a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o his_o majesty_n chapel_n at_o whitehall_n on_o the_o eight_o of_o february_n 1684_o 5._o be_v the_o sunday_n after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o late_a sacred_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o second_o of_o bless_a memory_n by_o thomas_n horn_n fellow_n of_o eton_n college_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o late_a majesty_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n horn_n at_o the_o south_n entrance_n of_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdclxxxv_o 1_o thess_n 5.19_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v well_o know_v with_o what_o vehemence_n this_o text_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n and_o it_o have_v be_v make_v as_o manifest_v by_o learned_a man_n with_o how_o little_a justice_n it_o have_v be_v object_v so_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v frivolous_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o any_o more_o but_o that_o the_o objection_n rise_v again_o after_o one_o will_v think_v they_o be_v defeat_v and_o the_o principle_n be_v as_o active_a as_o if_o their_o argument_n be_v invincible_a wherefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o object_v it_o be_v allowable_a i_o hope_v for_o we_o at_o least_o to_o consider_v the_o question_n over_o again_o if_o it_o be_v but_o to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v neither_o ashamed_a of_o our_o reason_n nor_o afraid_a of_o they_o and_o this_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v fair_o without_o any_o heat_n of_o controversy_n endeavour_v rather_o to_o lay_v than_o raise_v the_o dust_n that_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o skirmish_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o follow_v the_o native_a force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o forbear_v speak_v warm_o to_o a_o cavil_v which_o reproach_n all_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o blast_v all_o those_o intercession_n you_o put_v up_o this_o last_o week_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o die_a sovereign_n the_o fervency_n of_o which_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o parallel_v for_o if_o this_o objection_n be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o strong_a cry_n and_o supplication_n you_o take_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n the_o question_n i_o intend_v to_o examine_v be_v whether_o form_n of_o prayer_n quench_v or_o stint_n the_o spirit_n as_o they_o use_v to_o speak_v which_o question_n i_o will_v first_o state_n plain_o and_o then_o propose_v the_o method_n of_o search_v into_o it_o the_o question_n will_v be_v clear_o state_v by_o show_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o form_n of_o prayer_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n 1._o by_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o determine_v before_o we_o pray_v what_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n leave_v the_o word_n to_o be_v mould_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la or_o else_o the_o determine_v beforehand_o both_o what_o thing_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o also_o in_o what_o expression_n the_o former_a of_o these_o we_o may_v call_v a_o form_n of_o matter_n only_o the_o latter_a a_o form_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n too_o and_o both_o these_o may_v be_v either_o mutable_a or_o fix_v as_o a_o constant_a rule_n of_o worship_n 2._o by_o stint_v the_o spirit_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o the_o hinder_v or_o quench_v of_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n or_o else_o the_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o depress_v our_o affection_n in_o their_o flight_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n the_o smother_a the_o pious_a zeal_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o extinguish_n that_o holy_a fire_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o which_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n shall_v ascend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n therefore_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o form_n of_o matter_n only_o or_o a_o form_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n too_o hinder_v either_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o prayer_n now_o because_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o thing_n in_o gross_a we_o see_v they_o confuse_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o shuffle_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n together_o therefore_o i_o will_v resolve_v prayer_n into_o its_o simple_a principle_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v more_o distinct_o of_o the_o question_n before_o we_o according_a to_o this_o follow_a method_n first_o all_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o single_a person_n therefore_o we_o may_v consider_v of_o prayer_n in_o one_o man_n and_o see_v what_o quench_v the_o spirit_n in_o he_o second_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o variety_n of_o matter_n as_o confession_n of_o sin_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o of_o many_o