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own_v this_o pretence_n since_o it_o be_v so_o horrid_a a_o reflection_n and_o affront_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v however_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v a_o character_n of_o themselves_o very_o different_a from_o this_o they_o represent_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o quick_a and_o powerful_a as_o able_a to_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n as_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a as_o convert_v the_o soul_n with_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o denote_v the_o efficacy_n thereof_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o word_n as_o dull_a and_o formal_a as_o a_o mere_a dead_a letter_n that_o can_v engage_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o hearer_n or_o reach_v their_o heart_n be_v too_o near_a blasphemy_n 2._o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o word_n and_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v power_n but_o when_o man_n speak_v their_o own_o word_n or_o pretend_v to_o apply_v the_o word_n or_o passage_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v nay_o they_o may_v deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o any_o pretend_a explication_n or_o application_n make_v by_o man_n be_v manifest_o to_o exchange_v god_n undoubted_a word_n and_o command_n for_o what_o may_v be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o people_n have_v always_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o
the_o man_n of_o god_n when_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o left_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o in_o our_o supplication_n such_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o manner_n of_o address_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n 3._o the_o three_o part_n of_o prayer_n be_v intercession_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o now_o blessing_n be_v a_o eminent_a sort_n of_o intercession_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o this_o we_o have_v likewise_o the_o command_n of_o god_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23_o on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o blessing_n but_o a_o earnest_a intercession_n with_o god_n for_o his_o people_n and_o the_o form_n and_o word_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o mean_a 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and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n in_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n though_o common_o the_o most_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o such_o as_o seem_v least_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o form_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o approbation_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n ii_o and_o according_o we_o find_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n though_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n use_v the_o same_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n always_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n thus_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o concern_v moses_n num._n x._o 35_o when_o the_o ark_n set_v forward_o moses_n say_v rise_v up_o lord_n and_o 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 and_o when_o it_o rest_v he_o say_v return_v o_o lord_n unto_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n approve_v the_o use_n of_o one_o set_v constant_a form_n of_o word_n in_o our_o prayer_n as_o long_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o repeat_v they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o i_o presume_v none_o will_v suspect_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o word_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o moses_n confine_v himself_o to_o this_o form_n i_o shall_v add_v further_o that_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o prayer_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n express_v in_o such_o pathetic_a significant_a and_o move_a word_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o furnish_v we_o with_o they_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v by_o any_o of_o our_o own_o invention_n such_o be_v the_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 9_o 10_o 12_o etc._n etc._n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v use_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o constant_a service_n and_o liturgy_n perform_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o what_o i_o former_o quote_v 2_o chron._n xxix_o 30._o iii_o but_o perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v these_o command_n and_o example_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o so_o plentiful_a a_o measure_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o here_o 1._o i_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n pray_v by_o a_o form_n for_o they_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o consist_v in_o psalm_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o in_o some_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n add_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o use_v in_o their_o daily_a service_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o those_o that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n at_o that_o scripture_n time_n now_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v frequent_o present_a at_o their_o service_n both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o approve_v the_o manner_n of_o addressing_z themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n 2._o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n with_o impartial_a man_n by_o prescribe_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n teach_v his_o disciple_n for_o we_o find_v his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v speak_v what_o shall_v then_o come_v into_o your_o mind_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o hour_n without_o take_v think_v about_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n that_o be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o his_o sake_n mat._n x._o 19_o but_o in_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n he_o prescribe_v they_o a_o form_n of_o word_n and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v it_o luke_n xi_o 2_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o use_v these_o word_n when_o they_o pray_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v it_o