secret_n of_o prince_n and_o administer_v occasion_n to_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o indeed_o aught_o to_o introduce_v who_o undertake_v to_o be_v so_o particular_a and_o nice_a in_o confess_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n or_o pray_v for_o the_o thing_n individual_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o but_o to_o proceed_v by_o our_o absolution_n the_o true_a penitent_n be_v only_o encourage_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n leave_v with_o his_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v in_o pursuance_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n cease_v and_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v with_o triumph_n to_o his_o father_n joh._n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v furthermore_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o order_n of_o 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capacity_n and_o shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n be_v much_o more_o enlarge_v our_o liturgy_n be_v so_o excellent_o frame_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o what_o we_o have_v some_o petition_n for_o so_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v cast_v into_o but_o the_o whole_a community_n who_o join_v in_o our_o service_n share_n with_o we_o in_o sympathy_n and_o affection_n because_o they_o must_v remember_v we_o in_o our_o common_a church_n prayer_n and_o of_o this_o the_o litany_n be_v so_o full_a and_o expressive_a that_o particular_a collect_v seem_v to_o be_v redundant_fw-la when_o this_o be_v use_v yet_o we_o have_v even_o these_o too_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o any_o that_o will_v desire_v that_o their_o grievance_n may_v be_v express_v to_o almighty_a god_n by_o he_o who_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o far_o as_o modesty_n and_o cleanness_n of_o language_n be_v able_a to_o present_v they_o though_o not_o in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v former_o pitch_v up_o with_o a_o fork_n to_o load_v a_o pulpit_n and_o the_o minister_n hearty_a wish_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o devout_a affection_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o word_n our_o church_n direct_v and_o her_o true_a obedient_a son_n practice_v what_o the_o apostle_n advise_v the_o philippian_n to_o do_v chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 6._o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o as_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n our_o creed_n in_o which_o we_o make_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n contain_v all_o article_n but_o yet_o no_o more_o than_o the_o pure_a christian_a church_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o their_o religion_n declare_v they_o be_v neither_o stuff_v with_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o have_v we_o abate_v by_o the_o omission_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n or_o any_o that_o bear_v a_o new_a date_n nor_o do_v we_o receive_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o these_o we_o own_v neither_o spurious_a nor_o general_o doubt_v book_n our_o fellowship_n or_o society_n be_v uphold_v as_o all_o other_o must_v be_v by_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o ruler_n we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v yet_o protestant_a in_o that_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n for_o who_o order_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o any_o personal_a failure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o be_v call_v man_n be_v subject_a or_o the_o malicious_a imputation_n of_o any_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n if_o this_o word_n too_o be_v not_o in_o disgrace_n and_o consent_v among_o the_o ancient_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n for_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o instead_o of_o it_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v yet_o learn_v all_o the_o three_o seem_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o if_o they_o fall_v they_o must_v be_v ruin_v together_o our_o sacrament_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n institute_v and_o command_v also_o to_o be_v use_v in_o his_o church_n that_o we_o may_v have_v some_o visible_a sign_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o blessing_n may_v
deliver_v in_o relation_n to_o private_a devotion_n which_o hold_v good_a in_o public_a too_o prohibit_v all_o sinister_a and_o hypocritical_a design_n in_o prayer_n to_o gain_v the_o praise_n and_o acclamation_n of_o man_n and_o when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n matth._n 6.5_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o value_v at_o all_o how_o i_o be_o recommend_v unto_o man_n if_o their_o approbation_n shall_v render_v those_o action_n that_o gain_v it_o unacceptable_a and_o odious_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o that_o honourable_a although_o despise_v office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v neither_o fear_v the_o frown_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o no_o body_n can_v bestow_v great_a slur_n or_o indignity_n on_o our_o vocation_n or_o person_n than_o our_o receive_v the_o sacred_a character_n may_v forewarn_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o employment_n unacceptable_a to_o the_o guilty_a to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n redargue_v their_o error_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o open_a rebuke_n and_o shame_n nay_o by_o chance_n sometime_o to_o their_o very_a face_n and_o in_o do_v this_o we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o bear_v some_o share_n in_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n who_o though_o he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o contemn_v whip_v and_o crucify_a now_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o be_v the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v forwarn_v we_o to_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o espouse_n our_o quarrel_n when_o truth_n remain_v unshaken_a on_o our_o side_n by_o his_o providence_n make_v way_n for_o deliverence_n from_o our_o enemy_n that_o he_o that_o despise_v we_o despise_v christ_n himself_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v he_o despise_v he_o also_o that_o send_v he_o luke_o 10.16_o and_o that_o not_o only_a promise_n of_o temporal_a deliverance_n or_o at_o least_o support_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o our_o adversary_n but_o a_o eternal_a reward_n be_v also_o grant_v to_o he_o that_o continue_v and_o persevere_fw-la unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 10.22_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v quite_o swallow_v up_o by_o those_o strange_a child_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v work_n enough_o cut_v out_o for_o we_o not_o only_o to_o tire_v the_o most_o active_a and_o indefatigable_a mind_n among_o we_o but_o even_o to_o disturb_v our_o spirit_n and_o break_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o either_o the_o wit_n or_o malice_n of_o man_n have_v render_v doubtful_a and_o the_o perverse_a wrangling_n of_o one_o man_n with_o another_o have_v make_v that_o a_o subject_a to_o dispute_v upon_o which_o be_v at_o first_o design_v to_o unite_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o strict_a bond_n of_o catholic_n charity_n by_o a_o complete_a and_o uniform_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o one_o religion_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n to_o find_v these_o rude_a indigested_a long_a and_o hypocritical_a prayer_n on_o yet_o their_o patron_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v to_o delude_v the_o people_n do_v like_a man_n in_o a_o shipwreck_n lay_v hold_v of_o any_o plank_n to_o save_v they_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o as_o they_o manage_v their_o prayer_n it_o be_v apparent_a blasphemy_n to_o assert_v it_o they_o entitle_v the_o most_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o all_o their_o loose_a insipued_z and_o most_o ridiculous_a prayer_n as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o very_a inditer_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a coadjutor_n in_o supply_v by_o a_o immediate_a impulse_n a_o extempore_o man_n with_o matter_n and_o expression_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o well_o although_o i_o be_o able_a upon_o a_o private_a occasion_n to_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n by_o myself_o upon_o what_o they_o can_v ground_v their_o peculiar_a confidence_n and_o extraordinary_a expectation_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o either_o upon_o the_o primitive_a example_n of_o man_n inspire_v when_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n more_o necessary_o require_v it_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a can_v be_v no_o common_a precedent_n or_o upon_o some_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14._o chap._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o blessing_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o assistance_n be_v at_o first_o give_v either_o for_o a_o sign_n to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o that_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o else_o to_o enable_v some_o to_o instruct_v other_o or_o to_o pray_v with_o they_o in_o those_o more_o early_a time_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v now_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v so_o long_o plant_v than_o that_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v sing_v or_o pray_v or_o bless_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o forementioned_a chapter_n be_v very_o obvious_a to_o any_o that_o will_v peruse_v it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n though_o himself_o have_v extraordinary_a assistence_n in_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o encourage_v extempore_o devotion_n but_o only_o rebuke_v disorder_n among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n pray_v in_o strange_a language_n to_o the_o people_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o have_v be_v already_o conclude_v upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o chapter_n in_o this_o discourse_n but_o because_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o fanatic_n against_o we_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o in_o which_o we_o urge_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n as_o if_o they_o will_v give_v these_o a_o deliverance_n by_o a_o new_a interpretation_n i_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o again_o to_o show_v that_o pray_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n can_v countenance_v extempore_o prayer_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o more_o relation_n to_o it_o than_o latin_a and_o greek_a have_v to_o english_a nay_o as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v not_o so_o much_o neither_o the_o reverend_a dr._n owen_n in_o his_o critical_a discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n have_v a_o excellent_a reason_n pag._n 19_o why_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o formal_o pray_v because_o all_o prayer_n whether_o oral_a or_o interpretative_a be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o nature_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v to_o so_o that_o i_o suppose_v these_o man_n prayer_n whatever_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o say_v to_o we_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o he_o that_o utter_v they_o be_v only_o the_o pipe_n through_o which_o without_o a_o metaphor_n the_o water_n or_o the_o wind_n flow_v but_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o assistance_n which_o they_o strive_v for_o to_o help_v their_o invention_n and_o expression_n in_o prayer_n beyond_o a_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o raise_v our_o grace_n and_o affection_n in_o our_o devotion_n which_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o they_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o communicate_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o to_o other_o however_o that_o st._n paul_n can_v justify_v they_o in_o this_o place_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v i._n e._n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n flow_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n pray_v but_o my_o own_o apprehension_n of_o what_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n i_o utter_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v advantageous_a unto_o other_o for_o say_v he_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a i.e._n to_o those_o who_o hear_v shall_v have_v join_v with_o i_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v by_o my_o understanding_n also_o that_o be_v when_o he_o do_v pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n he_o will_v by_o his_o understanding_n so_o interpret_v it_o as_o to_o render_v the_o prayer_n intelligible_a unto_o other_o so_o that_o understanding_n here_o be_v oppose_v to_o spirit_n i.e._n the_o speak_n as_o those_o do_v who_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n when_o they_o deliver_v