spplication_n for_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n wherefore_o we_o may_v select_v one_o out_o of_o one_o of_o these_o sort_n and_o consider_v that_o distinct_o suppose_v any_o man_n will_v request_v of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n some_o one_o signal_n blessing_n as_o that_o god_n will_v save_v the_o king_n which_o be_v your_o mournful_a request_n and_o must_v still_o be_v your_o dutiful_a prayer_n but_o because_o that_o will_v provoke_v a_o passionate_a sorrow_n which_o bleed_v yet_o and_o i_o will_v rather_o speak_v to_o your_o judgement_n i_o will_v suppose_v rather_o that_o a_o man_n intend_v to_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o 11_o of_o st._n luke_n v._o 13._o which_o we_o do_v pray_v for_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o frequent_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o prayer_n three_o as_o in_o other_o prayer_n so_o in_o this_o particular_a supplication_n for_o god_n spirit_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o outward_a prayer_n of_o word_n and_o the_o inward_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o the_o outward_a aught_o to_o flow_v the_o business_n be_v now_o draw_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o the_o careful_a consider_v of_o it_o thus_o will_v be_v i_o hope_v a_o clue_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o a_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a question_n first_o then_o this_o inward_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o all_o prayer_n which_o god_n especial_o require_v and_o therefore_o chief_o regard_v and_o favourable_o accept_v without_o this_o the_o outward_a pour_v forth_o of_o word_n be_v a_o noisome_a carcase_n whether_o we_o use_v a_o form_n of_o word_n or_o new_a conceive_a fluency_n word_n be_v make_v for_o man_n not_o to_o help_v god_n to_o understand_v our_o meaning_n who_o look_v into_o a_o desire_n and_o search_v think_v who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o first_o spring_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n towards_o he_o this_o inward_a desire_n must_v be_v in_o all_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a prayer_n or_o nothing_o be_v do_v prayer_n may_v be_v without_o word_n and_o word_n may_v be_v without_o prayer_n for_o that_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n these_o be_v not_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v first_o that_o word_n conceive_v extempore_o can_v be_v a_o ingredient_n necessary_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n accept_v of_o god_n second_o that_o the_o useful_a and_o necessary_a help_n or_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o inward_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o in_o expreson_n of_o word_n where_o the_o life_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o and_o this_o one_o consideration_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o end_v all_o dispute_n about_o extempore_o word_n of_o prayer_n second_o if_o a_o man_n address_v himself_o to_o request_n of_o god_n this_o blessing_n of_o his_o spirit_n though_o he_o supplicate_v without_o utter_v one_o word_n yet_o here_o be_v a_o form_n a_o form_n of_o matter_n and_o that_o as_o narrow_a as_o can_v be_v for_o his_o spirit_n can_v be_v more_o stint_v than_o when_o it_o petition_n for_o one_o thing_n if_o therefore_o this_o so_o narrow_a a_o form_n do_v not_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o hinder_v the_o flight_n of_o his_o prayer_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n nor_o obstruct_v its_o entrance_n nor_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o attend_v to_o his_o suit_n what_o large_a form_n can_v do_v it_o and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n hinder_v his_o prayer_n we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o in_o the_o three_o place_n every_o sober_a christian_a and_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v ready_o grant_v that_o he_o will_v pray_v more_o hearty_o and_o acceptable_o to_o god_n when_o he_o beg_v this_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o he_o go_v beforehand_o into_o his_o closet_n and_o meditate_v on_o his_o own_o manifold_a frailty_n and_o consequent_o his_o great_a need_n of_o this_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o he_o shall_v fix_v and_o prepare_v his_o heart_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n
fatherly_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n especial_o of_o his_o promise_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o all_o in_o order_n to_o the_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o for_o the_o increase_a his_o humility_n and_o the_o settle_v his_o good_a purpose_n and_o attention_n certain_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o retirement_n before_o we_o pray_v without_o which_o our_o thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o play_v and_o wander_v at_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o pant_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v more_o languid_a but_o all_o this_o preparation_n bound_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n to_o that_o particular_a matter_n which_o he_o be_v to_o