of_o the_o mind_n unto_o god._n now_o the_o soul_n appetite_n after_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o it_o as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v unto_o the_o body_n for_o as_o the_o bodily_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n 1._o make_v the_o nourishment_n which_o the_o body_n receive_v comfortable_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o it_o and_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o bodily_a health_n in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o 3._o it_o cause_v a_o good_a digestion_n so_o that_o the_o body_n be_v the_o better_a and_o the_o more_o nourish_v even_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n appetite_n and_o desire_n after_o god_n and_o the_o refresh_n that_o come_v from_o his_o heavenly_a presence_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n as_o christ_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v david_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n psal._n 42._o 2._o the_o soul_n which_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o when_o it_o receive_v this_o enjoyment_n in_o any_o measure_n oh_o how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o hungry_a soul_n but_o the_o full_a soul_n even_o loathe_v the_o hony-comb_n whereas_o to_o the_o hungry_a soul_n every_o bitter_a thing_n be_v sweet_a yea_o even_o the_o judgement_n and_o chastning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o have_v need_v of_o they_o be_v sweet_a and_o precious_a unto_o it_o 2._o the_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o soul_n health_n and_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o 3._o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a food_n and_o nourishment_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v even_o that_o live_a bread_n and_o water_n of_o life_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n do_v the_o more_o nourish_v up_o the_o soul_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o grow_v the_o more_o up_o into_o the_o heavenly_a image_n and_o similitude_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o also_o in_o spiritual_n may_v and_o strength_n and_o likewise_o in_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o more_o that_o the_o soul_n desire_n be_v enlarge_v after_o god_n so_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n desire_v the_o more_o it_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o bread_n be_v christ_n the_o live_a word_n and_o the_o more_o it_o feed_v the_o more_o it_o grow_v and_o be_v nourish_v up_o unto_o his_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a image_n and_o the_o more_o it_o be_v nourish_v and_o grow_v the_o more_o again_o it_o desire_v after_o god._n and_o beside_o in_o the_o true_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o true_a attractive_a virtue_n so_o to_o speak_v which_o draw_v or_o suck_v the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n isa._n 12._o 3._o and_o both_o draw_v life_n from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o draw_v the_o soul_n after_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o desire_n that_o we_o have_v after_o the_o air_n cause_v we_o to_o suck_v or_o draw_v it_o in_o to_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o infant_n desire_v after_o the_o mother_n milk_n cause_v it_o to_o suck_v and_o draw_v at_o the_o breast_n thus_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n and_o christ_n draw_v in_o a_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a divine_a breathe_v of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n which_o it_o again_o breathe_v forth_o in_o holy_a breathe_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o those_o soul_n who_o desire_n be_v live_v and_o fresh_a after_o god_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v appear_v why_o we_o shall_v pray_v rather_o and_o most_o if_o not_o only_o and_o altogether_o for_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a then_o for_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a thing_n because_o the_o desire_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n do_v purify_v and_o sanctify_v the_o soul_n and_o raise_v it_o up_o after_o they_o and_o make_v the_o soul_n like_v unto_o they_o yea_o transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o likeness_n of_o they_o for_o love_n and_o desire_n have_v a_o wonderful_a transform_a power_n in_o they_o whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o the_o love_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spritual_a thing_n make_v the_o soul_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o godly_a and_o godlike_a and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v it_o christ-like_a and_o to_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o manifold_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a thing_n make_v not_o the_o soul_n heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a but_o rather_o earthly_a and_o worldly_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n q._n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n be_v prayer_n to_o be_v distinguish_v a._n prayer_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a as_o also_o it_o be_v either_o mental_a or_o vocal_a mental_a prayer_n be_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o heart_n unto_o or_o after_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v lam._n 2._o 18._o their_o heart_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26._o 9_o say_v with_o my_o soul_n have_v i_o desire_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n yea_o with_o my_o spirit_n within_o i_o will_v i_o seek_v thou_o early_o again_o mental_a prayer_n may_v be_v either_o with_o word_n conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n but_o not_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n and_o lip_n as_o that_o of_o the_o psalm_n 4._o 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o as_o the_o old_a latin_a have_v it_o speak_v in_o your_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v still_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o mental_a prayer_n be_v that_o which_o abraham_n servant_n use_v gen._n 24._o 45._o and_o say_v he_o before_o i_o have_v do_v speak_v in_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o that_o of_o moses_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n exod._n 14._o 15._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n wherefore_o ery_a thou_o unto_o i_o but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o any_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v express_v by_o moses_n at_o that_o time_n or_o that_o to_o wit_n mental_a prayer_n may_v be_v without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o conceive_v in_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o deep_a silence_n of_o all_o word_n such_o as_o that_o in_o the_o psalm_n 62._o 1._o where_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v true_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a unto_o god._n for_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 and_o that_o desire_n may_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n without_o word_n so_o much_o as_o conceive_v even_o as_o a_o natural_a desire_n after_o meat_n or_o drink_n may_v be_v in_o we_o without_o word_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o praver_fw-mi that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n without_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v the_o which_o prayer_n be_v oft_o time_n the_o most_o effectual_a and_o permanent_a for_o it_o may_v remain_v continual_o in_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o intermission_n as_o it_o do_v in_o every_o good_a man_n by_o which_o prayer_n he_o do_v pray_v continual_o or_o without_o cease_v as_o the_o scripture_n require_v for_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o god_n may_v remain_v a_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a thing_n by_o which_o it_o continual_o prefle_v after_o god_n as_o the_o stone_n continual_o incline_v to_o the_o centre_n or_o as_o the_o needle_n of_o the_o compass_n that_o be_v well_o touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n and_o have_v drink_v in_o or_o receive_v the_o magnetical_a virtue_n thereof_o continual_o point_v northward_o and_o if_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n divert_v by_o any_o violent_a motion_n it_o cease_v not_o until_o it_o have_v arrive_v at_o its_o former_a station_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v effectual_o touch_v with_o god_n live_a arm_n and_o power_n that_o its_o desire_n be_v continual_o after_o he_o and_o that_o desire_n cause_v in_o it_o a_o continual_a motion_n towards_o he_o and_o to_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a will_n to_o know_v and_o perform_v it_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v unto_o god_n both_o with_o the_o heart_n and_o mouth_n in_o word_n audible_o utter_v or_o express_v and_o betwixt_o mental_a and_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v a_o mix_a sort_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o audible_o express_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o other_o
prayer_n they_o will_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v care_n to_o supply_v it_o another_o way_n that_o every_o day_n at_o least_o inward_o if_o not_o outward_o they_o have_v frequent_a time_n to_o be_v retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v shut_v and_o there_o in_o secret_a to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n lay_v aside_o all_o worldly_a thought_n for_o that_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o neglect_v this_o exercise_n or_o lay_v it_o aside_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o constant_a and_o continual_a sort_n of_o prayer_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o soul_n desire_n after_o god_n and_o may_v well_o be_v without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v for_o no_o doubt_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v this_o constant_a sort_n of_o prayer_n that_o consist_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o will_n and_o desire_v and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o keep_v their_o heart_n continual_o in_o a_o godly_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n but_o notwithstanding_o of_o this_o they_o use_v also_o frequent_a solemn_a time_n of_o that_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o exercise_v not_o only_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o the_o understanding_n also_o whereby_o they_o speak_v unto_o god_n at_o least_o in_o their_o heart_n word_n of_o prayer_n which_o some_o call_v discursive_a prayer_n or_o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n the_o which_o be_v frequent_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o every_o true_a and_o good_a christian_a for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n and_o desire_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o continual_a thing_n and_o without_o the_o say_v discursive_a prayer_n use_v at_o least_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o frequent_o the_o prayer_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o will_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a