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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n word_n world_n writing_n 339 4 8.5723 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54945 A discourse of prayer wherein this great duty is stated, so as to oppose some principles and practices of Papists and fanaticks; as they are contrary to the publick forms of the Church of England, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament. By Thomas Pittis, D.D. one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. Wherefore, that way and profession in religion, which gives the best directions for it, (viz. prayer) with the most effectual motives to it, and most aboundeth in its observance, hath therein the advantage of all others. Dr. Owen in his preface to his late discourse of the work of the Holy SPirit in prayer, &c. Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2314; ESTC R220541 149,431 404

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in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o ●●●●er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
they_o be_v utter_v for_o since_o all_o our_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v also_o design_v to_o signify_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o both_o shall_v run_v parallel_n and_o our_o expression_n equal_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n or_o else_o our_o language_n can_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o utter_v word_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o man_n in_o private_a may_v be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n to_o express_v and_o there_o a_o sigh_n or_o a_o groan_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o what_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o utter_v there_o as_o the_o reverend_n dr._n owen_n more_o clear_o express_v it_o they_o may_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n and_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o condition_n but_o in_o public_a prayer_n when_o one_o become_v the_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n petition_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o to_o express_v the_o general_a want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n that_o all_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o common_a request_n and_o join_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n and_o with_o undivided_a affection_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o yet_o four_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v as_o few_o and_o our_o petition_n as_o brief_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n not_o only_o because_o what_o be_v over_o and_o beyond_o this_o seem_v redundant_fw-la and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o unreasonable_a nor_o only_a because_o a_o tedious_a protraction_n and_o unnecessary_a length_n in_o devotion_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o make_v our_o affection_n unactive_a and_o stupid_a it_o quench_v the_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o turn_n much_o of_o our_o prayer_n all_o whilst_o we_o remain_v thus_o indispose_v into_o mere_a babble_n and_o effusion_n of_o word_n when_o our_o mind_n can_v accompany_v our_o expression_n or_o the_o language_n of_o another_o utter_v in_o our_o behalf_n but_o as_o we_o have_v no_o example_n of_o a_o tedious_a and_o long_a prayer_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o have_v we_o prohibition_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o solomon_n exhort_v to_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o man_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v he_o and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o ecclesiast_fw-la 5.1_o 2._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o restrain_v this_o text_n only_o to_o the_o subsequent_a vow_n yet_o the_o argument_n urge_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v then_o spare_v of_o their_o word_n will_v as_o well_o conclude_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o vow_n in_o both_o which_o thing_n we_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o god_n as_o be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o earth_n our_o saviour_n advice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v when_o thou_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o he_o present_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n the_o form_n of_o a_o full_a and_o most_o expressive_a prayer_n mat._n 6_o 7._o nay_o if_o we_o will_v be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o example_n which_o any_o will_v think_v that_o christian_n ought_v even_o then_o when_o by_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o religion_n will_v conclude_v he_o to_o be_v devout_a be_v fill_v with_o pain_n and_o fear_n of_o far_a torture_n that_o attend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n so_o great_a that_o his_o sweat_n be_v as_o it_o be_v large_a glutinous_a drop_n of_o blood_n when_o as_o s._n matthew_n say_v his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o s._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o even_o than_o we_o find_v his_o word_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o these_o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luke_o 22.42_o nor_o do_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o strong_a desire_n force_v his_o thought_n to_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flood_n of_o expression_n but_o allow_v himself_o some_o small_a interval_n continue_v his_o devotion_n he_o return_v to_o his_o prayer_n repeat_v again_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o of_o these_o text_n hereafter_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o brevity_n be_v a_o ornament_n to_o our_o prayer_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o usual_a custom_n of_o petition_n will_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a convince_a testimony_n to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o very_o odd_a conception_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o make_v religious_a address_n these_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v then_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a draw_v when_o they_o include_v brevity_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o short_a do_v we_o usual_o frame_v they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o great_a man_n that_o be_v in_o public_a employment_n will_v not_o permit_v much_o diversion_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o discern_a able_a to_o understand_v quick_a than_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a station_n a_o breviate_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v some_o man_n when_o other_o must_v be_v large_o instruct_v from_o point_n to_o point_n and_o must_v have_v thing_n various_o diversify_v and_o often_o reiterated_a before_o they_o will_v suit_v with_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o omniscient_a god_n who_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o petition_v to_o be_v less_o intelligent_a or_o compassionate_a than_o man_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o