to_o have_v their_o advantage_n by_o it_o and_o have_v several_a year_n try_v their_o skill_n but_o god_n providence_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o even_o yet_o praise_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o eternal_a jehovah_n though_o the_o romanist_n as_o well_o as_o other_o weak_a yet_o presumptuous_a man_n have_v think_v we_o march_v direct_o towards_o rome_n we_o have_v a_o protestant_a king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v we_o such_o generous_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n who_o advise_v he_o and_o such_o skilful_a and_o stout_a champion_n to_o encounter_v they_o and_o above_o all_o the_o god_n of_o protestant_n to_o undermine_v and_o resist_v they_o that_o we_o may_v yet_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v our_o helper_n we_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o nay_o though_o a_o host_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v encamp_v against_o as_o we_o will_v not_o slavish_o fear_v evil_a although_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o in_o this_o cause_n of_o religion_n which_o love_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v with_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n our_o adversary_n have_v exchange_v their_o writing_n for_o stratagem_n leave_v their_o argument_n and_o be_v almost_o ready_a to_o run_v to_o their_o weapon_n but_o whither_o will_v zeal_n transport_v a_o man_n beyond_o the_o present_a subject_n of_o debate_n when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o enemy_n that_o be_v always_o betray_v and_o ready_a to_o pierce_v a_o man_n bowel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o enforce_v this_o argument_n and_o inference_n against_o the_o papist_n prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n with_o two_o consideration_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o be_v sufficient_a with_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a to_o abate_v the_o kindness_n of_o any_o person_n at_o least_o all_o that_o be_v well_o instruct_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o check_v any_o inclination_n to_o the_o embracement_n of_o such_o a_o communion_n whole_a constitution_n hinder_v they_o from_o understand_v their_o prayer_n that_o ignorance_n may_v make_v man_n fit_a for_o their_o devotion_n and_o part_v with_o their_o reason_n and_o sense_n too_o they_o may_v be_v draw_v after_o the_o pope_n chariot_n with_o their_o eye_n put_v out_o and_z at_o last_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o feign_a purgatory_n howl_v and_o squal_v as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o quaker_n that_o he_o may_v when_o he_o please_v as_o the_o silver_n move_v open_v the_o door_n or_o keep_v they_o fast_o and_o when_o he_o turn_v the_o key_n at_o last_o instead_o of_o give_v they_o joy_n and_o liberty_n they_o may_v find_v they_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o real_a hell_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n at_o all_o but_o yet_o before_o we_o go_v thither_o or_o pray_v away_o our_o own_o understanding_n in_o such_o a_o worship_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o join_v who_o ken_v not_o latin_a in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v let_v we_o 1._o consider_v whether_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o above_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o the_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o man_n this_o great_a apostle_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o such_o language_n as_o this_o if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o undersanding_n be_v unfruitful_a by_o unknown_a tongue_n every_o body_n know_v what_o be_v mean_v but_o in_o the_o latter_a clause_n some_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o other_o make_v use_n of_o these_o expression_n and_o their_o own_o vanity_n and_o unskilfulness_n together_o to_o lead_v man_n from_o latin_a service_n into_o a_o rude_a and_o ungovernable_a devotion_n by_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v mean_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o flow_v forth_o in_o extempore_o expression_n now_o but_o in_o strange_a language_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n interpretation_n of_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v exhort_v man_n to_o employ_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n foremention_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la the_o 12_o in_o the_o next_o he_o explain_v it_o by_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a particular_a text_n quote_v the_o pray_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v apparent_o the_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v though_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n himself_o yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o other_o his_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o prayer_n can_v not_o render_v they_o beneficial_a to_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o he_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n too_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o language_n by_o himself_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o he_o may_v accompany_v his_o word_n with_o due_a intention_n and_o suitable_a affection_n but_o he_o will_v pray_v also_o that_o his_o understanding_n may_v be_v fruitful_a unto_o other_o by_o put_v his_o petition_n into_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n may_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o so_o they_o may_v join_v with_o he_o and_o be_v edify_v by_o it_o second_o consider_v that_o prayer_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o it_o be_v utter_v in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o lose_v those_o bless_a influence_n and_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v upon_o the_o devotionist_n particular_o by_o their_o understanding_n to_o move_v their_o will_n and_o obtain_v their_o consent_n to_o raise_v their_o affection_n suitable_a to_o the_o petition_n make_v for_o they_o that_o so_o the_o act_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v become_v their_o own_o and_o they_o know_v what_o be_v deliver_v may_v rational_o consent_v and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o and_o have_v their_o several_a interest_n in_o all_o for_o they_o be_v beast_n rather_o than_o man_n who_o be_v drive_v on_o they_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o say_v amen_o to_o such_o petition_n or_o at_o all_o adventure_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o proposition_n which_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o and_o may_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o false_a as_o true_a in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o fix_v their_o seal_n either_o by_o the_o example_n or_o authority_n of_o another_o to_o what_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v oblige_v they_o to_o ruin_v and_o may_v sign_v their_o execution_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o receive_v a_o pardon_n it_o be_v impossible_a at_o man_n shall_v with_o any_o reason_n signify_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o or_o hearty_o wish_v for_o those_o thing_n mention_v in_o a_o prayer_n when_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v whether_o they_o be_v include_v in_o it_o or_o no_o unless_o man_n can_v think_v it_o rational_a to_o set_v their_o hand_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o every_o paper_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o when_o they_o may_v sign_v a_o bond_n instead_o ofa_fw-mi release_n or_o make_v away_o a_o estate_n instead_o of_o make_v it_o sure_a to_o they_o but_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a man_n be_v wary_a enough_o in_o this_o and_o need_v not_o unless_o they_o be_v foolish_a to_o a_o proverb_n any_o monitor_n to_o caution_n they_o in_o it_o though_o their_o want_n of_o skill_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o advise_v in_o some_o nice_a and_o critical_a difficulty_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a think_v you_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o that_o any_o to_o who_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v more_o cautious_a and_o exact_a in_o relation_n to_o their_o secular_a welfare_n than_o they_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o eternal_a advantage_n will_v they_o beg_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n or_o desire_v a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n a_o little_a child_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o gull_v and_o cheat_v but_o when_o such_o a_o exchange_n be_v proffer_v will_v throw_v it_o away_o with_o rage_n and_o contempt_n but_o further_a that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o be_v that_o where_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n without_o reason_n and_o desire_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v whether_o it_o be_v advantageous_a or_o unprofitable_a to_o they_o they_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o object_n of_o their_o choice_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o apprehend_v any_o goodness_n at_o all_o in_o that_o who_o nature_n and_o accommodation_n to_o they_o they_o be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o â—â—â—â—er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o usual_o have_v so_o slender_a a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o season_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o sure_o preach_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v be_v a_o ordinance_n to_o continue_v till_o the_o elect_n be_v gather_v and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v and_o give_v we_o too_o apparent_a a_o argument_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v so_o order_v matter_n that_o less_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v to_o be_v use_v when_o we_o address_v to_o god_n than_o when_o we_o speak_v only_o to_o the_o people_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o talk_v thus_o i_o hate_v to_o refute_v such_o nonsense_n and_o blasphemy_n both_o together_o for_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o such_o man_n must_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n which_o the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
