operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n know_v then_o that_o we_o do_v believe_v know_v and_o witness_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n that_o when_o god_n holy_a spirit_n inspire_v we_o immediate_o and_o move_v we_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o as_o it_o do_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o holy_a woman_n also_o even_o daughter_n as_o well_o as_o son_n and_o maidservant_n as_o well_o as_o man-servant_n and_o so_o do_v at_o this_o day_n the_o say_v holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o upon_o all_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o soul_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o of_o part_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v or_o supernatural_a and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o we_o and_o active_a in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n more_o or_o less_o as_o he_o please_v and_o thus_o when_o we_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o word_n as_o we_o receive_v these_o word_n from_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v pure_o and_o right_o perform_v so_o they_o also_o spring_v up_o in_o we_o from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o understanding_n and_o those_o part_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o mother_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o the_o good_a matter_n and_o purpose_n whereof_o they_o declare_v together_o with_o the_o good_a life_n virtue_n and_o force_n or_o energy_n that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o do_v accompany_v they_o hence_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n so_o that_o somewhat_o of_o the_o very_a inward_a strength_n virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o his_o spirit_n or_o what_o be_v most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o he_o go_v forth_o in_o word_n whether_o of_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o give_v of_o thanks_o as_o he_o be_v true_o and_o fervent_o exercise_v in_o the_o same_o by_o the_o move_a and_o enable_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o which_o david_n psal._n 103._o 1._o stir_v up_o not_o only_o his_o soul_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n but_o all_o that_o be_v within_o he_o note_n to_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n which_o tender_a and_o sensible_a hearer_n who_o soul_n and_o heart_n god_n have_v quicken_v and_o make_v alive_a be_v well_o sensible_a of_o and_o can_v and_o do_v well_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o dead_a and_o a_o live_n or_o a_o barren_a and_o fruitful_a ministry_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n habet_fw-la enim_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la latentis_fw-la energiae_fw-la viva_fw-la vox_fw-la &_o transmissâ—_n per_fw-la aures_fw-la in_o animos_fw-la audientium_fw-la fortius_fw-la sonat_fw-la which_o be_v in_o english_a thus_o the_o live_a voice_n say_v he_o have_v i_o know_v not_o what_o something_o of_o a_o secret_a energy_n or_o power_n and_o be_v transmit_v through_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o hearer_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n do_v sound_v the_o more_o effectual_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o a_o natural_a speech_n when_o it_o come_v from_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o be_v speak_v but_o with_o a_o natural_a fervency_n that_o it_o reach_v forcible_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o hearer_n which_o borrow_a speech_n or_o those_o which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o from_o the_o bare_a understanding_n and_o memory_n can_v do_v how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o apparent_a in_o word_n and_o speech_n that_o be_v spiritual_a which_o come_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n live_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o word_n declare_v and_o also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n speak_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v with_o power_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v their_o pray_v q._n be_v it_o any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n or_o prayer_n to_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n whether_o in_o private_a or_o public_a or_o whether_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n use_v either_o in_o private_a or_o public_a in_o family_n or_o large_a congregation_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o give_v they_o a_o utterance_n to_o bring_v forth_o word_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanks_o give_v we_o can_v believe_v nor_o be_v we_o convince_v in_o conscience_n a._n to_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n whether_o in_o private_a or_o public_a and_o call_v that_o read_n prayer_n be_v any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n or_o true_a and_o real_a prayer_n but_o rather_o one_o of_o the_o many_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n since_o the_o apostasy_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o true_a faith_n do_v enter_v among_o those_o call_v christian_n who_o retain_v the_o name_n but_o lose_v the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o true_a ancient_a and_o primitive_a christian_n for_o sure_o if_o it_o have_v be_v any_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v mention_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v bear_v record_n of_o it_o as_o they_o do_v of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o gospel_n worship_n and_o true_a christian_a religion_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_n shall_v have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o true_a church_n as_o a_o common_a liturgy_n or_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v give_v forth_o such_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o christ_n his_o ascension_n and_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v who_o be_v so_o abundant_o replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o immediate_a successor_n either_o make_v or_o use_v any_o such_o set_a form_n of_o read_v prayer_n nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v know_v in_o the_o church_n either_o in_o justin_n martyr_n or_o tertullian_n his_o time_n who_o live_v above_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n for_o tertullian_n tell_v plain_o the_o manner_n how_o christian_n pray_v in_o his_o time_n exit_fw-la pertore_fw-la sue_v monitore_fw-la per_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la i_o e._n from_o the_o heart_n without_o a_o monitor_n or_o any_o thing_n outward_o to_o teach_v they_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o second_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o use_v read_v set_v prayer_n in_o the_o church_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v not_o in_o use_n nor_o practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o immediate_a successor_n for_o they_o grant_v that_o in_o those_o early_a and_o primitive_a time_n they_o who_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o word_n both_o of_o prayer_n and_o sing_a psalm_n be_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noonday_n that_o when_o these_o divine_a gift_n of_o pray_v and_o sing_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o those_o gift_n be_v in_o great_a measure_n depart_v from_o the_o invention_n of_o read_v ser_fw-mi form_n of_o prayer_n take_v place_n the_o first_o instance_n that_o i_o find_v of_o people_n be_v put_v to_o use_v a_o compose_a or_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n make_v by_o another_o be_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o constantine_n the_o great_a compose_v and_o give_v to_o his_o soldier_n to_o say_v but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o read_v it_o but_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o constantine_n himself_o at_o this_o time_n be_v but_o a_o young_a christian_a and_o the_o purity_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n begin_v to_o decline_v apace_o even_o in_o his_o day_n and_o most_o of_o his_o soldier_n be_v heathen_n and_o no_o christian_n so_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v no_o precedent_n to_o we_o but_o neither_o in_o constantine_n time_n nor_o a_o considerable_a space_n thereafter_o do_v i_o find_v that_o any_o make_v or_o compose_v prayer_n beforehand_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n about_o the_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n 397._o do_v first_o ordain_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v man_n utter_v any_o thing_n either_o ignorant_o or_o rash_o
