of_o god_n second_o another_o sign_n that_o this_o admire_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o mere_a natural_a enthusiasm_n be_v this_o that_o general_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n they_o find_v themselves_o streighten_v and_o confine_v both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o till_o they_o have_v pray_v on_o for_o a_o while_n and_o then_o they_o grow_v more_o ready_a and_o fluent_a which_o how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o suppose_v the_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v unless_o perhaps_o the_o spirit_n come_v in_o only_a in_o the_o middle_n or_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o invention_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o what_o reason_n there_o shall_v be_v for_o such_o a_o imagination_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o guess_v the_o true_a account_n therefore_o of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n their_o spirit_n be_v usual_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a and_o do_v not_o flow_v and_o reflow_v so_o brisk_o to_o their_o head_n and_o heart_n as_o afterward_o when_o they_o have_v be_v thorough_o chafe_v and_o heat_v with_o the_o labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o invention_n by_o which_o be_v excite_v and_o awaken_v they_o natural_o raise_v the_o droop_a fancy_n and_o render_v the_o invention_n more_o copious_a fluent_a and_o easy_a so_o that_o mere_o by_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o plain_a a_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o extemporary_a fluency_n and_o enlargement_n of_o prayer_n as_o of_o any_o other_o natural_a effect_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o for_o our_o brethren_n to_o attribute_v to_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o which_o have_v such_o apparent_a sign_n of_o its_o derivation_n from_o natural_a cause_n be_v i_o conceive_v very_o unwarrantable_a by_o all_o which_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a not_o only_o that_o we_o 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the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o must_v be_v infallible_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o must_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v their_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o matter_n or_o word_n be_v so_o inspire_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o any_o matter_n or_o word_n in_o scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v give_v by_o his_o inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v his_o word_n for_o what_o those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v who_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o deliver_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o their_o mouth_n be_v the_o oracle_n through_o which_o god_n speak_v if_o therefore_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o be_v move_v as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n what_o we_o pray_v must_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o what_o they_o speak_v so_o that_o either_o our_o brethren_n must_v affirm_v that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v presume_v or_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o those_o extraordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o the_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o a_o very_a brief_a account_n because_o herein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o short_a therefore_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o exciting_a in_o we_o the_o grace_n and_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n such_o as_o shame_v and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o hope_n of_o obtain_v it_o in_o our_o supplication_n for_o pardon_n resignation_n to_o god_n will_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o goodness_n in_o our_o prayer_n for_o temporal_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n in_o our_o petition_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o in_o a_o word_n gratitude_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n in_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o mercy_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a and_o gracious_a affection_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o prayer_n consist_v as_o for_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o about_o which_o our_o brethren_n disagree_v with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o no_o other_o account_n with_o god_n than_o as_o they_o signify_v to_o he_o the_o grace_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n without_o which_o he_o regard_v they_o no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o whistle_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o therefore_o since_o these_o affection_n be_v the_o main_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o word_n be_v nothing_o in_o his_o account_n in_o comparison_n with_o they_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o those_o affection_n will_v be_v ever_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o they_o be_v present_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o not_o in_o extemporary_a effusion_n sure_o that_o father_n will_v be_v very_o capricious_a that_o shall_v deny_v bread_n to_o his_o hungry_a child_n mere_o because_o he_o ask_v it_o to_o day_n in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o he_o do_v yesterday_o and_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v dislike_v or_o reject_v the_o good_a affection_n of_o our_o prayer_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v every_o day_n express_v in_o the_o same_o form_n be_v to_o suppose_v he_o a_o very_a captious_a be_v and_o one_o that_o be_v more_o take_v with_o our_o word_n than_o with_o our_o affection_n the_o contrary_a of_o which_o he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a in_o that_o whereas_o he_o have_v withdraw_v from_o we_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o due_a activity_n for_o to_o this_o among_o other_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o continue_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o devout_a and_o holy_a affection_n thus_o gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v by_o kindle_v devout_a and_o filial_a affection_n in_o your_o soul_n enable_v you_o to_o cry_v to_o god_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o assurance_n as_o to_o a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a father_n and_o hence_o also_o we_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o or_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o those_o good_a affection_n be_v raise_v in_o we_o that_o we_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v inspire_v with_o those_o holy_a affection_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o according_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v not_o to_o
