understand_v and_o not_o by_o thrust_v bibles_n private_o into_o their_o hand_n of_o the_o ineffectualness_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v a_o experiment_n of_o 150_o year_n 6._o but_o last_o instead_o of_o all_o other_o argument_n none_o of_o we_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v the_o same_o efficacy_n when_o read_v private_o as_o it_o have_v when_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n to_o be_v present_a in_o such_o assembly_n and_o there_o be_v no_o diligent_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n public_o read_v but_o be_v able_a from_o their_o own_o experience_n to_o testify_v that_o they_o often_o find_v it_o to_o have_v a_o different_a force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o read_v as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o which_o he_o have_v peculiar_o promise_v his_o presence_n than_o when_o they_o read_v it_o in_o private_a by_o themselves_o the_o three_o pretence_n i_o have_v find_v allege_v for_o omit_v the_o regular_a read_v the_o bible_n in_o your_o meeting_n be_v that_o it_o take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n and_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o more_o profitable_a duty_n of_o what_o you_o common_o call_v preach_v 1._o i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o since_o god_n have_v appoint_v read_v his_o word_n a_o time_n and_o room_n in_o our_o public_a assembly_n who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o throw_v it_o out_o this_o sure_o be_v to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o order_n thing_n better_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n then_o he_o have_v do_v sure_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o take_v care_n so_o to_o dispose_v our_o sermon_n that_o they_o may_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o institution_n of_o god_n but_o that_o whatever_o time_n we_o allow_v they_o there_o may_v remain_v sufficient_a for_o read_v god_n holy_a word_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v in_o scripture_n language_n preach_v and_o therefore_o to_o justle_v this_o out_o to_o make_v our_o own_o discourse_n long_o be_v plain_o to_o prefer_v our_o way_n of_o preach_v to_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v be_v omit_v modesty_n ought_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o omit_v our_o own_o word_n rather_o than_o god_n 2._o suppose_v that_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v reading_n god_n word_n in_o our_o assembly_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o more_o time_n to_o manage_v a_o discourse_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v justifiable_a to_o make_v this_o a_o common_a practice_n which_o be_v to_o put_v a_o manifest_a contempt_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o four_o pretence_n against_o read_v the_o scripture_n public_o in_o a_o regular_a method_n be_v that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v or_o apply_v and_o therefore_o only_o so_o much_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v at_o a_o time_n as_o the_o minister_n may_v explain_v and_o apply_v to_o his_o auditory_a and_o that_o one_o verse_n thus_o apply_v be_v better_a than_o many_o chapter_n read_v without_o such_o application_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o universal_o teach_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o that_o universal_a necessity_n of_o a_o explanation_n of_o every_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v read_v as_o be_v pretend_v 2._o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o hear_v with_o humility_n and_o attention_n apply_v themselves_o better_a than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v it_o the_o word_n of_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v a_o plainness_n force_n and_o spirit_n in_o they_o which_o no_o humane_a eloquence_n can_v improve_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v little_a efficacy_n except_o a_o minister_n apply_v they_o 3._o suppose_v one_o verse_n well_o apply_v to_o be_v better_a than_o many_o chapter_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o omission_n of_o read_v they_o public_o for_o no_o application_n can_v be_v so_o well_o make_v of_o they_o whilst_o people_n be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o they_o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v our_o first_o care_n to_o read_v they_o to_o the_o people_n often_o and_o solemn_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o and_o then_o one_o word_n of_o application_n may_v do_v more_o good_a than_o many_o sermon_n to_o people_n not_o so_o prepare_v with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o literal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v always_o go_v before_o the_o save_n and_o be_v the_o best_a introduction_n to_o it_o now_o the_o read_v the_o law_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v they_o that_o literal_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o while_o your_o teacher_n have_v lay_v aside_o this_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n they_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n debar_v people_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o his_o will._n 4._o four_o read_v a_o verse_n or_o two_o and_o trust_v to_o the_o minister_n application_n without_o the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v put_v christian_n too_o much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o make_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o very_a artifice_n whereby_o the_o romish_a priest_n keep_v their_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o your_o teacher_n use_v the_o same_o method_n while_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o people_n either_o do_v not_o or_o can_v read_v they_o at_o home_n seem_v too_o like_o a_o design_n on_o their_o hearer_n and_o tempt_v the_o world_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o naked_a simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v their_o people_n with_o hear_v they_o public_o read_v except_o they_o add_v their_o own_o gloss_n to_o they_o the_o five_o pretence_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o lay_v aside_o the_o public_a read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o some_o call_v it_o be_v a_o dull_a formal_a thing_n without_o spirit_n or_o life_n where_o it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o minister_n and_o that_o without_o such_o assistance_n the_o scripture_n have_v little_a efficacy_n on_o the_o heart_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v few_o of_o any_o communion_n will_v 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 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