sue_v for_o and_o this_o bind_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o make_v it_o a_o form_n so_o that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n premeditate_v the_o more_o be_v his_o spirit_n bound_v or_o stint_v to_o his_o particular_a form_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o and_o so_o the_o more_o he_o be_v stint_v the_o better_a he_o pray_v for_o this_o meditation_n restrain_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n quicken_v his_o desire_n that_o be_v it_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o wander_a thought_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o that_o one_o blessing_n he_o will_v request_v and_o gather_v together_o the_o scatter_a motion_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o determine_v all_o his_o earnest_a desire_n to_o that_o one_o point_n which_o restraint_n inflame_v religious_a zeal_n and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a force_n as_o wind_n be_v strong_a in_o their_o narrow_a passage_n as_o a_o vast_a ocean_n when_o it_o roll_v all_o one_o way_n and_o beat_v with_o its_o whole_a weight_n upon_o a_o straight_a channel_n that_o very_o stint_v of_o it_o make_v the_o wave_n rage_n and_o multiply_v the_o swiftness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o their_o motion_n beyond_o imagination_n that_o it_o force_v its_o way_n with_o irresistible_a violence_n but_o when_o once_o it_o have_v pass_v from_o thence_o into_o a_o wide_a space_n and_o gain_v the_o room_n it_o struggle_v for_o there_o where_o the_o way_n be_v open_a and_o free_a all_o its_o vigour_n be_v lose_v in_o itself_o and_o become_v a_o pacific_a sea_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o it_o be_v advantageous_a which_o some_o complain_v of_o for_o the_o liturgy_n to_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a distinct_a prayer_n that_o we_o may_v request_v more_o earnest_o while_o we_o determine_v our_o soul_n to_o single_a petition_n whereas_o if_o all_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v into_o one_o long_a oration_n we_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o discern_v where_o one_o request_v end_n and_o another_o begin_v so_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o the_o undetermined_a vigour_n of_o desire_n be_v becalm_v as_o in_o a_o wide_a sea_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o be_v that_o premeditation_n on_o one_o single_a form_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o help_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o that_o which_o be_v so_o useful_a so_o necessary_a a_o preparative_n to_o serious_a devotion_n shall_v any_o wise_a hinder_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o supplication_n yet_o lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o shift_v away_o from_o the_o business_n i_o will_v consider_v this_o particular_o if_o a_o man_n pray_v for_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n gracious_a spirit_n what_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o supplication_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n prayer_n i._n e._n acceptance_n with_o god_n i_o conceive_v that_o if_o he_o have_v a_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n a_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_v make_v by_o christ_n luke_n 11.13_o a_o fervent_a desire_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n humility_n and_o a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o obey_v its_o direction_n his_o prayer_n will_v be_v accept_v now_o serious_a premeditation_n such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v be_v the_o very_a exercise_n of_o all_o these_o consideration_n of_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v by_o christ_n be_v the_o very_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o a_o proper_a incitement_n to_o a_o great_a love_n of_o he_o the_o weigh_v with_o himself_o the_o great_a and_o manifold_a imperfection_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o his_o great_a want_n of_o the_o continual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n kindle_v ardent_a desire_n and_o increase_v humility_n which_o be_v also_o further_v by_o reflect_v on_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n compare_v with_o the_o unlimited_a bounty_n and_o unmerited_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o all_o together_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o better_a purpose_n and_o strong_a resolution_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n humility_n and_o resolution_n shall_v hinder_v the_o spirit_n work_v these_o very_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o as_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 16.1_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o pride_n neglect_v of_o god_n or_o infidelity_n further_a the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n again_o if_o after_o this_o preparation_n of_o heart_n a_o man_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o prayer_n in_o that_o very_a devout_a posture_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o his_o meditation_n leave_v he_o assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v perfect_v what_o itself_o begin_v and_o