word_n and_o a_o suitable_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o life_n to_o accompany_v they_o wherewith_o to_o minister_v in_o prayer_n and_o whereby_o the_o faint_a and_o weak_a desire_n of_o the_o hearer_n many_o time_n be_v enlarge_v and_o strengthen_v but_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o only_o read_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o calendar_n or_o repeat_v it_o from_o his_o memory_n can_v pray_v with_o either_o such_o fit_a and_o suitable_a matter_n of_o word_n or_o can_v minister_v that_o suitable_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o life_n that_o the_o hearer_n require_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o seasonable_a life_n will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o to_o make_v they_o effectual_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o hearer_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o these_o who_o have_v not_o the_o inward_a experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o believe_v or_o imagine_v how_o the_o speaker_n who_o be_v assist_v to_o preach_v or_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v have_v a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a feel_n of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o feeling_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o give_v this_o sense_n to_o he_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o all_o that_o which_o be_v seasonable_a both_o for_o matter_n and_o life_n however_o this_o be_v abundant_o know_v and_o witness_v to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o inward_a experience_n of_o life_n and_o its_o work_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n one_o member_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o its_o fellow_n member_n and_o the_o more_o noble_a that_o one_o member_n be_v its_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o member_n be_v the_o more_o universal_a full_a and_o comprehensive_a even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o the_o single_a heart_a and_o upright_o mind_a professor_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o express_v a_o great_a unity_n and_o sympathy_n or_o fellow_n feel_v than_o that_o of_o the_o body_n as_o if_o to_o be_v of_o one_o soul_n be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v of_o one_o body_n for_o if_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n have_v a_o sense_n one_o of_o another_o much_o more_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o discern_a and_o sympathy_n one_o with_o another_o 6._o and_o last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o here_o although_o many_o more_o reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o whole_a superstructure_n depend_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o wrong_a bottom_n or_o foundation_n viz._n a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v cease_v or_o discontinue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o and_o among_o true_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o false_a for_o i_o dare_v say_v if_o they_o who_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n do_v but_o believe_v that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o and_o among_o true_a christian_n this_o will_v present_o end_v the_o dispute_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o for_o when_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n thereafter_o they_o ready_o grant_v that_o man_n then_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la without_o book_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o do_v now_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o dispensation_n be_v restore_v and_o restore_v again_o and_o be_v never_o altogether_o lose_v among_o true_a christian_n although_o much_o impair_v and_o diminish_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a apostasy_n and_o prevail_a power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o call_a christian_n they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o set_a form_n and_o wait_v for_o this_o divine_a gift_n but_o it_o be_v too_o long_o and_o unseasonable_a a_o labour_n in_o this_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n do_v remain_v in_o and_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n i_o shall_v therefore_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o our_o friend_n have_v write_v on_o that_o subject_n and_o particular_o to_o two_o treatise_n of_o i_o and_o withal_o i_o beseech_v all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a people_n lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o slender_a and_o weak_a argument_n that_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o say_v that_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n be_v cease_v in_o and_o among_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o above_o all_o i_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o bear_v witness_n to_o every_o necessary_a truth_n as_o they_o harken_v to_o it_o and_o with_o their_o mind_n turn_v to_o the_o say_a light_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o read_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o in_o that_o very_a respect_n as_o the_o noble_a berean_o do_v of_o old_a and_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o understanding_n in_o that_o and_o all_o other_o necessary_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o most_o ordinary_a objection_n that_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o weight_n for_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o private_a 1._o it_o be_v object_v that_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n the_o people_n be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n under_o the_o law_n as_o numb_a 10._o 35._o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n common_o say_v arise_v o_o god_n let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v let_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n to_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n and_o numb_a 6._o 23._o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v on_o this_o wise_a to_o bless_v the_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v favourable_o on_o thou_o and_o joel_n the_o prophet_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o pray_v say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n that_o the_o heathen_a shall_v rule_v over_o they_o wherefore_o shall_v they_o say_v among_o the_o people_n where_o be_v their_o god_n joel_n 2._o 17._o and_o yet_o under_o the_o law_n people_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o be_v to_o use_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n be_v endue_v