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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n knowledge_n understanding_n wisdom_n 6,916 5 6.5948 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47146 The fundamental truths of Christianity briefly hinted at by way of question and answer : to which is added a treatise of prayer in the same method / by George Keith. Keith, George, 1639?-1716.; Barclay, Robert, 1648-1690. 1688 (1688) Wing K168; ESTC R14276 61,969 152

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praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o what_o to_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o but_o only_o do_v warm_a and_o heat_v man_n affection_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o blind_a devotion_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n cry_v out_o against_o etc._n etc._n that_o heavenly_a and_o sacred_a fire_n that_o god_n send_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o a_o dark_a obscure_a fire_n but_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v and_o have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o heat_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v without_o word_n either_o express_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o understanding_n because_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o man_n that_o transcend_v all_o word_n i_o mean_v such_o word_n as_o we_o common_o use_v which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o aristotle_n define_v word_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la signarerum_fw-la i_o e._n word_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o high_a degree_n of_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o without_o these_o word_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v word_n themselves_o or_o where_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o distinct_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o word_n and_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o aristotle_n so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n as_o it_o seem_v know_v not_o this_o mystery_n nor_o yet_o do_v his_o follower_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o bountiful_a and_o gracious_a unto_o man_n do_v not_o only_o enlighten_v and_o shine_v upon_o this_o high_a part_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o also_o cause_v his_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n thereof_o even_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o imagination_n for_o the_o very_a imagination_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v isa._n 26._o 3._o that_o which_o be_v translate_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v imagination_n see_v also_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 18._o keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n etc._n etc._n which_o inferior_a and_o low_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v reach_v to_o divine_a thing_n without_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n will_v establish_v the_o true_a believer_n in_o he_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o good_a word_n be_v as_o real_a a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o good_a work_n or_o desire_n and_o these_o good_a word_n must_v not_o be_v borrow_v word_n from_o the_o mouth_n or_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v water_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a after_o a_o heavenly_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o corn_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n though_o ever_o so_o abundant_o which_o have_v grow_v in_o another_o land_n or_o country_n that_o denominate_v the_o ground_n where_o it_o lie_v to_o be_v fruitful_a but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o fruitful_a ground_n which_o bring_v forth_o from_o within_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o heavenly_a rain_n and_o influence_n the_o like_a corn_n or_o any_o other_o grain_n that_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o abundance_n even_o of_o scripture_n word_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v into_o his_o memory_n or_o bare_a natural_a understanding_n that_o simple_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n fruitful_a unto_o god_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n of_o scripture_n word_n must_v be_v open_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n word_n be_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o open_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v as_o so_o many_o seed_n a_o plentiful_a harvest_n where_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n yield_v its_o fruit_n some_o thirty_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o always_o with_o some_o increase_n so_o that_o although_o scripture_n word_n have_v a_o most_o excellent_a service_n and_o use_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o open_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o soil_n be_v with_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o yet_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o scripture_n word_n but_o yield_v a_o increase_n of_o other_o word_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v yield_v more_o grain_n than_o what_o be_v sow_v these_o and_o such_o like_a open_n in_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n have_v live_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o as_o concern_v prayer_n time_n after_o time_n and_o have_v at_o the_o present_a writing_n be_v live_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o many_o more_o which_o here_o i_o present_a to_o all_o friendly_a and_o love_a reader_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v for_o a_o general_a service_n where_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n i_o hope_v sober_o and_o fair_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n not_o name_v any_o person_n or_o party_n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n or_o dislike_v only_o with_o some_o fervency_n but_o yet_o in_o true_a love_n i_o have_v reprove_v and_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o set_a form_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o i_o aim_v against_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o read_n to_o be_v prayer_n itself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o simple_o against_o read_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o age_n past_a some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o some_o reason_n that_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n also_o concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n quest._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o ask_n of_o he_o in_o faith_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v or_o do_v desire_v q._n what_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o great_a name_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o want_v as_o to_o ourselves_o 3._o we_o be_v also_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o for_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v who_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o expire_v yea_o for_o our_o great_a enemy_n also_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o god_n may_v build_v she_o up_o more_o and_o more_o preserve_v and_o defend_v she_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n more_o abundant_o upon_o she_o and_o upon_o her_o member_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v