a_o discourse_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o this_o great_a duty_n be_v state_v so_o as_o to_o oppose_v some_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o public_a form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n establish_v by_o her_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o confirm_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o thomas_n pittis_n d._n d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o viz._n prayer_n with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o late_a discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o b._n w._n for_o edw._n advise_n next_o shop_n but_o one_o to_o popes-head-alley_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1683._o to_o my_o love_a parishioner_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o s._n botolph_n without_o bishopsgate_n and_o also_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o christ-church_n together_o with_o those_o of_o s._n leonard_n foster-lane_n in_o london_n by_o the_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n unite_v my_o very_a kind_n constant_a and_o gentile_a benefactor_n gentleman_n though_o i_o have_v a_o patron_n who_o be_v your_o bishop_n and_o i_o too_o to_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o i_o can_v perform_v to_o be_v due_a next_o god_n and_o the_o king_n yet_o this_o discourse_n consist_v of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v late_o preach_v to_o you_o in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o which_o for_o fashion_n sake_n it_o be_v here_o publish_v in_o a_o small_a treatise_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v more_o effectual_o serve_v you_o at_o this_o time_n by_o present_v those_o thing_n to_o your_o perusal_n which_o the_o most_o of_o you_o have_v with_o kindness_n hear_v from_o the_o 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l._n 22._o for_o spirit_n r._n spirit_n the_o preface_n introduction_n and_o method_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o nature_n and_o composition_n of_o mankind_n like_o that_o voice_n which_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o warning_n to_o its_o officer_n and_o a_o prognostic_n of_o its_o ruin_n cry_v aloud_o that_o we_o must_v depart_v hence_o and_o since_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o state_n of_o pilgrimage_n and_o our_o life_n here_o be_v in_o order_n to_o another_o since_o we_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o wonderful_o make_v to_o have_v our_o being_n expire_v with_o our_o breath_n but_o the_o frame_n and_o action_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n loud_o proclaim_v its_o one_o immortality_n and_o that_o death_n prove_v a_o change_n only_o not_o annihilation_n it_o be_v rational_a for_o man_n to_o employ_v their_o thought_n how_o to_o be_v secure_v of_o a_o happy_a state_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o their_o station_n here_o to_o abandon_v this_o world_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o future_a which_o shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o eternity_n can_v measure_v it_o now_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o likely_a to_o interest_n we_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o region_n above_o than_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o have_v they_o in_o his_o disposal_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o inference_n of_o man_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o his_o service_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n since_o he_o have_v exhibit_v his_o law_n to_o the_o world_n this_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o government_n and_o because_o miserable_o dangerous_a be_v a_o miscarriage_n in_o this_o affair_n admit_v no_o reverse_n after_o death_n nor_o can_v the_o thread_n of_o our_o life_n be_v new_o spin_v when_o our_o 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notion_n of_o god_n decree_n that_o duty_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n since_o god_n decree_n be_v unalterable_a and_o the_o predestinate_a shall_v be_v save_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v be_v damn_v let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a such_o position_n be_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o liberty_n of_o man_n or_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o community_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n once_o grant_v and_o that_o he_o contain_v all_o possible_a perfection_n his_o worship_n and_o adoration_n will_v be_v a_o natural_a inference_n and_o if_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o benefactor_n there_o be_v reason_n that_o we_o shall_v petition_v and_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o not_o to_o be_v grateful_a be_v inhuman_a and_o not_o to_o beg_v his_o favour_n on_o who_o we_o depend_v be_v foolish_a and_o irrational_a nay_o worse_o than_o so_o for_o the_o beast_n themselves_o will_v condemn_v this_o who_o action_n be_v to_o we_o discourse_n and_o their_o sense_n of_o obligation_n argument_n to_o convince_v we_o the_o devour_a lion_n be_v obsequious_a to_o his_o keeper_n the_o dull_a ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o sluggish_a ass_n that_o untractable_a creature_n his_o master_n crib_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a then_o if_o reasonable_a man_n shall_v not_o both_o know_v their_o obligation_n and_o consider_v their_o duty_n goodness_n be_v usual_o so_o attractive_a to_o the_o will_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v diffusive_a in_o courtesy_n that_o from_o bad_a nature_n it_o frequent_o command_v both_o acknowledgement_n and_o return_n where_o this_o
state_n and_o condition_n he_o devout_o beg_v what_o he_o want_v either_o in_o relation_n to_o himself_o alone_o or_o as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n or_o else_o as_o he_o be_v within_o a_o large_a community_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o that_o never_o to_o be_v parallel_v sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o pray_v unto_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o a_o sufficient_a caveat_n to_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o these_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v public_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o private_a and_o that_o either_o in_o and_z with_o our_o family_n which_o be_v indeed_o small_a congregation_n when_o the_o master_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_z in_o his_o absence_n have_v thus_o much_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o intercede_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o become_v the_o mouth_n and_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n that_o altogether_o by_o a_o conjunction_n of_o affection_n and_o unity_n in_o word_n may_v petition_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o those_o relation_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o family_n and_o to_o each_o other_o but_o 2._o prayer_n that_o be_v more_o public_a be_v such_o as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n or_o other_o place_n of_o christian_a assembly_n consign_v to_o these_o public_a office_n and_o by_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n set_v apart_o to_o sacred_a and_o divine_a use_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o special_a regard_n to_o in_o what_o i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o your_o consideration_n in_o this_o discourse_n though_o man_n may_v also_o apply_v the_o particular_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n as_o frequent_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v they_o rational_o suit_v and_o in_o this_o i_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o lay_v any_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o disciple_n which_o they_o in_o reason_n may_v refuse_v to_o bear_v now_o public_a prayer_n in_o more_o solemn_a convention_n and_o among_o great_a number_n assemble_v together_o have_v so_o apparent_o be_v offer_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n that_o the_o pretention_n to_o a_o proof_n can_v not_o but_o be_v deem_v vain_a and_o foolish_a this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o reason_n and_o assemble_v together_o for_o common_a worship_n be_v a_o duty_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v their_o conduct_n and_o if_o it_o require_v any_o argument_n at_o all_o from_o reason_n we_o may_v present_o understand_v that_o by_o this_o god_n honour_n be_v exalt_v when_o we_o joint_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o by_o this_o we_o propagate_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o our_o example_n provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o duty_n with_o ourselves_o that_o common_a request_n such_o as_o in_o public_a we_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v to_o which_o every_o individual_a may_v say_v amen_o require_v a_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v thus_o connect_v with_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n they_o gain_v great_a degree_n of_o power_n like_o a_o twist_a cord_n they_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n they_o offer_v a_o sacred_a violence_n to_o heaven_n and_o because_o god_n be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n draw_v down_o favour_n from_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n moreover_o such_o prayer_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v offer_v up_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o service_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o sacred_a place_n in_o which_o god_n be_v more_o especial_o present_a at_o least_o by_o his_o disperse_a train_n of_o angel_n where_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n cast_v a_o secret_a awe_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o public_a and_o divine_a worship_n attend_v with_o proper_a ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v we_o to_o humility_n and_o adoration_n to_o excite_v within_o we_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o fix_v our_o intention_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o their_o object_n make_v our_o passion_n such_o as_o be_v divine_a and_o recall_v those_o swim_n and_o toss_v thought_n which_o at_o any_o time_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v and_o final_o when_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n shall_v be_v offer_v by_o a_o ordain_v or_o consecrate_v person_n sacred_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o this_o employment_n and_o dedicate_v unto_o god_n by_o resignation_n and_o solemnity_n by_o his_o own_o devotion_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o secondary_a intercessor_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o creator_n he_o weep_v betwixt_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o heaven_n for_o pardon_n and_o deliverance_n in_o that_o sacred_a language_n spare_v we_o good_a lord_n spare_v thy_o people_n it_o can_v be_v but_o such_o a_o service_n must_v sound_v as_o pleasant_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o rapturous_a to_o good_a man_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o gather_v together_o exercise_v the_o most_o exalt_a strain_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v screw_v beyond_o ordinary_a proportion_n christ_n himself_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o he_o join_v in_o our_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a angel_n spread_v their_o wing_n over_o we_o to_o adorn_v the_o solemnity_n and_o god_n himself_o behold_v we_o from_o above_o look_v through_o the_o cloud_n with_o smile_n upon_o we_o smell_v a_o sweetness_n from_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v look_v far_o dissipate_v all_o intercept_n cloud_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o prayer_n be_v chap._n ii_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o import_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o precept_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o seem_v to_o set_v forth_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n the_o euchites_n of_o old_a be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v such_o precept_n and_o phrase_n as_o pray_v without_o cease_v continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o their_o expression_n as_o if_o man_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o pray_v yet_o other_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o both_o as_o christian_n and_o man_n too_o abundant_o refute_v such_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n beside_o the_o allotment_n of_o all_o moral_a or_o pious_a action_n ought_v to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o their_o end_n as_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o dose_n of_o physic_n be_v increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o patient_n vary_v so_o to_o temperament_n and_o season_n as_o may_v best_o expel_v the_o venom_n of_o the_o disease_n resist_v its_o violence_n and_o recover_v health_n to_o he_o that_o want_v it_o now_o a_o great_a design_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o ought_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o due_a order_n and_o sally_n of_o our_o affection_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o s._n austin_n that_o the_o christian_n in_o egypt_n have_v frequent_a prayer_n be_v brief_a ejaculation_n and_o short_a collect_v that_o a_o tedious_a continuation_n may_v not_o weary_a their_o affection_n but_o their_o mind_n may_v be_v intend_v suitable_a to_o the_o seriousness_n and_o gravity_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o they_o may_v not_o prove_v either_o flat_a or_o stupid_a lest_o the_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o effusion_n of_o word_n without_o attention_n or_o manifestation_n of_o affection_n from_o whence_o also_o our_o own_o church_n have_v order_v her_o public_a service_n so_o as_o to_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o distinct_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o variety_n and_o diversity_n of_o our_o affection_n that_o all_o may_v be_v successive_o employ_v and_o none_o at_o once_o too_o long_o burden_v and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v usual_o brief_a give_v intervall_n and_o respite_n both_o to_o priest_n and_o people_n that_o their_o soul_n and_o affection_n
