end_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n keep_v the_o mind_n of_o believer_n unto_o in_o all_o their_o request_n where_o he_o have_v furnish_v they_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v intercession_n in_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o request_n but_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v with_o he_o he_o guide_v they_o therefore_o to_o design_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o petition_n and_o prayer_n may_v have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v he_o alone_o who_o enable_v they_o to_o subordinate_a all_o their_o desire_n unto_o god_n glory_n without_o his_o especial_a aid_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o self_n only_o and_o ultimate_o in_o all_o we_o do_v our_o own_o profit_n case_n satisfaction_n mercy_n peace_n and_o deliverance_n will_v be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v direct_v all_o our_o supplication_n whereby_o they_o will_v be_v all_o vitiate_a and_o become_v abominable_a 2._o he_o keep_v they_o unto_o this_o also_o that_o the_o issue_n of_o their_o supplication_n may_v be_v the_o improvement_n of_o holiness_n in_o they_o and_o thereby_o their_o conformity_n unto_o god_n with_o their_o near_a access_n unto_o he_o where_o these_o end_n be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v good_a and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o prayer_n a_o abomination_n we_o may_v pray_v for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o the_o best_a promise_a fruit_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o these_o end_n find_v no_o acceptance_n in_o our_o supplication_n to_o keep_v we_o unto_o they_o be_v his_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o cast_v out_o all_o self-ends_a and_o aim_n bring_v all_o natural_a desire_n unto_o a_o subordination_n unto_o god_n which_o he_o work_v in_o we_o if_o he_o work_v in_o we_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o believer_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o furnish_v and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n teach_v they_o thereby_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n there_o be_v no_o pray_v according_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n chap._n vi_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v give_v the_o mind_n a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o or_o furnish_v it_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n he_o moreover_o work_v a_o due_a sense_n and_o valuation_n of_o they_o with_o desire_n after_o they_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n wherein_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v these_o thing_n be_v separable_a the_o mind_n may_v have_v light_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v for_o and_o yet_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v dead_a unto_o they_o or_o unconcern_v in_o they_o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n found_v hereon_o in_o who_o exercise_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o spiritual_o act_v towards_o god_n for_o light_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o common_a gift_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o perish_a illumination_n a_o man_n may_v attain_v a_o gift_n in_o prayer_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v unto_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o so_o pray_v not_o much_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v with_o he_o of_o old_a who_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n his_o spirit_n pray_v but_o his_o heart_n be_v unfruitful_a he_o pray_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o light_n and_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v but_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v not_o benefit_v nor_o improve_v thereby_o only_o sometime_o god_n make_v use_v of_o man_n own_o gift_n to_o convey_v grace_n into_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o prayer_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o obediential_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o god_n wherefore_o where_o the_o holy_a spirit_n complete_v his_o work_n in_o we_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n he_o work_v on_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o act_v obediential_o towards_o god_n in_o and_o about_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n thus_o when_o he_o be_v pour_v out_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n he_o fill_v they_o unto_o who_o he_o be_v communicate_v with_o mourning_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o prayer_n as_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v zach._n 12._o 10._o he_o do_v not_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v but_o work_v affection_n in_o they_o suitable_a unto_o what_o they_o pray_v about_o and_o in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n lie_v the_o fountain_n of_o that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n and_o delight_n of_o those_o enlarge_a labouring_n of_o mind_n and_o desire_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a influence_n from_o he_o for_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n stir_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o forth_o unto_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o vehement_a work_n of_o natural_a affection_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o spirit_n say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_v which_o can_v be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 26_o 27._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o have_v before_o express_v his_o work_n in_o general_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o intend_v a_o help_n by_o work_v carry_v we_o on_o in_o our_o undertake_n in_o this_o duty_n beyond_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o he_o help_v we_o on_o under_o our_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n so_o his_o especial_a act_n be_v here_o declare_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o additional_a interposition_n like_o that_o of_o a_o advocate_n for_o his_o client_n plead_v that_o in_o his_o case_n which_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v once_o this_o word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o service_n of_o a_o contrary_a design_n speak_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o