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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n father_n holy_a person_n 23,263 5 5.9853 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47146 The fundamental truths of Christianity briefly hinted at by way of question and answer : to which is added a treatise of prayer in the same method / by George Keith. Keith, George, 1639?-1716.; Barclay, Robert, 1648-1690. 1688 (1688) Wing K168; ESTC R14276 61,969 152

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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
that_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n then_o receive_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v altogether_o unfitting_a that_o man_n shall_v use_v extemporary_a word_n of_o prayer_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lead_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o matter_n they_o utter_v for_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o frequent_o they_o will_v speak_v amiss_o and_o deviate_v or_o wander_v into_o impertinent_a expression_n or_o word_n contrary_a to_o truth_n who_o heart_n and_o tongue_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o a_o ship_n if_o she_o be_v let_v loose_a to_o sail_v without_o a_o pilot_n or_o one_o to_o rule_v the_o helm_n can_v but_o go_v astray_o and_o of_o two_o i_o have_v always_o judge_v it_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n since_o god_n give_v i_o a_o right_a understanding_n what_o prayer_n be_v rather_o to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n than_o to_o allow_v or_o permit_v man_n without_o a_o reproof_n to_o presume_v to_o speak_v word_n of_o prayer_n unto_o god_n of_o their_o own_o extemporary_a conceive_n without_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v unto_o it_o as_o many_o do_v not_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o plain_o deny_v and_o vigorous_o oppose_v all_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n i_o can_v see_v how_o they_o can_v clear_v or_o rid_v themselves_o of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o horrid_a impostor_n and_o cheat_n for_o when_o they_o argue_v with_o such_o as_o be_v for_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o for_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o make_v it_o the_o main_a argument_n against_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o quench_v and_o limit_v the_o spirit_n but_o when_o they_o argue_v with_o these_o who_o be_v indeed_o for_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o who_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v unto_o in_o prayer_n and_o not_o to_o be_v limit_v neither_o as_o to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n former_o make_v and_o compose_v by_o other_o nor_o as_o to_o a_o set_a time_n when_o man_n or_o man_n please_v to_o begin_v or_o end_v nor_o as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o may_v or_o do_v pray_v in_o assembly_n here_o these_o be_v as_o great_a limiter_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o any_o for_o they_o can_v and_o do_v pray_v when_o they_o will_v and_o how_o long_o they_o will_v begin_v and_o end_v when_o they_o will_v which_o do_v evince_n that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o spirit_n time_n and_o season_n of_o move_v they_o to_o pray_o otherwise_o they_o will_v silent_o wait_v for_o it_o see_v few_o if_o any_o upon_o earth_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o pray_v vocal_o or_o in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o no_o prophecy_n come_v of_o old_a in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n so_o no_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v now_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o man_n can_v use_v the_o spirit_n or_o its_o help_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v as_o they_o use_v a_o natural_a habit_n of_o write_v or_o sing_v or_o play_v upon_o a_o musical_a instrument_n which_o habit_n they_o can_v use_v at_o any_o time_n according_a to_o their_o natural_a will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o they_o have_v the_o command_n over_o they_o and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v master_n of_o those_o natural_a habit_n and_o arts._n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o use_v it_o when_o and_o where_o and_o how_o he_o please_v for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n do_v command_v lead_v and_o order_v they_o in_o all_o their_o service_n and_o so_o it_o do_v all_o other_o true_a and_o faithful_a minister_n who_o be_v therefore_o to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o wait_v the_o season_n of_o the_o spirit_n moving_n as_o those_o who_o at_o the_o pool_n wait_v for_o the_o stir_n of_o the_o water_n by_o the_o angel_n and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n and_o minister_n be_v bid_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o say_v christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o act_v 1._o 4._o again_o if_o those_o man_n be_v for_o the_o true_a liberty_n of_o prave_v by_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v suffer_v yea_o not_o only_o suffer_v but_o encourage_v any_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n to_o pray_v vocal_o or_o in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o they_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o sing_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v permit_v by_o these_o man_n who_o will_v suffer_v none_o but_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o they_o give_v power_n unto_o to_o use_v vocal_a prayer_n in_o their_o assembly_n as_o if_o these_o man_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v master_n of_o a_o few_o natural_a art_n or_o at_o least_o call_v so_o be_v master_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v speak_v in_o none_o but_o