many_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n to_o cause_v he_o to_o understand_v or_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o grant_v what_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o but_o this_o will_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o a_o large_a manner_n in_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v conclude_v with_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o one_o plea_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o a_o long_a continue_a prayer_n the_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v engage_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n luke_o 6.12_o and_o some_o other_o expression_n and_o example_n too_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v some_o length_n in_o prayer_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o and_o be_v either_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n or_o so_o circumstantiate_v that_o they_o differ_v exceed_o from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n unto_o we_o or_o else_o when_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n continue_v long_o in_o prayer_n by_o give_v themselves_o short_a respite_n and_o allow_v some_o interval_n between_o they_o return_v to_o the_o same_o prayer_n again_o which_o may_v be_v short_a enough_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o assistance_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o revelation_n as_o the_o have_v and_o fall_v under_o their_o circumstance_n which_o can_v never_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a practice_n may_v become_v a_o copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n since_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n a_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v convenient_a and_z for_o the_o most_o part_n necessary_a too_o that_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v fix_v and_o premeditate_a for_o if_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a if_o they_o must_v be_v both_o grave_n and_o serious_a if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v full_a in_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o want_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a
they_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o testify_v their_o consent_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v pass_v over_o before_o they_o come_v be_v moral_o assure_v from_o the_o continual_a custom_n and_o use_n there_o especial_o the_o minister_n be_v pre-engaged_n both_o by_o a_o oath_n and_o severe_a penalty_n attend_v the_o violation_n to_o use_v no_o other_o form_n of_o worship_n than_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o common_a rubric_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n be_v pass_v over_o by_o unite_n in_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o easy_a recollection_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o utter_v a_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o by_o common_a use_n may_v at_o least_o better_a than_o by_o any_o other_o method_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v in_o extemporary_a effusion_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o obtain_v some_o interest_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o especial_o if_o under_o these_o circumstance_n he_o be_v hearty_o intent_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o yet_o pray_v with_o some_o good_a understanding_n though_o it_o can_v be_v so_o well_o as_o if_o he_o have_v consent_v from_o part_n to_o part_n with_o all_o and_o he_o may_v not_o depart_v without_o a_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wilful_a omission_n and_o neglect_v but_o only_o a_o mistake_n of_o time_n and_o a_o misfortune_n but_o if_o this_o reason_n will_v not_o prevail_v yet_o three_o i_o argue_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expedience_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o great_a example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o certain_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v imitate_v a_o better_a for_o we_o find_v he_o in_o his_o agony_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o multiply_v misery_n oppress_v and_o torture_v he_o to_o use_v only_o this_o short_a prayer_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v matth._n 26.39_o and_o when_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n he_o return_v again_o to_o his_o devotion_n we_o read_v that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o the_o evangelist_n have_v very_o little_o alter_v the_o phrase_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n seem_v not_o to_o change_v at_o all_o for_o when_o be_v inform_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v the_o three_o time_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o however_o if_o this_o instance_n may_v miscarry_v as_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o be_v torture_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o passion_n invocate_v god_n his_o word_n be_v a_o form_n long_o before_o use_v by_o david_n and_o it_o be_v a_o part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o 22._o psalm_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o i_o argue_v for_o let_v form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o probable_o borrow_v it_o as_o mr_n mede_n in_o his_o diatribae_fw-la hint_n from_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o doctor_n of_o israel_n to_o deliver_v some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n to_o their_o disciple_n as_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o discipleship_n however_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o notion_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o baptist_n himself_o who_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n do_v prescribe_v some_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o use_v though_o we_o find_v not_o upon_o record_n what_o it_o be_v yet_o probable_o it_o may_v be_v a_o prayer_n near_o the_o sense_n and_o expression_n of_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n for_o his_o form_n as_o to_o word_n and_o phrase_n be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a form_n a_o little_a vary_v and_o therefore_o grotius_n infer_v that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o far_o from_o all_o affectation_n of_o any_o novelty_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o to_o let_v these_o thing_n pass_v the_o scripture_n itself_o plain_o inform_v we_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v give_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n by_o which_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o the_o text_n declare_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n end_v his_o own_o prayer_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n petition_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o our_o saviour_n present_o without_o any_o other_o intervening_a discourse_n reply_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o desire_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11.1_o 2._o so_o that_o either_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o