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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n according_a agree_v angel_n 19 3 6.3473 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47146 The fundamental truths of Christianity briefly hinted at by way of question and answer : to which is added a treatise of prayer in the same method / by George Keith. Keith, George, 1639?-1716.; Barclay, Robert, 1648-1690. 1688 (1688) Wing K168; ESTC R14276 61,969 152

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that_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n then_o receive_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v altogether_o unfitting_a that_o man_n shall_v use_v extemporary_a word_n of_o prayer_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lead_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n they_o utter_v for_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o frequent_o they_o will_v speak_v amiss_o and_o deviate_v or_o wander_v into_o impertinent_a expression_n or_o word_n contrary_a to_o truth_n who_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o a_o ship_n if_o she_o be_v let_v loose_a to_o sail_v without_o a_o pilot_n or_o one_o to_o rule_v the_o helm_n can_v but_o go_v astray_o and_o of_o two_o i_o have_v always_o judge_v it_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n since_o god_n give_v i_o a_o right_a understanding_n what_o prayer_n be_v rather_o to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n than_o to_o allow_v or_o permit_v man_n without_o a_o reproof_n to_o presume_v to_o speak_v word_n of_o prayer_n unto_o god_n of_o their_o own_o extemporary_a conceive_n without_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v unto_o it_o as_o many_o do_v not_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o plain_o deny_v and_o vigorous_o oppose_v all_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v clear_v or_o rid_v themselves_o of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o horrid_a impostor_n and_o cheat_n for_o when_o they_o argue_v with_o such_o as_o be_v for_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o for_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o make_v it_o the_o main_a argument_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o quench_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n but_o when_o they_o argue_v with_o these_o who_o be_v indeed_o for_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o who_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v unto_o in_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o be_v limit_v neither_o as_o to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n former_o make_v and_o compose_v by_o other_o nor_o as_o to_o a_o set_a time_n when_o man_n or_o man_n please_v to_o begin_v or_o end_v nor_o as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o may_v or_o do_v pray_v in_o assembly_n here_o these_o be_v as_o great_a limiter_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o any_o for_o they_o can_v and_o do_v pray_v when_o they_o will_v and_o how_o long_o they_o will_v begin_v and_o end_v when_o they_o will_v which_o do_v evince_n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o spirit_n time_n and_o season_n of_o move_v they_o to_o pray_o otherwise_o they_o will_v silent_o wait_v for_o it_o see_v few_o if_o any_o upon_o earth_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o pray_v vocal_o or_o in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o no_o prophecy_n come_v of_o old_a in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o no_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v now_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o man_n can_v use_v the_o spirit_n or_o its_o help_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v as_o they_o use_v a_o natural_a habit_n of_o write_v or_o sing_v or_o play_v upon_o a_o musical_a instrument_n which_o habit_n they_o can_v use_v at_o any_o time_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o they_o have_v the_o command_n over_o they_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v master_n of_o those_o natural_a habit_n and_o arts._n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o use_v it_o when_o and_o where_o and_o how_o he_o please_v for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v command_v lead_v and_o order_v they_o in_o all_o their_o service_n and_o so_o it_o do_v all_o other_o true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v therefore_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o wait_v the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n moving_n as_o those_o who_o at_o the_o pool_n wait_v for_o the_o stir_n of_o the_o water_n by_o the_o angel_n and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n and_o minister_n be_v bid_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o say_v christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o act_v 1._o 4._o again_o if_o those_o man_n be_v for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o prave_v by_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v suffer_v yea_o not_o only_o suffer_v but_o encourage_v any_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n to_o pray_v vocal_o or_o in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o they_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o sing_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v permit_v by_o these_o man_n who_o will_v suffer_v none_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o they_o give_v power_n unto_o to_o use_v vocal_a prayer_n in_o their_o assembly_n as_o if_o these_o man_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v master_n of_o a_o few_o natural_a art_n or_o at_o least_o call_v so_o be_v master_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v speak_v in_o none_o but_o who_o they_o please_v and_o give_v leave_n unto_o yea_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n must_v be_v silent_a in_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n at_o their_o will_n and_o command_v these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n which_o can_v be_v give_v do_v evince_n that_o these_o man_n though_o they_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n unto_o it_o for_o most_o part_n and_o unto_o true_a pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o who_o have_v no_o such_o pretence_n and_o they_o who_o have_v no_o such_o pretence_n as_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o conceive_v and_o utter_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o hundred_o fold_n more_o ingenious_a and_o more_o commendable_a on_o that_o account_n for_o their_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n who_o as_o they_o have_v not_o that_o divine_a gift_n of_o pray_v in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n so_o do_v not_o pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o simple_o and_o plain_o speak_v it_o out_o that_o they_o have_v it_o not_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o honest_o do_v than_o those_o do_v who_o have_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o that_o pretence_n deceive_v simple_a people_n as_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o conceive_v they_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la though_o the_o raw_a indigested_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o unsound_a expression_n as_o they_o often_o use_v as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a deadness_n and_o want_n of_o life_n that_o do_v accompany_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o most_o part_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n but_o that_o which_o add_v to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n to_o make_v it_o the_o great_a be_v that_o some_o yea_o many_o or_o they_o have_v get_v a_o art_n by_o affect_a eloquence_n or_o some_o new_a invent_a phrase_n follow_v with_o