trouble_n of_o read_v it_o twice_o or_o thrice_o over_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o reverend_a compiler_n of_o the_o directory_n give_v he_o no_o commission_n to_o coin_v principle_n for_o they_o mere_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o confute_v '_o they_o but_o i_o will_v do_v he_o the_o justice_n he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o by_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o upon_o a_o strict_a enquiry_n i_o suppose_v his_o lp._n have_v mistake_v some_o direction_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n in_o scotland_n concern_v secret_a and_o family_n worship_n etc._n etc._n print_v there_o a._n d._n 1647._o for_o the_o directory_n of_o public_a worship_n publish_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n a._n d._n 1644._o and_o if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o this_o conjecture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o i_o can_v very_o easy_o forgive_v he_o this_o mistake_n if_o he_o have_v use_v any_o sincerity_n in_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o grave_n and_o pious_a synod_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v obtrude_v upon_o they_o a_o opinion_n which_o they_o no_o way_n assert_v nay_o which_o the_o passage_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v it_o be_v rather_o inconsistent_a with_o than_o the_o best_a apology_n he_o can_v make_v for_o himself_o be_v to_o own_o his_o mistake_n and_o to_o make_v they_o some_o reparation_n for_o so_o gross_a a_o abuse_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v when_o he_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o opinion_n the_o bp._n ascribe_v to_o '_o they_o in_o the_o forementioned_a direction_n of_o that_o assembly_n concern_v secret_a and_o family-worship_n p._n 9_o direct_v 9_o be_v these_o word_n so_o many_o as_o can_v conceive_v prayer_n aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o gift_n of_o god_n albeit_o these_o who_o be_v rude_a and_o weak_a may_v begin_v at_o a_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o sluggish_a in_o stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o according_a to_o their_o daily_a necessity_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o which_o effect_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o fervent_a and_o frequent_a in_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n for_o their_o family_n now_o if_o these_o be_v the_o word_n his_o lp._n refer_v to_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o how_o he_o can_v deduce_v this_o principle_n out_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o as_o his_o lp._n add_v p._n 53._o without_o a_o form_n for_o the_o bp._n hereby_o suppose_v that_o this_o assembly_n think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o this_o gift_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o what_o the_o assembly_n call_v stir_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o explain_v by_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n p._n 44._o and_o according_o his_o argument_n against_o they_o all_o run_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o oppose_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o imagine_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o according_o he_o make_v decency_n of_o expression_n a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n p._n 46._o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o word_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o assembly_n do_v they_o not_o distinguish_v christian_n into_o 2_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v more_o judicious_a and_o strong_a and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o rude_a and_o weak_a be_v it_o not_o the_o forme_a who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n and_o do_v they_o not_o suppose_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v at_o present_a destitute_a of_o that_o gift_n and_o as_o bp._n wilkins_n express_v it_o to_o need_v form_n as_o impotent_a people_n do_v crutch_n they_o do_v indeed_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n i._n e._n a_o devout_a and_o pray_a disposition_n be_v give_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o all_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n have_v the_o gift_n also_o but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a all_o that_o their_o word_n can_v be_v reasonable_o extend_v to_o import_v be_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v manifold_a daily_a necessity_n of_o christian_a family_n which_o prescribe_a form_n can_v suit_v it_o be_v a_o great_a infelicity_n to_o be_v unable_a to_o express_v our_o desire_n to_o god_n in_o those_o case_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o that_o impotency_n shall_v be_v earnest_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n such_o a_o ability_n and_o gift_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o ought_v in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o to_o cherish_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n i._n e._n those_o devout_a desire_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n communicate_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o all_o his_o child_n according_a to_o their_o various_a necessity_n and_o which_o can_v but_o be_v great_o hinder_v and_o dampt_v when_o our_o inability_n confine_v we_o whole_o to_o the_o use_n of_o form_n which_o can_v suit_v the_o particular_a condition_n of_o ourselves_o and_o family_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v suitable_o to_o our_o particular_a necessity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o 