he_o make_v intercession_n unto_o god_n against_o israel_n rom._n 11._o 2._o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v constant_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o to_o declare_v good_a tiding_n tiding_n of_o peace_n be_v once_o apply_v in_o a_o contrary_a signification_n unto_o tiding_n of_o evil_a and_o destruction_n 1_o sam._n 4._o 17._o the_o man_n that_o bring_v the_o news_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o army_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o ark_n by_o the_o philistine_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o word_n be_v to_o intercede_v for_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o this_o he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o ourselves_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o groan_v v_o 23._o that_o be_v humble_o mournful_o and_o earnest_o to_o desire_v and_o here_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o his_o work_n in_o we_o and_o act_v by_o we_o that_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o those_o fervent_a labour_a desire_n which_o be_v so_o express_v and_o these_o with_o such_o depth_n of_o intention_n and_o labour_v of_o mind_n as_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o work_n now_o mention_v have_v true_o affect_v the_o whole_a soul_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n in_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o truth_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n engage_v the_o will_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o and_o prevalent_a love_n unto_o they_o excite_v the_o affection_n to_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o unto_o desire_n after_o they_o there_o be_v in_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n such_o a_o inward_a labour_v of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n such_o a_o holy_a supernatural_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v after_o a_o union_n with_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o as_o no_o word_n can_v utter_v or_o express_o declare_v that_o be_v full_o and_o complete_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o avoid_v
in_o that_o case_n he_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n or_o in_o general_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o without_o any_o peculiar_a spiritual_a illumination_n but_o yet_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o wherein_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a end_n or_o chief_a good_a of_o the_o person_n concern_v do_v stand_v with_o regard_n whereunto_o they_o can_v alone_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o of_o themselves_o they_o can_v understand_v but_o have_v need_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n whereof_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o he_o or_o useful_a unto_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v internal_a want_n that_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n such_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n whereof_o that_o accuse_v sin_n against_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a outward_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n these_o thing_n we_o know_v somewhat_o of_o without_o any_o especial_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o desire_n of_o deliverance_n be_v inseparable_a from_o they_o but_o we_o may_v observe_v here_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v hereof_o of_o ourselves_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o confuse_a as_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n able_a thereby_o to_o manage_v our_o want_n in_o prayer_n aright_o unto_o god_n a_o natural_a conscience_n awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o affliction_n or_o other_o providential_a visitation_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o unfeigned_a and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o gild_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o until_o the_o spirit_n do_v convince_v of_o sin_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o such_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o make_v his_o address_n unto_o god_n about_o it_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o treat_v aright_o with_o god_n about_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v proceed_v under_o that_o sole_a conduct_n and_o guidance_n the_o heathen_n go_v in_o deal_v with_o their_o suppose_a god_n without_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o propitiation_n make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n yea_o prayer_n about_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n be_v but_o a_o abomination_n beside_o 2._o we_o all_o know_v how_o small_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o believer_n do_v lie_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o light_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o 3._o the_o thing_n about_o which_o believer_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o treat_v principal_o and_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o their_o supplication_n be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o sin_n in_o they_o hereon_o david_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o original_a and_o all_o know_v actual_a sin_n psal._n 51._o 5._o nor_o yet_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o none_o know_v his_o own_o wander_n whence_o he_o desire_v cleanse_v from_o unknown_a sin_n psal._n 19_o 12._o but_o moreover_o he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o undertake_v the_o inward_a search_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v amiss_o or_o right_a in_o he_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o as_o know_v that_o god_n principal_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n psal._n 51._o 6._o such_o be_v the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 23._o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v what_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n gild_n violence_n and_o deceit_n of_o sin_n in_o its_o inward_a act_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o other_o thing_n innumerable_a thereunto_o belong_v make_v up_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o formal_o supplication_n add_v hereunto_o that_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n take_v large_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n