yea_o languish_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extinguish_v unless_o it_o be_v help_v and_o assist_v with_o discursive_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n in_o the_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n when_o due_o and_o right_o perform_v excit_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o desire_n even_o as_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o bellows_o make_v the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o better_a and_o raise_v it_o into_o a_o bright_a and_o burn_a flame_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o desire_n which_o be_v principal_o lodge_v in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o continual_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o live_a man_n which_o must_v be_v preserve_v and_o assist_v with_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o outward_a labour_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o body_n without_o which_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v soon_o fail_v and_o he_o extinguish_v nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o any_o to_o excuse_v their_o not_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n by_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o not_o be_v call_v or_o move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o whoever_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o frequent_o call_v and_o move_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a exercise_n so_o exceed_v necessary_a to_o every_o true_a christian_a it_o be_v too_o manifest_a a_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o earthly_a also_o that_o they_o have_v quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o resist_v the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o be_v get_v into_o a_o false_a liberty_n of_o their_o fleshly_a will_n out_o from_o under_o the_o yoke_n and_o cross_n of_o christ_n whereas_o all_o such_o who_o keep_v under_o his_o bless_a yoke_n and_o cross_n to_o crucify_v self_n and_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n thereof_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o live_n tender_a and_o sensible_a condition_n of_o soul_n and_o heart_n and_o these_o feel_v the_o calling_n and_o move_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o they_o to_o prayer_n meditation_n give_v of_o thanks_o and_o all_o other_o necessary_a duty_n and_o such_o continual_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o be_v still_o wait_v for_o the_o spirit_n be_v gentle_a and_o soft_a breathe_n and_o the_o more_o they_o wait_v for_o they_o the_o more_o they_o find_v they_o and_o have_v experience_n of_o they_o q._n how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o spirit_n help_v and_o assist_v the_o faithful_a to_o pray_v in_o word_n either_o inward_o conceive_v and_o speak_v only_o in_o the_o heart_n unto_o god_n or_o outward_o express_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o other_o do_v he_o give_v or_o dictate_v to_o they_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n just_o so_o many_o in_o number_n and_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o do_v he_o make_v use_v only_o of_o their_o understanding_n and_o other_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o a_o passive_a way_n so_o as_o only_o to_o receive_v what_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o conduit_n or_o water-pipe_n only_o send_v out_o the_o water_n that_o be_v put_v into_o it_o or_o as_o the_o wax_n or_o clay_n only_o show_v the_o figure_n or_o form_n of_o the_o impression_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o seal_n a._n it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n for_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o feel_v and_o perceive_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o witness_v they_o than_o they_o can_v be_v utter_v or_o express_v in_o word_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o a_o man_n as_o how_o he_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_v and_o feel_v or_o how_o he_o speak_v and_o how_o the_o word_n arise_v from_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n until_o they_o come_v to_o his_o mouth_n and_o how_o the_o mouth_n tongue_n and_o lip_n do_v utter_v they_o and_o if_o these_o natural_a operation_n whereof_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v explain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o how_o much_o more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a be_v they_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a to_o be_v clear_o explain_v and_o express_v in_o word_n unless_o the_o lord_n give_v a_o ability_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n however_o somewhat_o may_v be_v say_v to_o those_o who_o have_v a_o single_a and_o honest_a desire_n to_o be_v inform_v that_o may_v be_v of_o service_n unto_o they_o but_o as_o for_o such_o who_o be_v only_o curious_a to_o pry_v into_o this_o mystery_n and_o lie_v at_o the_o â—atch_n to_o take_v advantage_n they_o be_v like_a to_o receive_v no_o satisfaction_n and_o now_o to_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v direct_o and_o positive_o thus_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o power_n be_v not_o whole_o and_o altogether_o passive_a and_o mere_o receptive_a or_o recipient_n in_o this_o case_n as_o water-conduit_n or_o wax_v and_o clay_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o seal_n but_o partly_o passive_a and_o partly_o active_a as_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o the_o production_n of_o its_o fruit_n and_o vegetable_n or_o as_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o mother_n be_v in_o bring_v forth_o of_o her_o child_n for_o both_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o woman_n be_v active_a as_o well_o as_o passive_a in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o respective_a birth_n and_o bring_v they_o forth_o from_o the_o seed_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v â—own_v the_o true_a seed_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o grow_v with_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a influence_n so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v quicken_v and_o make_v aâ—ive_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o divine-feed_n it_o have_v receive_v and_o the_o divine_a overshadowings_a of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n bring_v forth_o unto_o god._n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o dead_a and_o fruitlesssoul_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v empty_a of_o good_a fruit_n be_v compare_v to_o dry_a and_o barren_a tree_n and_o also_o to_o barren_a ground_n as_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v compare_v to_o good_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o thirty_o and_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o the_o pharisee_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n for_o now_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n every_o tree_n therefore_o that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n now_o true_a prayer_n be_v one_o of_o these_o good_a work_n and_o fruit_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a bring_v forth_o unto_o god_n the_o husbandman_n
but_o yet_o come_v up_o from_o the_o heart_n into_o the_o mouth_n where_o they_o be_v secret_o or_o silent_o whisper_v such_o as_o the_o prayer_n of_o hannah_n be_v 1_o sam._n 1._o 12_o 13._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o she_o continue_v pray_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o eli_n mark_v her_o mouth_n now_o hannah_n she_o speak_v in_o her_o heart_n only_o her_o lip_n move_v but_o her_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v etc._n etc._n q._n may_v vocal_a prayer_n in_o word_n that_o be_v audible_a to_o other_o at_o some_o distance_n be_v use_v in_o private_a when_o a_o man_n be_v alone_o by_o himself_o a._n upon_o some_o solemn_a or_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o may_v be_v use_v as_o if_o such_o a_o wicked_a law_n shall_v be_v make_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v pray_v unto_o god_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o daniel_n cap._n 7._o where_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o none_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n for_o thirty_o day_n but_o of_o the_o king_n daniel_n find_v himself_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o a_o law_n or_o decree_n that_o even_o his_o private_a prayer_n come_v under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o accuser_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o mere_a inward_a and_o mental_a prayer_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o it_o seem_v it_o have_v be_v daniel_n custom_n former_o so_o to_o do_v he_o live_v among_o idolater_n that_o so_o he_o may_v more_o abundant_o bear_v a_o testimony_n against_o their_o false_a worship_n and_o for_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god._n again_o 2._o vocal_a prayer_n in_o private_a may_v be_v the_o more_o free_o use_v when_o any_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o some_o remote_a or_o retire_a place_n where_o none_o be_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o hear_v they_o for_o sometime_o the_o earnestness_n and_o pressure_n of_o spirit_n in_o their_o earnest_a wrestle_n with_o the_o lord_n may_v provoke_v and_o constrain_v some_o to_o use_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o sometime_o the_o use_n of_o it_o help_v they_o that_o be_v weak_a to_o excite_v and_o make_v they_o more_o servant_n and_o lively_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v with_o great_a wariness_n and_o discretion_n when_o use_v in_o private_a to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o ostentation_n or_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v too_o incident_a to_o many_o who_o pray_v or_o cry_v out_o their_o private_a prayer_n of_o purpose_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v they_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v of_o old_a who_o hypocrisy_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v and_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n the_o best_a manner_n to_o perform_v their_o private_a devotion_n matth._n 6._o 6._o but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o now_o as_o this_o closet_n or_o secret_a chamber_n may_v partly_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v outward_a when_o man_n have_v the_o opportunity_n thereof_o or_o any_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n yet_o because_o it_o oft_o fall_v out_o to_o good_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o closet_n or_o outward_a place_n of_o retirement_n many_o be_v oft_o confine_v to_o a_o prison_n where_o they_o must_v always_o be_v in_o company_n with_o other_o and_o sometime_o with_o bad_a people_n in_o that_o case_n the_o lord_n servant_n have_v the_o closet_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o retire_v into_o at_o all_o time_n where_o they_o may_v free_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o here_o also_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o shut_v their_o door_n to_o wit_n