wiih_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o able_a enough_o to_o have_v conceive_v other_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n ans._n from_o their_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n under_o the_o law_n to_o argue_v for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o under_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o hold_v good_a for_o not_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o offering_n of_o beast_n but_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v both_o command_v and_o allow_v under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o although_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o many_o other_o in_o those_o day_n have_v great_a plenty_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o people_n who_o general_o be_v weak_a and_o rude_a they_o be_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o those_o rudiment_n no_o doubt_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n see_v to_o the_o substance_n and_o end_n of_o those_o shadow_n and_o figure_n and_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n can_v not_o wash_v or_o purify_v the_o conscience_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v until_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n wherein_o christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o though_o under_o the_o law_n some_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v use_v yet_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o very_o short_a and_o such_o as_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o such_o form_n seem_v to_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o extraordinary_a majesty_n or_o glory_n and_o to_o have_v some_o deep_a and_o profound_a signification_n and_o force_n with_o they_o more_o than_o ordinary_a as_o we_o know_v some_o scripture_n word_n and_o
praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o what_o to_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o but_o only_o do_v warm_a and_o heat_v man_n affection_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o blind_a devotion_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n cry_v out_o against_o etc._n etc._n that_o heavenly_a and_o sacred_a fire_n that_o god_n send_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o a_o dark_a obscure_a fire_n but_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v and_o have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o heat_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v without_o word_n either_o express_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o understanding_n because_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o man_n that_o transcend_v all_o word_n i_o mean_v such_o word_n as_o we_o common_o use_v which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o aristotle_n define_v word_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la signarerum_fw-la i_o e._n word_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o high_a degree_n of_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o without_o these_o word_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v word_n themselves_o or_o where_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o distinct_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o word_n and_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o aristotle_n so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n as_o it_o seem_v know_v not_o this_o mystery_n nor_o yet_o do_v his_o follower_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o bountiful_a and_o gracious_a unto_o man_n do_v not_o only_o enlighten_v and_o shine_v upon_o this_o high_a part_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o also_o cause_v his_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n thereof_o even_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o imagination_n for_o the_o very_a imagination_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v isa._n 26._o 3._o that_o which_o be_v translate_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v imagination_n see_v also_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 18._o keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n etc._n etc._n which_o inferior_a and_o low_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v reach_v to_o divine_a thing_n without_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n will_v establish_v the_o true_a believer_n in_o he_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o good_a word_n be_v as_o real_a a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o good_a work_n or_o desire_n and_o these_o good_a word_n must_v not_o be_v borrow_v word_n from_o the_o mouth_n or_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v water_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a after_o a_o heavenly_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o corn_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n though_o ever_o so_o abundant_o which_o have_v grow_v in_o another_o land_n or_o country_n that_o denominate_v the_o ground_n where_o it_o lie_v to_o be_v fruitful_a but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o fruitful_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o from_o within_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o heavenly_a rain_n and_o influence_n the_o like_a corn_n or_o any_o other_o grain_n that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abundance_n even_o of_o scripture_n word_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v into_o his_o memory_n or_o bare_a natural_a understanding_n that_o simple_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n fruitful_a unto_o god_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n word_n must_v be_v open_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n word_n be_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o open_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v as_o so_o many_o seed_n a_o plentiful_a harvest_n where_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n yield_v its_o fruit_n some_o thirty_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o always_o with_o some_o increase_n so_o that_o although_o scripture_n word_n have_v a_o most_o excellent_a service_n and_o use_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o open_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o soil_n be_v with_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o yet_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o scripture_n word_n but_o yield_v a_o increase_n of_o other_o word_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v yield_v more_o grain_n than_o what_o be_v sow_v these_o and_o such_o like_a open_n in_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n have_v live_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o as_o concern_v prayer_n time_n after_o time_n and_o have_v at_o the_o present_a writing_n be_v live_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o many_o more_o which_o here_o i_o present_a to_o all_o friendly_a and_o love_a reader_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v for_o a_o general_a service_n where_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n i_o hope_v sober_o and_o fair_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n not_o name_v any_o person_n or_o party_n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n or_o dislike_v only_o with_o some_o fervency_n but_o yet_o in_o true_a love_n i_o have_v reprove_v and_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o set_a form_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o i_o aim_v against_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o read_n to_o be_v prayer_n itself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o simple_o against_o read_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o age_n past_a some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o some_o reason_n that_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n also_o concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n quest._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o ask_n of_o he_o in_o faith_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v or_o do_v desire_v q._n what_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o great_a name_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o want_v as_o to_o ourselves_o 3._o we_o be_v also_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o for_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v who_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o expire_v yea_o for_o our_o great_a enemy_n also_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o god_n may_v build_v she_o up_o more_o and_o more_o preserve_v and_o defend_v she_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n more_o abundant_o upon_o she_o and_o upon_o her_o member_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v
