that_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v able_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o what_o he_o feel_v in_o himself_o and_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o far_a no_o man_n prayer_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v i_o speak_v therefore_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o ability_n see_v none_o be_v absolute_o unintere_v therein_o unto_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o use_v these_o form_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v they_o low_a and_o mean_a all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n for_o whereas_o both_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o
that_o some_o may_v so_o do_v for_o no_o such_o freedom_n of_o prayer_n be_v assert_v as_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o proper_a mean_n the_o better_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o ability_n of_o prayer_n grant_v as_o to_o supersede_n the_o duty_n of_o use_v mean_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o furtherance_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o set_v up_o and_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n universal_o in_o opposition_n and_o unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v contrary_a not_o only_o to_o many_o divine_a precept_n before_o insist_v on_o but_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o require_v every_o man_n to_o pray_v and_o on_o some_o occasion_n necessitate_v they_o thereunto_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n i_o know_v not_o that_o any_o such_o opinion_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o so_o shall_v not_o far_o oppose_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o inquire_v whether_o form_n of_o prayer_n especial_o as_o they_o may_v be_v design_v unto_o and_o use_v for_o other_o end_n and_o not_o to_o be_v read_v instead_o of_o prayer_n have_v in_o their_o composition_n any_o thing_n of_o intrinsical_v evil_a in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v they_o have_v not_o but_o the_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o in_o their_o use_n as_o prayer_n they_o be_v not_o hindrance_n unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o so_o may_v be_v unlawful_a in_o that_o respect_n for_o i_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v no_o where_o appoint_v of_o god_n for_o such_o a_o use_n no_o where_o command_v so_o to_o be_v use_v whence_o a_o argument_n may_v be_v form_v against_o their_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o divine_a acceptable_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o if_o on_o the_o account_v mention_v they_o appear_v not_o contrary_a unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o be_v not_o use_v in_o a_o way_n exclusive_a of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v reducible_a unto_o any_o divine_a prohibition_n while_o i_o may_v enjoy_v my_o own_o liberty_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v with_o any_o about_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o engage_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n which_o some_o have_v great_o multiply_v as_o i_o suppose_v not_o much_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o cause_n for_o in_o thing_n of_o religious_a practice_n one_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n right_o explain_v and_o apply_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n thereon_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o value_n than_o a_o thousand_o dubious_a reason_n which_o can_v be_v evident_o resolve_v into_o those_o principle_n wherefore_o some_o few_o additional_a consideration_n shall_v put_v a_o issue_n unto_o this_o discourse_n 1._o some_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v and_o prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a such_o they_o say_v be_v the_o form_n of_o blessing_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n on_o solemn_a occasion_n numb_a 6._o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o also_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o intrinsical_o evil_a which_o be_v grant_v yet_o may_v the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v unnecessary_a 2._o the_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o extend_v at_o least_o god_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o some_o person_n on_o some_o occasion_n therefore_o man_n may_v invent_v yea_o and_o prescribe_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o common_a and_o constant_a use_n he_o who_o forbid_v all_o image_n or_o all_o use_n of_o they_o in_o sacred_a thing_n appoint_v the_o make_n of_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n 3._o the_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n in_o use_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o can_v thence_o be_v take_v when_o the_o people_n be_v carnal_a and_o tie_v up_o unto_o carnal_a ordinance_n unto_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v before_o disprove_v 4._o the_o word_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o a_o prayer_n proper_o but_o a_o authoritative_a benediction_n and_o a_o institute_v sign_n of_o god_n blessing_n the_o people_n for_o so_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o ordinance_n they_o shall_v put_v my_o name_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v they_o ver_fw-la 27._o 5._o david_n psalm_n be_v give_v out_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v most_o of_o they_o mystical_a and_o prophetical_a appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n as_o all_o other_o scripture_n only_o some_o of_o they_o in_o a_o certain_a manner_n namely_o of_o sing_v and_o that_o manner_n also_o determine_v by_o divine_a appointment_n 6._o that_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o form_n be_v neither_o grant_v nor_o can_v be_v prove_v 7._o give_v we_o prayer_n compose_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n with_o a_o command_n for_o their_o use_n with_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o form_n of_o their_o usage_n which_o these_o instance_n prove_v to_o be_v lawful_a if_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o contest_v about_o they_o 8._o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o precedent_n or_o example_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n man_n or_o woman_n be_v all_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a occasion_n and_o utter_v in_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n do_v all_o give_v testimony_n unto_o free_a prayer_n if_o not_o against_o the_o use_n of_o form_n in_o that_o duty_n 2._o moreover_o it_o seem_v that_o when_o any_o one_o pray_v his_o prayer_n be_v a_o form_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o whether_o in_o family_n or_o church-assembly_n which_o some_o lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o it_o in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v sole_o about_o he_o that_o pray_v and_o his_o discharge_n of_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o not_o concern_v they_o who_o join_v with_o he_o 2._o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o with_o he_o that_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o god_n 3_o those_o who_o so_o join_v be_v at_o liberty_n when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o pray_v themselves_o 4._o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o form_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o a_o form_n to_o any_o for_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o so_o than_o mere_o that_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o present_a invention_n it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o gift_n bestow_v for_o their_o edification_n in_o its_o present_a exercise_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o only_o be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o any_o which_o he_o himself_o use_v as_o a_o form_n for_o its_o nature_n depend_v on_o its_o use_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v incogent_a god_n have_v command_v some_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o other_o to_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o invent_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n by_o they_o or_o we_o 3._o that_o which_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o moderation_n in_o this_o matter_n plead_v be_v that_o prayer_n itself_o be_v a_o command_v