assist_v he_o more_o yet_o in_o that_o prayer_n to_o which_o it_o prepare_v he_o the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v psal_n 10.17_o that_o the_o lord_n hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a he_o will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o will_v cause_v his_o ear_n to_o hear_v wherefore_o since_o both_o the_o first_o thought_n in_o the_o prepare_v meditation_n and_o the_o follow_a desire_n in_o act_n of_o prayer_n be_v from_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o consider_v beforehand_o have_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v double_a to_o what_o the_o extempore_o man_n have_v who_o know_v not_o beforehand_o what_o he_o shall_v pray_v but_o invent_v his_o petition_n in_o the_o moment_n when_o he_o present_v it_o so_o far_o be_v a_o prepare_a form_n of_o matter_n from_o hinder_v the_o good_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o gain_v also_o a_o new_a argument_n for_o the_o former_a conclusion_n i._n e._n that_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o fervency_n of_o man_n spirit_n for_o that_o which_o further_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n can_v hinder_v we_o in_o the_o least_o 4._o let_v we_o go_v on_o with_o our_o single_a form_n and_o suppose_v that_o this_o man_n resolve_v with_o himself_o never_o to_o cease_v from_o beg_v the_o promise_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o wrestle_v daily_o for_o this_o great_a blessing_n here_o it_o become_v a_o state_v or_o praescribe_v form_n to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n in_o pray_v by_o a_o liturgy_n and_o in_o this_o case_n neither_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n quench_v nor_o the_o man_n own_o spirit_n hinder_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n because_o he_o obey_v that_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o 18_o st._n luke_n v._o 1._o to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o to_o faint_v i._n e._n not_o to_o give_v over_o the_o same_o request_n as_o christ_n explain_v himself_o in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v by_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n who_o continue_v to_o solicit_v the_o unjust_a judge_n with_o the_o same_o suit_n till_o she_o have_v obtain_v her_o desire_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o repeat_v that_o prayer_n it_o will_v be_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a duty_n which_o sinful_a neglect_n must_v real_o hinder_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o man_n own_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v hinder_v unless_o we_o will_v blasphemous_o affirm_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v such_o a_o command_n about_o our_o prayer_n as_o hinder_v our_o soul_n from_o pray_v aâ—_n we_o shall_v now_o if_o we_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o of_o one_o man_n single_a petition_n to_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o congregation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o since_o the_o most_o limit_a form_n do_v not_o any_o wise_a quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n since_o if_o it_o do_v stint_v our_o mind_n it_o do_v it_o to_o advantage_n by_o stop_v only_o the_o loose_a rove_a of_o invention_n whet_v thereby_o the_o serious_a desire_n of_o the_o soul_n our_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a form_n can_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o prayer_n by_o any_o narrowness_n that_o
be_v in_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o continual_o offend_v our_o good_a god_n frequent_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v most_o mercy_n we_o receive_v every_o day_n and_o every_o moment_n and_o they_o deserve_v incessant_a thanks_o the_o infinite_a and_o peerless_a perfection_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o praise_n endure_v for_o ever_o our_o need_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o especial_o our_o spiritual_a want_n which_o require_v the_o most_o intensive_a fervency_n therefore_o the_o chief_a matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o must_v not_o be_v change_v there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o man_n as_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v shall_v we_o invent_v sin_n extempore_o to_o confess_v before_o god_n we_o commit_v too_o many_o and_o it_o will_v take_v up_o time_n enough_o to_o consider_v well_o of_o they_o can_v we_o invent_v attribute_n in_o god_n to_o magnify_v they_o be_v immutable_a can_v we_o invent_v mercy_n to_o thank_v he_o for_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o imagination_n be_v vain_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n let_v we_o offer_v our_o thanks_o with_o gratitude_n for_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v or_o shall_v we_o invent_v new_a topic_n of_o blessing_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o let_v we_o first_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v need_n and_o request_v those_o thing_n serious_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o we_o be_v every_o day_n to_o seek_v we_o always_o want_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o