he_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o and_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o freedom_n although_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o use_v set_a form_n may_v and_o do_v quench_v the_o spirit_n as_o unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o limit_v or_o quench_v or_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n remain_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o to_o be_v help_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n either_o in_o the_o conceive_n or_o utter_v they_o they_o grant_v indeed_o so_o far_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a to_o pray_v acceptable_o unto_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v up_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o excite_v in_o we_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o the_o do_v of_o this_o as_o they_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a help_v of_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o when_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v as_o otherwise_o but_o why_o do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n remain_v in_o the_o true_a church_n see_v they_o general_o confess_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o some_o considerable_a time_n since_o they_o say_v it_o cease_v with_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o for_o this_o that_o be_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o because_o some_o of_o these_o gift_n which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o less_o necessary_a do_v cease_v or_o discontinue_v that_o therefore_o this_o allo_fw-la do_v cease_v with_o those_o other_o and_o see_v they_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v whether_o this_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o no._n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o some_o have_v it_o and_o as_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n be_v cease_v in_o respect_n to_o help_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n so_o other_o do_v as_o confident_o say_v to_o wit_n the_o socinian_o and_o pelagian_n that_o it_o be_v cease_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o either_o to_o help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n or_o excite_v our_o affection_n but_o that_o man_n by_o his_o free_a will_n help_v by_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o immediate_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v pray_v sufficient_o both_o with_o good_a word_n and_o fervent_a affection_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o will_v say_v they_o be_v help_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n mediate_o and_o remote_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o why_o do_v they_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o help_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o exciting_a the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o and_o as_o near_o and_o immediate_o and_o close_o as_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o not_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o such_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n do_v not_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n as_o well_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n counsel_n understanding_n as_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o intellectual_a grace_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n shall_v not_o these_o intellectual_a grace_n be_v make_v fruitful_a by_o the_o spirit_n and_o understanding_n in_o who_o they_o reside_v and_o be_v place_v as_o well_o as_o these_o other_o in_o the_o will._n again_o will_v they_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n at_o least_o in_o meditation_n or_o will_v they_o confine_v we_o to_o see_v ☞_o form_n of_o meditation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o suppose_v not_o see_v no_o such_o set_a form_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o they_o themselves_o take_v liberty_n to_o their_o meditation_n upon_o religious_a matter_n and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n these_o say_a meditation_n and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v reckon_v at_o time_n the_o spirit_n help_v they_o to_o conceive_v these_o meditation_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o word_n and_o further_o the_o word_n of_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whence_o come_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n no_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o man_n who_o conceive_v they_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o conception_n if_o they_o say_v nay_o they_o will_v render_v the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o small_a value_n what_o the_o people_n in_o that_o respect_n but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n do_v help_v they_o to_o form_v these_o conception_n of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o set_a prayer_n than_o such_o a_o gift_n be_v not_o cease_v in_o the_o true_a church_n for_o it_o be_v in_o these_o man_n who_o pen_v and_o conceive_v those_o prayer_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o man_n now_o to_o conceive_v other_o word_n of_o prayer_n but_o 4._o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n not_o only_o tend_v to_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n and_o quench_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o operation_n but_o also_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o understanding_n and_o divers_a other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n or_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o virtue_n seat_v and_o plant_v in_o they_o altogether_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o respect_n of_o prayer_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o understanding_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o paul_n say_v i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o for_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n than_o there_o be_v no_o room_n nor_o place_n nor_o liberty_n leave_v for_o it_o to_o bring_v forth_o prayer_n in_o any_o other_o form_n the_o which_o seem_v very_o as_o absurd_a to_o i_o as_o who_o will_v limit_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o only_o such_o a_o limit_a and_o determine_v number_n of_o form_n of_o vegetable_n flower_n and_o fruit_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o limit_v she_o as_o to_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n of_o each_o form_n which_o we_o know_v