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can_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o word_n without_o offer_v violence_n to_o they_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o as_o i_o have_v show_v he_o bp._n wilkins_n assert_n and_o if_o his_o lp._n have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o any_o of_o these_o assertion_n which_o be_v genuine_o deduce_v from_o their_o word_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o hear_v it_o but_o for_o the_o position_n he_o ascribe_v to_o that_o assembly_n as_o lay_v down_o and_o expound_v by_o he_o it_o be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v he_o be_v concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o seem_v not_o to_o deal_v so_o ingenuous_o as_o he_o shall_v in_o insult_v so_o scornful_o over_o his_o own_o man_n of_o straw_n for_o all_o his_o grave_a reason_n concern_v no_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o his_o discourse_n from_o p._n 46._o to_o p._n 57_o on_o this_o head_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o he_o imagine_v p._n 49_o that_o it_o rather_o nauseate_v all_o judicious_a reader_n to_o find_v his_o lp._n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n so_o miserable_o confound_v those_o 2_o thing_n the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o all_o accurate_a writer_n on_o both_o side_n so_o careful_o distinguish_v and_o must_v necessary_o do_v so_o unless_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o fight_v with_o shadow_n and_o contend_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o understand_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o because_o he_o may_v despise_v our_o instruction_n i_o will_v desire_v his_o lp._n before_o he_o write_v any_o more_o on_o this_o subject_n to_o read_v the_o 3_o first_o chapter_n of_o bp._n wilkins_n gift_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o
too_o defective_a which_o occur_v in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n or_o how_o can_v any_o on_o this_o supposition_n excuse_v their_o arrogance_n in_o add_v to_o the_o form_n god_n have_v already_o prescribe_v or_o annex_v those_o that_o be_v of_o human_a composure_n to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a but_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v pretend_v no_o more_o to_o produce_v any_o such_o for_o as_o to_o the_o psalm_n i_o have_v show_v he_o before_o that_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o such_o form_n of_o thanksgiving_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o praise_n if_o confine_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o will_v be_v extreme_o defective_a and_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o christian_a institution_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n for_o what_o his_o lp._n say_v of_o the_o dissenter_n praise_v god_n only_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o a_o psalm_n of_o a_o few_o verse_n and_o in_o a_o method_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o suggest_v the_o follow_a remark_n 1._o that_o i_o think_v the_o dissenter_n sing_v as_o much_o and_o usual_o much_o more_o of_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n every_o ld's-day_n than_o they_o do_v in_o the_o parish-church_n in_o most_o they_o sing_v they_o thrice_o in_o some_o four_o time_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v of_o any_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o sing_v a_o whole_a psalm_n every_o time_n especial_o the_o long_a one_o and_o the_o short_a they_n often_o sing_v whole_a 2._o that_o though_o our_o method_n of_o sing_v they_o in_o metre_n require_v something_o of_o human_a skill_n to_o adapt_v they_o for_o that_o use_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o those_o scripture_n warrant_v nay_o plain_o oblige_v we_o to_o that_o require_v our_o sing_v they_o joint_o in_o public_a assembly_n and_o to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n most_o conducive_a to_o edification_n his_o lp._n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n praise_v god_n in_o prose_n and_o that_o metre_n and_o rhyme_n be_v for_o aught_o appear_v of_o human_a invention_n but_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o his_o lp._n shall_v confound_v those_o two_o way_n of_o praising_n god_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o clear_o distinguish_v that_o they_o praise_v god_n with_o thanksgiving_n in_o prose_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o that_o they_o praise_v god_n in_o prose_n psalm_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v he_o high_o improbable_a for_o as_o in_o some_o psalm_n there_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o metre_n so_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n to_o judge_v the_o same_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o his_o conceit_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v no_o gift_n for_o compose_v psalm_n in_o verse_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o write_v their_o prophecy_n and_o hymn_n in_o verse_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o his_o own_o for_o as_o there_o be_v so_o clear_a proof_n that_o some_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v inspire_v in_o verse_n and_o so_o great_a probability_n the_o rest_n be_v so_o many_o judicious_a expositor_n do_v conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a from_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o where_o psalmestry_n seem_v to_o be_v intend_v as_o one_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o enjoin_v the_o sing_n of_o psalm_n hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n do_v intend_v