must_v always_o pray_v for_o it_o we_o need_v the_o heavenly_a food_n and_o must_v daily_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o ever_o more_o this_o bread_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pray_v daily_o for_o one_o particular_a matter_n only_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v other_o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o if_o our_o public_a prayer_n omit_v some_o important_a request_n and_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o complete_n our_o necessary_a petition_n then_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v straighten_v but_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o liturgy_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n what_o will_v any_o of_o we_o want_v if_o god_n shall_v grant_v we_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o it_o or_o what_o want_n be_v there_o which_o we_o can_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o in_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a prayer_n or_o else_o in_o private_a and_o so_o complete_a the_o suppose_a defect_n of_o the_o liturgy_n this_o we_o can_v do_v if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o but_o only_o ourselves_o when_o there_o be_v a_o prepare_a heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o without_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o man_n spirit_n nothing_o can_v obstruct_v the_o course_n of_o the_o thought_n or_o block_n up_o the_o will_n from_o desire_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v stop_v the_o freedom_n of_o its_o course_n no_o obstacle_n in_o nature_n can_v reach_v it_o i_o have_v speak_v as_o full_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o the_o form_n of_o matter_n not_o whole_o omit_v to_o speak_v of_o word_n and_o much_o more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o people_n of_o our_o nation_n have_v a_o unaccountable_a fondness_n for_o the_o extempore_o effusion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n though_o they_o love_v not_o that_o phrase_n extempore_o prayer_n but_o choose_v to_o call_v it_o conceive_v prayer_n their_o opinion_n of_o it_o be_v strange_a because_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o life_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a dress_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v but_o the_o outward_a part_n yet_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n use_v the_o form_n prescribe_v suppose_v in_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a many_o of_o the_o common_a people_n think_v that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o they_o because_o they_o do_v not_o invent_v a_o new_a prayer_n and_o no_o good_a be_v do_v unless_o some_o private_a person_n come_v and_o pray_v for_o some_o time_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o ready_a utterance_n then_o they_o think_v there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o word_n than_o real_o there_o be_v and_o the_o name_n they_o give_v to_o this_o extempore_o utterance_n be_v as_o strange_a for_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o that_o which_o be_v not_o think_v of_o before_o but_o invent_v in_o the_o moment_n of_o utterance_n shall_v be_v call_v conceive_v prayer_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o prayer_n for_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v premeditate_v and_o think_v of_o frequent_o before_o and_o also_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v conceive_v too_o and_o the_o more_o it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o more_o conceive_v however_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o a_o form_n of_o word_n hinder_v either_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o prayer_n that_o they_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o argue_v first_o from_o hence_o that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v always_o give_v new_a expression_n of_o prayer_n suppose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v once_o give_v a_o man_n the_o very_a word_n of_o prayer_n and_o he_o shall_v constant_o use_v those_o word_n he_o will_v pray_v as_o the_o spirit_n give_v he_o utterance_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o such_o a_o spiritual_a form_n of_o word_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n now_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o think_v the_o spirit_n shall_v continual_o change_v those_o first_o word_n for_o new_a for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n heb._n 8.7_o concern_v the_o covenant_n if_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o second_o so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o new_a word_n unless_o the_o first_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o beside_o this_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v give_v in_o holy_a writ_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o frame_v our_o word_n argue_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o intend_v always_o to_o indite_v the_o word_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o man_n as_o that_o rule_n which_o solomon_n give_v eccles_n 5.2_o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o and_o