be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o the_o form_n of_o all_o live_n and_o grow_v thing_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o spring_v out_o from_o their_o respective_a seed_n principle_n and_o cause_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o grow_v but_o wither_v and_o die_v and_o as_o the_o form_n of_o vegetable_n must_v not_o be_v limit_v and_o stint_v to_o such_o peculiar_a figure_n and_o dimension_n much_o less_o the_o form_n of_o animal_n and_o yet_o far_o less_o the_o form_n and_o figure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o face_n for_o among_o all_o the_o many_o million_o of_o mankind_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n never_o be_v any_o two_o find_v but_o do_v more_o or_o less_o differ_v in_o outward_a form_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o face_n or_o countenance_n and_o sure_o as_o differ_v as_o man_n body_n and_o face_n be_v so_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o do_v the_o thought_n or_o conception_n of_o their_o understanding_n differ_v and_o to_o limit_v they_o all_o to_o one_o form_n of_o inward_a conception_n of_o word_n be_v as_o vain_a as_o to_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o man_n to_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o visage_n or_o countenance_n and_o he_o who_o will_v go_v about_o to_o limit_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o child_n body_n and_o face_n in_o the_o mother_n womb_n to_o another_o shape_n and_o form_n than_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v design_v to_o have_v will_v do_v amiss_o and_o be_v occasion_n of_o cause_v the_o womb_n to_o miscarry_v and_o render_v it_o barren_a rather_o than_o any_o way_n to_o help_v it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o that_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n may_v show_v itself_o in_o other_o exercise_n and_o performance_n whereas_o man_n also_o may_v use_v his_o gift_n free_o as_o in_o preach_v write_v conference_n etc._n etc._n but_o why_o not_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o these_o other_o for_o to_o restrict_n yea_o and_o to_o hinder_v and_o stop_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n seat_v therein_o in_o one_o respect_n be_v of_o a_o tendency_n to_o stop_v its_o fruitfulness_n and_o render_v it_o barren_a in_o other_o respect_n a_o woman_n that_o be_v with_o
of_o god_n help_n and_o assistance_n may_v and_o do_v at_o time_n refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o may_v and_o do_v excite_v or_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n in_o they_o with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n at_o season_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v put_v in_o their_o true_a and_o right_a place_n and_o account_v and_o value_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o not_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v when_o hear_v or_o read_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v account_v hear_v and_o read_v as_o they_o be_v and_o not_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v not_o for_o hear_v and_o read_v be_v thing_n differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_a from_o pray_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o same_o and_o the_o great_a service_n and_o advantage_n that_o read_v or_o hear_v word_n of_o prayer_n read_v by_o another_o unto_o we_o have_v or_o indeed_o can_v have_v be_v but_o preparatory_a to_o excite_v or_o stir_v up_o unto_o prayer_n and_o then_o only_o can_v they_o do_v so_o much_o but_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o concur_v and_o give_v his_o assistance_n with_o they_o but_o if_o people_n confound_v these_o so_o differ_v thing_n and_o set_v up_o the_o bare_a read_n or_o hear_v what_o be_v read_v in_o the_o place_n or_o room_n of_o true_a prayer_n as_o if_o they_o be_v true_a prayer_n itself_o they_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v that_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v those_o word_n however_o so_o good_a yea_o though_o scripture_n word_n and_o altogether_o blast_v and_o make_v ineffectual_a and_o unprofitable_a those_o exercise_n which_o otherwise_o and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n confound_v but_o keep_v distinct_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o thing_n judge_v or_o esteem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o or_o above_o what_o it_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o which_o in_o this_o very_a case_n be_v downright_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n as_o to_o judge_n that_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o true_a prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v so_o and_o real_o so_o judge_v and_o esteem_v be_v false_a and_o a_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n for_o i_o know_v no_o midst_n betwixt_o true_a divine_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n under_o that_o head_n of_o worship_n see_v all_o pretend_a divine_a worship_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a and_o if_o false_a it_o be_v a_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n now_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v well_o examine_v and_o consider_v whether_o the_o putting_z reading_z and_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a in_o so_o high_a a_o place_n as_o many_o put_v they_o if_o not_o most_o or_o all_o who_o use_v they_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v that_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o those_o exercise_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v and_o will_v give_v especial_o when_o those_o read_v prayer_n do_v altogether_o exclude_v those_o real_a prayer_n which_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o enable_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o bring_v they_o forth_o in_o word_n without_o any_o set_a form._n and_o why_o be_v it_o that_o many_o sensible_a and_o tender_a soul_n feel_v no_o virtue_n in_o many_o or_o most_o of_o those_o read_v prayer_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n feel_v great_a deadness_n and_o heavyness_n and_o great_a weight_n and_o burden_n in_o hear_v they_o which_o have_v occasion_v many_o to_o with_o draw_v and_o seek_v where_o to_o find_v a_o people_n where_o true_a and_o live_a prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v which_o effectual_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n along_o to_o join_v with_o they_o for_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a prayer_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v most_o effectual_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o where_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n join_v and_o go_v along_o by_o the_o move_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n both_o in_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n that_o be_v true_a prayer_n again_o if_o people_n shall_v not_o so_o far_o mis-place_n those_o thing_n as_o to_o judge_n read_v and_o hear_v read_v prayer_n to_o be_v prayer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o if_o they_o lean_a too_o much_o on_o they_o and_o rely_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v and_o have_v more_o a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o they_o than_o unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o also_o will_v make_v their_o read_n and_o hear_v or_o any_o other_o exercise_n ineffectual_a unto_o they_o and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o secoud_o i_o shall_v neither_o be_v so_o hard_a nor_o uncharitable_a but_o be_o very_o far_o from_o it_o as_o to_o judge_n that_o all_o they_o