in_o clear_a term_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o religious_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n offer_v up_o constant_o prayer_n to_o god_n we_o see_v it_o in_o david_n psal._n lv_o 17_o and_o in_o daniel_n chap._n vi_fw-la 10_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o want_v in_o this_o duty_n nor_o in_o skill_n to_o perform_v it_o since_o we_o find_v that_o other_o devout_a person_n of_o their_o time_n have_v their_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n iii._o 1_o therefore_o what_o they_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v they_o absolute_o or_o in_o general_a to_o pray_v but_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v as_o john_n also_o teach_v his_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n proper_a to_o his_o institution_n as_o they_o see_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n and_o john_n have_v proper_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o the_o lord's-prayer_n as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o main_a point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o as_o a_o constant_a badge_n of_o their_o be_v his_o disciple_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v when_o ever_o you_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n your_o usual_a prayer_n which_o religious_a custom_n have_v teach_v you_o as_o jew_n and_o disciple_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o john_n whether_o in_o secret_n or_o public_a add_v this_o always_o to_o your_o other_o prayer_n for_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n to_o you_o of_o those_o duty_n privilege_n and_o qualification_n which_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o my_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n from_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o they_o the_o lords-prayer_n be_v therefore_o a_o badge_n of_o our_o profession_n impose_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o
four_o 16_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o also_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n since_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o christian_a law_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o read_v in_o the_o first_o christian_n assembly_n i_o may_v show_v by_o many_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n iv._o this_o public_a read_v the_o law_n be_v of_o so_o great_a reputation_n that_o it_o be_v term_v preach_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v from_o act_n xv_o 21_o for_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v a_o peculiar_a sense_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o signify_v proper_o to_o declare_v or_o proclaim_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o herald_n or_o crier_n proclaim_v the_o law_n or_o order_n of_o a_o king_n hence_o only_a those_o that_o proclaim_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o hear_v it_o before_o or_o read_v the_o old_a testament_n to_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v preach_v be_v distinguish_v from_o teach_v and_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n though_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v call_v preach_v yet_o interpret_n they_o apply_v they_o or_o exhort_v the_o people_n from_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a auditory_a be_v never_o call_v by_o that_o name_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o disciple_n act_n xx_o 7_o when_o he_o only_o in_o probability_n make_v a_o sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n as_o be_v usual_a now_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o original_a of_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o translate_v preach_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v here_o but_o discourse_v dispute_v speak_v or_o reason_v so_o it_o be_v translate_v in_o act_n xvii_o 2_o 17._o xviii_o 19_o nineteeen_o 8_o 9_o heb._n twelve_o 5_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o original_a word_n which_o proper_o signify_v preach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o preach_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o and_o the_o second_o be_v when_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o peodle_n as_o a_o crier_n do_v a_o proclamation_n which_o he_o do_v not_o word_n himself_o but_o read_v it_o in_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o in_o short_a the_o scripture_n be_v sermon_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n be_v dictate_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o read_n of_o which_o to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o conviction_n and_o instruction_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n of_o god_n and_o where_o this_o ordinance_n be_v due_o observe_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o makâ—_n they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o hear_v they_o with_o humility_n and_o attention_n be_v a_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o beget_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_n as_o we_o see_v 1_o tim._n three_o 16_o 17._o v._o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o great_a solemnity_n it_o be_v observe_v nehem._n viij_o 5_o when_o ezra_n open_v the_o book_n all_o the_o people_n stand_v up_o and_o ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n the_o great_a god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v amen_o amen_n with_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v the_o lord_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o i_o find_v it_o general_o agree_v that_o both_o the_o reader_n and_o hearer_n stand_v up_o whilst_o the_o law_n be_v read_v though_o not_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v read_v or_o teach_v hence_o it_o be_v observe_v luke_n four_o 16_o that_o our_o saviour_n stand_v up_o for_o to_o read_v and_o vers._n 20._o after_o close_v the_o book_n that_o he_o sit_v down_o to_o teach_v hence_o rev._n v_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o highpriest_n with_o a_o book_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o lamb_n as_o his_o minister_n take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o declare_v the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o vers._n 8._o when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o book_n the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o lamb_n and_o they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n the_o angel_n join_v with_o they_o