to_o rescue_v so_o noble_a a_o thing_n as_o poetry_n from_o its_o wretched_a abuse_n by_o the_o heathen_a priest_n that_o it_o may_v be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o become_v a_o incentive_a and_o help_v to_o true_a devotion_n so_o that_o our_o way_n of_o use_v psalm_n be_v far_o more_o clear_o of_o god_n appointment_n because_o more_o conformable_a to_o his_o particular_a direction_n for_o sing_v they_o and_o to_o his_o general_a rule_n of_o do_v it_o to_o edification_n than_o they_o wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o as_o when_o they_o be_v among_o they_o only_o say_v not_o sing_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n not_o in_o metre_n and_o that_o only_a by_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o what_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o reason_n why_o the_o dissenter_n shall_v in_o this_o point_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o who_o gospel_n this_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n be_v so_o exact_o conform_v or_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a man_n nay_o i_o hope_v they_o may_v venture_v to_o appeal_v to_o his_o ep_n own_o judgement_n when_o he_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o review_v this_o matter_n and_o correct_v his_o own_o unhappy_a mistake_n about_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o a_o few_o remark_n on_o some_o passage_n that_o occur_v in_o his_o 2d_o and_o 3d_o section_n as_o 1._o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o his_o lp._n shall_v think_v the_o force_n vigour_n and_o loftiness_n of_o the_o psalm_n any_o more_o lose_v in_o a_o metre_n than_o in_o prose-translation_n p._n 19_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o metre-translation_n of_o hopkins_n and_o sternhold_n be_v but_o ill_o do_v so_o be_v that_o prose-translation_n which_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n still_o use_n and_o it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a humour_n to_o retain_v both_o when_o there_o be_v both_o a_o prose_n and_o metre-translation_n far_o more_o unexceptionable_a the_o metre-version_a common_o call_v the_o scot_n be_v far_o better_a than_o that_o use_v in_o the_o parish-church_n barton_n exceed_v that_o and_o mr._n patrick_n if_o he_o have_v not_o take_v too_o great_a a_o liberty_n of_o paraphrase_v excel_v both_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o a_o judicious_a person_n will_v undertake_v the_o work_n it_o be_v easy_o possible_a to_o have_v a_o metre-version_a that_o will_v exceed_v the_o prose_n in_o all_o these_o advantage_n and_o such_o a_o one_o will_v be_v of_o extraordinary_a use_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n in_o this_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o the_o bp._n tell_v we_o p._n 21._o that_o we_o have_v a_o command_n to_o translate_v the_o psalm_n which_o suppose_v into_o prose_n because_o the_o original_a be_v so_o but_o none_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o metre_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o original_a be_v compose_v in_o metre_n as_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a then_o by_o his_o own_o argument_n the_o command_n to_o translate_v they_o suppose_v it_o must_v be_v do_v into_o metre_n because_o the_o original_a be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o bp._n have_v in_o that_o and_o the_o follow_a page_n not_o only_o groundless_o suppose_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o david_n psalm_n when_o turn_v into_o metre_n to_o be_v none_o of_o god_n word_n but_o have_v on_o that_o account_n unreasonable_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v any_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o little_a better_o than_o a_o please_a diversion_n and_o amusement_n now_o if_o he_o real_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v i_o think_v he_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n warn_v the_o people_n against_o their_o present_a practice_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v by_o sing_v they_o in_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n intend_v they_o as_o a_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v surprise_v to_o find_v this_o use_n of_o they_o censure_v as_o a_o human_a invention_n whereas_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sing_v they_o in_o metre_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o scriptural_a precept_n and_o pattern_n and_o bare_a say_v they_o dissonant_n from_o both_o the_o bp._n can_v never_o excuse_v himself_o on_o his_o principle_n from_o thus_o prefer_v one_o of_o his_o human_a invention_n to_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o to_o the_o imperfect_a way_n of_o sing_v the_o psalm_n by_o read_v every_o line_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o defect_n but_o such_o as_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o condescend_v to_o unless_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o all_o our_o people_n to_o get_v psalm_n book_n and_o learn_v to_o read_v or_o to_o commit_v they_o to_o memory_n 3._o i_o wonder_v why_o his_o lp._n shall_v charge_v the_o dissenter_n with_o assert_v response_n in_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v unlawful_a p_o 23._o if_o he_o allege_v the_o idle_a talk_n of_o some_o weak_a people_n to_o that_o purpose_n be_v it_o ingenuous_a in_o he_o to_o mention_v that_o as_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o dissenter_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v in_o retaliation_n pick_v up_o all_o the_o weak_a and_o foolish_a censure_n of_o those_o of_o his_o communion_n and_o charge_n they_o on_o the_o conformist_n in_o