he_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o and_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o freedom_n although_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o use_v set_a form_n may_v and_o do_v quench_v the_o spirit_n as_o unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o limit_v or_o quench_v or_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n remain_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o to_o be_v help_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n either_o in_o the_o conceive_n or_o utter_v they_o they_o grant_v indeed_o so_o far_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a to_o pray_v acceptable_o unto_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v up_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o excite_v in_o we_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o the_o do_v of_o this_o as_o they_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a help_v of_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o when_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v as_o otherwise_o but_o why_o do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n remain_v in_o the_o true_a church_n see_v they_o general_o confess_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o some_o considerable_a time_n since_o they_o say_v it_o cease_v with_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o for_o this_o that_o be_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o because_o some_o of_o these_o gift_n which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o less_o necessary_a do_v cease_v or_o discontinue_v that_o therefore_o this_o allo_fw-la do_v cease_v with_o those_o other_o and_o see_v they_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v whether_o this_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o no._n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o some_o have_v it_o and_o as_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n be_v cease_v in_o respect_n to_o help_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n so_o other_o do_v as_o confident_o say_v to_o wit_n the_o socinian_o and_o pelagian_n that_o it_o be_v cease_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o either_o to_o help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n or_o excite_v our_o affection_n but_o that_o man_n by_o his_o free_a will_n help_v by_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o immediate_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v pray_v sufficient_o both_o with_o good_a word_n and_o fervent_a affection_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o will_v say_v they_o be_v help_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n mediate_o and_o remote_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o why_o do_v they_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o help_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o exciting_a the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o and_o as_o near_o and_o immediate_o and_o close_o as_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o not_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o such_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n do_v not_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n as_o well_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n counsel_n understanding_n as_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o intellectual_a grace_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n shall_v not_o these_o intellectual_a grace_n be_v make_v fruitful_a by_o the_o spirit_n and_o understanding_n in_o who_o they_o reside_v and_o be_v place_v as_o well_o as_o these_o other_o in_o the_o will._n again_o will_v they_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n at_o least_o in_o meditation_n or_o will_v they_o confine_v we_o to_o see_v ☞_o form_n of_o meditation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o suppose_v not_o see_v no_o such_o set_a form_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o they_o themselves_o take_v liberty_n to_o their_o meditation_n upon_o religious_a matter_n and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n these_o say_a meditation_n and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v reckon_v at_o time_n the_o spirit_n help_v they_o to_o conceive_v these_o meditation_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o word_n and_o further_o the_o word_n of_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whence_o come_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n no_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o man_n who_o conceive_v they_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o conception_n if_o they_o say_v nay_o they_o will_v render_v the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o small_a value_n what_o the_o people_n in_o that_o respect_n but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n do_v help_v they_o to_o form_v these_o conception_n of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o set_a prayer_n than_o such_o a_o gift_n be_v not_o cease_v in_o the_o true_a church_n for_o it_o be_v in_o these_o man_n who_o pen_v and_o conceive_v those_o prayer_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o man_n now_o to_o conceive_v other_o word_n of_o prayer_n but_o 4._o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n not_o only_o tend_v to_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n and_o quench_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o operation_n but_o also_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o understanding_n and_o divers_a other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n or_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o virtue_n seat_v and_o plant_v in_o they_o altogether_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o respect_n of_o prayer_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o understanding_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o paul_n say_v i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o for_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n than_o there_o be_v no_o room_n nor_o place_n nor_o liberty_n leave_v for_o it_o to_o bring_v forth_o prayer_n in_o any_o other_o form_n the_o which_o seem_v very_o as_o absurd_a to_o i_o as_o who_o will_v limit_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o only_o such_o a_o limit_a and_o determine_v