duty_n but_o pray_v by_o or_o with_o a_o prescribe_a form_n be_v only_o a_o outward_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n and_o may_v a_o general_a rule_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v due_o establish_v it_o will_v be_v of_o huge_a importance_n but_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o invent_v and_o prescribe_v such_o outward_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o outward_a worship_n as_o shall_v leave_v nothing_o of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v but_o the_o empty_a name_n 2._o pray_v before_o a_o image_n or_o worship_v god_n or_o christ_n by_o a_o image_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n yet_o such_o as_o render_v the_o whole_a idolatrous_a 3._o any_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n the_o attendance_n whereunto_o or_o the_o observance_n whereof_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o it_o be_v annex_v be_v inexpedient_a and_o what_o there_o be_v hereof_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n must_v be_v judge_v from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n finis_fw-la abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la nos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys._n hom._n 67._o de_fw-fr prec_n 1._o
of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v express_o reveal_v and_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o to_o insist_v on_o they_o all_o be_v endless_a this_o we_o principal_o labour_v in_o as_o that_o whereby_o not_o only_o must_v the_o controversy_n be_v final_o determine_v but_o the_o person_n that_o manage_v it_o be_v eternal_o judge_v what_o be_v add_v concern_v the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n herein_o claim_v no_o more_o of_o argument_n unto_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o than_o it_o have_v evidence_n of_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v suit_v unto_o those_o divine_a testimony_n but_o whereas_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o they_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o as_o contain_v the_o principal_a act_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v here_o somewhat_o at_o large_a on_o all_o occasion_n insist_v on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o who_o concernment_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o unless_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n produce_v and_o insist_v on_o do_v not_o contain_v that_o sense_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o word_n do_v determinate_o express_v for_o that_o only_o be_v plead_v or_o that_o some_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o it_o all_o other_o contest_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n plead_v herein_o as_o shall_v be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o condemnatory_n of_o all_o those_o outward_a aid_n of_o prayer_n by_o set_a compose_a form_n which_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o device_n be_v ancient_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o measure_n receive_v general_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o a_o no_o less_o general_a apostasy_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o place_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o shall_v not_o judge_v of_o what_o advantage_n it_o may_v be_v or_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o what_o acceptance_n they_o have_v find_v therein_o where_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o abuse_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n be_v only_o this_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o which_o they_o may_v be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o truth_n hereof_o to_o expect_v those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v thereby_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n rise_v up_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a instruction_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n but_o moreover_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o be_v some_o general_o allow_v principle_n which_o though_o not_o always_o due_o consider_v yet_o can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v modest_o deny_v that_o give_v direction_n towards_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o sollow_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n multiply_v divine_a command_n with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o give_v life_n and_o light_n unto_o this_o principle_n to_o own_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v to_o own_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a relation_n or_o of_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o other_o also_o so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o child_n and_o household_n this_o also_o derive_v from_o those_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o all_o society_n of_o his_o own_o erection_n and_o that_o those_o in_o the_o relation_n mention_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v commit_v unto_o their_o care_n and_o so_o be_v it_o frequent_o enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o flock_n by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a institution_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v nor_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o be_v question_v by_o any_o but_o practical_o the_o most_o of_o man_n live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v this_o but_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o from_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n unto_o the_o institute_v office_n of_o minister_n and_o public_a teacher_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o contest_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v than_o at_o present_a we_o have_v it_o be_v holy_a practice_n that_o must_v reconcile_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o they_o will_v never_o be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o world_n 3._o every_o one_o who_o pray_v either_o by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o use_n property_n and_o circumstance_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o instance_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o best_a the_o consirmation_n and_o exemplification_n hereof_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o they_o that_o the_o chief_a and_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o own_o duty_n towards_o he_o will_v admit_v that_o we_o shall_v expect_v any_o acceptance_n with_o he_o unless_o our_o design_n be_v to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n himself_o declare_v in_o the_o prophet_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a you_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v tear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a and_o sick_a shall_v i_o accept_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n but_o curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a 4._o in_o our_o reasonable_a service_n the_o best_a wherewith_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n consist_v in_o the_o intense_a sincere_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n according_a unto_o their_o respective_a power_n through_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a assistance_n we_o can_v attain_v and_o if_o we_o omit_v or_o forgo_v in_o any_o instance_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o present_a ability_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sick_a and_o the_o lame_a if_o man_n can_v take_v it_o on_o themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o the_o like_o outward_a mode_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o best_a that_o he_o have_v endow_v they_o withal_o for_o his_o service_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consideration_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aid_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n he_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o duty_n oblige_v whether_o he_o pray_v by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o also_o there_o be_v not_o by_o these_o mean_v perfection_n attainable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n neither_o can_v all_o attain_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o unto_o the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v but_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o according_a