a_o mighty_a seem_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o play_v upon_o the_o people_n natural_a affection_n and_o passion_n and_o excite_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o the_o ignorant_a people_n for_o want_n of_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v do_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o real_a work_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o for_o most_o part_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o animal_n and_o natural_a passion_n in_o the_o hearer_n excite_v either_o by_o art_n in_o the_o speaker_n or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o same_o or_o like_a passion_n in_o they_o who_o speak_v both_o in_o their_o preach_n and_o praying_n for_o like_a stir_v up_o and_o beget_v its_o like_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n si_fw-mi vis_fw-la i_o flere_fw-la dolendum_fw-la est_fw-la primum_fw-la ipsitibi_fw-la i._n e._n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o weep_v thou_o must_v first_o weep_v thyself_o before_o i_o and_o though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v any_o true_a tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n or_o inward_a melt_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o real_a
empty_a of_o all_o thought_n or_o meditation_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o particular_a subject_n or_o matter_n of_o discourse_n and_o not_o have_v one_o particular_a subject_n more_o than_o another_o in_o his_o view_n but_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n single_o exercise_v towards_o god_n sudden_o and_o as_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n a_o particular_a subject_n be_v present_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o open_n of_o some_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o here_o the_o lord_n choose_v his_o text_n for_o he_o and_o ground_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v empty_a before_o of_o thought_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v now_o fill_v with_o live_a thought_n and_o meditation_n concern_v they_o be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v they_o forth_o by_o the_o shower_n or_o rain_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o at_o other_o time_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o as_o a_o little_a at_o first_o give_v and_o then_o a_o little_a more_o as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o order_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n either_o of_o the_o speaker_n or_o hearer_n do_v require_v it_o as_o even_o in_o natural_a conception_n of_o natural_a thing_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o fruitful_a understanding_n and_o a_o quick_a and_o ready_a invention_n upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n how_o sudden_o and_o as_o in_o a_o moment_n will_v plenty_n of_o good_a and_o pertinent_a matter_n arise_v in_o they_o to_o discourse_v of_o if_o in_o a_o lawyer_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n if_o in_o a_o physician_n to_o discourse_v of_o physic_n or_o in_o a_o philosopher_n to_o discourse_v of_o moral_a or_o natural_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n the_o which_o extemporary_a and_o ready_a discourse_n when_o they_o come_v from_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o real_a fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n have_v always_o more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a hearer_n than_o long_o study_v or_o premeditate_a speech_n which_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n smell_v of_o the_o lamp_n and_o have_v more_o of_o art_n than_o of_o nature_n in_o they_o and_o more_o of_o form_n than_o substance_n and_o extemporary_a discourse_n that_o flow_v and_o spring_v free_o from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o the_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n or_o faculty_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v and_o clear_a mind_n be_v like_o fresh_a water_n that_o have_v new_o stream_v from_o the_o live_a spring_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o that_o on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a than_o discourse_n long_o since_o premeditate_a and_o treasure_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n which_o through_o their_o oldness_n contract_v a_o certain_a tincture_n and_o lose_v of_o their_o freshness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o savour_n even_o as_o water_v long_o keep_v in_o 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mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o have_v as_o many_o and_o as_o various_a good_a and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o contain_v or_o comprehend_v only_o he_o be_v outward_o limit_v to_o those_o form_n as_o to_o his_o tongue_n and_o mouth_n whereas_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n do_v remain_v free_a to_o abound_v in_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n for_o the_o people_n who_o hear_v they_o may_v also_o abound_v in_o these_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o open_v a_o mouth_n in_o the_o assembly_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v as_o there_o be_v many_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o their_o own_o particular_a comfort_n and_o profit_v such_o as_o these_o which_o the_o people_n have_v who_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o there_o be_v 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comfortable_a it_o be_v now_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o calendar_n such_o prayer_n on_o such_o a_o day_n and_o other_o on_o other_o day_n as_o the_o calendar_n or_o order_n of_o the_o service_n require_v can_v these_o form_n be_v always_o or_o for_o most_o part_n seasonable_a to_o the_o people_n state_n and_o condition_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o spiris_fw-la shall_v regular_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o season_n and_o day_n of_o the_o year_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o think_v or_o imagine_v or_o how_o do_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o tell_v we_o daily_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o agree_v with_o paul_n word_n rom._n 28._o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o most_o of_o those_o set_a form_n be_v conceive_v in_o such_o general_a word_n that_o they_o may_v suit_v or_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v to_o suit_n or_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o a_o general_a way_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o suit_v they_o in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v another_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o prayer_n so_o much_o that_o relieve_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n as_o the_o life_n that_o go_v along_o in_o word_n that_o be_v utter_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o speaker_n as_o god_n give_v he_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o various_a and_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n according_a to_o which_o sense_n of_o their_o various_a state_n he_o be_v furnish_v both_o with_o suitable_a