form_n although_o it_o be_v command_v to_o be_v use_v which_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v say_v or_o our_o saviour_n elude_v the_o request_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o answer_v only_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o not_o the_o whole_a which_o no_o christian_n will_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v or_o if_o he_o do_v at_o that_o time_n teach_v his_o own_o disciple_n to_o pray_v as_o or_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o john_n also_o teach_v he_o than_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o infer_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o his_o follower_n to_o pray_v by_o five_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n but_o great_a advantage_n in_o a_o study_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n when_o extemporary_a and_o unpremeditated_a devotion_n utter_v in_o present_a and_o sudden_a language_n can_v neither_o evade_v the_o one_o nor_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o other_o study_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v consider_v often_o and_o receive_v the_o censure_n and_o correction_n of_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n before_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o common_a judgement_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o join_v in_o they_o upon_o view_n of_o they_o before_o hand_n may_v be_v able_a to_o suit_v their_o affection_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o mind_n both_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o also_o the_o expression_n which_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n they_o can_v do_v but_o must_v on_o a_o sudden_a be_v bind_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n word_n and_o expression_n of_o another_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v to_o the_o break_a sense_n extravagant_a phrase_n dark_a metaphor_n frequent_a interruption_n or_o bodily_a infirmity_n distract_n often_o another_o man_n or_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o fear_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o may_v often_o attend_v a_o man_n bewilder_v through_o worldly_a care_n or_o disturb_v with_o the_o thought_n and_o trouble_n of_o his_o mind_n form_n of_o prayer_n study_v and_o review_v be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o impertinency_n tautology_n and_o vain_a repetition_n that_o too_o sudden_a effusion_n frequent_o produce_v when_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o matter_n fluency_n of_o language_n or_o apt_a word_n to_o express_v the_o petition_n man_n be_v willing_a to_o present_v nay_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a may_v by_o the_o frequent_a audience_n of_o public_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o quicken_a their_o memory_n by_o the_o due_a intention_n and_o affection_n of_o their_o mind_n when_o these_o be_v devout_o and_o distinct_o pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n or_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n fix_v and_o remember_v some_o thing_n and_o expression_n for_o their_o more_o private_a and_o single_a use_n and_o at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o express_v their_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o the_o private_a relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o in_o this_o the_o public_a language_n of_o the_o church_n when_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v accomplish_v by_o hear_v the_o same_o matter_n various_o phrased_a and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v alter_v and_o diversify_v in_o respect_n of_o order_n and_o position_n of_o word_n and_o intermix_v with_o new_a fancy_n and_o obscurity_n and_o frequent_a jumbling_n and_o interposition_n of_o confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o word_n that_o declare_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n provoke_v man_n to_o act_n of_o adoration_n or_o rapture_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o what_o methodical_o shall_v be_v prayer_n and_o petition_n so_o that_o they_o who_o possess_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a if_o they_o be_v able_a with_o due_a judgement_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v pace_n with_o he_o who_o in_o this_o way_n can_v invent_v and_o utter_v prayer_n with_o neither_o yet_o they_o can_v no_o more_o carry_v away_o what_o may_v assist_v they_o in_o their_o private_a retirement_n than_o the_o gift_a man_n be_v able_a afterward_o to_o remember_v and_o repeat_v his_o own_o prayer_n for_o in_o these_o sudden_a and_o
treat_v of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n acacquaint_v the_o world_n that_o by_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o fundamental_a word_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o old_a turn_v into_o mythology_n and_o gentilism_n the_o same_o may_v we_o also_o say_v of_o those_o person_n who_o pretension_n be_v the_o high_a in_o understand_v the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o cover_v the_o bright_a sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n and_o render_v the_o plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o find_v mystery_n in_o word_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n easy_o represent_v their_o own_o meaning_n so_o that_o to_o discover_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o rubbish_n which_o by_o mystical_a man_n be_v cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o by_o such_o mean_n some_o turn_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o gibberish_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n either_o by_o their_o own_o misapprehension_n or_o a_o industrious_a veiling_n of_o those_o word_n that_o be_v at_o first_o design_v to_o express_v it_o thus_o convert_v a_o plain_a religion_n into_o more_o mystery_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o ephesus_n or_o athens_n such_o word_n as_o these_o be_v prayer_n conscience_n faith_n spirit_n gift_n experience_n predestination_n and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v obscure_a because_o god_n service_n be_v a_o rational_a worship_n rom._n 12.1_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o in_o tully_n haec_fw-la si_fw-la deorum_fw-la signa_fw-la sunt_fw-la cur_n essent_fw-la obscure_v he_o speak_v of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o revelation_n from_o the_o god_n if_o these_o say_v he_o be_v notice_n from_o the_o god_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o dark_a and_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n he_o prove_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_a want_v both_o grace_n and_o majesty_n indeed_o it_o render_v any_o the_o most_o holy_a system_v of_o religion_n extreme_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o liable_a to_o be_v accuse_v for_o cheat_v and_o imposture_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v two_o face_n may_v easy_o carry_v a_o double_a name_n and_o be_v u●iled_v under_o equivocal_a or_o obscure_a doctrine_n and_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o