all_o case_n know_v what_o it_o be_v without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n which_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o or_o that_o though_o it_o be_v we_o can_v understand_v it_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n word_n imply_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o tother_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a those_o word_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v simple_o but_o with_o reference_n to_o as_o we_o ought_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v we_o know_v not_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n how_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n with_o that_o fervency_n of_o desire_n that_o dependence_n upon_o and_o resignation_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v not_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v as_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a i_o see_v no_o necessity_n why_o he_o shall_v reveal_v it_o again_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o know_v no_o warrant_n we_o have_v to_o expect_v it_o but_o then_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o necessity_n can_v there_o be_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o we_o when_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o quickness_n enough_o of_o fancy_n and_o invention_n to_o express_v our_o want_n and_o desire_n in_o our_o own_o word_n we_o may_v ready_o supply_v that_o defect_n by_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n which_o with_o very_o short_a addition_n and_o variation_n of_o our_o own_o we_o may_v easy_o adapt_v to_o all_o our_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o with_o such_o help_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v word_n our_o desire_n to_o god_n without_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v mere_a whisper_a pipe_n that_o can_v breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v breathe_v into_o we_o 3._o that_o as_o there_o be_v neither_o promise_n nor_o need_v of_o any_o such_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n so_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a sign_n or_o testimony_n of_o it_o remain_v among_o we_o whenever_o god_n inspire_v man_n with_o divine_a matter_n and_o word_n his_o way_n be_v always_o to_o attest_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o some_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o it_o and_o though_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o inspire_a age_n we_o can_v certain_o determine_v by_o what_o token_n it_o be_v that_o the_o prophet_n know_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o own_o inspiration_n while_o they_o be_v seize_v with_o they_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v that_o after_o they_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o god_n always_o take_v care_n to_o attest_v they_o by_o some_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o so_o miracle_n be_v style_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o sign_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a pretence_n we_o be_v better_o be_v without_o inspiration_n than_o with_o it_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n either_o of_o admit_v all_o inspiration_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v true_o so_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n of_o prayer_n we_o know_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o requisite_a if_o such_o divine_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o that_o the_o proper_a sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v continue_v too_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o conclude_v they_o all_o to_o be_v natural_a or_o diabolical_a or_o believe_v they_o all_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o entertain_v they_o according_o if_o you_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o either_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o inspiration_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v the_o inspiration_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o natural_a or_o diabolical_a for_o first_o as_o for_o natural_a enthusiasm_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n by_o natural_a inspiration_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o natural_a or_o accidental_a fervency_n of_o temper_n arise_v either_o from_o a_o constant_a heat_n of_o constitution_n or_o a_o casual_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n occasion_v either_o by_o vapour_n of_o heat_a melancholy_n or_o a_o intermixture_n of_o sharp_a and_o feverish_a humour_n with_o the_o blood_n which_o as_o all_o man_n know_v who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o composition_n of_o humane_a body_n natural_o heighten_v and_o impregnate_v the_o fancy_n and_o cause_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v fast_o into_o it_o and_o appear_v more_o distinct_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o produce_v a_o very_a ready_a invention_n of_o matter_n and_o extraordinary_a fluency_n of_o word_n so_o that_o if_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a fervency_n a_o man_n fancy_n happen_v to_o run_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v fail_v to_o pray_v with_o great_a readiness_n and_o fluency_n and_o sometime_o with_o that_o extraordinary_a passion_n and_o enlargement_n as_o shall_v cause_v he_o assure_o to_o believe_v himself_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o instance_n enough_o may_v be_v give_v not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o also_o among_o the_o devoto_n of_o mahomet_n and_o the_o poet_n and_o orator_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o fancy_n have_v be_v very_o often_o so_o strange_o exalt_v