pray_v to_o that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o supplicate_v such_o image_n which_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o know_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o carve_a work_n of_o man_n hand_n yet_o they_o therefore_o pray_v to_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o divinity_n and_o that_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o residence_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n within_o the_o image_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o block_n or_o stone_n itself_o but_o through_o the_o case_n they_o pass_v to_o the_o divinity_n such_o little_a shift_n do_v other_o also_o who_o shall_v understand_v religion_n better_o use_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o idol_n be_v so_o well_o instruct_v by_o the_o pagan_n who_o be_v more_o ancient_a than_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o a_o creature_n must_v needs_o appear_v unreasonable_a in_o religion_n since_o no_o subject_n can_v with_o loyalty_n pay_v the_o homage_n due_a only_o to_o the_o king_n to_o any_o though_o the_o most_o noble_a peer_n when_o it_o be_v referve_v to_o the_o king_n alone_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v divine_a worship_n such_o as_o solemn_a prayer_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v only_o to_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v lawful_o give_v it_o to_o another_o and_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v with_o true_a religion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o my_o last_o argument_n for_o prayer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o god_n only_o three_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n because_o none_o but_o he_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o petition_n who_o among_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v so_o capable_a of_o understanding_n or_o bestow_v the_o thing_n we_o petition_v for_o or_o endow_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o fit_a for_o rational_a creature_n in_o all_o their_o exigency_n to_o become_v devout_a petitioner_n unto_o can_v any_o give_v we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o dispense_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n but_o himself_o when_o he_o convey_v this_o by_o the_o ministration_n of_o other_o they_o be_v only_o his_o substitute_v delegate_n and_o he_o no_o more_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o they_o than_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o praise_n to_o a_o grave_a image_n who_o can_v bestow_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o both_o who_o treasure_n be_v inexhaustible_a who_o spirit_n from_o whence_o our_o grace_n be_v convey_v be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o to_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v but_o also_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n always_o spring_v up_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o can_v bestow_v the_o glory_n above_o but_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v it_o so_o who_o right_a hand_n hold_v star_n and_o have_v all_o crown_n at_o his_o own_o disposal_n who_o can_v rid_v we_o of_o many_o trouble_n especial_o those_o that_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o can_v rebuke_v tempest_n and_o storm_n dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o and_o deliver_v the_o righteous_a out_o of_o all_o their_o affliction_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_o suppose_v in_o a_o person_n qualify_v for_o rational_a creature_n to_o make_v their_o religious_a address_n to_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o hear_v and_o understand_v our_o petition_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v what_o we_o supplicate_v he_o for_o and_o 3._o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v what_o we_o beg_v if_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o prudence_n and_o our_o welfare_n and_o who_o can_v we_o find_v thus_o qualify_v but_o the_o great_a god_n who_o we_o adore_v and_o worship_v who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o can_v understand_v our_o petition_n and_o know_v our_o want_n omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v our_o desire_n and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o so_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o our_o advantage_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n all_o our_o address_n will_v be_v render_v fruitless_a if_o he_o can_v hear_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o relieve_v or_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o do_v we_o utter_v our_o want_n and_o earnest_o beg_v relief_n from_o he_o if_o beggar_n know_v such_o man_n among_o ourselves_o they_o will_v spare_v their_o breath_n whilst_o these_o pass_v by_o so_o that_o i_o may_v now_o propose_v eliphaz'_v question_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o that_o in_o which_o the_o papist_n urge_v it_o call_v now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o will_v answer_v thou_o and_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n will_v thou_o turn_v job_n 5.1_o angel_n themselves_o will_v be_v charge_v with_o folly_n shall_v they_o attempt_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o religious_a petition_n without_o a_o declare_a permission_n or_o command_v from_o their_o maker_n how_o much_o more_o those_o who_o have_v dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n who_o have_v be_v crush_v before_o the_o moth_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o admire_v here_o go_v away_o when_o they_o be_v destroy_v from_o morning_n to_o evening_n the_o dead_a for_o aught_o i_o can_v ever_o yet_o understand_v can_v no_o more_o hear_v we_o than_o baal_n can_v his_o prophet_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n they_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n to_o our_o call_n than_o they_o can_v praise_v god_n with_o the_o instrument_n of_o speech_n when_o their_o defer_a carcase_n lay_v rot_v in_o a_o grave_a but_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o audience_n and_o several_a way_n converse_v with_o man_n he_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o he_o have_v three_o attribute_n that_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o our_o religious_a address_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v petition_v from_o he_o but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v and_o to_o bestow_v it_o for_o power_n be_v only_o a_o ability_n so_o to_o exercise_v causality_n as_o to_o influence_n cause_v to_o produce_v their_o effect_n he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o cause_n be_v the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o must_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o therefore_o be_v able_a to_o fullfil_v our_o desire_n 2._o he_o be_v omniscient_a too_o and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v our_o want_n for_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o a_o exertion_n of_o power_n as_o all_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o ability_n and_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o some_o power_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a must_v needs_o be_v omniscient_a also_o for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v there_o will_v be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v be_v weaken_v and_o destroy_v nor_o do_v the_o not_o know_v or_o effect_v impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n at_o all_o invalidate_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n because_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thing_n in_o act_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v such_o in_o power_n nor_o can_v any_o futurity_n give_v they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v and_o must_v remain_v nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o strength_n or_o knowledge_n 3._o god_n have_v infinite_a goodness_n essential_a to_o his_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o now_o support_v it_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o his_o goodness_n beside_o particular_a example_n be_v visible_a to_o we_o in_o his_o daily_a providence_n without_o the_o two_o former_a attribute_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o be_v with_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o almighty_a power_n without_o any_o goodness_n to_o allay_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o surppose_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a devil_n for_o what_o being_n be_v that_o have_v sufficient_a power_n without_o any_o good_a nature_n to_o restrain_v it_o they_o that_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o other_o know_v by_o too_o woeful_a and_o melancholy_a experience_n these_o glorious_a attribute_n therefore_o of_o power_n knowledge_n and_o goodness_n be_v thus_o rational_o fix_v in_o the_o god_n who_o we_o adore_v he_o become_v a_o fit_a
they_o be_v utter_v for_o since_o all_o our_o expression_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o raise_v our_o devotion_n suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v also_o design_v to_o signify_v the_o wish_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o both_o shall_v run_v parallel_n and_o our_o expression_n equal_v our_o want_n and_o necessity_n or_o else_o our_o language_n can_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o utter_v word_n in_o prayer_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o sometime_o the_o inward_a conception_n of_o man_n in_o private_a may_v be_v too_o big_a for_o their_o mouth_n to_o express_v and_o there_o a_o sigh_n or_o a_o groan_n may_v prevail_v with_o god_n for_o what_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a full_o to_o utter_v there_o as_o the_o reverend_n dr._n owen_n more_o clear_o express_v it_o they_o may_v mourn_v as_o a_o dove_n or_o chatter_v as_o a_o crane_n and_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o condition_n but_o in_o public_a prayer_n when_o one_o become_v the_o orator_n for_o the_o rest_n petition_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v so_o as_o to_o express_v the_o general_a want_n of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a as_o christian_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a of_o that_o society_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o head_n that_o all_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o common_a request_n and_o join_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n and_o with_o undivided_a affection_n say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a and_o period_n but_o yet_o four_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n must_v be_v as_o few_o and_o our_o petition_n as_o brief_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n not_o only_o because_o what_o be_v over_o and_o beyond_o this_o seem_v redundant_fw-la and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o unreasonable_a nor_o only_a because_o a_o tedious_a protraction_n and_o unnecessary_a length_n in_o devotion_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o make_v our_o affection_n unactive_a and_o stupid_a it_o quench_v the_o fervour_n and_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o turn_n much_o of_o our_o prayer_n all_o whilst_o we_o remain_v thus_o indispose_v into_o mere_a babble_n and_o effusion_n of_o word_n when_o our_o mind_n can_v accompany_v our_o expression_n or_o the_o language_n of_o another_o utter_v in_o our_o behalf_n but_o as_o we_o have_v no_o example_n of_o a_o tedious_a and_o long_a prayer_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o have_v we_o prohibition_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o solomon_n exhort_v to_o external_a sign_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n when_o man_n go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n say_v he_o 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 on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o ecclesiast_fw-la 5.1_o 2._o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v unreasonable_o restrain_v this_o text_n only_o to_o the_o subsequent_a vow_n yet_o the_o argument_n urge_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v then_o spare_v of_o their_o word_n will_v as_o