number_n of_o form_n of_o vegetable_n flower_n and_o fruit_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o limit_v she_o as_o to_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n of_o each_o form_n which_o we_o know_v be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o the_o form_n of_o all_o live_n and_o grow_v thing_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o spring_v out_o from_o their_o respective_a seed_n principle_n and_o cause_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o grow_v but_o wither_v and_o die_v and_o as_o the_o form_n of_o vegetable_n must_v not_o be_v limit_v and_o stint_v to_o such_o peculiar_a figure_n and_o dimension_n much_o less_o the_o form_n of_o animal_n and_o yet_o far_o less_o the_o form_n and_o figure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o face_n for_o among_o all_o the_o many_o million_o of_o mankind_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n never_o be_v any_o two_o find_v but_o do_v more_o or_o less_o differ_v in_o outward_a form_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o face_n or_o countenance_n and_o sure_o as_o differ_v as_o man_n body_n and_o face_n be_v so_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o do_v the_o thought_n or_o conception_n of_o their_o understanding_n differ_v and_o to_o limit_v they_o all_o to_o one_o form_n of_o inward_a conception_n of_o word_n be_v as_o vain_a as_o to_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o man_n to_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o visage_n or_o countenance_n and_o he_o who_o will_v go_v about_o to_o limit_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o child_n body_n and_o face_n in_o the_o mother_n womb_n to_o another_o shape_n and_o form_n than_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v design_v to_o have_v will_v do_v amiss_o and_o be_v occasion_n of_o cause_v the_o womb_n to_o miscarry_v and_o render_v it_o barren_a rather_o than_o any_o way_n to_o help_v it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o that_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n may_v show_v itself_o in_o other_o exercise_n and_o performance_n whereas_o man_n also_o may_v use_v his_o gift_n free_o as_o in_o preach_v write_v conference_n etc._n etc._n but_o why_o not_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o these_o other_o for_o to_o restrict_n yea_o and_o to_o hinder_v and_o stop_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n seat_v therein_o in_o one_o respect_n be_v of_o a_o tendency_n to_o stop_v its_o fruitfulness_n and_o render_v it_o barren_a in_o other_o respect_n a_o woman_n that_o be_v with_o
liberty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grow_v up_o together_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garden_n as_o lovely_a plant_n and_o flower_n each_o one_o have_v their_o proper_a shape_v form_n and_o fruit_n all_o of_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a smell_n and_o taste_v and_o of_o a_o lovely_a beauty_n and_o all_o useful_a and_o profitable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n without_o any_o envy_n or_o grudge_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o manifold_a and_o various_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o all_o and_o all_o grow_a and_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o holy_a root_n and_o ground_n and_o now_o these_o two_o main_a objection_n be_v answer_v at_o length_n which_o do_v require_v the_o open_n or_o explain_v of_o divers_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o some_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o wherein_o i_o may_v be_v more_o brief_a 3._o they_o object_n that_o some_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o great_a love_n and_o strong_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v not_o able_a well_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v help_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n well_o and_o pious_o compose_v answ._n none_o have_v such_o weak_a head_n or_o understanding_n if_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n or_o any_o measure_n of_o true_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n which_o beget_v in_o they_o those_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n have_v be_v and_o be_v also_o in_o they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a thought_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n sufficient_a for_o they_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o make_v apparent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o 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whereby_o to_o express_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o indeed_o in_o true_a and_o real_a love_n there_o be_v for_o most_o part_n a_o admirable_a force_n or_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o man_n eloquent_a both_o to_o praise_v the_o thing_n he_o love_v most_o and_o also_o to_o find_v out_o reason_n and_o argument_n wherewith_o to_o persuade_v to_o the_o obtain_v it_o he_o who_o love_v a_o woman_n and_o great_o desire_v to_o have_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n he_o need_v not_o go_v to_o a_o book_n and_o steal_v or_o borrow_v a_o oration_n or_o form_n of_o discourse_n to_o speak_v unto_o she_o in_o order_n to_o persuade_v she_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v but_o cold_o come_v from_o he_o and_o if_o she_o do_v know_v it_o as_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o good_a discern_a can_v but_o discover_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o borrow_a speech_n she_o will_v not_o perhaps_o accept_v it_o nor_o answer_v it_o but_o the_o natural_a and_o simple_a word_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v most_o prevail_v and_o have_v the_o great_a force_n it_o be_v not_o eloquence_n or_o excellency_n of_o speech_n that_o god_n require_v or_o regard_v the_o profit_n and_o service_n of_o it_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o not_o unto_o god._n it_o stir_v up_o man_n affection_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o servant_n but_o do_v not_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n than_o more_o simple_a and_o mean_a word_n yet_o god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o want_v of_o exercise_n in_o improve_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o that_o make_v they_o think_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a why_o may_v not_o man_n find_v word_n and_o expression_n as_o ready_a and_o easy_a wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o they_o find_v they_o wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n from_o man_n which_o few_o or_o none_o do_v in_o borrow_a form_n of_o speech_n compose_v by_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o some_o king_n or_o great_a person_n that_o some_o who_o be_v feeble_a mind_v and_o want_v courage_n make_v their_o address_n by_o borrow_a word_n or_o by_o something_o write_v on_o