it_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n be_v mist_v and_o dusky_a if_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o dark_a as_o if_o the_o preserver_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n intend_v to_o keep_v they_o all_o unto_o themselves_o thus_o theodoret_n hist_o lib._n 2._o report_v of_o leontius_n stain_v with_o the_o arrian_n blasphemy_n that_o he_o endeavour_v with_o subtlety_n to_o hide_v his_o opinion_n under_o a_o dubious_a and_o equivocal_a language_n alter_v the_o sense_n of_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la by_o change_v and_o interpose_v some_o little_a preposition_n and_o conjunction_n and_o by_o rehearse_v a_o part_n soft_o to_o himself_o or_o what_o be_v more_o probable_a total_o omit_v it_o and_o another_o part_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n that_o so_o he_o may_v although_o it_o be_v discover_v avoid_v accusation_n among_o the_o orthodox_n and_o though_o he_o lose_v his_o faith_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o lose_v the_o bishopric_n of_o antioch_n i_o wish_v our_o sectary_n be_v free_a from_o such_o left-handed_a design_n though_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o their_o advance_n to_o bishopric_n unless_o we_o shall_v conclude_v those_o to_o be_v distract_v who_o yet_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v very_o wise_a and_o then_o their_o simplicity_n may_v a_o little_a stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o idiot_n and_o either_o excuse_v they_o for_o mangle_v and_o spoil_v religious_a worship_n by_o make_v mystery_n where_o they_o can_v find_v they_o or_o for_o invent_v folly_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o excuse_v they_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o say_v amen_o to_o all_o the_o mystery_n produce_v by_o other_o we_o be_v all_o i_o confess_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o pray_v with_o we_o though_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o this_o great_a family_n and_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o he_o to_o pray_v unto_o himself_o but_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o this_o too_o however_o strange_a word_n and_o uncouth_a phrase_n strike_v terror_n and_o amazement_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o proselyte_n that_o they_o may_v by_o this_o method_n be_v soften_v and_o prepare_v the_o more_o easy_o to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o otherwise_o upon_o retirement_n and_o consideration_n their_o free_a reason_n will_v never_o embrace_v and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o honest_a plea_n because_o it_o be_v open_a and_o without_o reserve_v though_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v a_o little_a knavery_n in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v eusebius_n inform_v we_o hist_o lib._n 4._o that_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o marcus_n the_o magician_n utter_v many_o hebrew_n name_n that_o they_o may_v affect_v those_o that_o be_v new_o enter_v into_o their_o study_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o great_a admiration_n and_o amazement_n in_o a_o word_n our_o most_o exalt_a and_o obstinate_a separatist_n be_v much_o of_o the_o temper_n and_o design_n too_o of_o those_o who_o s._n austin_n blame_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o first_o book_n of_o the_o trinity_n who_o endeavour_v to_o transcend_v all_o that_o be_v create_v but_o be_v keep_v down_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o mortality_n when_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o can_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v by_o their_o bold_a and_o resolute_a affirmation_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o bar_v themselves_o from_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n choose_v rather_o not_o to_o correct_v their_o own_o perverse_a opinion_n than_o to_o change_v that_o which_o they_o have_v assume_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o defend_v what_o shall_v i_o trouble_v any_o reader_n with_o what_o they_o prop_n and_o support_v what_o our_o schismatic_n call_v their_o church_n for_o since_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o own_o succession_n they_o bold_o deny_v any_o to_o be_v necessary_a and_o yet_o tertullian_n the_o prescript_n haeret._n cap._n 32._o send_v this_o challenge_n to_o the_o heretic_n then_o edant_fw-la ergo_fw-la origines_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v they_o put_v forth_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o their_o church_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o catalogue_n of_o their_o bishop_n that_o so_o descend_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o beginning_n they_o may_v find_v that_o their_o first_o bishop_n have_v have_v one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n who_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n his_o author_n and_o antecessor_n for_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o in_o this_o method_n do_v the_o apostolic_a church_n deduce_v and_o declare_v their_o original_a i_o may_v to_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n also_o instance_n in_o many_o of_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o separatist_n that_o be_v as_o currant_n as_o they_o be_v common_a among_o they_o which_o yet_o under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o endear_n word_n and_o scripture_n proof_n wound_v the_o deity_n in_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n disturb_v that_o bless_a harmony_n and_o peace_n and_o the_o politic_a government_n of_o mankind_n which_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v very_o much_o help_v and_o conduce_v to_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n recommend_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o shall_v forbear_v these_o thing_n at_o present_a and_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o testimony_n that_o s._n cyprian_n bear_v to_o borrow_v a_o expression_n from_o the_o spawn_n of_o these_o man_n against_o all_o prayer_n that_o be_v rude_a and_o indigested_a more_o full_a of_o word_n than_o of_o sense_n and_o more_o abound_v with_o long_a period_n than_o matter_n that_o may_v promote_v hearty_a devotion_n for_o the_o father_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o tract_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n do_v abundant_o condemn_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o by_o give_v a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o after_o he_o have_v give_v this_o advertisement_n that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n at_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o and_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n hide_v himself_o he_o certain_o discern_v he_o because_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o see_v both_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a this_o holy_a father_n acquaint_v man_n that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v congregat_v to_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a office_n with_o the_o priest_n of_o