well_o conclude_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o vow_n in_o both_o which_o thing_n we_o speak_v to_o such_o a_o god_n as_o be_v in_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n on_o the_o earth_n our_o saviour_n advice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v when_o thou_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a do_v for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n and_o he_o present_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n the_o form_n of_o a_o full_a and_o most_o expressive_a prayer_n mat._n 6_o 7._o nay_o if_o we_o will_v be_v incline_v by_o his_o own_o example_n which_o any_o will_v think_v that_o christian_n ought_v even_o then_o when_o by_o the_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o religion_n will_v conclude_v he_o to_o be_v devout_a be_v fill_v with_o pain_n and_o fear_n of_o far_a torture_n that_o attend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n so_o great_a that_o his_o sweat_n be_v as_o it_o be_v large_a glutinous_a drop_n of_o blood_n when_o as_o s._n matthew_n say_v his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o s._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o even_o than_o we_o find_v his_o word_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o these_o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v luke_o 22.42_o nor_o do_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o strong_a desire_n force_v his_o thought_n to_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flood_n of_o expression_n but_o allow_v himself_o some_o small_a interval_n continue_v his_o devotion_n he_o return_v to_o his_o prayer_n repeat_v again_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n 26.44_o but_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o of_o these_o text_n hereafter_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o brevity_n be_v a_o ornament_n to_o our_o prayer_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o usual_a custom_n of_o petition_n will_v bring_v a_o sufficient_a convince_a testimony_n to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o very_o odd_a conception_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o make_v religious_a address_n these_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v then_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a draw_v when_o they_o include_v brevity_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o short_a do_v we_o usual_o frame_v they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o serious_a affair_n of_o great_a man_n that_o be_v in_o public_a employment_n will_v not_o permit_v much_o diversion_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o discern_a able_a to_o understand_v quick_a than_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o vulgar_a station_n a_o breviate_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v some_o man_n when_o other_o must_v be_v large_o instruct_v from_o point_n to_o point_n and_o must_v have_v thing_n various_o diversify_v and_o often_o reiterated_a before_o they_o will_v suit_v with_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o omniscient_a god_n who_o know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o petition_v to_o be_v less_o intelligent_a or_o compassionate_a than_o man_n that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o many_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n to_o cause_v he_o to_o understand_v or_o to_o incline_v he_o to_o grant_v what_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o but_o this_o will_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o a_o large_a manner_n in_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o this_o head_n shall_v be_v conclude_v with_o a_o brief_a answer_n to_o one_o plea_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o a_o long_a continue_a prayer_n the_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v engage_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n luke_o 6.12_o and_o some_o other_o expression_n and_o example_n too_o we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o may_v import_v and_o signify_v some_o length_n in_o prayer_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o and_o be_v either_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n or_o so_o circumstantiate_v that_o they_o differ_v exceed_o from_o our_o present_a state_n and_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n unto_o we_o or_o else_o when_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n continue_v long_o in_o prayer_n by_o give_v themselves_o short_a respite_n and_o allow_v some_o interval_n between_o they_o return_v to_o the_o same_o prayer_n again_o which_o may_v be_v short_a enough_o for_o all_o the_o objection_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n and_o measure_n of_o assistance_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o revelation_n as_o the_o have_v and_o fall_v under_o their_o circumstance_n which_o can_v never_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a practice_n may_v become_v a_o copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n since_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n a_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o it_o be_v fit_v that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a as_o may_v consist_v with_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n and_o therefore_o last_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v convenient_a and_z for_o the_o most_o part_n necessary_a too_o that_o both_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n shall_v be_v fix_v and_o premeditate_a for_o if_o our_o word_n in_o prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a if_o they_o must_v be_v both_o grave_n and_o serious_a if_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v full_a in_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o want_n and_o if_o they_o must_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o short_a
proceed_v on_o to_o the_o inquiry_n which_o remain_v that_o may_v be_v of_o more_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n chap._n vi_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o five_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v discourse_v on_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o what_o religious_a and_o devout_a man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o petition_n may_v be_v such_o as_o comport_v with_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n lawful_a and_o convenient_a now_o to_o enlarge_v this_o particular_a by_o mention_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o peculiar_a or_o accidental_a want_n of_o man_n may_v make_v necessary_a to_o become_v the_o subject_n of_o christian_a petition_n will_v not_o only_o swell_v and_o enlarge_v this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n beyond_o its_o just_a bound_n and_o proportion_n but_o also_o far_o exceed_v my_o skill_n and_o i_o fancy_n any_o body_n else_o even_o the_o quick_a and_o most_o artificial_a extemporary_a man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o contemplative_a and_o formal_o grave_a unless_o he_o may_v have_v a_o faculty_n of_o omniscience_n which_o more_o ignorant_a mortal_n can_v find_v in_o themselves_o for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v able_a without_o inspiration_n to_o instance_n in_o all_o those_o general_a matter_n that_o may_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v ingredient_n into_o our_o common_a prayer_n which_o we_o be_v to_o use_v in_o society_n with_o other_o as_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o glorious_a and_o supreme_a head_n during_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n yet_o the_o condition_n circumstance_n and_o employment_n of_o man_n life_n as_o they_o be_v individual_a and_o distinct_a form_n each_o other_o be_v so_o multiply_v and_o diversify_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o man_n unless_o he_o can_v know_v and_o experience_n the_o concernment_n of_o all_o to_o enumerate_v the_o particular_n that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o aught_o to_o become_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o single_a man_n petition_n for_o a_o man_n may_v beg_v what_o be_v convenient_a or_o necessary_a for_o himself_o that_o may_v be_v to_o another_o great_a damage_n which_o if_o improve_v but_o a_o little_a in_o its_o length_n will_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o such_o particular_a confession_n thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n too_o as_o be_v offer_v in_o behalf_n of_o a_o large_a multitude_n from_o the_o view_n of_o a_o single_a man_n particular_a sin_n favour_n receive_v or_o want_n that_o he_o need_v a_o supply_n for_o when_o few_o or_o none_o or_o however_o all_o can_v in_o judgement_n assent_v to_o and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o single_a man_n petition_n no_o other_o rule_n can_v be_v give_v but_o what_o may_v suit_v some_o time_n or_o other_o with_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n and_o we_o must_v leave_v their_o various_a and_o present_a necessity_n or_o what_o they_o upon_o a_o probable_a prospect_n view_n to_o influence_n themselves_o assist_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n prudent_o with_o the_o help_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o great_a and_o important_a affair_n of_o petition_v god_n with_o reference_n to_o themselves_o however_o in_o general_a we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n yet_o not_o without_o some_o difference_n of_o affection_n the_o first_o be_v less_o necessary_a and_o inferior_a also_o to_o the_o other_o two_o ought_v to_o be_v petition_v for_o with_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o ardency_n and_o affection_n and_o at_o all_o time_n in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o latter_a now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o lawful_a subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o must_v petition_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n that_o may_v obstruct_v the_o possession_n oâ—_n those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o ask_v oâ—_n god_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o these_o be_v especial_o our_o sin_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o evil_a end_n to_o which_o we_o may_v design_v the_o blessing_n themselves_o when_o once_o obtain_v further_o we_o must_v in_o our_o prayer_n beg_v those_o assistance_n and_o help_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o encourage_v the_o mean_n in_o the_o obtainment_n of_o any_o lawful_a design_n and_o these_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o blessing_n and_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o as_o they_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o gracious_o promise_v in_o sacred_a writ_n to_o those_o who_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o their_o reception_n so_o any_o promise_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v ask_v the_o thing_n include_v in_o it_o without_o sin_n or_o danger_n provide_v we_o understand_v the_o promise_n a_o right_a and_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o gracious_a answer_n to_o our_o petition_n if_o we_o ask_v not_o amiss_o or_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o may_v be_v convenient_a or_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v with_o reference_n to_o those_o general_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o devout_a prayer_n by_o according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v some_o measure_n of_o our_o particular_a want_n and_o discern_v the_o lawful_a matter_n of_o our_o petition_n but_o since_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o person_n also_o as_o well_o as_o thing_n and_o not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o but_o other_o universal_a charity_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o will_v rational_o conclude_v that_o in_o general_a the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n for_o other_o must_v be_v the_o same_o only_o mutato_fw-la nomine_fw-la with_o the_o petition_n for_o ourselves_o and_o will_v only_o admit_v of_o some_o variation_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o new_a direction_n but_o what_o may_v easy_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o former_a i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v pretend_v to_o remember_v much_o less_o to_o inform_v christian_a man_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n for_o parent_n and_o benefactor_n for_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o what_o