the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n whereby_o shut_v out_o and_o exclude_v all_o idle_a and_o wander_a thought_n and_o imagination_n yea_o all_o thought_n even_o of_o their_o lawful_a occasion_n that_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n may_v be_v whole_o exercise_v for_o that_o space_n of_o time_n towards_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o assist_v they_o q_o be_v it_o not_o requisite_a and_o necessary_a that_o every_o true_a christian_a set_v apart_o some_o time_n every_o day_n in_o a_o solemn_a way_n for_o meditation_n and_o private_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o that_o some_o time_n be_v set_v apart_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o week_n by_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n for_o public_a worship_n where_o opportunity_n can_v be_v have_v a._n that_o some_o part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o private_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o wait_v upon_o god_n as_o well_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n and_o worship_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a performance_n be_v most_o clear_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n use_v frequent_a time_n of_o retirement_n to_o give_v themselves_o in_o a_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a way_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n as_o do_v abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n moses_n david_n elijah_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n but_o christ_n himself_o use_v such_o solemn_a time_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n as_o concern_v christ_n it_o be_v say_v matth._n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o have_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n apart_o to_o pray_o and_o when_o the_o evening_n be_v come_v he_o be_v there_o alone_o and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n or_o outward_a suffering_n at_o the_o place_n call_v gethsemane_n matth._n 26._o 36._o he_o retire_v from_o his_o disciple_n and_o pray_v alone_o at_o three_o several_a time_n say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v next_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v in_o the_o act_n cap._n 10._o 9_o that_o peter_n go_v up_o upon_o the_o house_n in_o some_o upper_a chamber_n to_o pray_v about_o the_o six_o hour_n which_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a account_n of_o hour_n be_v the_o middle_a of_o the_o day_n and_o no_o doubt_n peter_n make_v it_o his_o frequent_a practice_n to_o retire_v himself_o thus_o unto_o prayer_n and_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n lodging_n at_o the_o house_n of_o judas_n be_v exercise_v in_o prayer_n when_o ananias_n be_v send_v to_o he_o at_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o vision_n of_o ananias_n his_o come_n as_o peter_n have_v of_o the_o vessel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v at_o prayer_n in_o private_a in_o the_o house_n of_o simon_n the_o tanner_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v bless_v and_o countenance_v such_o solemn_a private_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n unto_o his_o servant_n and_o no_o doubt_n the_o same_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o servant_n christian_n of_o those_o time_n but_o as_o to_o any_o limit_a time_n for_o prayer_n we_o find_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o christian_n or_o those_o who_o live_v in_o gospel_n time_n under_o the_o law_n morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v accompany_v with_o prayer_n by_o the_o faithful_a david_n say_v morning_n and_o evening_n and_o midday_n he_o will_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n yea_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o daniel_n use_v thrice_o in_o the_o day_n to_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o sure_o the_o devotion_n and_o fervent_a zeal_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o in_o gospel_n time_n than_o be_v they_o under_o the_o law_n but_o rather_o more_o and_o more_o frequent_o exercise_v although_o christian_n be_v not_o under_o any_o tie_n or_o command_v give_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o time_n how_o oft_o to_o be_v retire_v out_o of_o all_o worldly_a occasion_n to_o give_v themselves_o solemn_o to_o prayer_n every_o day_n that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o as_o it_o teach_v all_o true_a christian_n what_o and_o how_o to_o pray_v so_o no_o doubt_n it_o show_v also_o the_o time_n when_o which_o time_n be_v frequent_a even_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n his_o moving_z of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n who_o be_v become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o moving_n and_o leading_n of_o the_o same_o and_o if_o by_o outward_a occasion_n such_o true_a and_o tender_a christian_n may_v be_v divert_v or_o hinder_v by_o some_o inevitable_a let_n or_o hindrance_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a as_o oft_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v either_o conveniency_n of_o time_n or_o place_n to_o be_v so_o frequent_o retire_v in_o the_o outward_a posture_n of_o
as_o a_o natural_a tree_n bring_v forth_o its_o natural_a fruit_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o activity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v assist_v and_o help_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o especial_o the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o heavenly_a dew_n and_o rains._n and_o certain_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n god_n move_v and_o wrought_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n thereof_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o cause_v they_o all_o to_o concur_v and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o holy_a prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o with_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bare_a passive_a instrument_n but_o partly_o active_a and_o partly_o passive_a for_o most_o part_n at_o least_o as_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o stile_n and_o different_a manner_n of_o expression_n use_v by_o the_o writer_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o gift_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o that_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o their_o beautiful_a form_n and_o shape_n and_o diversity_n of_o colour_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o earth_n alone_o nor_o from_o the_o sun_n and_o heaven_n alone_o but_o from_o both_o act_n partly_o together_o and_o as_o the_o child_n which_o the_o mother_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a linement_n and_o proportion_n of_o its_o form_n be_v not_o the_o mother_n child_n alone_o but_o the_o father_n also_o so_o all_o true_a preach_a and_o pray_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o true_a and_o right_a meditation_n and_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o other_o true_a spiritual_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n be_v a_o birth_n of_o two_o parent_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a soul_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o god_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o faithful_a soul_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ_n wife_n because_o as_o the_o wife_n bring_v forth_o true_a and_o lawful_a child_n to_o her_o husband_n lawful_o beget_v of_o he_o so_o the_o faithful_a soul_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a child_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o father_n god_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o these_o spiritual_a child_n be_v good_a word_n and_o work_n which_o the_o soul_n bring_v forth_o unto_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o preach_a and_o pray_v and_o thanksgiving_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o inward_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o also_o all_o kind_n of_o meditation_n or_o any_o other_o performance_n or_o work_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n without_o the_o say_v inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o a_o spurious_a and_o bastard-brood_n and_o can_v therefore_o be_v receive_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o only_o accept_v what_o be_v of_o his_o own_o beget_n in_o the_o soul._n for_o what_o man_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o bastard_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o own_o child_n now_o in_o this_o do_v appear_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v make_v the_o soul_n a_o active_a as_o well_o as_o passive_a instrument_n to_o join_v and_o cooperate_v with_o he_o in_o his_o work_n and_o service_n and_o in_o all_o what_o he_o require_v of_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o power_n or_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a but_o they_o may_v be_v active_o employ_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o service_n as_o the_o imagination_n the_o memory_n the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o its_o institutive_a faculty_n which_o be_v open_v and_o make_v alive_a in_o man_n through_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n can_v see_v and_o behold_v god_n as_o he_o do_v reveal_v and_o discover_v himself_o to_o his_o child_n many_o time_n without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v or_o remember_v though_o all_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o word_n and_o through_o they_o as_o through_o the_o lattess_n to_o show_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o will_n love_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n give_v they_o not_o only_o to_o think_v and_o understand_v what_o his_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o holy_a will_n be_v but_o also_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o thus_o the_o faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v give_v it_o be_v most_o noble_o and_o excellent_o exercise_v when_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o service_n immediate_o and_o attain_v to_o their_o noble_a and_o best_a end_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n also_o manifest_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o make_v active_a with_o all_o its_o power_n ability_n and_o faculty_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o co-work_n with_o he_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v the_o more_o delight_v and_o have_v the_o more_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o those_o work_n when_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o have_v a_o share_n in_o they_o as_o the_o mother_n have_v in_o the_o child_n who_o she_o have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o for_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o mother_n to_o love_v their_o own_o child_n who_o they_o have_v conceive_v and_o bear_v and_o suffer_v for_o so_o be_v it_o also_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n to_o love_v its_o work_n which_o it_o have_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o take_v delight_n or_o pleasure_n in_o they_o as_o god_n do_v in_o he_o and_o as_o the_o mother_n love_v