the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n suppose_v such_o as_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a natural_a or_o carnal_a man_n 1_o cor._n two_o 13_o where_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v he_o add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v because_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whoever_o therefore_o be_v more_o affect_v or_o delight_n more_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o in_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o have_v that_o spirit_n delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o thing_n they_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o their_o public_a assembly_n that_o the_o hear_v it_o read_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n whoever_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o this_o practice_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v that_o temper_n and_o spirit_n with_o which_o those_o holy_a man_n be_v inspire_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spiritualness_n and_o reformation_n be_v little_o advance_v above_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o receive_v or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n at_o least_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
and_o the_o mischief_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v or_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a meat_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o ill_a effect_n as_o the_o forbid_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v have_v already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o st._n paul_n judge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n four_o 1_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v he_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n forbid_v to_o marry_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n you_o see_v here_o st._n paul_n count_v it_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o forbid_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o any_o sort_n of_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a to_o teach_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unclean_a when_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o then_o sure_a to_o teach_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o god_n have_v command_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o ought_v to_o make_v those_o who_o maintain_v it_o or_o any_o such_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n as_o practise_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o examine_v it_o careful_o and_o impartial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o seduce_v spirit_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o will_n but_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o this_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o share_v with_o god_n in_o our_o obedience_n and_o impose_v new_a command_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o to_o procure_v himself_o to_o be_v obey_v this_o he_o do_v most_o successful_o by_o give_v they_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n thus_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n under_o colour_n of_o mortification_n he_o forbid_v meat_n and_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v allow_v speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o under_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v prevail_v on_o some_o under_o colour_n of_o great_a spirituality_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o wherever_o the_o devil_n gain_v this_o point_n with_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v he_o soon_o bring_v a_o superadd_v command_v of_o his_o own_o in_o competition_n with_o some_o of_o god_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o prefer_v his_o command_n to_o god_n and_o so_o plunge_v they_o into_o direct_a disobedience_n which_o be_v his_o design_n at_o first_o thus_o when_o he_o have_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n they_o soon_o fall_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v fornication_n but_o even_o in_o some_o case_n to_o allow_v it_o rather_o than_o marriage_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a he_o have_v deprive_v they_o in_o many_o place_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o not_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o in_o public_a than_o with_o a_o form_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o worship_n god_n public_o no_o where_o but_o 3._o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v no_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n about_o it_o since_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o puff_n they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o take_v false_a measure_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o we_o know_v that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guide_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n but_o no_o less_o in_o forgive_a a_o injury_n or_o resist_v a_o temptation_n and_o his_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a man_n mind_n be_v rather_o great_a and_o more_o sensible_a in_o these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o prayer_n love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 22_o and_o it_o be_v principal_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v that_o spirit_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n on_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n suitable_a desire_n entitle_v every_o one_o to_o god_n spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n that_o be_v able_a to_o express_v himself_o in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a word_n though_o without_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o expose_v every_o one_o to_o despair_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o as_o look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n though_o otherwise_o meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o endow_v with_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v much_o wear_v certain_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v many_o delude_v by_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o or_o other_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endow_v with_o this_o gift_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o qualification_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o some_o very_a immoral_a person_n guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n have_v not_o be_v eminent_a for_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o convince_v these_o person_n of_o their_o mistake_n or_o to_o comfort_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n deject_v only_o for_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n whilst_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n which_o in_o the_o four_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o indulge_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o secret_a devotion_n every_o christian_a ought_v at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o without_o a_o form_n child_n and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o word_n and_o even_o other_o people_n be_v often_o not_o able_a to_o find_v they_o ready_o especial_o when_o weary_v dull_a or_o indispose_v as_o be_v sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o the_o best_a christian_n this_o make_v secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o a_o constant_a regular_a course_n of_o it_o uneasy_a to_o most_o that_o be_v absolute_o against_o all_o use_n of_o form_n and_o it_o occasion_n too_o many_o to_o neglect_v it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o and_o as_o for_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n among_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v many_o of_o they_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n in_o secret_a to_o god_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v aloud_o or_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o expose_v not_o only_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o duty_n to_o contempt_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_n up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o you_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a or_o easy_a method_n to_o revive_v and_o continue_v this_o regular_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o some_o certain_a form_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n which_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v whatever_o other_o prayer_n they_o use_v but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v whilst_o the_o opinion_n of_o
religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o your_o account_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n to_o you_o of_o my_o concern_n for_o you_o and_o make_v my_o care_n to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v among_o you_o i_o hope_v my_o labour_n this_o way_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o doubtful_a and_o to_o awaken_v you_o all_o to_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v uncontroverted_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o your_o particular_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v you_o so_o many_o conveniency_n of_o frequent_v it_o in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v you_o so_o manifest_a advantage_n above_o your_o dissent_v neighbour_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o numerousness_n you_o have_v five_o place_n for_o worship_n for_o one_o that_o they_o have_v this_o will_v render_v you_o inexcusable_a if_o you_o neglect_v attendance_n at_o they_o or_o spend_v any_o lord_n day_n as_o be_v too_o common_a in_o this_o country_n in_o a_o mere_a rest_n from_o labour_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n i_o must_v likewise_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o our_o service_n be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o the_o public_a but_o be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o private_a family_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o which_o our_o church_n have_v furnish_v you_o in_o your_o house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o least_o to_o use_v such_o select_a hymn_n and_o collect_v as_o seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o that_o purpose_n and_o at_o more_o solemn_a time_n i_o conceive_v our_o litany_n be_v as_o full_a and_o proper_a a_o service_n as_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n can_v desire_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n i_o must_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o &_o passionate_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o that_o you_o will_v add_v diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o this_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a worship_n and_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n or_o a_o party_n you_o contend_v for_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o strive_v rather_o to_o outlive_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o then_o to_o out-argue_v they_o let_v the_o innocency_n of_o your_o life_n and_o your_o christian_a moderation_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o you._n i_o beseech_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o you_o and_o to_o influence_n you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o worship_v he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o dissenting-laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n that_o dissent_n from_o our_o communion_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v to_o you._n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v this_o way_n to_o inform_v you._n i_o will_v only_o add_v a_o few_o observation_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v leave_v the_o success_n entire_o to_o god_n 1._o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o have_v not_o lead_v you_o into_o long_a reason_n or_o the_o intricacy_n of_o human_a learning_n but_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o your_o bibles_n and_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o they_o to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o or_o not_o those_o of_o berea_n be_v reckon_v a_o noble_a people_n act_n xvii_o 11_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o pray_v most_o hearty_o to_o god_n to_o give_v you_o a_o part_n in_o that_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v search_v and_o find_v the_o truth_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n ever_o will_v be_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v more_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o invention_n then_o of_o what_o god_n command_v if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o prophet_n send_v by_o god_n the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o worship_n he_o command_v have_v have_v but_o ill_a entertainment_n among_o the_o people_n there_o never_o appear_v half_a so_o much_o zeal_n or_o inclination_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o false_a god_n and_o their_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v a_o obvious_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o what_o man_n invent_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o near_a agreement_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n than_o what_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o change_v the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o substitute_v their_o own_o invention_n instead_o of_o they_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v more_o ease_n or_o gratification_n to_o his_o humour_n in_o they_o then_o in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n if_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n you_o will_v find_v that_o most_o of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o fondness_n and_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o church_n governor_n do_v long_o oppose_v they_o and_o be_v bring_v with_o difficulty_n at_o last_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a purgatory_n the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n half_a communion_n be_v present_a at_o church_n assembly_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o worship_v the_o host_n be_v all_o vulgar_a practice_n at_o first_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o be_v human_a invention_n the_o people_n be_v so_o violent_a for_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o withstand_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n they_o have_v will_v not_o comply_v the_o people_n do_v set_v up_o those_o that_o will_v now_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o all_o seriousness_n whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v something_o like_o this_o in_o your_o own_o case_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o do_v settle_v liturgy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o reform_a this_o knox_n do_v in_o scotland_n who_o lyturgy_n we_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o yet_o condemn_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o