by_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o temper_n or_o disease_n that_o not_o only_o they_o themselves_o but_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n suppose_v then_o that_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a enthusiasm_n a_o man_n shall_v pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o know_v by_o scripture_n whether_o the_o present_a inspiration_n he_o be_v under_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o avoid_v many_o time_n attribute_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o temper_n or_o disease_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v good_a man_n with_o holy_a and_o fervent_a affection_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o this_o fervency_n of_o affection_n do_v sometime_o also_o proceed_v from_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n notwithstanding_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sign_n or_o testimony_n beside_o that_o of_o scripture_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v when_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o natural_a do_v not_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o such_o sign_n as_o effectual_o conclude_v against_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v the_o fervour_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o against_o his_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v claim_v the_o promise_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v when_o we_o feel_v our_o affection_n actual_o excite_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o other_o cause_n may_v contribute_v to_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n but_o where_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o conclusion_n beside_o which_o we_o have_v no_o such_o need_n of_o sign_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o as_o for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o affection_n we_o may_v easy_o distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a by_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o our_o present_a fervour_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o constant_a devotion_n of_o soul_n we_o
extemporary_a prayer_n pretend_v to_o in_o short_a it_o be_v pretend_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n that_o they_o do_v much_o more_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o raise_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o people_n mind_n in_o prayer_n than_o public_a form_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v more_o confine_v the_o roving_n of_o man_n thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o keep_v their_o mind_n more_o attentive_a to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v much_o more_o warm_a and_o enliven_v their_o affection_n in_o it_o for_o say_v our_o brethren_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n be_v very_o much_o raise_v or_o deaden_v by_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o minister_n according_a as_o he_o be_v more_o or_o less_o devout_a in_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o minister_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o devout_a in_o a_o prayer_n of_o his_o own_o conceive_n than_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o public_a form_n because_o first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o mind_n so_o attentive_a in_o read_v a_o prayer_n as_o in_o conceive_v one_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o conception_n the_o care_n of_o perform_v which_o natural_o bound_v the_o wander_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o more_o fix_v and_o attentive_a and_o second_o because_o when_o he_o utter_v his_o word_n immediate_o from_o his_o affection_n his_o thought_n have_v not_o that_o scope_n to_o wander_v as_o when_o he_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n and_o as_o conceive_v do_v more_o fix_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o minister_n so_o it_o do_v also_o more_o raise_v his_o intention_n or_o in_o other_o word_n more_o warm_a and_o inflame_v his_o affection_n for_o first_o whereas_o in_o read_v a_o form_n his_o affection_n follow_v his_o word_n and_o be_v raise_v and_o excite_v by_o they_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n his_o word_n follow_v his_o affection_n and_o be_v immediate_o utter_v from_o and_o indict_v by_o they_o and_o second_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v they_o that_o the_o word_n of_o another_o which_o he_o read_v out_o of_o a_o form_n shall_v so_o well_o express_v his_o affection_n as_o his_o own_o beside_o three_o that_o while_o he_o be_v read_v his_o form_n his_o soul_n be_v so_o intent_n in_o direct_v his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o it_o can_v direct_v its_o affection_n to_o god_n with_o that_o fervour_n and_o intention_n as_o it_o may_v do_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n these_o be_v the_o suppose_a help_n which_o the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o from_o his_o the_o people_n receive_v from_o conceive_a prayer_n above_o what_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v afford_v and_o as_o conceive_v prayer_n have_v these_o peculiar_a advantage_n to_o raise_v the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o by_o his_o the_o people_n so_o it_o have_v another_o advantage_n by_o which_o it_o more_o immediate_o influence_n the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v still_o express_v in_o new_a word_n which_o must_v needs_o much_o more_o affect_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o people_n than_o when_o it_o be_v always_o express_v in_o the_o same_o word_n without_o any_o variation_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v gather_v from_o the_o write_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o to_o its_o peculiar_a advantageousness_n to_o public_a devotion_n above_o state_v form_n 2._o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o these_o advantage_n be_v not_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n imaginary_a and_o whether_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v real_a they_o be_v not_o much_o more_o peculiar_a to_o form_n than_o to_o conceive_v prayer_n and_o here_o i_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o by_o express_v a_o serious_a and_o devout_a affection_n the_o minister_n do_v real_o