degree_n soever_o especial_o those_o to_o who_o original_o be_v commit_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v our_o education_n and_o knowledge_n or_o any_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n if_o they_o be_v live_v the_o universal_a race_n of_o mankind_n must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o our_o prayer_n i_o exhort_v say_v s._n paul_n that_o first_o of_o all_o prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o kjng_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o we_o due_o and_o sincere_o practice_v will_v cause_v our_o prayer_n to_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n like_o incense_n itself_o who_o smoke_n join_v and_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o approach_v even_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o just_a here_o live_v by_o faith_n so_o must_v they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o phoenix_n with_o her_o wing_n kindle_v she_o own_o funeral_n pile_n and_o then_o die_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o perfume_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o general_a direction_n and_o rule_n we_o must_v needs_o fail_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n petition_v those_o for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o which_o thing_n god_n have_v either_o forbid_v we_o to_o ask_v or_o however_o not_o promise_v to_o grant_v if_o we_o pray_v for_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o ask_v we_o then_o sin_n against_o his_o command_n and_o then_o our_o sacrifice_n become_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a snare_n and_o if_o we_o pray_v for_o what_o he_o have_v never_o promise_v to_o grant_v we_o can_v then_o pray_v in_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v without_o presumption_n believe_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v that_o in_o virtue_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v never_o engage_v to_o give_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a impudence_n to_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v make_v such_o return_n to_o our_o petition_n nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n
we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n oâ—_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
more_o inferior_a constitute_v only_o by_o human_a fancy_n to_o be_v the_o representative_n of_o these_o lest_o god_n suffer_v long_o by_o their_o sin_n may_v at_o last_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hardness_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o to_o a_o strong_a delusion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enslave_v that_o at_o last_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v because_o they_o have_v turn_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o creator_n into_o the_o image_n of_o a_o creature_n beguile_v themselves_o of_o their_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n in_o worship_v of_o angel_n like_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o essen_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o idolatry_n of_o simon_n magus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o the_o apostle_n rebuke_n the_o colossian_n for_o chap._n 2.18_o as_o if_o man_n be_v at_o this_o time_n of_o the_o day_n who_o have_v more_o than_o enough_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o st._n chrysostome_n mention_n in_o his_o homily_n on_o this_o epistle_n that_o say_v we_o must_v come_v to_o god_n by_o his_o angel_n and_o not_o by_o christ_n because_o that_o be_v a_o honour_n too_o high_a for_o we_o against_o which_o error_n this_o holy_a father_n say_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v ask_v my_o protestant_a reader_n the_o question_n which_o st._n paul_n propound_v to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v man_n call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o i_o need_v in_o our_o day_n mention_v that_o which_o follow_v next_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o you_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o how_o can_v you_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n only_o this_o deserve_v some_o small_a consideration_n among_o some_o man_n though_o not_o any_o with_o other_o who_o have_v a_o true_a ministry_n how_o can_v they_o preach_v that_o be_v not_o send_v it_o be_v plain_a even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o some_o romanist_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o plain_a example_n for_o prayer_n either_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o they_o bear_v testimony_n that_o sacred_a petition_n to_o both_o have_v be_v reject_v even_o by_o those_o unexceptionable_a saint_n and_o angel_n to_o who_o they_o be_v offer_v or_o actual_o make_v let_v not_o any_o therefore_o among_o all_o the_o protestant_n of_o the_o true_a establish_v church_n of_o england_n as_o god_n have_v former_o complain_v of_o other_o leave_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n to_o hew_v to_o themselves_o break_v cistern_n that_o can_v hold_v none_o but_o let_v we_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o true_a holy_a catholic_n communion_n in_o our_o prayer_n profession_n and_o christian_a sacrament_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o let_v we_o nothing_o be_v terrify_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o philip._n 1.27_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o we_o do_v belong_v and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n god_n will_v either_o preserve_v we_o by_o his_o power_n from_o be_v ground_n by_o those_o two_o millstone_n betwixt_o which_o we_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v place_v and_o give_v we_o a_o happy_a deliverance_n from_o our_o controversy_n and_o trouble_n or_o assure_o give_v we_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o papist_n or_o fanatic_n arise_v o_o lord_n let_v thy_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v and_o let_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o flee_v before_o thou_o but_o do_v thou_o arise_v also_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n for_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v it_o yea_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v so_o we_o that_o be_v thy_o people_n and_o sheep_n of_o thy_o pasture_n will_v give_v thou_o thanks_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v always_o be_v show_v forth_o thy_o praise_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n chap._n xi_o the_o most_o ungrateful_a task_n be_v still_o behind_o whilst_o i_o must_v argue_v with_o my_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n my_o dear_a countryman_n and_o fellow_n protestant_n who_o yet_o separate_v from_o the_o best_a establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n whilst_o my_o last_o inference_n must_v to_o my_o great_a grief_n be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o now_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o most_o indulgent_a prince_n that_o ever_o sway_v the_o english_a sceptre_n and_o in_o a_o church_n over_o which_o though_o he_o spread_v his_o authority_n that_o have_v her_o arm_n open_a to_o all_o penitent_n and_o when_o they_o become_v void_a of_o all_o hypocrisy_n she_o love_v her_o neighbour_n as_o she_o do_v herself_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n that_o those_o who_o yet_o continue_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o evangelical_n worship_n do_v not_o pay_v homage_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o great_a god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o attribute_n man_n dependence_n and_o that_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o their_o creator_n and_o themselves_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o man_n endow_v with_o all_o glory_n and_o perfection_n who_o greatness_n be_v commensurate_a to_o his_o be_v and_o both_o infinite_a who_o power_n admit_v neither_o restraint_n or_o limit_n beside_o what_o falsehood_n and_o contradiction_n may_v imply_v in_o which_o eternal_a truth_n bound_v itself_o his_o essence_n not_o admit_v any_o imperfection_n who_o be_v omniscient_a and_o search_v the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n view_v our_o retirement_n and_o discern_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o who_o goodness_n also_o have_v be_v so_o extend_v as_o well_o in_o creation_n as_o providence_n that_o he_o just_o command_v and_o merit_n too_o all_o the_o profound_a worship_n and_o adoration_n which_o our_o most_o quick_a and_o sprightly_a invention_n guide_v either_o by_o pure_a natural_a reason_n or_o by_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o prescription_n be_v able_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o the_o composition_n of_o and_o last_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o that_o infinite_a ability_n to_o revenge_v indignity_n offer_v to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v as_o easy_o punish_v the_o insolence_n of_o those_o that_o either_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v his_o worship_n or_o render_v himself_o mean_a by_o it_o as_o he_o can_v encourage_v the_o devout_a or_o bless_v those_o who_o with_o humility_n petition_v it_o so_o that_o reflect_v on_o the_o loose_a and_o irregular_a prayer_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o inference_n we_o must_v as_o i_o suppose_v conclude_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n that_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o devotion_n compare_v it_o with_o what_o be_v due_a to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a commander_n and_o disposer_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o worship_n of_o those_o who_o i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o greatness_n and_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a to_o discern_v than_o to_o limit_v or_o prescribe_v a_o suitable_a devotion_n for_o as_o cotta_n say_v in_o cicero_n de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n lib._n i._o mihi_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la facilè_fw-la in_o mentem_fw-la venire_fw-la solet_fw-la quare_fw-la verum_fw-la sit_fw-la aliquid_fw-la quam_fw-la quare_fw-la falsum_fw-la i_o can_v so_o ready_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o any_o thing_n be_v true_a as_o why_o it_o be_v false_a and_o most_o man_n must_v consent_v to_o this_o for_o how_o many_o of_o we_o have_v great_a and_o exalt_a conception_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n till_o experience_n make_v near_a and_o more_o strict_a inspection_n thus_o the_o mountain_n olympus_n who_o height_n be_v so_o extol_v by_o the_o poet_n and_o ancient_a greek_n that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o exceed_v the_o cloud_n and_o lodge_v its_o top_n in_o the_o very_a sky_n be_v yet_o say_v by_o plutarch_n in_o aemilian_a that_o upon_o the_o measure_n of_o xenagoras_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o about_o seventy_o pace_n perpendicular_a so_o some_o man_n that_o separate_a from_o we_o manage_v their_o devotion_n with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o heat_n and_o thick_a language_n with_o cloud_n about_o it_o attend_v with_o such_o a_o mournful_a tone_n and_o direful_a expression_n that_o a_o unintere_v person_n must_v at_o the_o first_o of_o necessity_n think_v that_o though_o their_o most_o profound_a abasement_n lay_v they_o on_o the_o ground_n yet_o their_o voice_n must_v reach_v the_o high_a heaven_n and_o their_o earnest_n and_o most_o passionate_a
