be_v utter_v rom._n 8._o 26._o which_o word_n be_v far_o from_o assert_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o our_o prayer_n though_o they_o be_v urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n for_o that_o purpose_n for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v inspire_v it_o for_o as_o to_o that_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v well_o instruct_v already_o by_o their_o christian_a institution_n but_o all_o that_o be_v affirm_v be_v that_o the_o spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o a_o most_o devout_a and_o affectionate_a manner_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o be_v with_o earnest_n and_o flagrant_a affection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n the_o text_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v the_o inspiration_n of_o they_o that_o it_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v utter_v or_o word_v and_o sure_o to_o inspire_v we_o with_o affection_n that_o be_v too_o big_a for_o word_n can_v imply_v the_o inspiration_n of_o word_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v intercede_v for_o we_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v utter_v can_v imply_v no_o more_o than_o his_o exciting_a in_o we_o the_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n viz._n by_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o such_o fervent_a and_o devout_a affection_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v it_o acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o be_v proper_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o for_o as_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n in_o heaven_n do_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o the_o father_n and_o enforce_v they_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n so_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v our_o advocate_n upon_o earth_n beget_v in_o we_o those_o affection_n which_o render_v our_o prayer_n prevalent_a and_o wing_n they_o with_o fervour_n and_o ardency_n the_o one_o plead_v with_o god_n for_o we_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n by_o kindle_v such_o desire_n there_o as_o render_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o other_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o present_v those_o desire_n and_o solicit_v their_o supply_n and_o acceptance_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o that_o stand_a and_o ordinary_a operation_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n and_o now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o determine_v the_o present_a case_n i_o shall_v only_o far_o inquire_v what_o it_o mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o stint_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o short_a therefore_o to_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n be_v a_o modern_a phrase_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o term_n of_o art_n coin_v and_o invent_v by_o our_o brethren_n and_o apply_v onlyto_o the_o present_a controversy_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o argument_n against_o form_n viz._n that_o they_o stint_v the_o spirit_n be_v very_o new_a since_o though_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v not_o only_o in_o the_o scripture_n age_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o but_o also_o in_o all_o successive_a age_n of_o christianity_n yet_o till_o very_o late_o we_o never_o hear_v on_o syllable_n of_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o they_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v this_o that_o by_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n we_o hinder_v the_o spirit_n from_o afford_v we_o some_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o for_o so_o our_o brethren_n explain_v the_o phrase_n viz._n that_o by_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n we_o restrain_v the_o spirit_n from_o give_v we_o that_o assistance_n which_o he_o ordinary_o vouchsafe_v in_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o now_o have_v full_o state_v the_o case_n the_o resolution_n of_o it_o will_v be_v short_a and_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n which_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a viz._n the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n the_o second_o ordinary_a and_o abide_v viz._n exciting_a the_o devotion_n and_o proper_a affection_n of_o prayer_n if_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n be_v stint_v hinder_v or_o restrain_v by_o form_n of_o prayer_n it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o inspire_v the_o word_n and_o matter_n or_o from_o exciting_a the_o affection_n of_o prayer_n as_o for_o the_o latter_a to_o which_o this_o phrase_n of_o stint_v be_v never_o apply_v by_o our_o brethren_n i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o it_o at_o large_a in_o the_o three_o case_n wherein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o restrain_v the_o devotion_n of_o it_o that_o they_o very_o much_o promote_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n that_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v extraordinary_a and_o intend_v only_o as_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o since_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n the_o spirit_n have_v stint_v himself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n can_v stint_v he_o for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v stint_v which_o be_v not_o and_o if_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o prayer_n how_o can_v it_o be_v limit_v by_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n have_v long_o since_o withdraw_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n how_o can_v it_o be_v now_o say_v that_o he_o be_v restrain_v from_o communicate_v it_o by_o any_o cause_n without_o he_o case_n ii_o whether_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o brief_a state_n of_o it_o according_a as_o it_o be_v put_v and_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n then_o they_o mean_v a_o ability_n to_o express_v our_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o in_o word_n befit_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o ability_n say_v they_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o his_o minister_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o god_n to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o god_n say_v they_o have_v give_v we_o this_o gift_n as_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o use_v public_a form_n of_o other_o man_n composure_n now_o before_o i_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o clergy_n only_o and_o not_o the_o laity_n for_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o minister_n to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o their_o congregation_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o people_n be_v they_o accountable_a for_o their_o minister_n fault_n or_o will_v god_n reject_v their_o sincere_a devotion_n because_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sinful_a omission_n if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o they_o to_o join_v in_o any_o public_a prayer_n at_o all_o whether_o they_o be_v form_n or_o extemporary_a they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o accountable_a for_o the_o nonsense_n impertinence_n and_o irreverence_n of_o their_o minister_n in_o the_o latter_a as_o for_o their_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o the_o former_a if_o therefore_o this_o omission_n be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o the_o people_n they_o join_v with_o he_o indeed_o in_o offer_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o form_n he_o pronounce_v but_o they_o join_v not_o with_o he_o in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o ability_n that_o be_v his_o own_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
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
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 have_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n remain_v among_o we_o but_o that_o we_o have_v manifest_a sign_n of_o the_o contrary_n 4._o and_o last_o that_o to_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o suppose_v more_o than_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v of_o viz._n that_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n be_v infallible_a and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o prayer_n be_v dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v as_o infallible_a as_o he_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o who_o infinite_a veracity_n will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o deceive_v and_o if_o so_o than_o whatsoever_o he_o dictate_v or_o inspire_v must_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o our_o prayer_n must_v be_v so_o too_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v 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