a_o paper_n or_o by_o some_o other_o they_o get_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n invite_v the_o weak_a and_o mean_a to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o mean_a word_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_a be_v accept_v of_o he_o yea_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o language_n they_o may_v be_v use_v at_o least_o in_o private_a and_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n these_o who_o god_n call_v to_o such_o a_o employment_n or_o office_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n sufficient_o qualify_v and_o furnish_v they_o for_o he_o who_o make_v the_o mouth_n can_v easy_o put_v word_n in_o it_o as_o when_o moses_n excuse_v his_o be_v send_v to_o pharaoh_n for_o his_o want_n of_o eloquence_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o who_o have_v make_v man_n mouth_n or_o who_o make_v the_o dumb_a or_o deaf_a or_o the_o see_v or_o the_o blind_a have_v not_o i_o the_o lord_n now_o therefore_o go_v and_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o shall_v sav_v ex._n 4._o 11._o and_o though_o the_o lord_n send_v aaron_n to_o assist_v he_o who_o be_v natural_o more_o eloquent_a yet_o god_n also_o put_v word_n in_o moses_n his_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o aaron_n and_o when_o moses_n pray_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n that_o israel_n may_v prevail_v over_o amalek_n we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o moses_n borrow_v any_o word_n from_o aaron_n or_o that_o aaron_n put_v any_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n only_z aaron_n and_o hur_z helped_z to_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sure_o moses_n in_o his_o prayer_n here_o use_v not_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n borrow_v from_o aaron_n or_o any_o body_n else_o although_o some_o from_o this_o passage_n and_o moses_n his_o being_n less_o eloquent_a than_o aaron_n have_v argue_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o can_v find_v it_o in_o scripture_n that_o moses_n stand_v with_o a_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v or_o pray_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o the_o mountain_n but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o rod._n 4._o they_o object_n that_o many_o by_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o pious_a and_o godly_a prayer_n both_o in_o public_a and_o also_o in_o private_a have_v find_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n refresh_v thereby_o and_o what_o they_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v read_v have_v oft_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n in_o they_o and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god._n and_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o all_o they_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n pray_v by_o the_o book_n answ._n i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o public_a or_o private_a if_o these_o word_n have_v be_v origina_o conceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n
to_o find_v how_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n preach_v by_o other_o do_v agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v a_o understanding_n and_o so_o according_a to_o receive_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v see_v fit_a that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v only_o be_v this_o public_a and_o universal_a outward_a standard_n as_o have_v some_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o they_o of_o plainness_n and_o briefness_n and_o comprehend_v much_o matter_n in_o few_o word_n and_o write_v from_o a_o deep_a and_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o which_o no_o write_n or_o word_n since_o utter_v be_v comparable_a in_o equality_n or_o in_o the_o service_n they_o be_v design_v for_o and_o more_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o write_n or_o word_n the_o 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also_o proceed_v from_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n pure_o and_o without_o all_o mixture_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v equal_a with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o general_a consent_n of_o christian_n be_v make_v the_o public_a standard_n of_o truth_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o outward_a testimony_n for_o in_o all_o city_n and_o corporation_n the_o public_a standard_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n be_v of_o great_a and_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o however_o so_o just_a and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o this_o objection_n have_v no_o more_o force_n or_o weight_n against_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n now_o than_o it_o have_v two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v general_o confess_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o their_o word_n be_v not_o hold_v equal_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o day_n and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o add_v our_o word_n and_o testimony_n the_o pure_a of_o they_o to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o we_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o say_v there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v more_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o have_v at_o present_a for_o it_o be_v probable_a more_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o what_o we_o have_v have_v be_v but_o be_v lose_v and_o possible_o some_o judge_v apocryphal_a by_o one_o sort_n may_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o value_n with_o god_n and_o other_o good_a man_n with_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v neither_o be_v all_o christian_n yet_o agree_v upon_o the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o so_o much_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o public_a standard_n and_o last_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v equal_o retort_v upon_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o for_o they_o do_v hold_v that_o all_o the_o word_n in_o their_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v either_o plain_a express_a scripture_n word_n or_o deduce_v and_o deduceable_a from_o they_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o truth_n and_o what_o be_v so_o deduce_v be_v the_o real_a command_n and_o of_o oracle_n god_n as_o they_o or_o at_o lest_o as_o most_o of_o they_o say_v as_o in_o the_o example_n of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o command_n of_o god_n consequent_o a_o divine_a oracle_n and_o yet_o they_o confess_v it_o be_v no_o where_o express_v in_o scripture_n but_o only_o by_o consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v just_o deny_v by_o many_o to_o be_v any_o firm_a or_o sure_a consequence_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o none_o of_o