she_o own_o child_n who_o she_o have_v conceive_v and_o bear_v and_o travel_v in_o great_a pang_n to_o bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n more_o than_o she_o love_v any_o other_o child_n who_o she_o have_v not_o bear_v although_o these_o other_o may_v be_v more_o beautify_v so_o the_o soul_n love_v and_o delight_v most_o in_o those_o work_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o its_o womb_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v well_o allow_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o to_o do_v provide_v it_o be_v with_o due_a moderation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o own_o reward_n even_o to_o rejoice_v in_o good_a work_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v but_o the_o praise_n be_v whole_o and_o alone_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o all_o for_o he_o it_o be_v who_o have_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o be_v and_o power_n and_o every_o ability_n both_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a so_o as_o without_o he_o it_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a neither_o spiritual_a nor_o natural_a they_o be_v therefore_o great_o mistake_v who_o think_v as_o some_o foolish_o and_o idle_o have_v do_v and_o print_v it_o against_o we_o that_o because_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a revelation_n and_o teach_v and_o immediate_a assistance_n to_o help_v we_o in_o attain_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o right_a and_o true_a meditation_n preach_n prayer_n thanksgiving_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o we_o lay_v aside_o not_o only_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o outward_a mean_n and_o help_n but_o also_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o man_n and_o of_o any_o other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o become_v as_o so_o many_o dead_a and_o unactive_a trunk_n stock_n or_o stone_n or_o as_o if_o we_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o divine_a revelation_n inspiration_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v divine_a thing_n to_o meditate_v to_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o etc._n etc._n do_v pass_v through_o we_o as_o a_o sound_n pass_v through_o a_o hollow_a cave_n or_o as_o water_n through_o a_o bare_a conduit_n these_o and_o such_o like_a absurd_a consequence_n be_v but_o the_o idle_a and_o foolish_a dream_n of_o man_n vain_a imagination_n who_o as_o it_o too_o much_o appear_v have_v never_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o or_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o
child_n and_o have_v twin_n in_o her_o womb_n that_o be_v hard_o for_o to_o make_v she_o miscarry_v in_o the_o one_o but_o she_o will_v miscarry_v also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v to_o kill_v one_o of_o the_o twin_n in_o the_o mother_n belly_n shall_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o kill_v the_o other_o also_o but_o why_o shall_v the_o one_o be_v kill_v or_o choke_v more_o than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o shall_v the_o divine_a beget_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o in_o its_o reason_n and_o imagination_n be_v strangle_v more_o than_o these_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n see_v they_o have_v both_o one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n as_o they_o have_v one_o mother_n which_o be_v the_o soul._n and_o also_o see_v what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o great_a dependency_n what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o love_v he_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o on_o reasonable_a account_n and_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o best_a and_o great_a reason_n for_o to_o love_v he_o and_o those_o reason_n be_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reasonable_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n do_v common_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o according_a as_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a do_v most_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o desire_v thereof_o do_v embrace_v what_o be_v present_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a good_a or_o only_o seem_v and_o apparent_a so_o that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o man_n be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a dictate_v which_o raise_v and_o spring_v up_o from_o their_o understanding_n and_o intellectual_a faculty_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a and_o thus_o either_o wisdom_n or_o folly_n rule_v the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n with_o their_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o action_n all_o good_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a counsel_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n beget_v in_o they_o and_o all_o bad_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o foolish_a and_o evil_a counsel_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o so_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o every_o bad_a or_o evil_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o scripture_n and_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v folly_n and_o the_o real_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o see_v therefore_o all_o good_a inclination_n motion_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n rise_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a counsel_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n we_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v operate_v in_o both_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o beget_v those_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o truth_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o good_a inclination_n and_o affection_n which_o afterward_o he_o beget_v and_o cause_v to_o arise_v in_o the_o will._n but_o these_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o counsel_n can_v be_v without_o word_n at_o least_o inward_o speak_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o reason_n or_o rational_a understanding_n of_o man._n and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o help_n and_o assist_v the_o understanding_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v good_a word_n than_o it_o do_v help_v the_o will_n to_o conceive_v good_a desire_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n and_o error_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v only_o excite_v or_o beget_v in_o his_o child_n good_a desire_n and_o affection_n but_o do_v not_o suggest_v unto_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a word_n of_o meditation_n and_o that_o as_o well_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o see_v preacher_n be_v not_o stint_v to_o set_v form_n of_o word_n in_o preach_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v any_o more_o stint_a to_o set_v form_n in_o pray_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o near_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n preach_v not_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o long_a premeditation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o less_o danger_n to_o utter_v or_o express_v unsound_a and_o impertinent_a word_n in_o their_o deliberate_a and_o long_o premeditate_a sermon_n than_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v find_v by_o frequent_a experience_n that_o even_o in_o those_o long_o study_v and_o premeditate_a sermon_n many_o man_n have_v utter_v very_o impertinent_a and_o unsound_a yea_o false_a and_o hurtful_a word_n and_o expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o much_o or_o long_a time_n to_o study_v or_o premeditate_v a_o discourse_n that_o make_v it_o good_a or_o soundp_n see_v they_o who_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o have_v receive_v or_o drink_v in_o wrong_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wrong_v and_o false_a traditional_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n may_v preach_v very_o unsound_a and_o erroneous_a sermon_n although_o they_o have_v take_v a_o long_a time_n to_o study_v and_o prepare_v they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o former_a reply_n if_o man_n shall_v study_v beforehand_o their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sermon_n than_o they_o be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o speak_v impertinent_a and_o unsound_a word_n in_o prayer_n than_o in_o preach_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o such_o a_o danger_n because_o in_o prayer_n man_n common_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o controversy_n or_o disputable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a 3._o he_o who_o preach_v or_o pray_v by_o the_o true_a and_o real_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o keep_v faithful_o and_o careful_o unto_o the_o same_o although_o what_o he_o do_v either_o preach_v or_o pray_v proceed_v from_o premeditation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mouth_n can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v first_o conceive_v it_o which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a kind_n of_o premeditation_n yet_o he_o need_v eth_z not_o any_o long_a time_n for_o the_o say_a premeditation_n for_o when_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v once_o well_o prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v ing_z etc._n etc._n the_o which_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n at_o time_n may_v require_v a_o considerable_a season_n long_o or_o short_a as_o the_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o grow_v up_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n iâ—_n the_o least_o space_n of_o time_n imaginable_a as_o in_o moment_n or_o instant_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o assist_v the_o understanding_n by_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o can_v be_v and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o and_o conceive_v as_o many_o solid_a and_o live_a meditation_n 〈◊〉_d truth_n as_o may_v sufficient_o yield_v matter_n 〈◊〉_d discourse_n in_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o live_a word_n for_o divers_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o suggest_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n as_o a_o moment_n or_o instant_n but_o only_o as_o much_o as_o to_o furnish_v the_o speaker_n with_o two_o or_o three_o sentence_n or_o perhaps_o but_o one_o sentence_n at_o first_o before_o that_o one_o sentence_n be_v well_o speak_v further_a matter_n may_v and_o do_v oft_o arise_v from_o open_n of_o life_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o speak_v more_o and_o so_o continual_o still_o new_a matter_n may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v afford_v to_o continue_v his_o speech_n long_o or_o short_a as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o require_v or_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o service_n be_v see_v or_o feel_v and_o indeed_o various_a and_o manifold_a as_o well_o as_o wonderful_a be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o his_o servant_n who_o mouth_n he_o do_v open_a either_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o as_o one_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n and_o in_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n his_o heart_n at_o the_o present_a time_n be_v