vers._n 11._o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n verse_n 13._o from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n with_o adoration_n and_o praise_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o at_o the_o read_n the_o law_n confession_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v intermix_v and_o succeed_v one_o another_o neh._n ix_o 3_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o in_o their_o place_n and_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o day_n and_o another_o four_o part_n they_o confess_v and_o worship_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n vi_o we_o find_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v read_v in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o the_o people_n understand_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o a_o strange_a land_n their_o language_n be_v change_v and_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v at_o least_o universal_o the_o pure_a hebrew_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v first_o write_v therefore_o when_o ezra_n read_v in_o the_o law_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n as_o ezra_n read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n neh._n viij_o 7_o and_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o law_n and_o the_o people_n stand_v in_o their_o place_n so_o they_o read_v in_o the_o book_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n distinct_o and_o give_v the_o sense_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o read_n and_o this_o custom_n continue_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n first_o the_o hebrew_a text_n be_v read_v and_o then_o a_o translation_n or_o paraphrase_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n for_o read_v the_o original_n in_o public_a assembly_n such_o a_o custom_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o people_n without_o a_o translation_n therefore_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o the_o church_n but_o order_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 27_o let_v one_o interpret_v but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n let_v he_o keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o we_o find_v that_o after_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o enlargement_n or_o comment_n on_o some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v read_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n he_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n in_o a_o discourse_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v constant_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o have_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a provision_n for_o such_o enlargement_n and_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n and_o exhortation_n from_o it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xiii_o 15_o to_o send_v to_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n that_o message_n we_o find_v there_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n if_o you_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n say_v on_o st._n paul_n suppose_v he_o who_o teach_v and_o he_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v distinct_a from_o he_o that_o rule_v
the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o the_o discourse_n we_o be_v sure_a st._n paul_n suppose_v such_o as_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a natural_a or_o carnal_a man_n 1_o cor._n two_o 13_o where_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o speak_v not_o in_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v he_o add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v because_o they_o be_v mere_a natural_a man_n and_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whoever_o therefore_o be_v more_o affect_v or_o delight_n more_o in_o a_o sermon_n then_o in_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n those_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o have_v that_o spirit_n delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o thing_n they_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o their_o public_a assembly_n that_o the_o hear_v it_o read_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n whoever_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o this_o practice_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o want_v that_o temper_n and_o spirit_n with_o which_o those_o holy_a man_n be_v inspire_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spiritualness_n and_o reformation_n be_v little_o advance_v above_o the_o natural_a man_n that_o neither_o receive_v or_o relish_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n at_o least_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n to_o profess_v solemn_o that_o we_o expect_v no_o happiness_n but_o from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o free_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o provision_n for_o we_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v reckon_v a_o instance_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o according_o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n contain_v such_o confession_n 3._o you_o sit_v general_o at_o your_o public_a prayer_n 4._o at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n you_o sit_v not_o only_o whilst_o you_o receive_v but_o likewise_o at_o the_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n before_o and_o your_o directory_n impose_v this_o posture_n on_o communicant_n though_o contrary_a to_o holy_a scripture_n in_o 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of_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v outward_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o outward_a teach_v or_o preach_v cease_v since_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sufficient_a teacher_n and_o have_v promise_v we_o heb._n viij_o 10_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n vers._n 11._o and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n the_o principle_n and_o reason_v be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o these_o and_o will_v justify_v the_o silent_a meeting_n of_o the_o quaker_n nay_o the_o extravagance_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o all_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o irreverence_n of_o other_o dissenter_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n so_o as_o one_o place_n may_v not_o contradict_v another_o and_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n show_v we_o that_o