advantage_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n even_o as_o by_o his_o good_a example_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n he_o excite_v the_o people_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a imitation_n in_o who_o eye_n devotion_n never_o look_v so_o amiable_a as_o when_o it_o be_v express_v in_o serious_a and_o well_o compose_v word_n accompany_v with_o a_o devout_a a_o sober_a and_o affectionate_a behaviour_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v real_o true_a that_o the_o use_n of_o conceive_a or_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n most_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o excite_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o herein_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o form_n 1._o therefore_o we_o will_v inquire_v whether_o these_o advantage_n it_o pretend_v to_o as_o to_o the_o exciting_a the_o minister_n attention_n in_o prayer_n be_v real_a or_o no_o the_o first_o advantage_n be_v that_o the_o very_o conceive_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o speak_v it_o from_o his_o own_o conception_n do_v natural_o more_o bind_v his_o attention_n than_o the_o read_n it_o out_o of_o a_o form_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o do_v it_o more_o bind_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o be_v it_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n or_o be_v it_o to_o attend_v to_o those_o act_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o sin_n and_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o confession_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o common_a want_n and_o common_a dependency_n upon_o god_n for_o supply_v in_o petition_n to_o admire_v god_n perfection_n and_o grateful_o commemorate_v his_o goodness_n in_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n the_o true_a devotion_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n consist_v and_o it_o be_v only_o by_o be_v a_o example_n of_o these_o in_o his_o prayer_n that_o the_o minister_n excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o his_o people_n it_o be_v by_o confess_v sin_n as_o if_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o it_o that_o he_o excite_v their_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n by_o petition_v for_o mercy_n as_o if_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o do_v hearty_o desire_v it_o and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o excite_v their_o sense_n of_o need_n and_o their_o desire_n and_o hope_v of_o relief_n and_o supply_v by_o praise_v and_o thank_v god_n as_o if_o he_o hearty_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o grateful_o resent_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o excite_v their_o admiration_n and_o gratitude_n that_o mode_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n of_o devotion_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n now_o as_o for_o the_o mode_n of_o pray_v from_o his_o own_o conception_n i_o real_o think_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o unfix_v the_o minister_n attention_n to_o these_o act_n than_o that_o of_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n because_o it_o force_v he_o to_o attend_v to_o other_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n viz._n the_o recollection_n of_o matter_n and_o invention_n of_o suitable_a expression_n which_o must_v more_o or_o less_o divert_v he_o from_o attend_v to_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o devotion_n according_a as_o his_o fancy_n and_o tongue_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pregnant_a and_o voluble_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o attend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o several_a thing_n as_o close_o as_o he_o may_v to_o one_o but_o when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n his_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v ready_a before_o he_o and_o so_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o his_o devotion_n and_o certain_o when_o a_o man_n have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o prayer_n he_o may_v attend_v to_o that_o more_o fix_o and_o close_o than_o when_o he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v true_a by_o be_v release_v from_o attend_v to_o the_o invention_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o word_n his_o mind_n be_v more_o at_o leisure_n to_o wander_v and_o instead_o of_o attend_v as_o he_o ought_v more_o close_o to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n by_o employ_v those_o thought_n which_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n he_o employ_v in_o invention_n in_o a_o close_a attention_n to_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n he_o may_v if_o he_o please_v permit_v they_o to_o rove_v abroad_o but_o if_o he_o do_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o the_o form_n he_o pray_v by_o the_o design_n of_o his_o form_n be_v to_o release_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o other_o business_n in_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o of_o inward_a devotion_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o prayer_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o attentive_a to_o
his_o devotion_n nor_o the_o contrary_a a_o advantage_n to_o it_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o pray_v extempore_o but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o minister_n can_v so_o well_o express_v his_o devout_a affection_n in_o other_o man_n word_n as_o in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n of_o word_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n it_o be_v impossible_a his_o affection_n shall_v be_v so_o lively_o represent_v as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o to_o which_o in_o short_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o minister_n business_n in_o public_a prayer_n be_v not_o to_o express_v the_o degree_n and_o heighth_n of_o his_o own_o affection_n or_o to_o acquaint_v god_n of_o the_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a fervency_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o in_o public_a he_o pray_v as_o the_o common_a mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o express_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n any_o matter_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o represent_v his_o own_o particular_a extraordinary_a