that_o good_a effect_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n and_o work_v holy_a affection_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o edification_n for_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v well_o understand_v a_o man_n need_v not_o concern_v his_o memory_n much_o about_o it_o as_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o art_n he_o can_v practice_v the_o thing_n belong_v to_o that_o art_n better_o with_o his_o understanding_n without_o think_v on_o those_o rule_n than_o he_o who_o only_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o art_n in_o his_o memory_n but_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o those_o rule_n nor_o can_v these_o form_n be_v so_o edify_v as_o extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o can_v so_o universal_o in_o all_o particular_n reach_v to_o the_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o people_n soul_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o various_a state_n of_o people_n soul_n if_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o word_n of_o those_o general_a set_a form_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o account_v set_v form_n be_v too_o few_o and_o straight_o or_o narrow_a to_o reach_v all_o particular_a state_n and_o seasonable_a time_n so_o if_o general_n can_v serve_v these_o set_a form_n common_o use_v be_v too_o many_o because_o one_o only_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n may_v in_o general_a reach_n to_o all_o people_n state_n and_o sure_o none_o do_v or_o can_v better_o do_v that_o than_o the_o prayer_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o man_n deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o use_v be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o collect_v together_o form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n put_v all_o these_o word_n and_o sentence_n together_o which_o be_v most_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n or_o if_o belong_v to_o several_a purpose_n that_o have_v some_o fit_a connexion_n together_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n will_v be_v pure_a scripture_n word_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o be_v oft_o time_n very_o unsound_a 8._o they_o object_n that_o many_o who_o pray_v extempore_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o thrir_fw-fr prayer_n ask_v contrary_a thing_n and_o therefore_o both_o such_o prayer_n can_v be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o operation_n ever_o agree_v and_o in_o unity_n with_o itself_o ans._n the_o whole_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o this_o objection_n lie_v upon_o person_n and_o man_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o principle_n to_o refute_v or_o refeâ—_n it_o in_o the_o least_o and_o as_o for_o these_o who_o most_o common_o pray_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o they_o be_v such_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v or_o lay_v claim_n to_o pray_v by_o divine_a immediate_a inspiration_n but_o if_o both_o side_n shall_v lay_v claim_n thereunto_o and_o yet_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o pray_v it_o only_o prove_v that_o the_o man_n be_v faulty_a sometime_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v faulty_a and_o wrong_n on_o both_o side_n but_o the_o principle_n remain_v still_o unblamable_a nor_o have_v this_o objection_n more_o weight_n now_o than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o old_a against_o who_o the_o false_a prophet_n both_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v also_o divine_o and_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a and_o last_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v well_o enough_o retort_v for_o they_o who_o pray_v by_o set_a form_n may_v pray_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n have_v both_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o pray_v one_o against_o another_o as_o well_o as_o preach_v when_o that_o great_a zeal_n and_o schism_n come_v to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o how_o many_o preach_v against_o one_o another_o who_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n and_o good_a reason_n and_o also_o to_o good_a literature_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n on_o any_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n but_o only_o on_o the_o man_n or_o person_n who_o abuse_v they_o 9_o it_o be_v object_v that_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o salutation_n and_o prayer_n both_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o they_o frequent_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v against_o set_a form_n who_o use_v they_o so_o much_o himself_o as_o grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o divers_a of_o they_o and_o at_o the_o end_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n answ._n these_o little_a short_a form_n be_v as_o be_v already_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n expression_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o of_o that_o call_v discursive_a prayer_n which_o require_v divers_a sentence_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o set_a form_n may_v be_v use_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n for_o when_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v earnest_o and_o zealous_o bend_v and_o move_v to_o desire_v one_o only_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v express_v in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o oft_o as_o that_o affection_n be_v renew_v the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sentence_n as_o it_o free_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v renew_v also_o but_o man_n find_v it_o not_o so_o in_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o other_o discursive_a exercise_n as_o when_o man_n at_o this_o day_n common_o write_v epistle_n one_o to_o another_o they_o retain_v some_o little_a common_a form_n of_o salutation_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v commodious_a and_o not_o think_v strange_a not_o dislike_v but_o if_o a_o man_n yea_o if_o a_o schoolboy_n at_o school_n shall_v always_o write_v to_o his_o father_n or_o kindred_n the_o same_o word_n throughout_o without_o any_o alteration_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o void_a of_o understanding_n to_o be_v so_o barren_a as_o to_o have_v no_o new_a matter_n in_o his_o epistle_n even_o when_o daily_a occasion_n be_v give_v 10._o it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n be_v not_o delight_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n and_o novelty_n of_o matter_n and_o method_n in_o new_a style_n and_o flourish_n of_o trope_n and_o figure_n and_o be_v far_o unlike_o those_o squeemish_n stomach_n or_o delicious_a and_o lustful_a appetite_n who_o every_o day_n seek_v after_o variety_n of_o dish_n or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v at_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o he_o require_v answ._n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v not_o delight_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n as_o man_n be_v or_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o he_o require_v that_o every_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v he_o and_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o manifold_a variety_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o other_o work_n although_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n yet_o after_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o become_v his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o perfection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n main_o require_v and_o regard_v yet_o he_o command_v we_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a man_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o heart_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n belong_v to_o it_o our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o elocution_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a service_n of_o praver_fw-mi as_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o use_v their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n and_o such_o elocution_n also_o and_o variety_n of_o expression_n as_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o and_o work_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o gift_n he_o have_v give_v he_o without_o affection_n or_o stretch_v and_o strain_v beyond_o his_o measure_n and_o though_o we_o find_v no_o affect_a or_o artificial_a eloquence_n in_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o be_v carnal_a and_o from_o below_o yet_o a_o true_a eloquence_n and_o excellency_n of_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n both_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
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
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
work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o may_v have_v its_o visible_a effect_n even_o the_o shed_n of_o tear_n in_o he_o that_o preach_v or_o pray_v and_o that_o more_o or_o less_o abundant_o yet_o the_o hypocritical_a show_n and_o affection_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n without_o the_o reality_n thereof_o be_v loathsome_a and_o abominable_a and_o as_o great_a a_o transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n as_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a money_n or_o coin_n be_v against_o any_o earthly_a law_n and_o yet_o such_o hypocritical_a tear_n and_o flash_n of_o feign_a devotion_n kindle_v up_o by_o spark_n of_o their_o own_o raise_n abound_v among_o too_o many_o of_o that_o tribe_n and_o generation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o alas_o it_o be_v far_o the_o contrary_n but_o to_o such_o as_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o sobriety_n and_o ingenuity_n among_o they_o i_o propose_v this_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n by_o they_o 1._o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o word_n and_o yet_o they_o deny_v all_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n which_o alone_o guide_v and_o assist_v those_o who_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o word_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o by_o what_o rule_n or_o touchstone_n do_v they_o know_v when_o they_o be_v assist_v and_o help_v by_o the_o spirtt_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n and_o when_o not_o seeing_z they_o deny_v the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o do_v inward_o reveal_v himself_o in_o man_n heart_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n in_o any_o case_n 3._o when_o they_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o so_o move_v as_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n whether_o in_o that_o case_n see_v they_o will_v needs_o pray_v as_o well_o when_o they_o want_v the_o spirit_n help_v as_o when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o they_o plead_v natural_a man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o may_v and_o ought_v lawful_o to_o preach_v