heal_a and_o purify_n and_o sanctify_a nature_n more_o particular_o it_o have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o to_o kill_v consume_v and_o destroy_v sin_n both_o in_o fruit_n and_o root_n stock_n and_o branch_n 2._o to_o beget_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n patience_n humility_n joy_n peace_n hope_n and_o confidence_n etc._n etc._n q._n how_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n convey_v unto_o man_n at_o first_o and_o how_o be_v it_o receive_v a._n as_o a_o small_a thing_n even_o as_o a_o seed_n the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n q._n and_o how_o be_v it_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o man_n heart_n a._n by_o its_o growth_n in_o they_o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o grow_v in_o they_o it_o do_v not_o multiply_v but_o remain_v as_o dead_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o they_o though_o live_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n q._n how_o do_v it_o grow_v in_o men._n a._n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n even_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n by_o get_v root_n in_o the_o earth_n q._n how_o do_v it_o get_v root_n a._n it_o have_v a_o native_a virtue_n and_o influence_n in_o it_o whereby_o it_o take_v root_n in_o the_o heart_n natural_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v it_o and_o though_o the_o ground_n where_o it_o seek_v to_o take_v root_n be_v foul_a and_o unfit_a yet_o it_o have_v a_o cleanse_n and_o fit_v virtue_n in_o it_o to_o prepare_v the_o ground_n and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o fit_a but_o it_o require_v man_n consent_n and_o concurrence_n which_o it_o act_n and_o god_n in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o draw_v and_o move_v effectual_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o q._n but_o may_v these_o drawing_n and_o move_n be_v common_o resist_v a._n yea_o they_o may_v and_o so_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n may_v be_v hinder_v by_o man_n himself_o and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o beginning_n or_o when_o begin_v in_o its_o progress_n q._n do_v god_n teach_v man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o godliness_n by_o this_o principle_n a._n yea_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_o and_o chaste_o wait_v upon_o believe_v and_o follow_v q._n but_o have_v he_o not_o his_o order_n in_o teach_v or_o do_v he_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o a._n he_o have_v his_o order_n and_o do_v not_o teach_v all_o at_o once_o but_o line_n upon_o line_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a according_a as_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v through_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o principle_n in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o teach_v in_o and_o by_o this_o principle_n a._n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o to_o live_v godly_a and_o when_o they_o have_v ascend_v by_o those_o degree_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n city_n house_n kingdom_n oud_a paradise_n where_o he_o give_v they_o to_o enjoy_v of_o these_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o because_o of_o the_o sweetness_n beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v beyond_o all_o utterance_n or_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n after_o convincement_n or_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n a._n faith_n and_o repentance_n q._n what_o be_v faith_n a._n it_o be_v a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a revelation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o shining_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a light_n life_n and_o spirit_n within_o he_o q._n be_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n god_n and_o christ_n as_o inward_o reveal_v a._n yea._n q._n what_o faith_n then_o have_v they_o who_o say_v inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o man_n nay_o not_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o day_n a._n they_o have_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n and_o imagination_n which_o as_o it_o findetn_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n so_o it_o leave_v they_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o q._n what_o be_v repentance_n a._n it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n from_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n unto_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n so_o that_o whereas_o it_o love_v desire_a and_o rejoice_v in_o sin_n before_o and_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n therefrom_o now_o it_o have_v a_o distaste_n of_o sin_n universal_o and_o a_o aversion_n and_o alienation_n from_o it_o and_o a_o true_a and_o intimate_a love_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n desire_v after_o it_o and_o joy_n therein_o and_o more_o abundant_o after_o and_o in_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o it_o be_v q._n how_o be_v this_o repentance_n wrought_v a._n by_o degree_n through_o the_o power_n of_o god_n his_o life_n his_o love_n his_o judgement_n his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n reveal_v in_o his_o own_o light_n by_o his_o own_o spirit_n as_o the_o heart_n be_v turn_v thereunto_o and_o continue_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o fix_a application_n unto_o the_o same_o this_o natural_o and_o gentle_o melt_v and_o thaw_v the_o heart_n and_o break_v it_o into_o piece_n yea_o change_v it_o from_o a_o heart_n of_o stone_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o make_v it_o natural_o to_o savour_n and_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o it_o hate_v before_o and_o to_o disrelish_v and_o distaste_v the_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o it_o love_v before_o q._n what_o rule_n or_o law_n have_v god_n give_v unto_o man_n to_o serve_v obey_v and_o worship_n he_o a._n even_o the_o same_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n aforesaid_a the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o even_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v and_o shall_v remain_v upon_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o condemnation_n unto_o they_o but_o justification_n and_o approbation_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o concern_v prayer_n i._o some_o question_n answer_v ii_o some_o reason_n give_v why_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o only_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o the_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n iii_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n as_o if_o that_o read_v be_v prayer_n answer_v also_o a_o few_o word_n concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n by_o g._n k._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1687._o to_o the_o love_v and_o friendly_a reader_n since_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o give_v i_o some_o knowledge_n by_o experience_n what_o true_a prayer_n be_v after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v with_o many_o other_o to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n to_o believe_v and_o walk_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v see_v and_o open_v many_o true_a and_o fresh_a and_o live_a open_n have_v arisen_a in_o i_o concern_v prayer_n the_o nature_n use_n end_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o true_a and_o right_a prayer_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v acceptable_o perform_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n assist_v and_o help_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n to_o pray_v how_o he_o work_v not_o only_o upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a with_o good_a and_o holy_a desire_n in_o the_o art_n or_o exercise_v of_o prayer_n but_o also_o how_o he_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a power_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o give_v to_o man_n a_o true_a and_o real_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o want_n or_o of_o the_o want_n of_o other_o for_o who_o he_o pray_v and_o also_o of_o the_o love_n mercy_n bounty_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o readiness_n and_o nearness_n of_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o supply_v all_o his_o and_o their_o want_n abundant_o when_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a eye_n be_v open_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o see_v the_o well_o of_o live_v water_n where_o the_o thirsty_a soul_n may_v drink_v and_o also_o to_o see_v the_o lord_n table_n that_o be_v rich_o spread_v where_o it_o may_v eat_v abundant_o and_o be_v refresh_v and_o bless_v and_o
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
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
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
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 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