our_o saviour_n rule_n 6_o matth._n 7._o not_o to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n as_o the_o heathen_a or_o to_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o much_o speak_n and_o v._o 8_o 9_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o purposely_o give_v his_o prayer_n in_o few_o word_n to_o prevent_v the_o use_v many_o word_n in_o prayer_n be_v not_o you_o therefore_o like_a unto_o they_o i._n e._n in_o multiply_v word_n for_o your_o father_n know_v what_o thing_n you_o have_v need_n of_o before_o you_o ask_v he_o after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o pray_v you_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o this_o short_a way_n therefore_o that_o you_o may_v avoid_v much_o speak_n another_o rule_n the_o example_n of_o solomon_n afford_v in_o 2_o chron._n 6._o throughout_o who_o prayer_n be_v make_v up_o chief_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o his_o father_n what_o need_v of_o give_v we_o rule_n for_o our_o word_n if_o the_o spirit_n give_v the_o word_n or_o of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o rule_n when_o give_v if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v it_o second_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o those_o who_o love_v extempore_o prayer_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o general_o say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v after_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n upon_o the_o elect_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v hinder_v there_o and_o as_o for_o the_o reprobate_n if_o any_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v hinder_v in_o they_o it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n let_v we_o see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n whether_o form_n of_o word_n hinder_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n there_o be_v but_o these_o three_o use_n of_o word_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o in_o prayer_n first_o to_o express_v the_o
a_o form_n of_o word_n can_v comprehend_v our_o particular_a case_n or_o that_o our_o spirit_n be_v so_o detain_v thereby_o that_o we_o can_v enlarge_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o reach_v our_o case_n this_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a mistake_n for_o want_v of_o consider_v the_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a word_n in_o which_o our_o common_a prayer_n be_v express_v i_o will_v explain_v myself_o by_o one_o instance_n for_o many_o in_o those_o word_n of_o confession_n we_o have_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n suppose_v that_o one_o man_n of_o the_o congregation_n have_v fall_v into_o some_o great_a sin_n and_o another_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o other_o and_o so_o on_o after_o we_o have_v consider_v every_o one_o private_o those_o particular_a sin_n in_o which_o each_o one_o have_v offend_v god_n we_o can_v all_o unburden_v our_o conscience_n before_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o he_o our_o several_a offence_n though_o we_o use_v the_o same_o word_n because_o they_o be_v large_a and_o general_a and_o so_o comprehend_v all_o our_o particular_a sin_n apply_v the_o same_o to_o thanksgiving_n to_o praise_n and_o supplication_n and_o the_o case_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o prayer_n but_o this_o previous_a consideration_n be_v the_o great_a labour_n of_o real_a prayer_n which_o most_o man_n love_v to_o escape_v whatever_o extraordinary_a case_n happen_v to_o any_o of_o we_o still_o preparation_n be_v needful_a before_o we_o approach_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o constant_a use_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o public_a do_v and_o must_v hinder_v the_o real_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n because_o it_o hinder_v the_o preparation_n of_o heart_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v pray_v for_o for_o if_o the_o minister_n change_v every_o time_n his_o word_n and_o matter_n or_o if_o he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o whether_o he_o will_v change_v or_o how_o much_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o the_o auditor_n any_o more_o than_o to_o guess_v what_o he_o will_v say_v and_o how_o then_o can_v they_o prepare_v their_o heart_n for_o the_o particular_a thing_n which_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o pray_v for_o i_o wish_v those_o who_o scorn_v our_o form_n will_v consider_v where_o the_o life_n of_o prayer_n be_v and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o it_o can_v be_v in_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v place_v no_o more_o in_o they_o than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o exercise_n for_o man_n part_n not_o to_o show_v ready_a invention_n or_o elocution_n much_o less_o vainity_n but_o humble_a desire_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n god_n be_v not_o take_v either_o with_o sound_n or_o outward_a gesture_n that_o please_v the_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o man_n but_o with_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n which_o man_n can_v discern_v these_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o