god_n require_v our_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o praise_n our_o visible_a sacrament_n and_o adoration_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o interpret_v worship_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v these_o but_o rather_o conclude_v that_o they_o may_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o become_v proper_a for_o spiritual_a worship_n or_o god_n will_v never_o have_v require_v they_o when_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o worship_n he_o teach_v the_o world_n as_o a_o worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n his_o meaning_n doubtless_o be_v not_o to_o exempt_v we_o from_o worship_v his_o father_n with_o our_o body_n whereof_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o when_o they_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o hearty_a submission_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o every_o act_n be_v more_o or_o less_o acceptable_a as_o it_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n in_o it_o but_o that_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o like_a give_v we_o no_o advantage_n and_o be_v of_o no_o value_n towards_o make_v our_o worship_n acceptable_a this_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o answer_v our_o saviour_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o samaritan_n woman_n that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o worship_n offer_v to_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v nothing_o more_o acceptable_a for_o be_v offer_v at_o jerusalem_n or_o mount-gerezim_a or_o any_o other_o place_n but_o the_o heart_n be_v right_a all_o place_n be_v alike_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o allow_v no_o sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v at_o the_o temple_n and_o consequent_o their_o worship_n derive_v its_o acceptance_n from_o the_o place_n and_o not_o from_o the_o heart_n alone_o of_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o we_o affirm_v therefore_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n that_o our_o worship_n become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o time_n or_o place_n where_o it_o be_v offer_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o acceptance_n but_o that_o in_o whatever_o place_n at_o whatever_o time_n in_o whatsoever_o posture_n we_o offer_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n we_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o but_o then_o we_o say_v likewise_o a_o man_n who_o neglect_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n can_v have_v a_o good_a heart_n towards_o god_n because_o he_o break_v his_o command_n that_o such_o as_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v a_o convenient_a and_o decent_a place_n and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o christian_n to_o meet_v and_o to_o perform_v god_n worship_n in_o can_v have_v a_o value_n for_o it_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n want_v faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o that_o those_o who_o neglect_v to_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n and_o to_o pay_v outward_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n when_o they_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n must_v want_v inward_a submission_n of_o their_o mind_n because_o they_o do_v not_o approach_v as_o he_o require_v if_o a_o man_n true_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o spirit_n it_o will_v oblige_v he_o if_o able_a to_o perform_v these_o outward_a act_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o faith_n jam._n two_o 18_o a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o have_v faith_n and_o i_o have_v work_n show_v i_o thy_o faith_n without_o thy_o work_n and_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o my_o faith_n by_o my_o work_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n a_o man_n may_v say_v thou_o worship_v god_n inward_o in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o i_o worship_v he_o outward_o and_o in_o
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
by_o the_o spirit_n on_o ordinary_a occasion_n i_o appeal_v to_o you_o whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o rashness_n for_o a_o ordinary_a person_n to_o speak_v to_o a_o prince_n or_o solemn_a assembly_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o word_n unpremeditated_a and_o unformed_a and_o we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o so_o rash_a as_o to_o venture_v on_o it_o king_n solomon_n here_o seem_v to_o have_v recommend_v the_o same_o modesty_n to_o man_n in_o their_o address_n to_o god_n 9_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v not_o express_o forbid_v all_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o to_o condemn_v all_o such_o as_o unlawful_a there_o may_v be_v some_o man_n though_o not_o very_o many_o able_a to_o express_v themselves_o significant_o and_o decent_o extempore_o and_o there_o be_v some_o occasion_n that_o require_v it_o even_o in_o public_a and_o on_o these_o occasion_n when_o a_o man_n have_v not_o time_n allow_v he_o to_o reduce_v his_o desire_n into_o form_n before_o he_o offer_v they_o he_o may_v depend_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o we_o may_v in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o of_o necessity_n or_o at_o least_o hope_n for_o pardon_n of_o course_n to_o our_o infirmity_n but_o to_o depend_v on_o that_o spirit_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o provide_v ourselves_o look_v so_o like_o tempt_v he_o that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o i_o find_v prudent_a modest_a man_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o though_o they_o be_v very_o famous_a for_o extemporary_a prayer_n yet_o they_o pray_v real_o as_o much_o by_o a_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o common-prayer_n before_o they_o the_o secret_a be_v only_o this_o they_o compose_v form_n of_o prayer_n of_o several_a sort_n digest_v they_o well_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o commit_v they_o to_o memory_n so_o that_o they_o can_v on_o occasion_n transpose_v the_o part_n of_o they_o change_n 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in_o opposition_n to_o that_o particular_a manner_n of_o ask_v command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n which_o be_v by_o set_v and_o premeditate_a form_n in_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v god_n way_n out_o of_o his_o worship_n to_o make_v room_n for_o one_o of_o our_o