fervour_n as_o the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o his_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o every_o honest_a and_o ordinary_a christian_a may_v true_o join_v with_o as_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o he_o to_o express_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n such_o height_n of_o devotion_n as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v arrive_v to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o to_o confess_v in_o their_o name_n such_o sin_n to_o god_n as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o that_o if_o the_o minister_n have_v such_o peculiar_a heighth_n of_o affection_n as_o can_v be_v fit_o express_v only_o in_o his_o own_o word_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o tell_v god_n of_o they_o in_o a_o public_a prayer_n in_o which_o he_o be_v to_o express_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o honest_a and_o sincere_a christian_a and_o this_o certain_o may_v be_v as_o fit_o express_v in_o another_o man_n word_n as_o in_o his_o own_o unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v so_o well_o express_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n as_o he_o that_o pray_v extempore_o yea_o and_o that_o he_o himself_o can_v so_o fit_o express_v it_o in_o premeditate_a word_n as_o in_o extemporary_a one_o neither_o of_o which_o i_o suppose_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n will_v affirm_v but_o than_o three_o and_o last_o it_o be_v also_o pretend_a that_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n the_o minister_n soul_n be_v so_o engage_v in_o direct_v his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o intense_o affect_v with_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o as_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o recollect_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n the_o dispose_n of_o it_o into_o a_o due_a method_n and_o invent_v of_o proper_a phrase_n to_o express_v it_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v act_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o show_v before_o must_v not_o much_o more_o busy_a and_o engage_v the_o minister_n soul_n when_o he_o be_v pray_v public_o than_o the_o direct_n of_o his_o eye_n to_o read_v that_o be_v whether_o one_o that_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o habit_n of_o read_v as_o that_o he_o can_v ready_o exercise_v it_o without_o employ_v one_o think_v about_o it_o can_v read_v a_o prayer_n more_o easy_o than_o invent_v one_o for_o so_o much_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o read_v than_o to_o invent_v a_o prayer_n so_o much_o less_o his_o soul_n have_v to_o divert_v it_o from_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n than_o when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o those_o advantage_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o raise_v the_o minister_n devotion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o imaginary_a or_o as_o aught_o rather_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o form_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o only_o deaden_a the_o minister_n devotion_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o do_v also_o deaden_a the_o people_n by_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n because_o they_o still_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o same_o word_n which_o when_o the_o people_n have_v often_o hear_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o cloy_v their_o attention_n whereas_o the_o very_a newness_n and_o variety_n of_o word_n in_o which_o conceive_v prayer_n be_v express_v do_v natural_o awaken_v and_o entertain_v their_o mind_n and_o keep_v they_o more_o fix_v and_o intent_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o let_v we_o consider_v upon_o what_o it_o be_v that_o this_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n do_v keep_v our_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o intent_n on_o be_v it_o upon_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n doubtless_o no_o for_o that_o be_v general_o the_o same_o especial_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v that_o that_o fix_v our_o mind_n it_o will_v as_o well_o do_v it_o in_o the_o same_o as_o in_o new_a and_o vary_a expression_n and_o since_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v old_a and_o for_o the_o main_n will_v be_v always_o so_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o as_o well_o affect_v we_o in_o old_a word_n as_o in_o new_a provide_v they_o express_v it_o with_o equal_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o phrase_n it_o be_v express_v in_o that_o fix_v their_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o a_o mere_a surprise_n and_o amusement_n of_o their_o fancy_n which_o instead_o of_o fix_v do_v unfix_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o prayer_n and_o divert_v its_o attention_n from_o the_o devotion_n to_o the_o oratory_n of_o it_o so_o that_o this_o fixation_n of_o their_o mind_n on_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o method_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o advantage_n that_o it_o be_v a_o distraction_n to_o their_o devotion_n as_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o may_v be_v compose_v with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o expression_n and_o pronounce_v with_o the_o same_o affection_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o own_o extempore_o composure_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o they_o will_v have_v the_o same_o advantage_n of_o the_o music_n of_o speech_n to_o excite_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o for_o novelty_n of_o method_n and_o expression_n that_o may_v indeed_o entertain_v their_o mind_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o rove_a out_o to_o other_o object_n but_o even_o this_o entertainment_n be_v a_o rove_a and_o excursion_n of_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n which_o while_o they_o be_v amuse_v with_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o method_n of_o the_o prayer_n can_v be_v no_o more_o intent_n on_o the_o devotion_n of_o it_o than_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o secular_a object_n and_o affair_n and_o indeed_o that_o seem_a devotion_n that_o be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o jingle_n of_o the_o