so_o call_v every_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n do_v belong_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o benefit_n which_o thence_o we_o do_v receive_v all_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o he_o with_o their_o faculty_n and_o affection_n in_o brief_a every_o thing_n and_o every_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n do_v consist_v or_o which_o do_v belong_v thereunto_o with_o all_o occasion_n and_o emergency_n of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n comprise_v herein_o and_o that_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o manage_v they_o acceptable_o in_o our_o supplication_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n few_o be_v so_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a as_o to_o assert_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o render_v they_o not_o of_o the_o less_o weight_n or_o moment_n for_o some_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o thus_o understand_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o promise_v unto_o prayer_n and_o suppose_v that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o without_o it_o but_o those_o who_o so_o speak_v neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v nor_o it_o seem_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v for_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o faith_n respect_v god_n promise_n heb._n 4._o 1._o rom._n 4._o if_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v we_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o it_o be_v marvellous_a what_o thought_n such_o person_n have_v of_o god_n and_o themselves_o who_o without_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o their_o own_o want_n and_o without_o a_o understanding_n of_o god_n promise_n wherein_o all_o their_o supply_n be_v lay_v up_o do_v say_v their_o prayer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o continual_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o poverty_n or_o rather_o misery_n of_o devise_a aid_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pernicious_a effect_n or_o consequent_a that_o they_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o search_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o prescribe_v unto_o man_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v neverneed_a either_o to_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o god_n promise_v about_o it_o and_o this_o whole_a work_n be_v dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o than_o be_v the_o soul_n prepare_v aright_o for_o this_o duty_n and_o then_o only_o when_o it_o understand_v its_o own_o condition_n the_o supply_n of_o grace_n provide_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o supply_n unto_o its_o want_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o conveyance_n unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n that_o all_o this_o we_o have_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v three_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n i_o join_v the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o direct_v they_o unto_o and_o herein_o also_o be_v we_o in_o ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o man_n may_v lose_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o propose_v undue_a end_n unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o our_o saviour_n say_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v but_o the_o apostle_n james_n affirm_v of_o some_o chap._n 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o to_o consume_v it_o on_o your_o pleasure_n to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n and_o not_o express_o unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v be_v to_o ask_v amiss_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o yet_o whatever_o confidence_n we_o may_v have_v of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o ourselves_o without_o the_o especial_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v fail_v and_o do_v so_o in_o this_o kind_n when_o not_o under_o the_o actual_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v when_o our_o own_o natural_a and_o distemper_a affection_n do_v immix_v
end_n that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v suit_v unto_o our_o occasion_n he_o who_o can_v divide_v this_o text_n or_o cut_v it_o out_o into_o a_o garment_n to_o clothe_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n with_o will_v discover_v a_o admirable_a dexterity_n in_o the_o use_n and_o disposal_n of_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v i_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o such_o form_n be_v unlawful_a only_o that_o another_o way_n of_o pray_v be_v here_o enjoin_v we_o be_v i_o suppose_v unquestionable_a unto_o all_o impartial_a searcher_n after_o truth_n and_o doubtless_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o endeavour_n a_o compliance_n therewith_o and_o if_o person_n be_v able_a in_o the_o daily_a constant_a read_n of_o any_o book_n whatever_o mere_o of_o a_o humane_a composition_n to_o rise_v up_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o his_o holy_a act_n of_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n endeavour_v labour_a and_o watch_v thereunto_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o have_v attain_v what_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o sole_a enquiry_n remain_v be_v how_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v in_o who_o mind_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v thus_o work_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o i_o do_v say_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o affect_v by_o he_o do_v never_o want_v a_o gracious_a ability_n of_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o god_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a unto_o they_o in_o their_o circumstance_n calling_n state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o interposition_n of_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o they_o may_v for_o the_o present_a be_v able_a only_o to_o mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o to_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n that_o be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o mind_n clear_o and_o dictinct_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o groan_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o brokenness_n of_o spirit_n and_o expression_n