who_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o conceive_v or_o express_v word_n of_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o my_o charity_n be_v so_o large_a and_o free_a in_o that_o respect_n that_o i_o believe_v among_o all_o people_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o many_o of_o those_o call_v heathen_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o one_o only_a god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v at_o time_n visit_v with_o gentle_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v they_o true_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o true_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o high_a and_o sovereign_a act_n of_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o condescendence_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o another_o what_o he_o do_v to_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o their_o do_v what_o he_o only_o require_v of_o they_o and_o be_v please_v with_o in_o they_o 5._o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n in_o our_o day_n the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o that_o case_n those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o good_a canonical_a scripture_n as_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n or_o of_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o their_o psalm_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v answ._n these_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o come_v true_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v and_o assist_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o be_v no_o doubt_n real_a divine_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n but_o to_o compare_v or_o equal_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o we_o do_v not_o so_o to_o infer_v it_o be_v unequal_a for_o if_o all_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o original_o do_v live_o and_o pure_o proceed_v and_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hadbeen_a writ_n and_o ad_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o bulk_n or_o volumn_n of_o it_o have_v be_v too_o great_a yea_o many_o volume_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v they_o and_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v read_v they_o all_o therefore_o god_n have_v wise_o and_o gracious_o order_v it_o by_o his_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o part_n of_o these_o many_o testimony_n which_o have_v come_v from_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o preserve_v to_o all_o future_a generation_n which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o which_o have_v be_v unquestionable_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n among_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v have_v a_o true_a discern_a to_o favour_v these_o holy_a write_n and_o testimony_n and_o that_o what_o have_v be_v so_o write_v shall_v be_v general_o receive_v as_o unquestionable_a testimony_n and_o oracle_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o acknowledge_v as_o a_o public_a standard_n rule_n and_o touch-stove_n whereby_o to_o judge_n and_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n hold_v forth_o by_o any_o now_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o this_o public_a standard_n and_o touchstone_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v too_o large_a and_o voluminous_a but_o compendious_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v read_v over_o and_o diligent_o search_v and_o examine_v in_o a_o short_a time_n
in_o the_o preach_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n that_o stand_v on_o record_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o eloquence_n that_o either_o the_o master_n or_o disciple_n of_o that_o artificial_a eloquence_n so_o much_o admire_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o arrive_v or_o ever_o can_v arrive_v at_o mere_o as_o such_o and_o likewise_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v in_o respect_n of_o use_v any_o word_n at_o all_o in_o prayer_n whether_o extempore_o or_o by_o set_a form_n because_o to_o speak_v proper_o god_n be_v not_o move_v by_o any_o word_n and_o have_v need_n of_o they_o who_o know_v all_o ove_z most_o secret_a thought_n and_o desire_n without_o word_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o word_n be_v use_v to_o man_n because_o they_o have_v a_o leisure_n to_o excite_v their_o affection_n then_o i_o say_v and_o variety_n of_o word_n with_o new_a matter_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o like_a service_n and_o that_o more_o effectual_o as_o abundant_a experience_n do_v prove_v then_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n especial_o when_o the_o read_n be_v account_v prayer_n whereof_o we_o find_v no_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o ever_o at_o any_o time_n read_v be_v account_v prayer_n though_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n may_v and_o oft_o do_v follow_v and_o accompany_v serious_a read_n and_o hear_v 11._o they_o object_n that_o solomon_n forbid_v man_n to_o be_v rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n or_o to_o let_v their_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n say_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o answ._n but_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v therefore_o let_v thy_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n for_o here_o only_o he_o reprove_v vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o pharisaical_a spirit_n which_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n as_o christ_n do_v also_o reprove_v the_o same_o and_o certain_o solomon_n be_v far_o from_o forbid_v all_o extemporary_a prayer_n in_o these_o word_n eccles._n 5._o 2._o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o few_o word_n as_o well_o as_o marry_v for_o he_o use_v it_o himself_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o at_o other_o time_n although_o i_o shall_v willing_o grant_v that_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n without_o the_o spirit_n where_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n irreverent_o ramble_v and_o wander_v into_o airy_a imagination_n be_v here_o and_o every_o where_o else_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n and_o whereas_o some_o also_o except_o against_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n as_o be_v monstrous_a like_o because_o of_o the_o smallness_n or_o shortness_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o conception_n and_o birth_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n however_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n that_o can_v have_v no_o place_n against_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o such_o objector_n will_v also_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n make_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a as_o be_v monstrous_a or_o monster_n on_o that_o account_n but_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v more_o sober_a and_o though_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o time_n be_v very_o short_a as_o perhaps_o a_o moment_n or_o instant_n betwixt_o the_o conception_n and_o birth_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n yet_o the_o substance_n and_o root_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o life_n of_o true_a prayer_n do_v chief_o consist_v be_v long_a time_n conceive_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o its_o outward_a birth_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a abide_a thing_n in_o the_o soul._n 12._o many_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v use_v or_o do_v as_o yet_o use_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n