minister_n word_n about_o their_o fancy_n be_v general_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a for_o as_o word_n do_v natural_o impress_v the_o fancy_n so_o the_o fancy_n do_v natural_o excite_v the_o sensitive_a affection_n so_o that_o when_o the_o affection_n be_v excite_v mere_o by_o the_o art_n and_o music_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o devotion_n but_o mechanism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o man_n may_v be_v and_o many_o time_n be_v strange_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a devotion_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o for_o when_o they_o fancy_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o word_n the_o movement_n of_o their_o affection_n will_v cease_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o impression_n be_v wear_v out_o which_o the_o word_n make_v upon_o their_o fancy_n and_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o happen_v to_o hear_v any_o other_o matter_n express_v in_o the_o same_o affectionate_a word_n they_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v as_o much_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n but_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v true_o devout_a and_o do_v affect_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n for_o itself_o and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o word_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o new_a word_n shall_v any_o way_n advantage_n its_o devotion_n unless_o they_o be_v to_o express_v new_a matter_n since_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a prayer_n neither_o
be_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v new_a unless_o it_o be_v upon_o extraordinary_a public_a emergency_n what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v why_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o hearer_n shall_v be_v more_o affect_v with_o it_o in_o new_a word_n than_o in_o old_a suppose_v it_o be_v express_v and_o pronounce_v with_o the_o same_o propriety_n and_o affection_n in_o both_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o those_o advantage_n of_o public_a devotion_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o conceive_v prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n imaginary_a and_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v real_a they_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o form_n of_o prayer_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o enquiry_n viz._n 3._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o sundry_a advantage_n of_o public_a devotion_n peculiar_a to_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o conceive_v prayer_n can_v pretend_v to_o that_o there_o be_v i_o do_v affirm_v and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o follow_a instance_n 1._o one_o great_a advantage_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v address_v themselves_o to_o they_o with_o great_a preparation_n for_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v peruse_v the_o word_n beforehand_o and_o consider_v the_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o affect_v their_o mind_n with_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o i_o know_v beforehand_o what_o word_n my_o sin_n will_v be_v confess_v in_o when_o i_o be_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a devotion_n i_o can_v consider_v beforehand_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o prepare_v such_o affection_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o as_o suppose_v the_o confession_n be_v that_o of_o our_o church_n liturgy_n wherein_o we_o begin_v with_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n i_o can_v consider_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n before_o i_o come_v to_o church_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a nature_n excite_v my_o affection_n to_o a_o awful_a dread_n of_o his_o power_n and_o a_o ingenuous_a sense_n of_o his_o mercy_n by_o which_o when_o i_o come_v to_o join_v with_o these_o word_n in_o the_o public_a confession_n i_o shall_v be_v due_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o my_o soul_n will_v beready_o melt_v into_o all_o that_o filial_a sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n for_o my_o sin_n with_o the_o consideration_n that_o i_o have_v offend_v by_o it_o a_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n suggest_v and_o so_o if_o i_o consider_v and_o apply_v beforehand_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confession_n i_o shall_v thereby_o tune_v and_o set_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o each_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o it_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v when_o i_o be_o to_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n because_o i_o can_v know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o will_v be_v beside_o which_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o public_a form_n there_o may_v be_v write_v excellent_a paraphrase_n and_o meditation_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o companion_n to_o the_o temple_n by_o read_v of_o which_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n may_v be_v very_o much_o excite_v and_o improve_v which_o be_v such_o a_o advantage_n as_o the_o word_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o 2._o another_o advantage_n peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n be_v that_o in_o join_v with_o they_o the_o people_n may_v pray_v with_o more_o understanding_n than_o they_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v in_o conceive_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n wherein_o general_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o come_v first_o to_o hand_n have_v not_o leisure_n enough_o to_o pick_v and_o choose_v his_o word_n without_o make_v long_o and_o undecent_a pause_n and_o interruption_n so_o that_o sometime_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v a_o hard_a word_n which_o perhaps_o not_o half_a the_o people_n understand_v because_o a_o easy_a do_v not_o come_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o sometime_o to_o entangle_v his_o expression_n with_o long_a parenthesis_n sometime_o to_o darken_v his_o matter_n with_o far_o fetch_a metaphor_n or_o to_o express_v it_o by_o half_n in_o break_a sentence_n and_o sometime_o to_o run_v out_o his_o period_n to_o a_o