but_o this_o also_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o acceptance_n in_o that_o condition_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v few_o believer_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o have_v more_o or_o less_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o devotion_n discharge_v itself_o in_o a_o formal_a course_n of_o the_o same_o word_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n wherein_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o be_v stranger_n unto_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o prayer_n at_o least_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o and_o such_o supplication_n as_o be_v not_o various_o influence_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o they_o that_o make_v they_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v like_o one_o constant_a tone_n or_o noise_n which_o have_v no_o harmony_n nor_o music_n in_o it_o i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n and_o measure_n necessary_a unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n the_o scripture_n assign_v they_o thereunto_o and_o believer_n find_v they_o so_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o we_o discourse_v not_o about_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n towards_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n express_v thereby_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o flesh_n in_o one_o way_n or_o other_o under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o come_v to_o god_n nor_o yet_o upon_o those_o cry_n which_o legal_a conviction_n will_v wrest_v from_o they_o that_o fall_v under_o their_o power_n but_o we_o treat_v only_o of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v a_o access_n through_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o 2._o that_o those_o in_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o any_o degree_n do_v not_o in_o ordinary_a case_n want_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o ability_n herein_o will_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o moral_a faculty_n be_v the_o genuine_a way_n of_o their_o strengthen_n and_o improvement_n but_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n god_n have_v design_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o growth_n and_o give_v his_o blessing_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o institution_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n suitable_o unto_o the_o condition_n of_o he_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o man_n grow_v not_o up_o unto_o further_a degree_n in_o that_o ability_n by_o exercise_n in_o the_o duty_n itself_o by_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 3._o that_o although_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_a unto_o some_o as_o be_v pretend_v yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o none_o that_o be_v unto_o no_o true_a believer_n as_o unto_o acceptable_a evangelical_n prayer_n but_o whoever_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o which_o he_o do_v infallible_o effect_v in_o every_o one_o who_o through_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o cry_n abba_n father_n as_o every_o child_n of_o god_n be_v he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o neglect_v not_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n offer_v unto_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n wherefore_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o believer_n beyond_o what_o may_v be_v doctrinal_a or_o instructive_a in_o they_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o inclination_n unto_o party_n or_o of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o their_o own_o experience_n of_o what_o use_n form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o have_v not_o therefore_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n belong_v not_o direct_o unto_o our_o disquisition_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o unless_o a_o contrivance_n to_o relieve_v they_o in_o that_o condition_n without_o a_o due_a endeavour_n after_o a_o deliverance_n from_o it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v for_o these_o person_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v open_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n their_o mind_n be_v not_o effectual_o influence_v by_o any_o conviction_n these_o seldom_o pray_v unless_o it_o be_v under_o danger_n fear_n trouble_n pain_n or_o other_o distress_n when_o they_o be_v smite_v they_o will_v cry_v even_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v cry_v and_o not_o else_o and_o their_o design_n be_v to_o treat_v about_o their_o especial_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v thereof_o and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v supply_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n express_v their_o sense_n conception_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o how_o ridiculous_o they_o may_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o read_v these_o prayer_n which_o be_v no_o way_n suit_v unto_o their_o condition_n be_v easy_o suppose_v a_o form_n to_o such_o person_n may_v prove_v little_o better_o than_o a_o charm_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v divert_v by_o it_o from_o such_o a_o performance_n of_o duty_n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v to_o jonahs_n mariner_n in_o the_o storm_n cry_v every_o one_o unto_o his_o god_n and_o call_v on_o he_o also_o to_o do_v so_o too_o chap._n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o substance_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v that_o god_n will_v think_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o perish_v and_o man_n in_o such_o condition_n if_o not_o divert_v by_o this_o pretend_a relief_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o will_v not_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o mind_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o prayer_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o beyond_o that_o whatever_o word_n they_o be_v supply_v withal_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n nor_o advantage_n unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v