and_o pray_v if_o they_o have_v a_o outward_a call_n from_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o rather_o use_v the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n than_o their_o own_o bare_a invention_n and_o wander_a imagination_n for_o here_o their_o great_a argument_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v no_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o limit_v or_o stint_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o he_o who_o pray_v in_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n whether_o by_o a_o book_n or_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la without_o a_o book_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o case_n if_o none_o of_o they_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o limit_v or_o stint_v it_o but_o to_o this_o i_o know_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o natural_a and_o unconvert_v man_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o sanctify_v and_o say_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o church_n they_o have_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o but_o not_o gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la i._n e._n grace_n free_o give_v they_o but_o not_o grace_n render_v they_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o for_o this_o they_o give_v the_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o balaam_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v this_o distinction_n use_v so_o much_o of_o gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la and_o gratia_n gratium_fw-la faciens_fw-la have_v not_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n but_o be_v borrow_v in_o express_a word_n from_o popish_a schoolman_n and_o jesuit_n who_o at_o other_o time_n they_o call_v locust_n come_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit._n and_o as_o for_o balaam_n it_o be_v somewhat_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n whereby_o god_n show_v his_o mighty_a power_n that_o he_o have_v over_o his_o spirit_n to_o cause_v he_o to_o prophecy_n good_a thing_n concern_v israel_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o to_o bless_v instead_o of_o curse_v they_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a example_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o rule_n or_o precedent_n unto_o we_o and_o indeed_o they_o have_v but_o a_o sad_a pattern_n of_o he_o who_o rather_o they_o follow_v and_o imitate_v for_o most_o part_n in_o love_v and_o take_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n then_o in_o prophesy_v or_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v at_o these_o few_o extraordinary_a time_n and_o though_o he_o prophesy_v some_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o ever_o god_n make_v he_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n and_o beside_o though_o he_o prophesy_v twice_o or_o thrice_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v extort_a from_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o evil_a mind_n and_o inclination_n yet_o he_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n but_o bear_v the_o infamous_a mark_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o this_o day_n and_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o ever_o any_o one_o soul_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n by_o his_o prophesy_v or_o ministry_n god_n can_v command_v the_o devil_n if_o he_o please_v to_o confess_v to_o christ_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v of_o old_a which_o yet_o be_v no_o precedent_n for_o wicked_a man_n in_o who_o the_o devil_n rule_v to_o preach_v and_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n now_o whereas_o they_o say_v man_n may_v have_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o use_v it_o in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o ask_v they_o be_v it_o such_o a_o gift_n as_o can_v secure_v they_o from_o speak_v impertinent_a and_o unsound_a word_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n if_o yea_o than_o they_o have_v a_o infallible_a gift_n which_o see_v they_o will_v not_o grant_v unto_o themselves_o no_o more_o will_v they_o unto_o these_o 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be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o some_o mere_a natural_a gift_n of_o memory_n elocution_n and_o a_o ready_a or_o quick_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o many_o heathenish_a idolatrous_a priest_n have_v have_v as_o much_o as_o any_o of_o they_o improve_v with_o some_o acquire_v art_n of_o grammar_n logic_n and_o rhetoric_n and_o word_n of_o scripture_n abuse_v and_o misapply_v by_o they_o and_o that_o which_o crown_v all_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o confidence_n that_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o furnish_v and_o can_v or_o do_v preach_v and_o pray_v by_o those_o mere_a natural_a and_o artificial_a help_n at_o best_a to_o call_v they_o and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o the_o spirit_n help_v and_o assistance_n but_o leave_v these_o man_n and_o their_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n which_o thus_o far_o i_o find_v my_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n concern_v to_o discover_v in_o true_a love_n and_o compassion_n to_o their_o abuse_a and_o betray_v hearer_n and_o follower_n and_o to_o they_o also_o if_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o i_o shall_v return_v to_o plead_v a_o little_a further_o for_o the_o true_a and_o right_a manner_n of_o pray_v in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v assistance_n both_o in_o the_o conceive_n and_o utterance_n without_o any_o set_a form_n either_o read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o repeat_v from_o the_o memory_n without_o a_o book_n because_o 3._o this_o way_n of_o pray_v do_v alone_a and_o only_o answer_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v free_a even_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v limit_v and_o who_o seek_v to_o limit_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
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 a_o cistern_n and_o if_o these_o extemporary_a discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n flow_v only_o from_o a_o natural_a fruitfulness_n of_o man_n understanding_n have_v more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o judicious_a hearer_n than_o long_o study_v sermon_n dress_v up_o with_o paint_v of_o art_n how_o much_o more_o be_v those_o extemporary_a speech_n to_o be_v value_v and_o how_o much_o great_a authority_n have_v they_o and_o true_a and_o real_a acceptance_n with_o all_o discern_a hearer_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o rich_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n of_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n abundant_o water_v and_o make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o descending_n of_o the_o venly_a shower_n and_o rain_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o again_o reply_v that_o the_o limit_v or_o confine_v of_o he_o that_o pray_v to_o a_o set_a form_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n for_o his_o 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 also_o many_o which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o profit_v of_o other_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v but_o utter_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v lead_v and_o order_v according_a to_o his_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o require_v a_o man_n to_o bring_v forth_o these_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o he_o will_v so_o move_v and_o require_v where_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v give_v to_o the_o man_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o also_o for_o other_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a limit_v and_o confine_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n not_o to_o give_v he_o liberty_n either_o in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n to_o bringforth_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v in_o his_o mind_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n be_v not_o this_o like_o the_o hinder_v the_o child_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mother_n belly_n when_o its_o appoint_a time_n be_v come_v and_o to_o make_v her_o womb_n its_o grave_a than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o cruel_a but_o 5._o there_o be_v this_o great_a hurt_n and_o inconveniency_n to_o limit_v and_o confine_v both_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n to_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o one_o to_o speak_v and_o read_v they_o the_o other_o to_z hear_v they_o that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o those_o set_a and_o stint_a prayer_n will_v either_o always_o or_o at_o most_o time_n suit_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n be_v like_o picture_n of_o gold_n in_o apple_n of_o silver_n and_o concern_v isaiah_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a soul._n and_o indeed_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v or_o pray_v how_o sweet_a and_o 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
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
sentence_n have_v more_o than_o other_o as_o that_o spirit_n be_v feel_v from_o who_o original_o they_o come_v and_o though_o all_o the_o scripture_n word_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o some_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o more_o depth_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o hold_v forth_o somewhat_o of_o more_o majesty_n and_o deep_a inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n and_o be_v common_o accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v or_o in_o meditation_n and_o may_v be_v also_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v move_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n thereunto_o either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o even_o under_o the_o law_n or_o at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o lord_n do_v limit_v and_o confine_v his_o people_n or_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o make_v unlawful_a unto_o they_o to_o use_v any_o other_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o public_a or_o that_o any_o one_o be_v ever_o forbid_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o utter_v word_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o psalm_n or_o song_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o help_n and_o move_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v that_o many_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v they_o or_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n of_o word_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a as_o solomon_n prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n also_o esdras_n prayer_n chap._n 9_o and_o the_o levite_n prayer_n nehem._n 9_o and_o daniel_n prayer_n dan._n 9_o and_o for_o private_a prayer_n david_n prayer_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o asaph_n also_o moses_n and_o samuel_n and_o habbakkuk_n their_o prayer_n with_o many_o other_o under_o the_o law_n be_v clear_a instance_n and_o before_o