who_o they_o please_v and_o give_v leave_n unto_o yea_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n must_v be_v silent_a in_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n at_o their_o will_n and_o command_v these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n which_o can_v be_v give_v do_v evince_n that_o these_o man_n though_o they_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n unto_o it_o for_o most_o part_n and_o unto_o true_a pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o who_o have_v no_o such_o pretence_n and_o they_o who_o have_v no_o such_o pretence_n as_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o conceive_v and_o utter_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o hundred_o fold_n more_o ingenious_a and_o more_o commendable_a on_o that_o account_n for_o their_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n who_o as_o they_o have_v not_o that_o divine_a gift_n of_o pray_v in_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n so_o do_v not_o pretend_v unto_o it_o but_o simple_o and_o plain_o speak_v it_o out_o that_o they_o have_v it_o not_o which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o honest_o do_v than_o those_o do_v who_o have_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o that_o pretence_n deceive_v simple_a people_n as_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o conceive_v they_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la though_o the_o raw_a indigested_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o unsound_a expression_n as_o they_o often_o use_v as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a deadness_n and_o want_n of_o life_n that_o do_v accompany_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o most_o part_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n but_o that_o which_o add_v to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n to_o make_v it_o the_o great_a be_v that_o some_o yea_o many_o or_o they_o have_v get_v a_o art_n by_o affect_a eloquence_n or_o some_o new_a invent_a phrase_n follow_v with_o a_o mighty_a seem_a zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n to_o play_v upon_o the_o people_n natural_a affection_n and_o passion_n and_o excite_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o the_o ignorant_a people_n for_o want_n of_o a_o spiritual_a discern_v do_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o real_a work_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n when_o for_o most_o part_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o animal_n and_o natural_a passion_n in_o the_o hearer_n excite_v either_o by_o art_n in_o the_o speaker_n or_o at_o least_o by_o the_o same_o or_o like_a passion_n in_o they_o who_o speak_v both_o in_o their_o preach_n and_o praying_n for_o like_a stir_v up_o and_o beget_v its_o like_a according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n si_fw-mi vis_fw-la i_o flere_fw-la dolendum_fw-la est_fw-la primum_fw-la ipsitibi_fw-la i._n e._n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o weep_v thou_o must_v first_o weep_v thyself_o before_o i_o and_o though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v any_o true_a tenderness_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n or_o inward_a melt_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o real_a
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 i●_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
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
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 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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 the_o love_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v most_o prevail_v and_o have_v the_o great_a force_n it_o be_v not_o eloquence_n or_o excellency_n of_o speech_n that_o god_n require_v or_o regard_v the_o profit_n and_o service_n of_o it_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o not_o unto_o god._n it_o stir_v up_o man_n affection_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o servant_n but_o do_v not_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n than_o more_o simple_a and_o mean_a word_n yet_o god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o want_v of_o exercise_n in_o improve_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o that_o make_v they_o think_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a why_o may_v not_o man_n find_v word_n and_o expression_n as_o ready_a and_o easy_a wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n 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 who_o god_n call_v to_o such_o a_o employment_n or_o office_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n sufficient_o qualify_v and_o furnish_v they_o for_o he_o who_o make_v the_o mouth_n can_v easy_o put_v word_n in_o it_o as_o when_o moses_n excuse_v his_o be_v send_v to_o pharaoh_n for_o his_o want_n of_o eloquence_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v make_v man_n mouth_n or_o who_o make_v the_o dumb_a or_o deaf_a or_o the_o see_v or_o the_o blind_a have_v not_o i_o the_o lord_n now_o therefore_o go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o shall_v sav_v ex._n 4._o 11._o and_o though_o the_o lord_n send_v aaron_n to_o assist_v he_o who_o be_v natural_o more_o eloquent_a yet_o god_n also_o put_v word_n in_o moses_n his_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o aaron_n and_o when_o moses_n pray_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o israel_n may_v prevail_v over_o amalek_n we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o moses_n borrow_v any_o word_n from_o 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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
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 refe●_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 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