and_o its_o affection_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n for_o although_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o adhesion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n unto_o god_n by_o love_n delight_n complacency_n rest_v and_o satisfaction_n in_o prayer_n belong_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o duty_n yet_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guide_v direct_v act_v by_o the_o understanding_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n goodness_n beauty_n grace_n and_o other_o divine_a excellency_n be_v to_o render_v our_o worship_n and_o devotion_n brutish_a or_o irrational_a whereas_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o this_o very_a description_n here_o give_v we_o of_o prayer_n be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o not_o that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o experience_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o those_o contemplative_a philosopher_n who_o after_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n endeavour_v to_o refine_v and_o advance_v heathenism_n into_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o at_o least_o be_v fancy_v in_o imitation_n of_o what_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o a_o perfect_a mind_n one_o of_o they_o and_o his_o expression_n in_o one_o place_n may_v suffice_v for_o a_o instance_n plotinus_n ennead_n 6._o lib._n 9_o cap._n 10._o for_o after_o many_o other_o ascription_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v attain_v union_n with_o the_o chief_a good_a he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mind_n thus_o rise_v up_o be_v no_o way_n move_v no_o anger_n no_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o a_o perfect_a rest_n of_o the_o affection_n nay_o neither_o reason_n nor_o understanding_n be_v act_v nor_o if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o itself_o but_o be_v ecstasy_v and_o fill_v with_o god_n it_o come_v into_o a_o quiet_a still_o immovable_a repose_n and_o state_n no_o way_n decline_v by_o any_o sensible_a act_n from_o its_o own_o essence_n nor_o exercise_v any_o reflect_v act_n upon_o itself_o be_v whole_o at_o rest_n as_o have_v attain_v a_o perfect_a state_n or_o to_o this_o purpose_n with_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o and_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o find_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o author_n notion_n in_o these_o word_n so_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v it_o more_o at_o large_a declare_v in_o that_o last_o chapter_n of_o his_o ennead_n and_o all_o his_o companion_n in_o design_n about_o that_o time_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 2._o the_o spiritual_a intense_a fixation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o contemplation_n on_o god_n in_o christ_n until_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o admiration_n and_o delight_n and_o be_v bring_v unto_o a_o utter_a loss_n through_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o it_o do_v admire_v and_o adore_v it_o return_v again_o into_o its_o own_o abasement_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o infinite_a distance_n from_o what_o it_o will_v absolute_o and_o eternal_o embrace_v and_o with_o all_o the_o inexpressible_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n receive_v in_o their_o approach_n unto_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n be_v thing_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o prayer_n and_o which_o through_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a condescension_n be_v frequent_o enjoy_v the_o soul_n be_v hereby_o raise_v and_o ravish_v not_o into_o ecstasy_n or_o unaccountable_a rapture_n not_o act_v into_o motion_n above_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o understanding_n and_o will_n but_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o it_o through_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o lively_a impression_n of_o divine_a love_n with_o intimation_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o rest_n in_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o these_o spiritual_a act_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n whereof_o i_o may_v say_v with_o bernard_n rara_fw-mi hora_n brevis_fw-la mora_fw-la may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o mental_a or_o vocal_a prayer_n indifferent_o but_o as_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o mental_a spiritual_a prayer_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n yea_o those_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o which_o be_v express_o contrary_a thereunto_o as_o perfect_a purity_n and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o rational_a experience_n of_o any_o so_o it_o no_o way_n take_v off_o from_o the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n whereunto_o it_o be_v oppose_v for_o still_o the_o use_n of_o word_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o duty_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o unhappy_o as_o to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o conceive_a excellency_n of_o this_o mental_a prayer_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v by_o the_o use_n of_o word_n but_o do_v so_o himself_o and_o that_o constant_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v mat._n 26._o 39_o 42._o yea_o when_o he_o be_v most_o intense_a and_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n instead_o of_o this_o pretend_a still_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n he_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o strong_a outcry_n heb._n 5._o which_o psal._n 22._o be_v call_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o roar_v and_o all_o the_o reproach_n which_o this_o author_n cast_v on_o servant_n earnest_a vocal_a prayer_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o tedious_a loud_a impetuous_a and_o a_o uncivil_a conversation_n with_o god_n a_o mere_a artificial_a slight_n and_o facility_n may_v with_o equal_a truth_n be_v cast_v on_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o the_o pray_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o long_o sometime_o loud_a and_o vehement_a and_o unto_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o mention_v nothing_o of_o this_o pretend_a elevation_n but_o constant_o make_v use_n of_o and_o desire_v god_n to_o hear_v their_o voice_n their_o cry_n their_o word_n in_o their_o supplication_n the_o word_n of_o many_o of_o they_o being_z according_o record_v wherefore_o word_n proper_a suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o