but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hint_n something_o before_o i_o end_v which_o advance_v their_o rudeness_n into_o perfect_a blasphemy_n if_o pray_v extempore_o they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n methodical_a and_o faultless_a it_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o good_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o they_o have_v a_o escape_n when_o they_o have_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o for_o it_o but_o when_o david_n be_v barter_v for_o the_o threshing-floor_n of_o araunah_n and_o for_o ox_n also_o for_o a_o burn_a sacrifice_n nay_o the_o very_a wood_n to_o kindle_v the_o fire_n all_o which_o he_o may_v have_v be_v present_v with_o for_o nothing_o david_n refuse_v so_o royal_a a_o gift_n and_o his_o reason_n as_o himself_o express_v it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v burn_v offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n of_o that_o which_o shall_v cost_v he_o nothing_o 2_o sam._n 24._o &_o 24._o but_o these_o bold_a man_n with_o who_o to_o our_o sorrow_n we_o have_v to_o do_v confident_o present_a to_o almighty_a god_n that_o in_o which_o no_o pain_n be_v take_v in_o the_o composure_n only_o a_o tattle_a and_o talkative_a service_n stuff_v with_o little_a beside_o gibberish_n and_o impertinency_n that_o other_o who_o consider_v what_o and_o to_o who_o they_o offer_v it_o can_v without_o falsehood_n and_o irreverence_n join_v with_o they_o in_o but_o the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v their_o common_a sacrifice_n and_o strong_a lung_n the_o best_a altar_n on_o which_o these_o oblation_n be_v make_v yet_o all_o this_o they_o think_v to_o smother_v when_o they_o be_v kindle_v into_o passion_n and_o fury_n in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o length_n of_o those_o sentence_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v their_o common_a supplication_n unto_o god_n and_o they_o expect_v the_o joint_a consent_n of_o a_o congregation_n to_o what_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o can_v they_o understand_v when_o it_o be_v utter_v for_o their_o rapture_n so_o muffle_v up_o their_o notion_n and_o both_o be_v so_o mix_v with_o their_o petition_n which_o they_o wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o obscure_a metaphor_n that_o the_o mean_a sort_n can_v understand_v they_o but_o sigh_n and_o groan_n they_o know_v not_o why_o and_o the_o more_o consider_v part_n that_o be_v not_o blind_a have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v such_o religion_n which_o the_o patron_n and_o promoter_n endeavour_v with_o so_o much_o care_n to_o secure_v from_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o strict_a examination_n all_o that_o i_o admire_v in_o it_o be_v how_o they_o can_v be_v dark_a at_o noonday_n and_o mount_v out_o of_o sight_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o extempore_o unless_o whatever_o their_o pretension_n be_v to_o quickness_n of_o invention_n they_o study_v such_o unusual_a expression_n design_o to_o amuse_v but_o not_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n as_o cotta_n in_o tully_n speak_v of_o heraclitus_n the_o nat_n deor._n lib._n 3._o quae_fw-la diceret_fw-la intelligi_fw-la noluit_fw-la that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v what_o he_o say_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v make_v vocal_a man_n be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v their_o want_n and_o petition_n for_o relief_n and_o this_o especial_o when_o any_o community_n join_v in_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v manage_v with_o a_o honest_a plainness_n without_o any_o mysterious_a riddle_n or_o equivocal_a language_n or_o petition_n wrap_v up_o in_o mourn_a metaphor_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v bury_v among_o the_o dead_a or_o any_o other_o coptical_a and_o egyptian_a expression_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o decipher_v and_o much_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o as_o well_o baffle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a as_o too_o frequent_o vail_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o he_o that_o make_v the_o oblation_n nay_o very_o often_o amuse_v those_o of_o better_a understanding_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a with_o any_o judgement_n to_o say_v amen_o at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o nay_o it_o hazard_n also_o and_o too_o frequent_o destroy_v that_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o and_o safety_n preserve_v pure_a and_o unspotted_a for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o indeed_o attend_v with_o less_o difficulty_n to_o introduce_v a_o strange_a creed_n by_o use_v this_o unbounded_a liberty_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o unstinted_a latitude_n in_o preach_v and_o to_o insinuate_v into_o man_n mind_n either_o old_a or_o new_a condemn_a heresy_n by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o their_o promotion_n or_o establishment_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o join_v in_o the_o devotion_n be_v very_a intent_n and_o open_a to_o receive_v what_o we_o say_v with_o greediness_n and_o desire_n especial_o when_o man_n be_v busy_v in_o raise_v their_o affection_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n there_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o introduce_v false_a doctrine_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o which_o like_o a_o false_a story_n that_o by_o frequent_a relation_n come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a not_o only_o by_o the_o hearer_n who_o be_v easy_o impose_v on_o but_o he_o that_o tell_v it_o have_v so_o often_o relate_v it_o forget_v that_o he_o once_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a at_o last_o think_v it_o to_o be_v real_o true_a nay_o in_o prayer_n where_o a_o false_a point_n in_o religion_n be_v mist_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o a_o petition_n it_o be_v affect_v and_o swallow_v with_o the_o petition_n and_o more_o easy_o digest_v than_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o homily_n or_o sermon_n because_o in_o hear_v sermon_n man_n employ_v their_o judgement_n more_o than_o their_o affection_n but_o in_o prayer_n the_o affection_n be_v usual_o more_o busy_a than_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o common_a with_o those_o extempore_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o conceive_v prayer_n in_o a_o congregation_n to_o insinuate_v doctrine_n in_o their_o petition_n be_v so_o manifest_a to_o all_o observe_a person_n who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o such_o meeting_n that_o a_o person_n of_o any_o judgement_n at_o all_o may_v certain_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gift_a brother_n that_o pray_v by_o his_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o then_o where_o people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n or_o example_n of_o those_o who_o they_o embrace_v for_o their_o minister_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o common_a multitude_n must_v and_o in_o most_o point_n it_o be_v notorious_a in_o many_o of_o our_o separatist_n what_o they_o use_v in_o their_o prayer_n and_o speech_n unto_o god_n must_v needs_o obtain_v a_o great_a reputation_n with_o they_o than_o what_o be_v only_o address_v to_o man_n because_o they_o then_o think_v their_o minister_n to_o be_v most_o serious_a cautious_a and_o devout_a too_o this_o therefore_o be_v wary_o and_o exceed_o well_o provide_v against_o after_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n cease_v by_o the_o council_n at_o laodicea_n can._n 18._o where_o the_o father_n assemble_v enjoin_v their_o church_n to_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n both_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o in_o the_o fifty_o nine_o canon_n of_o the_o same_o council_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o vulgar_o compose_a psalm_n which_o be_v the_o labour_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o sufficient_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o book_n that_o be_v not_o canonical_a shall_v not_o be_v sing_v or_o read_v in_o the_o church_n where_o also_o for_o man_n satisfaction_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v find_v the_o title_n or_o name_n of_o those_o book_n which_o the_o council_n then_o receive_v as_o canonical_a and_o in_o the_o milevitan_a council_n can._n 12._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o those_o prayer_n and_o office_n which_o be_v approve_v by_o a_o assembly_n or_o council_n shall_v only_o be_v use_v exclude_v other_o in_o all_o their_o public_a administration_n lest_o any_o thing_n shall_v either_o through_o inconsideration_n or_o ignorance_n be_v utter_v before_o the_o people_n that_o may_v contradict_v the_o common_a faith_n receive_v and_o continue_v among_o they_o and_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n be_v so_o prophetical_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o establishment_n for_o the_o present_a and_o transfer_v the_o most_o holy_a christian_a religion_n from_o their_o own_o age_n to_o the_o succeed_a so_o as_o nothing_o may_v be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o of_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o to_o obviate_v that_o extravagant_a itch_n of_o man_n which_o since_o we_o have_v find_v increase_v into_o a_o
the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o a_o utterance_n of_o our_o petition_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o it_o conclude_v indeed_o against_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o latin_a and_o justify_v our_o own_o in_o english_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o it_o can_v neither_o strengthen_v the_o enthusiast_n nor_o detract_v from_o the_o worth_n or_o reputation_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v liturgy_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o the_o real_a opposition_n which_o be_v here_o make_v of_o spirit_n to_o understanding_n and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o verse_n without_o any_o paraphrase_n upon_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o though_o st._n chrysostom_n interpretation_n of_o the_o whole_a do_v not_o in_o every_o part_n agree_v with_o this_o yet_o he_o expound_v spirit_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o evidence_n their_o vanity_n by_o defend_v their_o extravagancy_n by_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v win_v from_o they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v trump_v they_o up_o to_o the_o world_n and_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o twelve_o of_o zechariah_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v gain_v but_o little_a countenance_n from_o hence_o for_o their_o irrational_a and_o loose_a way_n of_o worship_n though_o as_o a_o neat_a commentator_n of_o their_o own_o descant_n upon_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o as_o by_o whole_a pailful_n trapp_n in_o loc_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n but_o that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v by_o his_o benign_a operation_n confer_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o who_o be_v harden_v through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n to_o the_o affront_a and_o crucify_a the_o blessed_a jesus_n shall_v so_o relent_v for_o their_o former_a wickedness_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o petition_n for_o their_o pardon_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o very_a person_n who_o they_o put_v so_o death_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v indeed_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o so_o it_o no_o more_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o dictate_v matter_n and_o expression_n to_o all_o those_o who_o devout_o pray_v than_o it_o prove_v all_o saint_n under_o this_o dispensation_n to_o be_v perfect_a jew_n that_o crucify_v their_o saviour_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o the_o world_n make_v either_o out_o from_o this_o text._n nay_o such_o doctrine_n can_v no_o more_o be_v found_v on_o this_o prophecy_n of_o zechariah_n than_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v also_o dictate_v matter_n and_o word_n in_o preach_v too_o and_o render_v all_o sanctify_a man_n sermon_n as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o that_o promise_n in_o the_o second_o of_o joel_n where_o god_n say_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v since_o this_o be_v fulfil_v on_o that_o eminent_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n visible_o descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v divers_a language_n and_o to_o work_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o according_o it_o be_v limit_v by_o st._n peter_n act_n 2.16_o if_o man_n will_v still_o trifle_v with_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o allow_v also_o woman_n to_o be_v preacher_n as_o well_o as_o man_n because_o in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v say_v that_o daughter_n as_o well_o as_o son_n shall_v prophesy_v it_o will_v only_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o some_o man_n prefer_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o new_a and_o set_v a_o prophet_n and_o a_o apostle_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v the_o advantage_n to_o which_o we_o please_v as_o he_o gratify_v either_o our_o humour_n or_o our_o interest_n but_o suppose_v our_o extempore_o man_n shall_v fly_v from_o scripture_n to_o the_o succeed_a writer_n among_o the_o christian_n