inordinate_a length_n by_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v very_o much_o cloud_v and_o obscure_v these_o and_o such_o like_a inconvenience_n all_o the_o world_n know_v do_v very_o common_o attend_v extempore_o effusion_n and_o let_v a_o man_n fancy_n and_o tongue_n be_v never_o so_o fluent_a and_o voluble_a he_o can_v never_o be_v so_o secure_a of_o express_v himself_o intelligible_o to_o the_o people_n when_o he_o pray_v extempore_o as_o he_o may_v be_v if_o he_o take_v time_n enough_o beforehand_o to_o choose_v his_o word_n and_o form_v his_o expression_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v much_o more_o secure_a of_o understanding_n what_o they_o pray_v for_o when_o they_o join_v with_o a_o form_n than_o when_o they_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o compose_v public_a form_n more_o care_n will_v be_v take_v of_o the_o phrase_n that_o the_o word_n may_v fit_v the_o matter_n and_o express_v it_o intelligible_o to_o the_o people_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o long_a consideration_n no_o alteration_n upon_o second_o thought_n no_o after-scanning_a or_o revisal_n as_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v but_o it_o must_v pass_v as_o it_o happen_v whether_o it_o be_v intelligible_a or_o no_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o who_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o the_o unlearned_a be_v many_o time_n force_v to_o break_v off_o pray_v for_o want_n of_o understanding_n what_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o prayer_n mean_v for_o whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o in_o word_n that_o be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o for_o still_o their_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o long_o their_o devotion_n must_v be_v break_v and_o interrupt_v 3._o another_o advantage_n peculiar_a to_o public_a form_n be_v that_o the_o people_n may_v join_v with_o they_o with_o much_o more_o faith_n and_o ussurance_n than_o they_o can_v with_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o must_v doubtless_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o a_o man_n devotion_n in_o public_a to_o be_v satisfy_v beforehand_o that_o the_o matter_n he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o pray_v on_o with_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o sure_a hope_n of_o be_v hear_v and_o accept_v but_o this_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v of_o aforehand_o that_o join_v in_o extempore_o prayer_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o his_o minister_n that_o he_o will_v say_v nothing_o to_o god_n but_o what_o be_v true_a nor_o ask_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a which_o how_o he_o can_v certainl_o depend_v on_o i_o can_v imagine_v especial_o consider_v that_o the_o minister_n who_o pray_v be_v many_o time_n a_o stranger_n to_o he_o both_z as_o to_o his_o person_n and_o principle_n and_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v may_v be_v very_o erroneous_a rash_a and_o unadvised_a or_o very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o not_o and_o even_o those_o minister_n who_o he_o know_v and_o can_v best_o confide_v in_o be_v not_o always_o so_o very_o sure_a of_o their_o hand_n but_o that_o some_o time_n they_o may_v mistake_v their_o passion_n for_o their_o zeal_n and_o reek_v their_o anger_n or_o faction_n in_o their_o prayer_n or_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o hurry_v of_o speak_v what_o come_v next_o let_v drop_v a_o error_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a or_o express_v themselves_o so_o doubtful_o or_o unadvised_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o discern_a mind_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o join_v with_o he_o so_o that_o in_o join_v with_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o a_o excellent_a divine_a upon_o this_o argument_n that_o as_o we_o go_v along_o with_o the_o minister_n we_o shall_v judge_v of_o what_o he_o say_v before_o our_o heart_n consent_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o novelty_n or_o ambiguity_n affectation_n or_o indigestedness_n of_o his_o expression_n or_o any_o such_o rub_n in_o our_o way_n we_o can_v ready_o judge_v but_o be_v fain_o to_o hesitate_n and_o deliberate_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o who_o pray_v be_v go_v on_o and_o now_o upon_o a_o
may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o one_o inspire_v the_o other_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o accompany_v or_o no_o that_o natural_a sense_n and_o feeling_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o motion_n and_o affection_n will_v quick_o inform_v we_o and_o we_o have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o a_o outward_a sign_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v hungry_a or_o thirsty_a but_o if_o the_o present_a fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o a_o sudden_a fit_a and_o pang_n of_o devotion_n that_o find_v and_o leave_v we_o habitual_o indevout_a we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o our_o present_a bodily_a temper_n whether_o therefore_o our_o affection_n in_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n our_o own_o sense_n will_v inform_v we_o if_o we_o impartial_o consult_v it_o but_o whether_o our_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v so_o no_o sense_n we_o have_v can_v resolve_v we_o we_o may_v feel_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n pour_v in_o upon_o we_o with_o extraordinary_a readiness_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o pour_v it_o out_o again_o with_o extraordinary_a fluency_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n quicken_v and_o enlarge_v by_o mere_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o other_o sign_n beside_o that_o of_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o divine_a and_o natural_a inspiration_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n because_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n as_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o inward_a sense_n to_o distinguish_v between_o one_o and_o tother_o and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v he_o mean_v to_o continue_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v thus_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a concern_v it_o without_o