take_v either_o direct_o or_o analogical_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n do_v help_v the_o mind_n and_o enlarge_v it_o with_o supplication_n interdum_fw-la voce_fw-la nos_fw-la ipsos_fw-la ad_fw-la devotionem_fw-la &_o acrius_fw-la incitamus_fw-la august_n epist._n 121._o ad_fw-la probam_fw-la the_o use_n of_o such_o word_n be_v first_o lead_v unto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v and_o do_v lead_v the_o mind_n on_o to_o express_v its_o further_a desire_n also_o and_o increase_v those_o which_o be_v so_o express_v it_o be_v from_o god_n institution_n and_o blessing_n that_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o pray_v do_v lead_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n do_v lead_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n enlarge_n they_o in_o desire_n and_o supplication_n and_o without_o this_o aid_n many_o will_v oftentimes_o be_v straighten_a in_o act_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n or_o distract_v in_o they_o or_o divert_v from_o they_o and_o we_o have_v experience_n that_o a_o obedient_a sanctify_a persistency_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gracious_a word_n in_o prayer_n have_v prevail_v against_o violent_a temptation_n and_o injection_n of_o satan_n which_o the_o mind_n in_o its_o silent_a contemplation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o grapple_v with_o and_o holy_a affection_n be_v thus_o also_o excite_v hereby_o the_o very_a word_n and_o expression_n which_o the_o mind_n choose_v to_o declare_v its_o thought_n conception_n and_o desire_n about_o heavenly_a thing_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o affection_n increase_a and_o exciting_a of_o they_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n themselves_o fix_v on_o do_v affect_v the_o heart_n but_o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n whereby_o they_o be_v express_v do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o recoil_n of_o efficacy_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o affection_n from_o the_o word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v those_o affection_n by_o but_o we_o treat_v of_o prayer_n principal_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o family_n society_n assembly_n congregation_n where_o this_o mental_a prayer_n will_v do_v well_o to_o promote_v the_o edification_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n and_o because_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v not_o only_o recommend_v unto_o we_o but_o prefer_v before_o all_o other_o way_n and_o method_n of_o prayer_n and_o choose_v as_o a_o instance_n to_o set_v off_o
yea_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a imaginable_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a witness_v hereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n declare_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o for_o among_o they_o of_o old_a there_o be_v multitude_n of_o false_a pretender_n unto_o vision_n dream_n revelation_n and_o such_o spiritual_a ecstasy_n some_o of_o who_o wear_v a_o rough_a garment_n to_o deceive_v which_o go_v not_o alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o all_o such_o appear_a austerity_n as_o may_v beget_v a_o opinion_n of_o sanctity_n and_o integrity_n in_o they_o and_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v grow_v corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v credit_n with_o they_o above_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v hypocritical_a liar_n and_o we_o be_v abundant_o warn_v of_o such_o spirit_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o be_v foretell_v that_o such_o there_o will_v be_v by_o who_o many_o shall_v be_v delude_v and_o all_o such_o pretender_n unto_o extraordinary_a intercourse_n with_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v by_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o desire_v only_a liberty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o assert_v these_o devotion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v not_o false_a pretender_n unto_o what_o they_o profess_v nor_o design_n to_o deceive_v but_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v yet_o neither_o will_v this_o give_v we_o the_o least_o security_n of_o their_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n partly_o natural_a partly_o diabolical_a whereby_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o person_n may_v be_v so_o possess_v with_o false_a image_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o so_o vehement_a a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n that_o no_o assurance_n of_o they_o can_v be_v give_v by_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v pretend_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v dispose_v unto_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o act_n or_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o delusion_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v prompt_v by_o superstition_n and_o be_v encourage_v doctrinal_o to_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o imagination_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a wonder_n that_o more_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o extravagancy_n than_o that_o any_o have_v so_o do_v we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o have_v have_v their_o imagination_n so_o fix_v on_o thing_n evil_a and_o noxioo_v by_o satanical_a delusion_n that_o they_o have_v confess_v against_o themselves_o thing_n and_o crime_n that_o have_v render_v they_o obnoxion_n unto_o capital_a punishment_n whereof_o they_o be_v never_o real_o and_o actual_o guilty_a wherefore_o see_v these_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o devotion_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a actuation_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v rational_o be_v account_v for_o nor_o render_v perceptible_a unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o other_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v only_o fond_a imagination_n of_o delude_a fancy_n which_o superstitious_a credulous_a person_n have_v gradual_o raise_v themselves_o unto_o or_o such_o as_o they_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o withal_o by_o satan_n through_o a_o groundless_a unwarrantable_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o expectation_n of_o they_o but_o what_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v