own_o this_o be_v to_o displace_v a_o particular_a command_n of_o god_n on_o pretence_n of_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o a_o general_a one_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o more_o liable_a to_o mistake_n but_o we_o fail_v of_o pay_v due_a respect_n to_o god_n direction_n for_o general_a command_n ought_v only_o to_o take_v place_n in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n have_v not_o lay_v down_o a_o particular_a rule_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v examine_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o dissenter_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n iv._o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o you_o for_o who_o i_o intend_v these_o paper_n of_o this_o opinion_n as_o i_o fear_v some_o of_o you_o be_v and_o all_o of_o you_o do_v in_o your_o practice_n comply_v with_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v acquit_v yourselves_o from_o countenance_v it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o the_o opinion_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a speculation_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v at_o their_o mistake_n but_o by_o what_o i_o have_v show_v of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n of_o form_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o who_o maintain_v this_o principle_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n but_o in_o effect_n set_v themselves_o up_o above_o christ_n and_o countermand_v what_o he_o have_v require_v they_o not_o only_o add_v to_o the_o gospel_n a_o new_a command_n by_o teach_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o christ_n have_v no_o where_o condemn_v but_o they_o teach_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o he_o have_v positive_o command_v whoever_o therefore_o do_v teach_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o countenance_v those_o that_o do_v teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o man_n can_v acquit_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o inspiration_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pen_v i_o can_v foresee_v only_o one_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v that_o to_o pray_v with_o or_o without_o a_o form_n except_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o that_o therefore_o the_o assert_v the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o weight_n as_o to_o justify_v our_o contend_v with_o our_o brethren_n about_o it_o and_o that_o it_o seem_v uncharitable_a in_o we_o to_o insist_v on_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v unlawful_a and_o we_o ourselves_o count_v indifferent_a 1._o but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o a_o opinion_n which_o necessary_o divide_v he_o who_o believe_v it_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v make_v it_o and_o such_o be_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n since_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v any_o establish_v church_n these_o 1500_o year_n disc._n but_o have_v maintain_v their_o lawfulness_n and_o use_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o whatever_o age_n he_o have_v live_v he_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o sure_o a_o opinion_n that_o necessary_o produce_v such_o a_o division_n must_v be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a &_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o examine_v and_o if_o false_a to_o be_v zealous_o oppose_v but_o 2._o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n or_o drink_v wine_n be_v as_o indifferent_a as_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o less_o concern_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o to_o teach_v these_o to_o be_v unlawful_a will_v be_v as_o innocent_a a_o mistake_n as_o to_o teach_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o two_o doctrine_n together_o
the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n prevail_v and_o therefore_o all_o good_a people_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o will_v retrieve_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n which_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o indifferent_a matter_n as_o the_o objection_n will_v suggest_v but_o of_o great_a weight_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v contend_v for_o i_o will_v not_o mention_v some_o other_o reason_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n because_o they_o will_v but_o exasperate_v and_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n when_o perform_v extempore_o ridiculous_a which_o ill_a man_n may_v extend_v as_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v to_o expose_v devotion_n in_o general_a such_o be_v the_o indecent_a expression_n which_o sometime_o fall_v from_o person_n that_o pray_v thus_o i_o will_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o some_o preacher_n have_v too_o often_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o serious_a person_n even_o among_o yourselves_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o print_v some_o of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o those_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v print_v will_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v nor_o much_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a men._n but_o i_o esteem_v it_o a_o ill_a thing_n for_o man_n to_o ridicule_fw-la one_o another_o devotion_n whatever_o it_o be_v v._o there_o remain_v yet_o the_o three_o opinion_n of_o dissenter_n which_o they_o advance_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v examine_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o their_o heart_n a_o opinion_n far_o from_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o require_v we_o rom._n xv_o 6_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n to_o glorify_v god_n we_o produce_v this_o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n join_v their_o voice_n and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v no_o scripture_n forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o condemn_v it_o or_o teach_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v charge_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o your_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n which_o be_v all_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o head_n after_o what_o i_o have_v show_v before_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o contrary_a practice_n from_o scripture_n and_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v