as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o they_o may_v when_o they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o they_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o worship_n which_o we_o declaim_v against_o be_v justifiable_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o understand_v their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o practice_n better_o than_o we_o who_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o far_o off_o and_o quote_v some_o passage_n from_o the_o ancient_a father_n to_o justify_v their_o extravagant_a devotion_n now_o i_o only_o reply_v 1._o we_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n do_v as_o well_o dictate_v prayer_n to_o some_o for_o the_o help_n of_o other_o as_o it_o inspire_v some_o to_o deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v derive_v downward_o to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o cease_v afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o cease_v when_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a law_n be_v complete_v and_o knowledge_n and_o part_n become_v the_o fruit_n of_o liberal_a education_n and_o the_o spirit_n co-operation_n with_o human_a industry_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o this_o extempore_o wild_a way_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o late_a patron_n of_o this_o conceive_a method_n when_o they_o urge_v any_o expression_n from_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o squeeze_v a_o few_o particular_a passage_n hard_o either_o by_o a_o false_a rehearsal_n or_o else_o by_o criticise_v and_o large_a interpretation_n they_o draw_v their_o word_n off_o from_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o place_n do_v willing_o afford_v they_o 3._o that_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v disclaim_v by_o a_o late_a nonconformist_a writer_n who_o be_v eminent_a both_o in_o vent_v and_o darken_n too_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o almost_o as_o ancient_a as_o any_o now_o live_v in_o defend_v they_o nay_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n too_o when_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o he_o say_v become_v opposite_a to_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n he_o admit_v scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o command_n for_o prayer_n in_o the_o sacred_a writing_n be_v so_o many_o law_n to_o enjoin_v their_o own_o extempore_o way_n and_o method_n yet_o though_o he_o adventure_n at_o some_o promise_n i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o meddle_v with_o the_o command_n so_o as_o to_o appropriate_v any_o one_o to_o extempore_o prayer_n though_o he_o be_v very_o good_a at_o criticism_n and_o inference_n but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n when_o rivet_v by_o custom_n skulk_v so_o within_o a_o man_n that_o though_o possess_v with_o it_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o it_o be_v such_o another_o thing_n as_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_v arminianism_n which_o a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v charge_v with_o when_o he_o yet_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o another_o great_a writer_n who_o aphorism_n when_o dr._n hammond_n have_v peruse_v present_o reply_v this_o man_n be_v a_o arminian_n but_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o 4._o if_o any_o will_v defend_v these_o conceive_a public_a prayer_n from_o antiquity_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v also_o put_v other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o trial_n and_o permit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v also_o determine_v this_o way_n yet_o last_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o set_v down_o not_o because_o we_o have_v any_o cause_n of_o fear_n from_o what_o can_v fair_o be_v urge_v for_o extempore_o prayer_n out_o of_o any_o ancient_a author_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n the_o quotation_n have_v frequent_o be_v answer_v but_o more_o especial_o because_o they_o be_v just_a now_o explain_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resold_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o view_n of_o which_o since_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o small_a discourse_n
part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v have_v separate_v from_o it_o and_o it_o may_v give_v some_o rebuke_n to_o the_o bold_a confidence_n of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v not_o so_o harden_v that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n or_o that_o the_o shame_n which_o attend_v it_o will_v be_v worse_o to_o they_o than_o the_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o check_v the_o rude_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o to_o exalt_v themselves_o assume_v too_o large_a a_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o very_o little_o more_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o how_o much_o i_o have_v already_o tire_v any_o that_o have_v have_v patience_n to_o read_v this_o discourse_n quite_o through_o yet_o because_o extravagant_a and_o very_a lofty_a man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o as_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dictate_v matter_n and_o word_n to_o all_o saint_n when_o they_o thus_o pray_v extempore_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o have_v blaspheme_v in_o this_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a as_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v than_o they_o themselves_o have_v blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v only_o entreat_v treat_v the_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o suppose_v be_v come_v thus_o far_o with_o i_o to_o our_o journey_n end_n 1._o to_o consider_v if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v argumentative_a to_o convince_v he_o than_o the_o blasphemy_n remain_v in_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o adversary_n on_o their_o own_o side_n 2._o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v thus_o inspire_v they_o will_v be_v equal_o canonical_a with_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o because_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o saint_n peter_n inform_v we_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o old_a time_n as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o and_o though_o man_n have_v be_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v unto_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v god_n who_o deliver_v his_o message_n unto_o man_n heb._n 1.1_o and_o because_o he_o inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a to_o a_o delivery_n of_o what_o their_o word_n and_o writing_n have_v present_v to_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o manage_v our_o life_n by_o they_o god_n almighty_a have_v no_o where_o declare_v what_o book_n be_v scripture_n and_o what_o not_o but_o this_o we_o learn_v by_o such_o argument_n as_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o man_n that_o write_v they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n now_o can_v these_o man_n prayer_n of_o which_o we_o now_o discourse_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 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signification_n and_o like_o the_o heathen_a priest_n that_o worship_v baal_n who_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n cry_v out_o o_o baal_n hear_v we_o 1_o king_n 18.26_o and_o very_o probable_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n whilst_o there_o be_v no_o voice_n nor_o any_o that_o answer_n or_o else_o like_o those_o mutinous_a ephesian_n stir_v up_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o a_o silver-smith_n with_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o trade_n who_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o long_a hour_n cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n act_n 19.34_o and_o whether_o such_o a_o worship_n when_o strong_a lung_n become_v the_o bellows_o to_o blow_v man_n up_o that_o they_o may_v vent_v themselves_o in_o tautology_n and_o repetition_n and_o break_a sentence_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o utter_v a_o continue_a prayer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o be_v present_v in_o such_o loose_a petition_n to_o 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prohibition_n of_o vain_a repetition_n this_o will_v not_o conclude_v against_o the_o repetition_n of_o some_o prayer_n and_o petition_n in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n because_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o divers_a service_n which_o ancient_o have_v their_o different_a and_o successive_a season_n allow_v they_o or_o in_o the_o same_o upon_o some_o new_a and_o emergent_a occasion_n be_v place_v at_o the_o end_n of_o divers_a reading_n and_o where_o opportunity_n and_o reason_n present_v themselves_o for_o return_v to_o the_o same_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o variation_n of_o phrase_n where_o the_o reason_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v still_o the_o same_o nor_o any_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o show_v our_o copiousness_n of_o language_n or_o to_o tickle_v the_o ear_n of_o a_o waver_a multitude_n which_o be_v always_o 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of_o true_a and_o substantial_a harmony_n they_o substitute_v indecency_n and_o jar_a discord_n chap._n xv._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o four_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v against_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o extempore_o separatist_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o seek_v and_o that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v unprofitable_o long_a and_o tedious_o protract_v in_o their_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o some_o who_o have_v not_o their_o whole_a sermon_n ready_a have_v spend_v the_o sand_n in_o the_o hourglass_n that_o measure_v they_o by_o this_o knack_n of_o enlarge_a their_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n adventure_v to_o speak_v to_o god_n without_o premeditation_n when_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v at_o present_a which_o yet_o i_o know_v to_o have_v be_v too_o true_a we_o usual_o petition_v prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n in_o as_o brief_a and_o compendious_a a_o form_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o desire_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v within_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o significant_a and_o full_a expression_n can_v represent_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a god_n to_o be_v of_o a_o less_o majesty_n than_o a_o earthly_a king_n or_o less_o sagacious_a and_o apprehensive_a or_o not_o to_o merit_v as_o much_o respect_n as_o prince_n and_o governor_n who_o be_v his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n will_v not_o the_o same_o and_o great_a reason_n too_o that_o incline_v we_o to_o make_v brief_a petition_n to_o the_o advance_a and_o understanding_n person_n in_o this_o world_n prevail_v with_o we_o to_o use_v a_o decent_a brevity_n and_o curtness_n in_o our_o language_n when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o god_n especial_o since_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o foresee_v the_o want_n of_o the_o world_n his_o providence_n 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god_n who_o understand_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o instantaneous_a intuition_n and_o can_v possible_o forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a he_o need_v not_o any_o thing_n to_o refresh_v his_o memory_n much_o less_o vain_a and_o prohibit_v repetition_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v very_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n for_o man_n to_o pelt_v he_o with_o a_o long_a tedious_a continue_a prayer_n beyond_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o represent_v our_o want_n inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n to_o a_o decent_a height_n to_o demonstrate_v our_o humility_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n to_o a_o be_v so_o transcendent_o great_a and_o discern_a hence_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v the_o fruitless_a tautology_n of_o the_o heathen_a use_v in_o their_o solemn_a and_o most_o earnest_a devotion_n command_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o be_v like_o they_o as_o well_o because_o they_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v