their_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v come_v original_o no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o those_o who_o pen_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o great_a derogation_n to_o those_o prayer_n and_o to_o render_v they_o of_o small_a value_n with_o the_o people_n therefore_o such_o who_o use_v this_o objection_n against_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o derogate_v from_o their_o own_o prayer_n and_o so_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v those_o who_o pen_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n not_o only_o by_o exciting_a or_o move_a their_o affection_n but_o also_o by_o work_v upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o conceive_v the_o matter_n or_o word_n of_o these_o prayer_n but_o not_o immediate_o or_o by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n as_o the_o spirit_n wrought_v in_o david_n and_o other_o who_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n so_o as_o to_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o the_o matter_n or_o choose_v the_o word_n they_o express_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o david_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v to_o preach_v or_o pray_v or_o write_v make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o reason_n or_o other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o wrought_v in_o they_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o but_o as_o mere_a passive_a subject_n and_o recipient_n be_v a_o thing_n common_o allege_v by_o those_o man_n but_o no_o where_o prove_v either_o from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n nor_o from_o any_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n therefrom_o yea_o the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v upon_o and_o use_v the_o understanding_n and_o rational_a faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n not_o as_o mere_a passive_a instrument_n always_o or_o most_o frequent_o but_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o work_v and_o cooperate_v with_o he_o as_o paul_n who_o preach_v and_o pray_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o they_o do_v confess_v say_v that_o he_o have_v labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a bodily_a labour_a but_o a_o travel_a or_o labour_v in_o spirit_n more_o especial_o wherein_o his_o understanding_n and_o rational_a faculty_n be_v concern_v as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v also_o clear_o imply_v in_o his_o follow_a word_n yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o i_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o he_o alone_o nor_o the_o grace_n alone_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n coworking_a with_o he_o that_o cause_v this_o earnest_n and_o servant_n labour_v in_o paul_n soul._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n when_o they_o speak_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v whole_o passive_a than_o to_o say_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v whole_o passive_a or_o their_o mouth_n and_o tongue_n when_o they_o speak_v and_o the_o diversity_n of_o style_n in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o vary_v not_o only_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a gift_n and_o part_n wherewith_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o endue_v but_o also_o according_a to_o their_o education_n and_o acquire_v part_n do_v sufficient_o show_v they_o be_v not_o altogether_o passive_a the_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n use_v by_o isaiah_n paul_n and_o luke_n clear_o show_v their_o education_n differ_v from_o the_o homely_a stile_n of_o amos_n a_o countryman_n who_o say_v he_o be_v no_o prophet_n nor_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n paul_n say_v he_o can_v pray_v not_o only_o with_o the_o spirit_n but_o with_o the_o understanding_n mean_v certain_o that_o his_o understanding_n may_v
yea_o the_o general_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o first_o state_n be_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o trespass_n q._n all_o man_n therefore_o do_v need_n christ_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o they_o but_o to_o be_v the_o resur_n rection_n and_o the_o life_n also_o a._n yea_o for_o they_o want_v not_o only_a light_n unto_o their_o understanding_n but_o they_o want_v life_n unto_o their_o heart_n and_o unto_o all_o their_o inward_a power_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v dead_a as_o unto_o god_n so_o that_o they_o can_v move_v towards_o he_o nor_o in_o his_o service_n but_o as_o they_o be_v quicken_v and_o influence_v by_o he_o q._n how_o do_v jesus_n christ_n minister_n light_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a._n by_o his_o shining_n and_o breathe_n in_o their_o heart_n q._n be_v that_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o or_o both_o a._n both_o immediate_o and_o mediate_o q._n how_o immediate_o a._n even_o without_o all_o outward_a mean_n as_o by_o his_o free_a love_n and_o favour_n prevent_v they_o before_o the_o use_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n and_o by_o minister_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v not_o nor_o never_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n for_o he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o his_o own_o testimony_n and_o as_o john_n declare_v of_o he_o he_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o all_o through_o he_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v may_v have_v eternal_a life_n now_o if_o he_o light_v all_o man_n then_o sure_o he_o light_v as_o well_o those_o who_o have_v mean_n as_o those_o who_o want_v they_o and_o those_o who_o want_v as_o those_o who_o have_v they_o as_o true_o though_o not_o as_o equal_o and_o therefore_o see_v they_o who_o want_v the_o outward_a mean_n be_v immediate_o enlighten_v and_o teach_v then_o sure_o they_o who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n be_v also_o otherwise_o their_o privilege_n shall_v be_v the_o less_o who_o have_v the_o outward_a mean_n and_o they_o the_o great_a who_o want_v they_o q._n how_o mediate_o a._n by_o the_o shine_a and_o breathe_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o life_n in_o and_o through_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o their_o testimony_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o work_n all_o which_o have_v a_o manifestation_n and_o ministration_n of_o light_n and_o life_n in_o they_o to_o increase_v and_o raise_v up_o light_a and_o life_n in_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o minister_v q._n but_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n minister_v light_a and_o life_n immediate_o unto_o man_n be_v not_o all_o mean_v useless_a and_o unnecessary_a a._n we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o some_o respect_n also_o betwixt_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a