faithful_o examine_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n that_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o compare_v the_o service_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n way_n of_o pray_v with_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o service_n the_o dissenter_n have_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o have_v in_o many_o particular_n lay_v aside_o god_n command_n and_o desert_v the_o example_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v in_o the_o main_a part_n thereof_o a_o immediate_a invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o entreat_v you_o who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o adhere_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o worship_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o show_v to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v not_o thereby_o literal_o guilty_a of_o that_o sin_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n tax_v the_o jew_n mark_v seven_o 7_o of_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o also_o of_o that_o superstition_n condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n col._n two_o 21_o which_o say_v touch_v not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o that_o be_v which_o teach_v to_o forbear_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v make_v lawful_a after_o the_o doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o it_o that_o you_o may_v deliver_v your_o soul_n chap._n iii_o of_o hear_v sect._n 1_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v concern_v it_o i._o one_o great_a design_n of_o our_o christian_a assembly_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o examine_v this_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o consider_v first_o what_o direction_n the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o public_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n second_o shall_v compare_v our_o own_o practice_n with_o they_o and_o three_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n first_o then_o god_n have_v positive_o command_v we_o to_o read_v his_o word_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n so_o deut._n xxxi_o 10_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o thy_o stranger_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n and_o it_o be_v observe_v jos._n viij_o 35_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v which_o joshua_n read_v not_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n neither_o be_v this_o confine_v to_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o constant_a part_n of_o their_o sabbath_n service_n in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n xiii_o 14_o where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n vers_fw-la 27._o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v read_v every_o sabbath_n day_n mean_v undoubted_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o st._n james_n act_n xv_o 21_o of_o moses_n his_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath_n day_n ii_o this_o read_v the_o law_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n provide_v for_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o his_o people_n and_o where_o it_o be_v omit_v the_o people_n immediate_o sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a reformation_n begin_v and_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o restore_a this_o ordinance_n thus_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 29_o that_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n and_o all_o the_o people_n great_a and_o small_a and_o he_o read_v in_o their_o ear_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o like_a be_v observe_v of_o ezra_n neh._n viij_o 3_o and_o he_o read_v therein_o before_o the_o street_n that_o be_v before_o the_o water-gate_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n before_o the_o man_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o all_o that_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n give_v by_o themselves_o be_v the_o strict_a observation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o law_n be_v constant_o read_v to_o they_o afterward_o public_o in_o their_o synagogue_n so_o powerful_o do_v god_n bless_v his_o own_o ordinance_n to_o preserve_v those_o that_o use_v they_o from_o error_n and_o sin_n iii_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o like_a order_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o read_v be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o christian_a elder_n as_o it_o be_v before_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n four_o 13_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v as_o well_o as_o to_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspire_v write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n command_n col._n
religious_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v much_o contribute_v to_o our_o live_n easy_o with_o one_o another_o and_o take_v off_o that_o uncharitableness_n which_o our_o religious_a dissension_n be_v apt_a to_o cause_n among_o we_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o success_n in_o my_o office_n if_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o profess_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o to_o his_o institution_n in_o their_o worship_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n to_o the_o conform_v laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o laity_n who_o profess_v yourselves_o member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o place_v i_o among_o you_o and_o to_o give_v i_o a_o inspection_n over_o you_o and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o your_o account_n that_o i_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n to_o you_o of_o my_o concern_n for_o you_o and_o make_v my_o care_n to_o reach_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v among_o you_o i_o hope_v my_o labour_n this_o way_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o to_o settle_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o doubtful_a and_o to_o awaken_v you_o all_o to_o diligence_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o you_o be_v member_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n be_v uncontroverted_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o your_o particular_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v afford_v you_o so_o many_o conveniency_n of_o frequent_v it_o in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v you_o