discover_v many_o weakness_n in_o those_o prayer_n as_o vain_a repetition_n impertinent_a say_n light_n and_o airy_a phrase_n and_o unsound_a matter_n and_o expression_n to_o the_o cause_v many_o people_n to_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v pious_o and_o religious_o affect_v with_o those_o prayer_n and_o see_v few_o if_o any_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o word_n conceive_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o yet_o public_a prayer_n in_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o people_n be_v necessary_a be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o sound_a word_n then_o to_o adventure_v on_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n without_o the_o spirit_n answ._n as_o for_o all_o these_o weakness_n which_o man_n have_v discover_v or_o may_v discover_v in_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v they_o reflect_v as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o when_o most_o of_o these_o weakness_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v in_o man_n who_o pray_v without_o any_o pretence_n unto_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o belief_n that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o such_o man_n i_o confess_v shall_v lay_v aside_o their_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v and_o wait_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v help_n from_o he_o to_o pray_v first_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o it_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o these_o also_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o so_o but_o be_v mere_o guide_v by_o their_o float_a and_o airy_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n shall_v desist_v from_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o come_v with_o silence_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a and_o in_o the_o same_o wait_n for_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o help_v their_o infirmity_n whether_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v or_o with_o distinct_a and_o audible_a expression_n but_o sure_o these_o who_o indeed_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n keep_v close_o and_o chaste_o to_o the_o same_o throughout_o from_o first_o to_o last_o bewray_v none_o of_o these_o weakness_n and_o though_o they_o may_v use_v repetition_n yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v to_o use_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o they_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o profitable_a and_o like_o the_o warble_a note_n repeat_v sound_v of_o a_o skilful_a musician_n in_o a_o musical_a descant_n which_o render_v the_o method_n more_o sweet_a and_o please_a and_o such_o serious_a grave_a and_o weighty_a repetition_n we_o find_v oft_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o these_o also_o who_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v need_n that_o they_o use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n for_o some_o who_o have_v hear_v these_o set_a form_n have_v be_v as_o much_o disgu_v and_o offend_v with_o the_o many_o repetition_n they_o find_v there_o as_o other_o with_o those_o elsewhere_o now_o it_o may_v at_o time_n happen_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v partly_o assist_v and_o help_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n and_o good_a and_o servant_n affection_n and_o yet_o through_o humane_a weakness_n may_v discover_v some_o frailty_n in_o his_o prayer_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o discourage_v but_o great_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v by_o all_o who_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n even_o a_o pure_a offer_n and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v pure_a and_o suppose_v few_o or_o none_o in_o many_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o spirit_n help_v they_o to_o conceive_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n for_o if_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v once_o receive_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n give_v his_o assistance_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v it_o and_o who_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o it_o or_o fit_a to_o bestow_v it_o on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o word_n true_o edify_v quicken_a and_o refresh_v as_o people_n do_v but_o wait_v a_o little_a time_n in_o sincerity_n for_o such_o a_o divine_a gift_n it_o will_v be_v give_v to_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o they_o and_o until_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v better_a to_o pray_v with_o affection_n of_o heart_n though_o without_o all_o word_n and_o wait_v in_o silence_n for_o a_o further_a gift_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o to_o be_v rash_a or_o hasty_a to_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n either_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la or_o in_o a_o set_a form._n and_o to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o many_o who_o can_v bear_v well_o long_o or_o much_o silence_n such_o as_o be_v serious_a and_o best_a affect_v as_o they_o find_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n may_v read_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o unto_o their_o family_n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o that_o read_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n or_o worship_n but_o only_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o excite_v prayer_n and_o good_a affection_n and_o desire_v in_o they_o as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o concur_v and_o give_v his_o blessing_n unto_o the_o same_o and_o also_o for_o information_n and_o doctrine_n what_o be_v there_o say_v all_o along_o in_o this_o treatise_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n help_v to_o conceive_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v also_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o sing_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o serve_v equal_o for_o the_o other_o for_o all_o sing_v and_o praise_v with_o a_o psalm_n or_o psalm_n in_o gospel_n time_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o some_o have_v a_o psalm_n to_o utter_v or_o express_v in_o word_n and_o other_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o not_o aâ—_n audible_a noise_n pronounce_v the_o same_o word_n as_o some_o have_v a_o doctrine_n and_o some_o a_o revelation_n some_o a_o interpretation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o the_o end_n ☞_o