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 ignorant_a people_n who_o be_v only_o now_o suppose_v by_o some_o to_o need_v the_o help_n of_o form_n but_o by_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n the_o chief_a priest_n from_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n approve_v that_o manner_n of_o address_n in_o our_o blessing_n and_o intercession_n for_o one_o another_o not_o only_o from_o mean_a people_n but_o from_o the_o great_a 4._o the_o four_o part_n of_o prayer_n consist_v in_o petition_n for_o avert_v evil_a common_o call_v deprecation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v several_a form_n prescribe_v by_o god_n joel_n i_o 14_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o say_v unto_o the_o lord_n alas_o for_o the_o day_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v god_n commandment_n for_o another_o form_n joel_n two_o 17_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n 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
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 add_v or_o leave_v out_o as_o they_o see_v reason_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n provide_v with_o a_o form_n though_o the_o people_n can_v perceive_v it_o and_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o readiness_n and_o fluency_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n of_o moderate_a part_n to_o manage_v the_o matter_n thus_o but_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o ordinary_a preacher_n that_o know_v not_o or_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o method_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o very_o indecent_a and_o vain_a repetition_n and_o be_v often_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o practice_v this_o way_n of_o addressing_z to_o god_n another_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o these_o seem_a extemporary_a prayer_n not_o much_o different_a from_o the_o former_a namely_o that_o good_a man_n who_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o secret_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o have_v grow_v up_o in_o a_o constant_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n do_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o form_n even_o with_o themselves_o for_o how_o much_o soever_o their_o prayer_n be_v extempore_o at_o first_o yet_o have_v continual_a occasion_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n they_o find_v in_o time_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o best_o way_n of_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o necessary_o lead_v to_o a_o form_n however_o the_o various_a way_n they_o make_v use_v of_o before_o they_o settle_v on_o one_o serve_v they_o as_o so_o many_o form_n when_o they_o come_v in_o public_a and_o by_o change_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o pray_v extempore_o 10._o last_o let_v i_o observe_v that_o the_o use_n of_o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n even_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v found_v on_o a_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n only_o which_o command_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n what_o we_o lack_v of_o which_o rule_n our_o own_o prudence_n make_v the_o application_n in_o such_o extemporary_a occasion_n but_o when_o we_o set_v up_o this_o human_a application_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n 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
and_o the_o mischief_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v or_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a that_o the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a meat_n shall_v have_v so_o many_o ill_a effect_n as_o the_o forbid_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v have_v already_o yet_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o st._n paul_n judge_n of_o that_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n four_o 1_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n say_v he_o some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n forbid_v to_o marry_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n you_o see_v here_o st._n paul_n count_v it_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n to_o forbid_v as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o any_o sort_n of_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o criminal_a to_o teach_v any_o sort_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unclean_a when_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o then_o sure_a to_o teach_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o god_n have_v command_v it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ill_a doctrine_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o ought_v to_o make_v those_o who_o maintain_v it_o or_o any_o such_o doctrine_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n as_o practise_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o examine_v it_o careful_o and_o impartial_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o seduce_v spirit_n the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o entire_a subjection_n to_o his_o will_n but_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o this_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o share_v with_o god_n in_o our_o obedience_n and_o impose_v new_a command_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n and_o so_o to_o procure_v himself_o to_o be_v obey_v this_o he_o do_v most_o successful_o by_o give_v they_o a_o appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a strictness_n thus_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n under_o colour_n of_o mortification_n he_o forbid_v meat_n and_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v allow_v speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o