so_o manifest_a advantage_n above_o your_o dissent_v neighbour_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o numerousness_n you_o have_v five_o place_n for_o worship_n for_o one_o that_o they_o have_v this_o will_v render_v you_o inexcusable_a if_o you_o neglect_v attendance_n at_o they_o or_o spend_v any_o lord_n day_n as_o be_v too_o common_a in_o this_o country_n in_o a_o mere_a rest_n from_o labour_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n i_o must_v likewise_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o our_o service_n be_v not_o only_o fit_v for_o the_o public_a but_o be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o private_a family_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o which_o our_o church_n have_v furnish_v you_o in_o your_o house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o least_o to_o use_v such_o select_a hymn_n and_o collect_v as_o seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o that_o purpose_n and_o at_o more_o solemn_a time_n i_o conceive_v our_o litany_n be_v as_o full_a and_o proper_a a_o service_n as_o any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n can_v desire_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n i_o must_v therefore_o most_o earnest_o &_o passionate_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o church_n sake_n and_o your_o own_o that_o you_o will_v add_v diligence_n and_o zeal_n to_o this_o your_o reasonable_a service_n and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a worship_n and_o particular_o that_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o faction_n or_o a_o party_n you_o contend_v for_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereupon_o strive_v rather_o to_o outlive_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o you_o then_o to_o out-argue_v they_o let_v the_o innocency_n of_o your_o life_n and_o your_o christian_a moderation_n convince_v they_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o you._n i_o beseech_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o you_o and_o to_o influence_n you_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o worship_v he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o dissenting-laity_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o derry_n as_o to_o you_o my_o friend_n that_o dissent_n from_o our_o communion_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o one_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n to_o watch_v over_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o i_o have_v here_o tender_v to_o you._n i_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v this_o way_n to_o inform_v you._n i_o will_v only_o add_v a_o few_o observation_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o and_o shall_v leave_v the_o success_n entire_o to_o god_n 1._o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o have_v not_o lead_v you_o into_o long_a reason_n or_o the_o intricacy_n of_o human_a learning_n but_o i_o have_v refer_v you_o to_o your_o bibles_n and_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o then_o to_o they_o to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v be_v as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o or_o not_o those_o of_o berea_n be_v reckon_v a_o noble_a people_n act_n xvii_o 11_o because_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o pray_v most_o hearty_o to_o god_n to_o give_v you_o a_o part_n in_o that_o nobleness_n of_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v search_v and_o find_v the_o truth_n 2._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n ever_o will_v be_v the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v more_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o invention_n then_o of_o what_o god_n command_v if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o prophet_n send_v by_o god_n the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o the_o worship_n he_o command_v have_v have_v but_o ill_a entertainment_n among_o the_o people_n there_o never_o appear_v half_a so_o much_o zeal_n or_o inclination_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n for_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o for_o the_o false_a god_n and_o their_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v a_o obvious_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o what_o man_n invent_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o near_a agreement_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n than_o what_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o change_v the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o substitute_v their_o own_o invention_n instead_o of_o they_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n if_o he_o do_v not_o find_v more_o ease_n or_o gratification_n to_o his_o humour_n in_o they_o then_o in_o observe_v god_n commandment_n if_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n you_o will_v find_v that_o most_o of_o all_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o fondness_n and_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o church_n governor_n do_v long_o oppose_v they_o and_o be_v bring_v with_o difficulty_n at_o last_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a purgatory_n the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n half_a communion_n be_v present_a at_o church_n assembly_n without_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o worship_v the_o host_n be_v all_o vulgar_a practice_n at_o first_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o be_v human_a invention_n the_o people_n be_v so_o violent_a for_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o withstand_v they_o so_o that_o if_o the_o governor_n they_o have_v will_v not_o comply_v the_o people_n do_v set_v up_o those_o that_o will_v now_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v with_o all_o seriousness_n whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v something_o like_o this_o in_o your_o own_o case_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o extemporary_a prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a you_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o practice_n against_o the_o opinion_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o the_o first_o reformer_n who_o all_o do_v settle_v liturgy_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o reform_a this_o knox_n do_v in_o scotland_n who_o lyturgy_n we_o have_v ready_a to_o produce_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n and_o yet_o condemn_v form_n of_o prayer_n as_o