and_o thing_n very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o many_o thing_n be_v great_o useful_a which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o thus_o though_o man_n have_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o outward_a mean_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o light_n and_o life_n unto_o they_o yet_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o helpful_a unto_o they_o q._n give_v we_o one_o example_n in_o another_o case_n a._n all_o man_n have_v a_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o they_o which_o without_o all_o outward_a mean_n either_o of_o man_n or_o book_n teach_v they_o immediate_o some_o thing_n belong_v to_o natural_a reason_n and_o yet_o none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o both_o man_n and_o book_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o further_o we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n to_o the_o further_o improve_n the_o same_o q_n but_o be_v the_o immediate_a teach_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o every_o man_n to_o give_v he_o the_o true_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o god_n a._n yea_o they_o be_v for_o indeed_o all_o outward_a mean_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o immediate_a teach_v and_o minister_a of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n light_n and_o life_n because_o the_o immediate_a be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n or_o principle_n for_o or_o because_o of_o which_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a q._n give_v we_o one_o example_n in_o another_o case_n a._n the_o same_o as_o before_o for_o if_o man_n have_v not_o a_o outward_a and_o immediate_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o they_o that_o teach_v they_o immeidate_o some_o thing_n belong_v to_o natural_a reason_n all_o the_o man_n and_o book_n in_o the_o world_n though_o never_o so_o convince_a can_v not_o gain_v ground_n upon_o they_o but_o because_o man_n have_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o themselves_o therefore_o when_o thing_n of_o reason_n be_v present_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o by_o man_n and_o book_n they_o embrace_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o not_o simple_o or_o only_o because_o the_o man_n and_o book_n say_v so_o but_o because_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o reason_n in_o themselves_o say_v so_o and_o do_v witness_n and_o answer_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n q._n by_o this_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o man_n be_v teach_v many_o more_o thing_n mediate_o than_o immediate_o a._n yea_o sure_o for_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a example_n what_o man_n be_v there_o except_o fool_n and_o idiot_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n in_o they_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o natural_a reason_n above_o a_o hundred_o to_o one_o more_o than_o any_o book_n or_o man_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v do_v as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o daily_a occurrence_n and_o occasion_n in_o the_o outward_a life_n a_o man_n natural_a reason_n teach_v he_o a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o learn_v from_o man_n or_o book_n even_o so_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n many_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o man_n nor_o book_n never_o do_v or_o can_v teach_v they_o q._n by_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n must_v flow_v from_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a principle_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v and_o learn_v sufficient_o from_o or_o by_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n a._n it_o be_v even_o so_o for_o though_o the_o natural_a reason_n in_o a_o subservient_fw-fr way_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o it_o can_v no_o more_o reach_n unto_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o a_o blindman_n by_o all_o his_o reason_n can_v reach_v unto_o colour_n to_o judge_n of_o they_o distinct_o or_o a_o deaf-man_n to_o judge_n of_o sound_n etc._n etc._n for_o even_o as_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n be_v judge_v or_o know_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o reason_n can_v immediate_o reach_v unto_o by_o descend_v so_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a be_v judge_v and_o know_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n also_o to_o wit_n divine_a and_o spiritual_a which_o reason_n can_v immediate_o reach_v unto_o by_o its_o ascend_n but_o as_o a_o man_n have_v the_o natural_a exercise_n of_o his_o sense_n can_v use_v his_o reason_n in_o natural_a thing_n that_o be_v sensible_a so_o he_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o spiritual_a sense_n can_v use_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o wit_n in_o a_o subservient_fw-fr and_o subordinate_a way_n q._n what_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n require_v of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o to_o become_v wise_a through_o those_o immediate_a teach_n a._n that_o they_o believe_v those_o teach_n and_o receive_v they_o in_o the_o love_n of_o they_o q._n how_o can_v they_o do_v that_o a._n not_o of_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o all_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v operative_a and_o effectual_a to_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o love_n q._n what_o be_v next_o require_v of_o they_o a._n that_o they_o continual_o apply_v their_o whole_a mind_n soul_n and_o heart_n unto_o this_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a principle_n in_o they_o and_o unto_o god_n and_o christ_n therein_o that_o it_o may_v have_v its_o universal_a influence_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o q._n how_o can_v they_o do_v that_o a._n by_o its_o own_o drawing_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o drawing_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o it_o q._n what_o be_v the_o universal_a influence_n a._n it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o enlighten_v nature_n as_o to_o give_v knowledge_n but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o quicken_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o leaven_n