it_o neither_o be_v prayer_n nor_o can_v on_o any_o account_n be_v so_o esteem_v that_o we_o allow_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o all_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o holy_a meditation_n be_v before_o declare_v nor_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n of_o mortify_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o god_n with_o complacency_n in_o he_o so_o far_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o be_v that_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pure_a adhesion_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o inquire_v into_o and_o i_o say_v whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v herein_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v though_o under_o that_o name_n and_o notion_n it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o prayer_n be_v a_o natural_a duty_n the_o notion_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o concurrent_a voice_n of_o nature_n deceive_v not_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v not_o compliant_a therewith_o at_o lest_o what_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n now_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n this_o duty_n be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n wherein_o from_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sovereign_n be_v selfsufficiency_n rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n power_n righteousness_n and_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o universal_a dependence_n on_o he_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n as_o to_o their_o being_n life_n happiness_n and_o all_o their_o concernment_n they_o address_v their_o desire_n with_o faith_n and_o trust_n unto_o he_o according_a as_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n do_v require_v or_o ascribe_v praise_n and_o glory_n unto_o he_o for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n centre_n in_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v of_o it_o under_o any_o other_o notion_n whatever_o the_o gospel_n direct_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a mercy_n we_o all_o do_v desire_n but_o it_o change_v nothing_o in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v a_o duty_n of_o another_o kind_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o which_o be_v know_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o this_o general_a nature_n of_o prayer_n all_o man_n universal_o understand_v well_o enough_o in_o who_o the_o first_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o extinguish_v or_o woeful_o deprave_v this_o may_v be_v do_v among_o some_o by_o a_o long_a traditional_a course_n of_o a_o atheistical_a and_o brutish_a conversation_n but_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o be_v the_o conviction_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n so_o be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o first_o act_n of_o nature_n towards_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v in_o invocation_n jonahs_n mariner_n know_v how_o every_o one_o to_o call_v on_o his_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o trust_v or_o affiance_n in_o god_n act_v whereby_o man_n glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o where_o desire_n or_o praise_n be_v not_o offer_v unto_o he_o neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v without_o express_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o prayer_n whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v wherefore_o this_o contemplative_a devotion_n wherein_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o soul_n be_v ecstasy_v into_o a_o advance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n have_v no_o one_o property_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o mankind_n prayer_n without_o a_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a excellency_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o fear_n love_n confidence_n and_o gratitude_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n or_o a_o by-blow_n of_o imagination_n which_o have_v no_o existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la these_o person_n therefore_o have_v best_o find_v out_o some_o other_o name_n wherewith_o to_o impose_v this_o kind_n of_o devotion_n upon_o our_o admiration_n for_o from_o the_o whole_a precinct_n of_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v utter_o exclude_v and_o what_o place_n it_o may_v have_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v
the_o force_n of_o this_o testimony_n some_o one_o at_o least_o will_v have_v this_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o that_o no_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o in_o believer_n be_v intend_v such_o irrational_a evasion_n will_v man_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o to_o escape_v the_o convince_a power_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n as_o will_v scarce_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o humble_a oral_a supplication_n but_o a_o bless_a representation_n of_o his_o oblation_n whereby_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v continue_v and_o apply_v unto_o all_o the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o believer_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v and_o it_o be_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n but_o here_o it_o shall_v be_v report_v as_o the_o labour_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o with_o unutterable_a groan_n the_o high_a expression_n of_o a_o humble_a burden_a solicitous_a endeavour_n nothing_o be_v more_o unsuited_a unto_o the_o present_a glorious_a condition_n of_o the_o mediator_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o pray_v with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n in_o a_o humble_a deprecation_n of_o evil_a heb._n 5._o 7._o but_o a_o humble_a prostration_n and_o pray_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o present_a state_n of_o glory_n his_o fullness_n of_o power_n and_o right_o to_o dispense_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n beside_o this_o exposition_n be_v as_o adverse_a to_o the_o context_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v invent_v ver._n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n which_o spirit_n god_n send_v forth_o into_o our_o heart_n gal._n 4._o 6._o and_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o this_o