under_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v prevail_v on_o some_o under_o colour_n of_o great_a spirituality_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v and_o here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o wherever_o the_o devil_n gain_v this_o point_n with_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v he_o soon_o bring_v a_o superadd_v command_v of_o his_o own_o in_o competition_n with_o some_o of_o god_n and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o prefer_v his_o command_n to_o god_n and_o so_o plunge_v they_o into_o direct_a disobedience_n which_o be_v his_o design_n at_o first_o thus_o when_o he_o have_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n they_o soon_o fall_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v fornication_n but_o even_o in_o some_o case_n to_o allow_v it_o rather_o than_o marriage_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o by_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o unlawful_a he_o have_v deprive_v they_o in_o many_o place_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o make_v they_o choose_v rather_o not_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o in_o public_a than_o with_o a_o form_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o thousand_o now_o in_o this_o kingdom_n who_o worship_n god_n public_o no_o where_o but_o 3._o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v no_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o indulge_v man_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n about_o it_o since_o it_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o puff_n they_o up_o and_o make_v they_o take_v false_a measure_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o they_o we_o know_v that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v guide_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o he_o in_o their_o prayer_n but_o no_o less_o in_o forgive_a a_o injury_n or_o resist_v a_o temptation_n and_o his_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a man_n mind_n be_v rather_o great_a and_o more_o sensible_a in_o these_o and_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o prayer_n love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n v._n 22_o and_o it_o be_v principal_o by_o these_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v that_o spirit_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n on_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v every_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o the_o mouth_n suitable_a desire_n entitle_v every_o one_o to_o god_n spirit_n in_o some_o measure_n that_o be_v able_a to_o express_v himself_o in_o apt_a and_o fluent_a word_n though_o without_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o expose_v every_o one_o to_o despair_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o as_o look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n though_o otherwise_o meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a and_o endow_v with_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v much_o wear_v certain_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v many_o delude_v by_o this_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o or_o other_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endow_v with_o this_o gift_n without_o respect_n to_o other_o qualification_n and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o whether_o some_o very_a immoral_a person_n guilty_a of_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n have_v not_o be_v eminent_a for_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o whether_o such_o person_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o his_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o convince_v these_o person_n of_o their_o mistake_n or_o to_o comfort_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n deject_v only_o for_o want_n of_o this_o gift_n whilst_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o form_n which_o in_o the_o four_o place_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v countenance_v or_o indulge_v as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o secret_a devotion_n every_o christian_a ought_v at_o least_o twice_o a_o day_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o secret_a prayer_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v it_o without_o a_o form_n child_n and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o word_n and_o even_o other_o people_n be_v often_o not_o able_a to_o find_v they_o ready_o especial_o when_o weary_v dull_a or_o indispose_v as_o be_v sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o the_o best_a christian_n this_o make_v secret_a prayer_n at_o least_o a_o constant_a regular_a course_n of_o it_o uneasy_a to_o most_o that_o be_v absolute_o against_o all_o use_n of_o form_n and_o it_o occasion_n too_o many_o to_o neglect_v it_o which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o and_o as_o for_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n among_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v many_o of_o they_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n in_o secret_a to_o god_n and_o several_a of_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v aloud_o or_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o secret_a prayer_n and_o expose_v not_o only_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o duty_n to_o contempt_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o the_o pious_a custom_n of_o train_n up_o young_a people_n to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o devotion_n in_o their_o morning_n and_o evening_n secret_a prayer_n be_v too_o universal_o lay_v aside_o among_o you_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o observation_n i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o of_o the_o dissenter_n on_o the_o contrary_n i_o be_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a or_o easy_a method_n to_o revive_v and_o continue_v this_o regular_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o secret_a prayer_n than_o to_o oblige_v every_o one_o to_o some_o certain_a form_n every_o morning_n and_o evening_n which_o they_o may_v not_o omit_v whatever_o other_o prayer_n they_o use_v but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v do_v whilst_o the_o opinion_n of_o