heal_a and_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a nature_n more_o particular_o it_o have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o to_o kill_v consume_v and_o destroy_v sin_n both_o in_o fruit_n and_o root_n stock_n and_o branch_n 2._o to_o beget_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n patience_n humility_n joy_n peace_n hope_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n q._n how_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n convey_v unto_o man_n at_o first_o and_o how_o be_v it_o receive_v a._n as_o a_o small_a thing_n even_o as_o a_o seed_n the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n q._n and_o how_o be_v it_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o man_n heart_n a._n by_o its_o growth_n in_o they_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o they_o it_o do_v not_o multiply_v but_o remain_v as_o dead_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o they_o though_o live_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n q._n how_o do_v it_o grow_v in_o men._n a._n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o earth_n q._n how_o do_v it_o get_v root_n a._n it_o have_v a_o native_a virtue_n and_o influence_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n natural_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v it_o and_o though_o the_o ground_n where_o it_o seek_v to_o take_v root_n be_v foul_a and_o unfit_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o cleanse_n and_o fit_v virtue_n in_o it_o to_o prepare_v the_o ground_n and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o fit_a but_o it_o require_v man_n consent_n and_o concurrence_n which_o it_o act_n and_o god_n in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o draw_v and_o move_v effectual_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o q._n but_o may_v these_o drawing_n and_o move_n be_v common_o resist_v a._n yea_o they_o may_v and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o man_n himself_o and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o when_o begin_v in_o its_o progress_n q._n do_v god_n teach_v man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o godliness_n by_o this_o principle_n a._n yea_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_o and_o chaste_o wait_v upon_o believe_v and_o follow_v q._n but_o have_v he_o not_o his_o order_n in_o teach_v or_o do_v he_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o a._n he_o have_v his_o order_n and_o do_v not_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o but_o line_n upon_o line_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a according_a as_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v through_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o principle_n in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o teach_v in_o and_o by_o this_o principle_n a._n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o to_o live_v godly_a and_o when_o they_o have_v ascend_v by_o those_o degree_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n city_n house_n kingdom_n oud_a paradise_n where_o he_o give_v they_o to_o enjoy_v of_o these_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o because_o of_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o utterance_n or_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n after_o convincement_n or_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n a._n faith_n and_o repentance_n q._n what_o be_v faith_n a._n it_o be_v a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a light_n life_n and_o spirit_n within_o he_o q._n be_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n god_n and_o christ_n as_o inward_o reveal_v a._n yea._n q._n what_o faith_n then_o have_v they_o who_o say_v inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o man_n nay_o not_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n a._n they_o have_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n and_o imagination_n which_o as_o it_o findetn_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n so_o it_o leave_v they_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v repentance_n a._n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n from_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n unto_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n so_o that_o whereas_o it_o love_v desire_a and_o rejoice_v in_o sin_n before_o and_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n therefrom_o now_o it_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o sin_n universal_o and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n from_o it_o and_o a_o true_a and_o intimate_a love_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n desire_v after_o it_o and_o joy_n therein_o and_o more_o abundant_o after_o and_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o it_o be_v q._n how_o be_v this_o repentance_n wrought_v a._n by_o degree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n his_o life_n his_o love_n his_o judgement_n his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n reveal_v in_o his_o own_o light_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v turn_v thereunto_o and_o continue_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o fix_a application_n unto_o the_o same_o this_o natural_o and_o gentle_o melt_v and_o thaw_v the_o heart_n and_o break_v it_o into_o piece_n yea_o change_v it_o from_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o natural_o to_o savour_n and_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o it_o hate_v before_o and_o to_o disrelish_v and_o distaste_v the_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o it_o love_v before_o q._n what_o rule_n or_o law_n have_v god_n give_v unto_o man_n to_o serve_v obey_v and_o worship_n he_o a._n even_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n aforesaid_a the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v and_o shall_v remain_v upon_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o condemnation_n unto_o they_o but_o justification_n and_o approbation_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o concern_v prayer_n i._o some_o question_n answer_v ii_o some_o reason_n give_v why_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o only_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o the_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n iii_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 as_o if_o that_o read_v be_v prayer_n answer_v also_o a_o few_o word_n concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n by_o g._n k._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o love_v and_o friendly_a reader_n since_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v i_o some_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n what_o true_a prayer_n be_v after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v with_o many_o other_o to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n to_o believe_v and_o walk_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v see_v and_o open_v many_o true_a and_o fresh_a and_o live_a open_n have_v arisen_a in_o i_o concern_v prayer_n the_o nature_n use_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v acceptable_o perform_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v and_o help_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n to_o pray_v how_o he_o work_v not_o only_o upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a with_o good_a and_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o art_n or_o exercise_v of_o prayer_n but_o also_o how_o he_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a power_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o give_v to_o man_n a_o true_a and_o real_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o want_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o other_o for_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o also_o of_o the_o love_n mercy_n bounty_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o readiness_n and_o nearness_n of_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o supply_v all_o his_o and_o their_o want_n abundant_o when_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o see_v the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n where_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v drink_v and_o also_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v rich_o spread_v where_o it_o may_v eat_v abundant_o and_o be_v refresh_v and_o bless_v and_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