spirit_n in_o we_o be_v further_a describe_v v_o 16_o 17._o and_o thereon_o v._n 23._o have_v receive_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v say_v to_o groan_v within_o ourselves_o to_o which_o it_o be_v add_v that_o of_o ourselves_o not_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o very_a spirit_n so_o give_v unto_o we_o so_o receive_v by_o we_o so_o work_v in_o we_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v wherefore_o without_o offer_v violence_n unto_o the_o context_n here_o be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o introduction_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n especial_o under_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o be_v mention_v afterward_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n as_o a_o consequent_a and_o fruit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n ver_fw-la 34._o and_o there_o he_o be_v say_v simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v a_o additional_a supply_n unto_o what_o be_v in_o ourselves_o yet_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o this_o uncouth_a exposition_n a_o force_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o begin_n of_o both_o the_o verse_n 26_o 27._o for_o whereas_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n denote_v any_o kind_n of_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a it_o be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n for_o disease_n with_o trouble_n and_o danger_n which_o latter_a it_o no_o where_o signify_v for_o so_o the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o in_o such_o condition_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o whether_o wealth_n or_o health_n or_o peace_n or_o the_o like_a but_o christ_n intercee_v for_o we_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o yet_o in_o the_o text_n do_v plain_o denote_v a_o help_n and_o assistance_n give_v unto_o our_o weakness_n that_o be_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o both_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o the_o ensue_a reason_n of_o they_o do_v evince_n wherefore_o neither_o the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o context_n nor_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o new_a and_o uncouth_a exposition_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o plain_o refer_v to_o some_o great_a and_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n if_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v intend_v nothing_o be_v offer_v but_o this_o paraphrase_n and_o then_o god_n that_o by_o be_v a_o searcher_n of_o heart_n know_v our_o want_n exact_o understand_v also_o the_o desire_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o have_v no_o dependence_n the_o one_o on_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o the_o mention_v the_o search_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o introduce_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o return_v that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v pervious_a to_o none_o but_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n this_o frame_n in_o all_o our_o supplication_n we_o ought_v to_o aim_v at_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n trouble_n and_o temptation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o season_n here_o especial_o intend_v when_o common_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o wherein_o we_o come_v short_a hereof_o in_o some_o measure_n it_o be_v from_o our_o unbelief_n or_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n which_o god_n abhor_v i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o there_o will_v be_v more_o earnestness_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o our_o natural_a spirit_n therein_o in_o this_o duty_n at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o according_a as_o outward_a occasion_n or_o other_o motive_n do_v excite_v they_o or_o stir_v they_o up_o so_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o agony_n pray_v more_o earnest_o than_o usual_a not_o with_o a_o high_a exercise_n of_o grace_n which_o always_o act_v itself_o in_o he_o in_o perfection_n but_o with_o a_o great_a vehemency_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o we_o at_o especial_a season_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o same_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o same_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o every_o particular_a duty_n of_o this_o kind_n three_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n a_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o his_o exciting_a move_v and_o act_v all_o other_o grace_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o faith_n love_n reverence_n fear_v trust_v submission_n wait_v hope_n and_o the_o like_a i_o have_v prove_v elsewhere_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o all_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v from_o he_o and_o shall_v not_o therefore_o here_o again_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o this_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a consideration_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o without_o it_o ordinary_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o be_v a_o barren_a burdensome_a task_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v perform_v now_o this_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o include_v in_o that_o description_n of_o prayer_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v cry_v abba_n father_n herein_o a_o filial_a holy_a delight_n in_o god_n be_v include_v such_o as_o child_n have_v in_o their_o parent_n in_o their_o most_o affectionate_a address_n unto_o they_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v wherein_o this_o delight_n in_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n do_v consist_v or_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v in_o it_o 1._o a_o sight_n or_o prospect_n of_o god_n as_o on_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n a_o prospect_n i_o say_v not_o by_o carnal_a imagination_n but_o spiritual_a illumination_n by_o faith_n we_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a heb._n 11._o 27._o for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v make_v its_o proper_a object_n evident_a and_o present_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v such_o a_o sight_n of_o god_n on_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a unto_o