variety_n of_o delightful_a word_n and_o passionate_a exclamation_n and_o the_o petition_n be_v then_o accept_v on_o the_o other_o side_n all_o the_o outward_a show_n of_o zeal_n may_v be_v without_o the_o life_n of_o prayer_n and_o then_o the_o word_n beat_v the_o air_n and_o return_v empty_a and_o god_n be_v offend_v too_o the_o abundance_n of_o melt_a word_n may_v come_v from_o the_o heart_n but_o they_o may_v not_o come_v from_o thence_o and_o what_o man_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o and_o if_o all_o do_v come_v from_o the_o real_a zeal_n of_o he_o who_o speak_v yet_o it_o be_v your_o faith_n and_o fervency_n not_o mere_o he_o that_o will_v procure_v you_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o wean_v ourselves_o from_o this_o love_n of_o the_o new_a word_n of_o prayer_n and_o strive_v more_o earnest_o for_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o prayer_n which_o none_o can_v deprieve_v we_o of_o in_o word_n we_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o in_o all_o that_o be_v outward_a in_o this_o we_o can_v the_o publican_n prayer_n have_v but_o few_o word_n and_o that_o be_v accept_v the_o pharisee_n pray_v thrice_o as_o long_o and_o return_v empty_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n presume_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n any_o thing_n unconsidered_a the_o word_n of_o rashness_n and_o the_o froth_n of_o the_o lip_n why_o of_o all_o person_n shall_v any_o man_n choose_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o live_a god_n but_o when_o through_o a_o haste_n to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n man_n have_v speak_v unadvised_o with_o the_o tongue_n and_o have_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v evil_a it_o be_v add_v mad_a presumption_n to_o the_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o or_o that_o his_o wise_a spirit_n have_v put_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n to_o utter_v vanity_n and_o let_v we_o who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o form_n do_v not_o quench_v the_o spirit_n take_v care_n of_o our_o address_n to_o god_n that_o we_o do_v not_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n by_o negligent_a approach_n to_o he_o since_o we_o who_o pray_v by_o a_o liturgy_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o that_o we_o know_v beforehand_o what_o petition_n we_o be_v to_o put_v up_o that_o we_o can_v consider_v and_o weigh_v they_o all_o which_o they_o can_v let_v we_o not_o loose_v the_o advantage_n and_o offer_v extemporary_a desire_n before_o god_n let_v private_a meditation_n prepare_v we_o for_o our_o public_a prayer_n that_o our_o thought_n be_v fix_v beforehand_o and_o our_o fervent_a desire_n kindle_v we_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o awful_a reverence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o room_n for_o levity_n and_o ramble_a imagination_n that_o irreverence_n and_o carelessness_n be_v banish_v away_o we_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o confess_v with_o good_a purpose_n and_o pray_v earnest_o and_o give_v thanks_o with_o joy_n and_o gratitude_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o royal_a prophet_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v i_o will_v sing_v and_o give_v praise_n and_o so_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o experience_n of_o upright_a man_n will_v decide_v this_o question_n in_o favour_n of_o liturgy_n as_o effectual_a as_o any_o thing_n unless_o the_o public_a extempore_o prayer_n have_v be_v print_v as_o the_o common_a prayer_n be_v which_o will_v have_v extinguish_v all_o their_o glory_n as_o the_o sepulchral_v lamp_n go_v out_o when_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o light_n they_o who_o never_o have_v be_v use_v to_o form_n or_o come_v not_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a intent_n to_o pray_v hearty_o by_o they_o can_v be_v no_o judge_n whether_o form_n hinder_v the_o spirit_n whether_o be_v they_o judge_v who_o seem_v to_o like_v the_o common_a prayer_n but_o bring_v no_o devotion_n to_o it_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o serious_a devout_a person_n of_o this_o place_n who_o continual_o attend_v upon_o prayer_n who_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v remarkable_a and_o exemplary_a who_o be_v therefore_o competent_a judge_n do_v you_o ever_o approach_v with_o a_o religious_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n with_o a_o real_a desire_n to_o request_v any_o blessing_n of_o he_o and_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o liturgy_n have_v you_o not_o rather_o find_v that_o every_o expression_n be_v weighty_a and_o add_v to_o your_o considerate_a zeal_n i_o appeal_v to_o your_o devotion_n this_o last_o week_n so_o fervent_a and_o unwearied_a do_v not_o your_o heart_n burn_v within_o you_o at_o every_o intercession_n you_o so_o earnest_o put_v up_o for_o our_o late_a dread_a sovereign_n you_o seem_v to_o pray_v as_o if_o you_o be_v in_o all_o his_o weakness_n and_o feel_v all_o his_o pain_n from_o the_o first_o astonish_n stroke_n to_o his_o last_o gasp_n you_o be_v with_o he_o in_o all_o the_o comfortable_a the_o 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