any_o certain_a sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o his_o spirit_n or_o from_o a_o ill-affected_a spleen_n or_o a_o fever_n but_o then_o second_o as_o for_o diabolical_a inspiration_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n we_o have_v sundry_a very_o probable_a instance_n such_o as_o major_a weir_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o inspiration_n through_o a_o staff_n hacket_n david_n george_n and_o that_o monster_n of_o wickedness_n john_n basilides_n duke_n of_o russia_n who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o do_v not_o only_o charm_v and_o ravish_v those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o seem_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o impartial_a to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o render_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o they_o can_v have_v procure_v to_o themselves_o so_o many_o admirer_n and_o abuse_v so_o many_o honest_a mind_n into_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o since_o by_o inspire_v his_o votary_n with_o such_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o serve_v his_o own_o end_n since_o he_o may_v thereby_o puff_v up_o giddy_a mind_n with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o subtle_a agent_n who_o so_o thorough_o understand_v his_o own_o game_n will_v in_o some_o case_n be_v forward_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n may_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n than_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o distinguish_v by_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n that_o inspire_v we_o and_o can_v we_o without_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v this_o gift_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v neglect_v to_o continue_v such_o sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o devil_n doubtless_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o we_o that_o this_o gift_n shall_v be_v total_o withdraw_v and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n than_o that_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o without_o some_o certain_a sign_n to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n either_o of_o reject_v divine_a inspiration_n or_o of_o admit_v diabolical_a for_o divine_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v no_o such_o sign_n continue_v among_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o gift_n be_v discontinue_v and_o cease_v especial_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a sign_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n in_o the_o conceive_a prayer_n of_o those_o which_o most_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o many_o very_a certain_a one_o of_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v instance_n in_o sour_a 1._o the_o great_a impertinence_n and_o nonsense_n and_o rudeness_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o be_v sometime_o mingle_v with_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o give_v instance_n of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o can_v but_o in_o part_n acknowledge_v it_o now_o to_o attribute_v these_o fault_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n to_o immediate_a inspiration_n will_v be_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o father_n our_o own_o folly_n upon_o he_o and_o yet_o sure_o have_v he_o think_v meet_v to_o have_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o those_o rudeness_n and_o indecency_n to_o which_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o man_n own_o conceive_n be_v liable_a and_o if_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o public_a prayer_n at_o least_o he_o will_v have_v constant_o take_v care_n to_o inspire_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n and_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o matter_n that_o so_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o solemn_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v render_v ridiculous_a by_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o man_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o see_v those_o public_a prayer_n which_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v inspire_v be_v general_o more_o liable_a to_o these_o indecency_n than_o form_n of_o humane_a composure_n and_o that_o those_o prayer_n which_o consist_v of_o premeditate_a matter_n and_o word_n be_v common_o much_o better_a sense_n and_o far_o more_o decent_a and_o pertinent_a than_o our_o extemporary_a effusion_n which_o how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v i_o know_v not_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o humane_a composure_n may_v exceed_v divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o man_n may_v ordinary_o premeditate_v better_a prayer_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v and_o methinks_v it_o seem_v very_o strange_a that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v continue_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n to_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o nonsense_n and_o impertinence_n and_o yet_o that_o after_o all_o it_o shall_v remain_v more_o liable_a to_o thâ—se_a indecency_n than_o if_o our_o public_a prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o premeditate_a form_n compose_v out_o of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n invention_n 2._o another_o sign_n that_o our_o compose_a prayer_n be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o general_o tincture_v with_o the_o particular_a opinion_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v they_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o public_a controversy_n of_o religion_n man_n opinion_n be_v general_o to_o be_v know_v by_o their_o prayer_n especial_o if_o they_o zealous_o espouse_v either_o side_n of_o the_o question_n for_o then_o the_o debate_n run_v so_o much_o in_o their_o head_n and_o they_o look_v upon_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o very_o high_o concern_v in_o it_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o frame_v a_o petition_n confession_n or_o thanksgiving_n without_o give_v some_o intimation_n of_o their_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o many_o time_n one_o of_o the_o petition_n be_v that_o god_n will_v hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n and_o convince_v their_o adversary_n