the_o law_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n their_o prayer_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o a_o book_n of_o prayer_n contain_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o number_n to_o be_v say_v or_o read_v in_o order_n be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o prayer_n or_o as_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o law._n for_o though_o divers_a excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o put_v into_o book_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v read_v or_o use_v in_o so_o many_o word_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o prayer_n but_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n as_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n patt_o for_o information_n and_o partly_o to_o excite_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o hearer_n except_v only_o some_o very_a few_o short_a form_n as_o above_o mention_v which_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o stop_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o express_v itself_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o any_o other_o word_n and_o those_o few_o form_n they_o use_v as_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n when_o they_o pray_v they_o but_o speak_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n where_o they_o be_v live_o as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o record_v and_o though_o the_o word_n of_o these_o short_a form_n be_v former_o conceive_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v old_a or_o ancient_a yet_o as_o they_o utter_v or_o pronounce_v they_o in_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o power_n which_o never_o wax_v old_a this_o give_v they_o always_o a_o new_a lustre_n and_o put_v a_o new_a savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v always_o new_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o when_o they_o pray_v either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v frequent_o find_v and_o feel_v scripture_n word_n of_o prayer_n former_o conceive_v and_o utter_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o moses_n david_n etc._n etc._n to_o arise_v in_o they_o from_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v they_o forth_o in_o prayer_n and_o this_o without_o any_o limitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o come_v free_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o of_o heart_n soul_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v manifest_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o also_o limit_v or_o confine_v the_o man_n understanding_n only_o to_o those_o scripture_n word_n but_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o that_o free_o arise_v or_o spring_v up_o in_o he_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n as_o it_o be_v open_v in_o he_o as_o a_o fountain_n or_o well_o of_o live_v water_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n who_o even_o then_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n matth._n 6._o 9_o luke_n 11._o 2._o answ._n though_o they_o be_v endue_v at_o that_o time_n with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o yet_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o if_o moses_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o people_n under_o the_o law_n some_o short_a but_o of_o a_o very_a excellent_a composure_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n without_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o these_o well_o may_v christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n this_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a composure_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o yet_o most_o comprehensive_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n express_v in_o so_o few_o word_n a_o most_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v lawsul_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v most_o easy_o reducible_a to_o some_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o say_a prayer_n and_o though_o it_o have_v great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o word_n yet_o great_a depth_n of_o matter_n and_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o solomon_n temple_n which_o have_v not_o only_o the_o outer_a court_n but_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o it_o and_o within_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o most_o holy_a or_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o beside_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n to_o the_o outer_a courtesan_n it_o have_v a_o holy_a inward_a sense_n or_o understanding_n which_o none_o can_v reach_v or_o come_v into_o but_o who_o be_v make_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n unto_o god_n as_o none_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n but_o such_o as_o be_v priest_n under_o the_o law._n and_o although_o many_o christian_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a prayer_n in_o great_a part_n yet_o who_o can_v say_v he_o have_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a depth_n of_o it_o and_o most_o inward_a pith_n or_o marrow_n thereof_o which_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o any_o ever_o reach_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o but_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o speak_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n and_o riches_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n who_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o 2._o christ_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v they_o a_o book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o form_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o this_o only_a which_o therefore_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o they_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o pray_o than_o tie_n or_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 6._o 9_o after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o say_v he_o pray_v you_o
and_o although_o luke_n 11._o 2._o have_v it_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n yet_o luke_n may_v be_v expound_v by_o matthew_n as_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v oft_o expound_v by_o another_o so_o that_o luke_n may_v very_o well_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o matthew_n his_o word_n thus_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v viz_o after_o this_o manner_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n nor_o can_v this_o one_o only_a short_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o make_v a_o large_a book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o impose_v they_o by_o constraint_n upon_o christian_n for_o either_o this_o one_o form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n without_o any_o other_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o sufficient_a for_o they_o why_o not_o also_o for_o all_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o these_o call_v christian_n who_o confine_v themselves_o only_o to_o it_o or_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v but_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o express_v their_o prayer_n frequent_o in_o other_o word_n for_o variety_n and_o change_n of_o word_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o do_v help_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o beget_v in_o man_n the_o more_o fervent_a affection_n but_o if_o that_o one_o only_a form_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n to_o give_v they_o or_o their_o successor_n a_o entire_a system_n or_o scheme_n of_o common_a prayer_n but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n or_o example_n unto_o they_o and_o also_o to_o afford_v unto_o they_o matter_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v open_v the_o deep_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o by_o a_o due_a and_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a meditation_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n and_o word_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o unto_o prayer_n their_o heart_n be_v lift_v up_o unto_o god_n upon_o the_o meditation_n on_o every_o part_n of_o it_o by_o say_v amen_o thereunto_o or_o express_v the_o inward_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o or_o more_o word_n as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v and_o assist_v they_o and_o though_o i_o can_v and_o dare_v not_o recommend_v it_o to_o be_v read_v or_o say_v as_o a_o prayer_n twice_o or_o thrice_o every_o day_n in_o a_o dead_a formal_a customary_a way_n as_o too_o many_o do_v nor_o can_v i_o limit_v any_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o word_n in_o it_o to_o pray_v by_o without_o use_v any_o more_o or_o less_o word_n lest_o thereby_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v most_o free_a in_o all_o his_o work_n yet_o i_o can_v and_o do_v free_o thus_o far_o recommend_v it_o even_o unto_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o great_a as_o small_a as_o a_o most_o worthy_a subject_n of_o their_o frequent_a meditation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o incline_v they_o unto_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o and_o how_o often_o in_o the_o day_n week_n month_n or_o year_n they_o be_v to_o meditare_fw-la upon_o it_o or_o how_o long_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o it_o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o outward_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o must_v all_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o free_a order_n and_o lead_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o certain_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v regard_v and_o mind_v will_v be_v find_v very_o frequent_a for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o office_n to_o bring_v the_o scripture_n word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a any_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v unto_o we_o no_o doubt_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o faithful_a remembrancer_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o our_o mind_n the_o more_o frequent_o and_o seasonable_a and_o i_o know_v no_o word_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o often_o meditate_a upon_o than_o those_o very_a word_n contain_v in_o this_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v by_o christ._n and_o indeed_o not_o only_o these_o few_o word_n of_o prayer_n teach_v the_o apostle_n by_o christ_n but_o any_o other_o word_n of_o prayer_n whither_o record_v in_o scripture_n or_o that_o be_v write_v and_o record_v any_o where_o else_o that_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o true_a breathe_v and_o spring_n of_o life_n in_o these_o who_o first_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o in_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v be_v and_o be_v of_o great_a service_n so_o that_o form_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o and_o our_o soul_n have_v oft_o be_v great_o refresh_v and_o quicken_v by_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n yea_o true_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n have_v oft_o be_v excite_v in_o we_o