a_o soldier_n to_o be_v without_o skill_n in_o the_o use_n of_o arm_n from_o its_o special_a advantage_n and_o fruit_n as_o enable_v a_o man_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o relate_v his_o condition_n and_o suit_v his_o desire_n and_o expression_n according_a to_o several_a emergency_n and_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n a_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o when_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o sudden_a exigency_n or_o straight_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o relate_v his_o condition_n or_o bespeak_v god_n assistance_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o prescribe_a form_n which_o perhaps_o have_v no_o proper_a reference_n to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n p._n 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o i_o can_v better_o represent_v our_o judgement_n concern_v these_o 2_o different_a mode_n of_o pray_v than_o in_o his_o excellent_a word_n what_o one_o say_v of_o counsel_n to_o be_v have_v from_o book_n may_v be_v fit_o apply_v to_o this_o prayer_n by_o book_n that_o it_o be_v common_o of_o itself_o something_o flat_n and_o dead_a float_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o much_o in_o generality_n and_o not_o particular_a enough_o for_o each_o several_a occasion_n there_o be_v not_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o it_o to_o engage_v the_o affection_n as_o when_o it_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o be_v the_o natural_a expression_n of_o those_o particular_n whereof_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n not_o to_o strive_v and_o labour_v after_o this_o gift_n much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o jeer_v and_o despise_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o extempore-prayer_n and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o expression_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o use_v by_o some_o man_n by_o way_n of_o reproach_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o sign_n of_o a_o profane_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o the_o power_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o duty_n p._n 12._o thus_o far_o that_o learned_a and_o pious_a bp._n who_o sentiment_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v i_o perceive_v very_o different_a from_o his_o lp_n 4._o they_o be_v far_o from_o exclude_v premeditation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o think_v it_o ordinary_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n nay_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v all_o premeditation_n as_o to_o word_n any_o far_a than_o the_o tie_n ourselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o they_o may_v shut_v out_o such_o suitable_a petition_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v suggest_v to_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o devotion_n which_o do_v not_o occur_v to_o they_o in_o our_o previous_a meditation_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v the_o name_n of_o extempore_o and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n very_o unfit_a to_o express_v those_o which_o they_o offer_v up_o according_a to_o such_o a_o ability_n and_o gift_n for_o they_o suppose_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v with_o other_o especial_o in_o public_a assembly_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o consider_v beforehand_o the_o particular_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o join_v with_o '_o they_o and_o against_o such_o prayer_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o that_o text_n he_o allege_v when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o 5_o eccles_n 1_o 2._o for_o sure_a his_o lp._n can_v think_v they_o enjoin_v of_o prayer_n by_o a_o prescribe_v liturgy_n for_o if_o we_o pray_v so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o caution_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n and_o that_o our_o wâ—rds_n be_v but_o â—ew_a because_o it_o will_v not_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n to_o enlarge_v or_o contract_v what_o we_o say_v when_o we_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o the_o word_n that_o other_o dictate_v to_o we_o the_o text_n do_v indeed_o proper_o refer_v to_o private_a vow_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o forbid_v our_o pray_v without_o due_a premeditation_n and_o multiply_v our_o expression_n without_o any_o suitable_a affection_n which_o caution_n we_o account_v very_o necessary_a in_o all_o free-prayer_n even_o in_o private_a and_o much_o more_o in_o public_a one_o so_o that_o this_o place_n afford_v a_o much_o strong_a argument_n for_o free-prayer_n than_o against_o '_o they_o 5._o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o private_a or_o public_a as_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o they_o recommend_v such_o form_n to_o those_o who_o inability_n render_v such_o help_n needful_a many_o of_o their_o practical_a writing_n propose_v such_o form_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a the_o westminster-assemble_o express_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ld's-prayer_n as_o a_o form_n nay_o the_o nâ—_n minister_n that_o treat_v with_o those_o commissionated_a by_o k._n charles_n the_o second_o at_o the_o savoy_n propose_v a_o reform_a liturgy_n with_o some_o allowance_n of_o liberty_n to_o minister_n for_o free_a occasional_a prayer_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o accommodation_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v more_o notice_n in_o what_o follow_v have_v premise_v this_o just_a