sentence_n have_v more_o than_o other_o as_o that_o spirit_n be_v feel_v from_o who_o original_o they_o come_v and_o though_o all_o the_o scripture_n word_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o some_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o more_o depth_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o hold_v forth_o somewhat_o of_o more_o majesty_n and_o deep_a inward_a sense_n and_o mystery_n and_o be_v common_o accompany_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v or_o in_o meditation_n and_o may_v be_v also_o use_v at_o this_o day_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o same_o spirit_n do_v move_v any_o of_o his_o servant_n thereunto_o either_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o even_o under_o the_o law_n or_o at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o lord_n do_v limit_v and_o confine_v his_o people_n or_o servant_n to_o such_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o make_v unlawful_a unto_o they_o to_o use_v any_o other_o when_o they_o pray_v in_o public_a or_o that_o any_o one_o be_v ever_o forbid_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o utter_v word_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o psalm_n or_o song_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o help_n and_o move_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v that_o many_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v they_o or_o put_v into_o their_o mouth_n of_o word_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a as_o solomon_n prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n also_o esdras_n prayer_n chap._n 9_o and_o the_o levite_n prayer_n nehem._n 9_o and_o daniel_n prayer_n dan._n 9_o and_o for_o private_a prayer_n david_n prayer_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o asaph_n also_o moses_n and_o samuel_n and_o habbakkuk_n their_o prayer_n with_o many_o other_o under_o the_o law_n be_v clear_a instance_n and_o before_o the_o law_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n their_o prayer_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o a_o book_n of_o prayer_n contain_v so_o many_o prayer_n in_o number_n to_o be_v say_v or_o read_v in_o order_n be_v ever_o make_v in_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o prayer_n or_o as_o any_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o law._n for_o though_o divers_a excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o put_v into_o book_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v read_v or_o use_v in_o so_o many_o word_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o prayer_n but_o they_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n as_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n patt_o for_o information_n and_o partly_o to_o excite_v the_o spirit_n and_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o hearer_n except_v only_o some_o very_a few_o short_a form_n as_o above_o mention_v which_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o stop_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o express_v itself_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o any_o other_o word_n and_o those_o few_o form_n they_o use_v as_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o book_n when_o they_o pray_v they_o but_o speak_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n where_o they_o be_v live_o as_o it_o be_v write_v and_o record_v and_o though_o the_o word_n of_o these_o short_a form_n be_v former_o conceive_v and_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v old_a or_o ancient_a yet_o as_o they_o utter_v or_o pronounce_v they_o in_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o power_n which_o never_o wax_v old_a this_o give_v they_o always_o a_o new_a lustre_n and_o put_v a_o new_a savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v always_o new_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n with_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o when_o they_o pray_v either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v frequent_o find_v and_o feel_v scripture_n word_n of_o prayer_n former_o conceive_v and_o utter_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o moses_n david_n etc._n etc._n to_o arise_v in_o they_o from_o a_o fresh_a and_o live_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v they_o forth_o in_o prayer_n and_o this_o without_o any_o limitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o come_v free_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o of_o heart_n soul_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v be_v manifest_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v who_o do_v not_o also_o limit_v or_o confine_v the_o man_n understanding_n only_o to_o those_o scripture_n word_n but_o give_v he_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o that_o free_o arise_v or_o spring_v up_o in_o he_o in_o unity_n with_o the_o life_n as_o it_o be_v open_v in_o he_o as_o a_o fountain_n or_o well_o of_o live_v water_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v that_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n who_o even_o then_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n matth._n 6._o 9_o luke_n 11._o 2._o answ._n though_o they_o be_v endue_v at_o that_o time_n with_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o as_o yet_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v in_o force_n and_o if_o moses_n prescribe_v unto_o the_o people_n under_o the_o law_n some_o short_a but_o of_o a_o very_a excellent_a composure_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n without_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o these_o well_o may_v christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n this_o short_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a composure_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o yet_o most_o comprehensive_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o largeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o matter_n express_v in_o so_o few_o word_n a_o most_o worthy_a pattern_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o of_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o prayer_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v lawsul_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v most_o easy_o reducible_a to_o some_o of_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o say_a prayer_n and_o though_o it_o have_v great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o word_n yet_o great_a depth_n of_o matter_n and_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o solomon_n temple_n which_o have_v not_o only_o the_o outer_a court_n but_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o it_o and_o within_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o most_o holy_a or_o holy_a of_o holies_n for_o beside_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n of_o it_o which_o answer_n to_o the_o outer_a courtesan_n it_o have_v a_o holy_a inward_a sense_n or_o understanding_n which_o none_o can_v reach_v or_o come_v into_o but_o who_o be_v make_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n unto_o god_n as_o none_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n but_o such_o as_o be_v priest_n under_o the_o law._n and_o although_o many_o christian_n have_v reach_v to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a prayer_n in_o great_a part_n yet_o who_o can_v say_v he_o have_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a depth_n of_o it_o and_o most_o inward_a pith_n or_o marrow_n thereof_o