at_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v such_o prayer_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o the_o book_n of_o true_a martyr_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n have_v oft_o drop_v from_o they_o althongh_v but_o a_o little_a of_o those_o be_v record_v and_o it_o may_v be_v wish_v more_o of_o these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o testimony_n that_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o which_o flow_v from_o they_o have_v be_v preserve_v if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god._n how_o oft_o when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v or_o call_v to_o mind_v these_o precious_a word_n of_o prayer_n or_o some_o part_n of_o they_o that_o any_o servant_n or_o handmaid_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_v either_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n or_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o find_v upon_o record_n in_o true_a history_n how_o oft_o i_o say_v and_o how_o pure_o do_v life_n spring_n in_o we_o and_o bear_v its_o live_a witness_n to_o the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o those_o prayer_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v proceed_v even_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o what_o pure_a inward_a live_a powerful_a and_o comfortable_a touch_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n have_v we_o feel_v at_o such_o time_n confirm_v our_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n with_o those_o dear_a and_o precious_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o be_v not_o against_o word_n or_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o word_n have_v a_o form_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n come_v or_o do_v and_o may_v come_v from_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v very_o much_o for_o they_o as_o fit_v and_o proper_a subject_n of_o meditation_n and_o occasion_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o concur_v to_o excite_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o thereby_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o gift_n as_o do_v oft_o come_v to_o pass_v also_o all_o such_o prayer_n be_v excellent_a pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o we_o of_o prayer_n but_o yet_o we_o can_v set_v they_o up_o to_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v as_o our_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o tie_v and_o confine_v ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o not_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o bare_a read_n or_o repeat_v the_o word_n be_v a_o prayer_n as_o many_o do_v ignorant_o imagine_v for_o all_o true_a vocal_a prayer_n come_v from_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v move_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n simple_o consider_v be_v not_o proper_o the_o prayer_n otherwise_o every_o one_o that_o have_v and_o use_v the_o word_n shall_v pray_v those_o prayer_n which_o be_v far_o otherwise_o but_o the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o sign_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o first_o conceive_v they_o and_o be_v call_v prayer_n only_o by_o a_o figure_n or_o metonymy_n of_o the_o sign_n for_o the_o thing_n signify_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o that_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a pattern_n of_o our_o prayer_n so_o they_o may_v be_v use_v by_o we_o as_o prayer_n even_o as_o some_o weight_n and_o measure_n which_o be_v keep_v as_o standard_n to_o make_v other_o weight_n by_o may_v be_v use_v themselves_o as_o
liberty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grow_v up_o together_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garden_n as_o lovely_a plant_n and_o flower_n each_o one_o have_v their_o proper_a shape_v form_n and_o fruit_n all_o of_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a smell_n and_o taste_v and_o of_o a_o lovely_a beauty_n and_o all_o useful_a and_o profitable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n without_o any_o envy_n or_o grudge_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o manifold_a and_o various_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o all_o and_o all_o grow_a and_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o holy_a root_n and_o ground_n and_o now_o these_o two_o main_a objection_n be_v answer_v at_o length_n which_o do_v require_v the_o open_n or_o explain_v of_o divers_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o some_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o wherein_o i_o may_v be_v more_o brief_a 3._o they_o object_n that_o some_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o great_a love_n and_o strong_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v not_o able_a well_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v help_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n well_o and_o pious_o compose_v answ._n none_o have_v such_o weak_a head_n or_o understanding_n if_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n or_o any_o measure_n of_o true_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n which_o beget_v in_o they_o those_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n have_v be_v and_o be_v also_o in_o they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a thought_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n sufficient_a for_o they_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o make_v apparent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o its_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o will_n and_o whatever_o the_o will_n cleave_v unto_o or_o the_o heart_n love_v be_v first_o propose_v and_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n in_o thought_n as_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o elocution_n either_o none_o or_o small_a god_n require_v but_o of_o every_o man_n as_o he_o give_v he_o and_o he_o who_o can_v pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dumb_a if_o he_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v accept_v but_o he_o who_o can_v read_v a_o prayer_n if_o his_o heart_n and_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o exercise_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o in_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v himself_o furnish_v with_o word_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la whereby_o to_o express_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o indeed_o in_o true_a and_o real_a love_n there_o be_v for_o most_o part_n a_o admirable_a force_n or_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o man_n eloquent_a both_o to_o praise_v the_o thing_n he_o love_v most_o and_o also_o to_o find_v out_o reason_n and_o argument_n wherewith_o to_o persuade_v to_o the_o obtain_v it_o he_o who_o love_v a_o woman_n and_o great_o desire_v to_o have_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n he_o need_v not_o go_v to_o a_o book_n and_o steal_v or_o borrow_v a_o oration_n or_o form_n of_o discourse_n to_o speak_v unto_o she_o in_o order_n to_o persuade_v she_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v but_o cold_o come_v from_o he_o and_o if_o she_o do_v know_v it_o as_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o good_a discern_a can_v but_o discover_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o borrow_a speech_n she_o will_v not_o perhaps_o accept_v it_o nor_o answer_v it_o but_o the_o natural_a and_o simple_a word_n that_o flow_v from_o 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as_o they_o find_v they_o wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n from_o man_n which_o few_o or_o none_o do_v in_o borrow_a form_n of_o speech_n compose_v by_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o some_o king_n or_o great_a person_n that_o some_o who_o be_v feeble_a mind_v and_o want_v courage_n make_v their_o address_n by_o borrow_a word_n or_o by_o something_o write_v on_o a_o paper_n or_o by_o some_o other_o they_o get_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n invite_v the_o weak_a and_o mean_a to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o mean_a word_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_a be_v accept_v of_o he_o yea_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o language_n they_o may_v be_v use_v at_o least_o in_o private_a and_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n these_o 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aaron_n or_o that_o aaron_n put_v any_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n only_z aaron_n and_o hur_z helped_z to_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sure_o moses_n in_o his_o prayer_n here_o use_v not_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n borrow_v from_o aaron_n or_o any_o body_n else_o although_o some_o from_o this_o passage_n and_o moses_n his_o being_n less_o eloquent_a than_o aaron_n have_v argue_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o can_v find_v it_o in_o scripture_n that_o moses_n stand_v with_o a_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v or_o pray_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o the_o mountain_n but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o rod._n 4._o they_o object_n that_o many_o by_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o pious_a and_o godly_a prayer_n both_o in_o public_a and_o also_o in_o private_a have_v find_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n refresh_v thereby_o and_o what_o they_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v read_v have_v oft_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n in_o they_o and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god._n and_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o all_o they_o who_o read_v or_o hear_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 be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n pray_v by_o the_o book_n answ._n i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o public_a or_o private_a if_o these_o word_n have_v be_v origina_o conceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n
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 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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
be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o also_o it_o be_v true_a the_o same_o paul_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n pray_v but_o the_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a as_o it_o happen_v at_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v so_o inspire_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 13._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v like_a that_o as_o the_o soul_n understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a so_o it_o be_v unactive_a and_o be_v use_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o passive_a instrument_n like_o a_o pen_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n as_o when_o the_o outward_a ear_n of_o a_o man_n receive_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o strange_a language_n which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v other_o case_n also_o wherein_o the_o understanding_n and_o 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