account_n of_o the_o dissenter_n principle_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o examine_v those_o which_o his_o lp._n ascribe_v to_o they_o p._n 43_o 44_o etc._n etc._n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o his_o own_o word_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o wrong_v he_o as_o notorious_o as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o brethren_n speak_v concern_v their_o way_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v say_v he_o to_o represent_v it_o with_o all_o fairness_n and_o impartiality_n and_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o and_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 1._o and_o here_o i_o find_v that_o some_o of_o your_o writer_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v of_o no_o necessary_a use_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o stint_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v that_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v '_o they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v far_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o only_o their_o heart_n with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o same_o p._n 45._o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n 7_o mark_v 7._o this_o principle_n his_o lp._n large_o endeavour_v to_o confute_v from_o p._n 45._o to_o p._n 53._o where_o he_o call_v it_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n and_o tell_v the_o people_n now_o my_o friend_n it_o lie_v upon_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v etc._n etc._n again_o p._n 62._o he_o fall_v severe_o on_o this_o poor_a principle_n answ_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v much_o surprise_v his_o lp._n when_o i_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o can_v find_v no_o such_o principle_n nor_o indeed_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o either_o in_o sense_n or_o sound_v in_o the_o whole_a directory_n i_o will_v therefore_o entreat_v he_o to_o read_v it_o over_o once_o more_o that_o he_o may_v oblige_v i_o with_o the_o account_n of_o the_o page_n where_o it_o lie_v and_o i_o may_v the_o more_o reasonable_o request_v this_o favour_n of_o he_o because_o he_o have_v put_v i_o to_o the_o
as_o i_o shall_v observe_v anon_o do_v far_o more_o direct_o favour_n and_o countenance_v free_a prayer_n than_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v the_o use_n of_o form_n especial_o of_o form_n impose_v by_o other_o about_o which_o the_o main_a dispute_n lie_v and_o what_o he_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o confirm_v it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o if_o it_o do_v will_v prove_v too_o much_o for_o our_o saviour_n may_v teach_v man_n the_o way_n of_o free_a prayer_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulscs_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n since_o none_o pretend_v to_o such_o impulse_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o he_o himself_o own_v that_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n we_o may_v depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v extempore_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o i_o hope_v mean_v we_o may_v expect_v such_o immediate_a inspiration_n nay_o our_o saviour_n may_v advise_v we_o to_o free_a prayer_n without_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v speak_v what_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n or_o shall_v be_v give_v we_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v for_o free_a prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v serious_a premeditation_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v use_v it_o especial_o in_o public_a without_o it_o unless_o in_o case_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n nay_o if_o this_o reason_n signify_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v prove_v too_o much_o that_o we_o be_v never_o to_o pray_v extempore_o at_o all_o because_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n even_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n to_o expect_v such_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o here_o i_o will_v once_o for_o all_o caution_n his_o lp._n against_o that_o common_a mistake_n he_o seem_v to_o run_v into_o as_o if_o we_o imagine_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n in_o prayer_n to_o lie_v in_o immediate_o dictate_v our_o word_n to_o we_o whereas_o we_o no_o more_o expect_v that_o in_o prayer_n than_o in_o preach_v for_o we_o suppose_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o common_a gift_n and_o though_o we_o have_v know_v many_o private_a christian_n who_o natural_a part_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o low_a endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o this_o gift_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o diligence_n in_o this_o duty_n yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o that_o many_o natural_a endowment_n as_o readiness_n of_o apprehension_n copiousness_n of_o fancy_n tenderness_n of_o affection_n fluency_n of_o expression_n may_v contribute_v much_o to_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o great_a eminency_n in_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n in_o this_o duty_n alter_v that_o style_n or_o way_n of_o expression_n that_o nature_n or_o custom_n have_v habituate_v man_n to_o so_o that_o the_o h._n spirit_n be_v no_o more_o accountable_a for_o the_o indecent_a expression_n of_o good_a man_n in_o prayer_n than_o in_o preach_v though_o we_o may_v expect_v his_o help_n both_o in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v ability_n and_o gift_n for_o