more_o and_o more_o qualify_v they_o for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o open_v a_o effectual_a door_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o it_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o faithful_a labourer_n to_o work_v and_o labour_n in_o his_o vine-yard_n and_o last_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o god_n may_v incline_v their_o heart_n to_o do_v good_a and_o just_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n that_o we_o may_v live_v a_o quiet_a and_o a_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o magistracy_n its_o be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v of_o god._n q._n what_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o as_o to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o only_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o soul_n or_o be_v they_o temporal_a thing_n also_o such_o as_o riches_n or_o increase_v of_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n or_o health_n if_o one_o be_v in_o sickness_n and_o liberty_n if_o one_o be_v in_o in_o prison_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o pray_v for_o riches_n or_o great_a plenty_n of_o worldly_a and_o temporal_a thing_n may_v we_o not_o at_o lest_o pray_v for_o our_o necessary_a provision_n as_o food_n and_o raiment_n as_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n say_v give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread._n a._n as_o for_o riches_n or_o great_a plenty_n of_o worldly_a and_o temporal_a thing_n we_o find_v no_o precept_n nor_o example_n to_o commend_v it_o as_o a_o lawful_a thing_n unto_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bestow_v they_o in_o blessing_n mens_fw-la sober_a and_o lawful_a calling_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n and_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prave_v unto_o that_o he_o may_v give_v those_o who_o have_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o faithful_a steward_n of_o they_o especial_o to_o minister_v unto_o other_o who_o be_v in_o necessity_n for_o many_o tentation_n and_o snare_n do_v follow_v worldly_a riches_n next_o as_o to_o temporal_a or_o worldly_a necessity_n as_o food_n and_o raiment_n or_o health_n in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o liberty_n in_o case_n of_o bondage_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v with_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o so_o that_o sometime_o sickness_n and_o sometime_o imprisonment_n be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o other_o worldly_a affliction_n trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v send_v to_o we_o from_o god_n for_o some_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v main_o desire_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v sanctify_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o do_v we_o good_a may_v be_v full_o answer_v in_o all_o of_o they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o command_v any_o where_o in_o scripture_n or_o lay_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o pray_v for_o any_o temporal_a or_o worldly_a thing_n whatsoever_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o teach_v or_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o seek_v or_o be_v careful_a what_o they_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o to_o be_v clothe_v but_o say_v he_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o so_o here_o be_v a_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o these_o thing_n although_o we_o do_v not_o ask_v for_o they_o and_o he_o say_v further_o the_o gentile_n seek_v after_o these_o thing_n import_v that_o even_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o temporal_a necessity_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gentile_n religion_n which_o be_v but_o low_a and_o weak_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o lead_v further_a to_o ask_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o mind_n worldly_n or_o temporal_a and_o christ_n say_v unto_o they_o further_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n matth._n 6._o 31_o 32_o 33._o hereby_o signify_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v they_o they_o will_v be_v give_v we_o because_o we_o have_v a_o provident_a and_o tender_a father_n that_o regard_v we_o and_o all_o our_o necessity_n even_o as_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n provide_v for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o thing_n we_o want_v when_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ask_v they_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o infancy_n and_o as_o to_o these_o word_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v say_v give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o daily_a bread._n that_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o bread_n be_v the_o natural_a bread_n that_o the_o natural_a and_o outward_a body_n want_v and_o jerome_n one_o of_o the_o father_n so_o call_v who_o live_v above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n ago_o do_v read_v or_o translate_v the_o word_n give_v we_o this_o day_n our_o super_fw-la substantial_a bread_n the_o which_o translation_n many_o call_v learned_a man_n say_v the_o greek_a will_v bear_v but_o pass_v the_o translation_n it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a and_o improbable_a that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o natural_a bread_n which_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a and_o corruptible_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o petition_n in_o that_o prayer_n in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o the_o three_o former_a petition_n relate_v especial_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o be_v place_v in_o order_n before_o that_o petition_n wherein_o he_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o next_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v into_o tentation_n but_o that_o god_n will_v deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a or_o the_o evil_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o devil_n now_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o two_o last_o petition_n be_v spiritual_a thing_n how_o unprobable_a be_v it_o that_o christ_n will_v teach_v they_o to_o seek_v first_o a_o temporal_a thing_n such_o as_o the_o outward_a and_o natural_a bread_n be_v before_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o bid_v they_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o which_o comprehend_v all_o spiritual_a thing_n q._n but_o do_v not_o our_o heavenly_a father_n know_v all_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v need_n of_o as_o well_o as_o the_o temporal_a and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o pray_v for_o the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o a._n we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o inform_v the_o lord_n that_o we_o want_v they_o or_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v that_o we_o want_v those_o thing_n before_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o he_o know_v most_o perfect_o all_o our_o want_n even_o the_o most_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a before_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o from_o who_o all-seeing_a eye_n nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v but_o the_o great_a cause_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v that_o thereby_o our_o desire_n be_v enlarge_v the_o more_o after_o they_o our_o love_n be_v excite_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o gracious_a gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o be_v thereby_o quicken_v and_o â—et_a on_o work_n in_o true_a prayer_n all_o which_o tend_v to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o promote_a we_o in_o the_o same_o and_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v join_v and_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v refresh_v with_o his_o love_n and_o divine_a influence_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o partake_v more_o abundant_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o taste_v and_o feed_v upon_o his_o live_a word_n which_o be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o bread_n and_o meat_n and_o drink_v oâ—_n any_o most_o comfortable_a thing_n be_v unto_o the_o body_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a enjoyment_n be_v enlarge_v in_o and_o by_o true_a prayer_n this_o as_o it_o be_v both_z gives_z and_o increase_v the_o soul_n appetite_n after_o god_n and_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o raise_v it_o on_o high_a above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o the_o desire_n thereof_o and_o according_o damascen_n and_o augustine_n do_v well_o describe_v prayer_n to_o be_v the_o ascent_n or_o lift_v up_o