these_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o '_o they_o but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v the_o follow_a remark_n thereon_o 1._o if_o it_o shouâ—â—_n bâ—_n grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o as_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o intend_v it_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o no_o more_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o than_o our_o obligation_n to_o use_v that_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d for_o if_o he_o have_v intend_v our_o ordinary_a use_n of_o other_o form_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v prescribe_v they_o himself_o or_o commission_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v so_o or_o instruct_v they_o to_o leave_v some_o order_n with_o other_o ordinary_a pastor_n to_o have_v compose_v '_o they_o 2._o many_o learned_a man_n that_o do_v allow_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o have_v be_v a_o prescribe_v form_n do_v not_o think_v it_o design_v for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o for_o a_o temporary_a form_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o observe_v that_o the_o three_o first_o petition_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o be_v chief_o calculate_v both_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o john_n deliver_v concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o expectation_n the_o pious_a jew_n then_o general_o entertain_v of_o the_o messiah_n kingdom_n be_v public_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n they_o observe_v far_o that_o in_o the_o petition_n for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n the_o death_n or_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o we_o must_v now_o sue_v for_o pardon_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v every_o where_o propose_v as_o our_o highpriest_n mediator_n intercessor_n and_o advocate_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o notice_n take_v in_o this_o form_n and_o hence_o they_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o our_o lord_n long_o after_o the_o delivery_n of_o this_o form_n tell_v his_o disciple_n 16_o joh._n 24._o hitherto_o have_v you_o ask_v nothing_o in_o my_o name_n and_o therefore_o he_o require_v they_o now_o to_o ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n and_o assure_v they_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o petition_n and_o according_o they_o observe_v that_o the_o doxologys_n mention_v in_o scripture_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n lead_v we_o direct_o and_o express_o to_o ascribe_v our_o praise_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n in_o that_o use_v in_o the_o ld's-prayer_n whence_o they_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v chief_o suit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n while_o under_o his_o personal_a ministry_n on_o earth_n in_o which_o the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o depend_v on_o his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o clear_o reveal_v and_o the_o more_o some_o labour_n to_o prove_v these_o petition_n take_v out_o of_o some_o jewish_a form_n the_o more_o do_v they_o strengthen_v this_o opinion_n that_o this_o form_n be_v no_o far_o intend_v for_o our_o â—â—se_n than_o as_o a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o but_o be_v â—ot_n so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o pray_v in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v our_o manner_n â—f_o pray_v shall_v great_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n particular_o by_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o give_v this_o opinion_n as_o my_o own_o but_o propose_v it_o to_o his_o lp_n consideration_n to_o allay_v that_o confidence_n wherewith_o he_o assert_v so_o positive_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n for_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o thing_n so_o plausible_a and_o probable_a produce_v â—y_a he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n allege_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o for_o â—e_n tell_v we_o without_o any_o limitation_n that_o we_o be_v particular_o command_a whenever_o we_o pray_v to_o use_v this_o prayer_n for_o which_o assertion_n i_o can_v â—ee_n no_o show_n of_o proof_n nor_o can_v i_o reconcile_v it_o to_o those_o many_o instanâ—es_n of_o prayer_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o none_o of_o which_o do_v we_o read_v of_o this_o be_v use_v nay_o i_o do_v not_o think_v his_o lp._n or_o any_o man_n else_o suppose_v himself_o oblige_v to_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n always_o â—e_v pray_v whenever_o we_o crave_v a_o blessing_n on_o our_o food_n but_o do_v his_o lp._n always_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n on_o that_o occasion_n so_o that_o we_o must_v be_v cautious_a of_o stretch_v our_o saviour_n word_n too_o far_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o their_o most_o strict_a sense_n we_o shall_v never_o offer_v up_o any_o other_o prayer_n but_o that_o at_o all_o 3._o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o directory_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o most_o fair_a and_o just_a account_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v chief_o design_v as_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n but_o may_v also_o be_v convenient_o use_v as_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n his_o lp-will_a not_o deny_v and_o the_o admirable_a method_n and_o order_n as_o well_o as_o the_o comprehensiveness_n of_o its_o petition_n show_v it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n