which_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n it_o be_v a_o question_n if_o any_o ever_o reach_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o but_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o speak_v and_o utter_v it_o in_o who_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n and_o riches_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n who_o be_v our_o high_a priest_n make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o but_o 2._o christ_n do_v not_o limit_v they_o only_o to_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v they_o a_o book_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o form_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o this_o only_a which_o therefore_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o they_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o pray_o than_o tie_n or_o confine_v they_o to_o the_o precise_a number_n of_o the_o word_n of_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 6._o 9_o after_o this_o manner_n therefore_o say_v he_o pray_v you_o
that_o good_a effect_n to_o open_v the_o understanding_n and_o work_v holy_a affection_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o edification_n for_o where_o a_o thing_n be_v well_o understand_v a_o man_n need_v not_o concern_v his_o memory_n much_o about_o it_o as_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o art_n he_o can_v practice_v the_o thing_n belong_v to_o that_o art_n better_o with_o his_o understanding_n without_o think_v on_o those_o rule_n than_o he_o who_o only_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o art_n in_o his_o memory_n but_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o those_o rule_n nor_o can_v these_o form_n be_v so_o edify_v as_o extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n because_o they_o can_v so_o universal_o in_o all_o particular_n reach_v to_o the_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o people_n soul_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o various_a state_n of_o people_n soul_n if_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o word_n of_o those_o general_a set_a form_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o account_v set_v form_n be_v too_o few_o and_o straight_o or_o narrow_a to_o reach_v all_o particular_a state_n and_o seasonable_a time_n so_o if_o general_n can_v serve_v these_o set_a form_n common_o use_v be_v too_o many_o because_o one_o only_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n may_v in_o general_a reach_n to_o all_o people_n state_n and_o sure_o none_o do_v or_o can_v better_o do_v that_o than_o the_o prayer_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o man_n deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o use_v be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o collect_v together_o form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n put_v all_o these_o word_n and_o sentence_n together_o which_o be_v most_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n or_o if_o belong_v to_o several_a purpose_n that_o have_v some_o fit_a connexion_n together_o and_o so_o the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n will_v be_v pure_a scripture_n word_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o be_v oft_o time_n very_o unsound_a 8._o they_o object_n that_o many_o who_o pray_v extempore_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o thrir_fw-fr prayer_n ask_v contrary_a thing_n and_o therefore_o both_o such_o prayer_n can_v be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v one_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o operation_n ever_o agree_v and_o in_o unity_n with_o itself_o ans._n the_o whole_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o this_o objection_n lie_v upon_o person_n and_o man_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o principle_n to_o refute_v or_o refe●_n it_o in_o the_o least_o and_o as_o for_o these_o who_o most_o common_o pray_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o they_o be_v such_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v or_o lay_v claim_n to_o pray_v by_o divine_a immediate_a inspiration_n but_o if_o both_o side_n shall_v lay_v claim_n thereunto_o and_o yet_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o pray_v it_o only_o prove_v that_o the_o man_n be_v faulty_a sometime_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o other_o and_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v faulty_a and_o wrong_n on_o both_o side_n but_o the_o principle_n remain_v still_o unblamable_a nor_o have_v this_o objection_n more_o weight_n now_o than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o old_a against_o who_o the_o false_a prophet_n both_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v also_o divine_o and_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a and_o last_o this_o objection_n can_v be_v well_o enough_o retort_v for_o they_o who_o pray_v by_o set_a form_n may_v pray_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n have_v both_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o pray_v one_o against_o another_o as_o well_o as_o preach_v when_o that_o great_a zeal_n and_o schism_n come_v to_o be_v between_o they_o and_o how_o many_o preach_v against_o one_o another_o who_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n and_o good_a reason_n and_o also_o to_o good_a literature_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n on_o any_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n but_o only_o on_o the_o man_n or_o person_n who_o abuse_v they_o 9_o it_o be_v object_v that_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o salutation_n and_o prayer_n both_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o they_o frequent_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v against_o set_a form_n who_o use_v they_o so_o much_o himself_o as_o grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o divers_a of_o they_o and_o at_o the_o end_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o etc._n etc._n answ._n these_o little_a short_a form_n be_v as_o be_v already_o say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n expression_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o of_o that_o call_v discursive_a prayer_n which_o require_v divers_a sentence_n do_v not_o infer_v that_o set_a form_n may_v be_v use_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n for_o when_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v earnest_o and_o zealous_o bend_v and_o move_v to_o desire_v one_o only_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v express_v in_o one_o sentence_n and_o as_o oft_o as_o that_o affection_n be_v renew_v the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sentence_n as_o it_o free_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v renew_v also_o but_o man_n find_v it_o not_o so_o in_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o other_o discursive_a exercise_n as_o when_o man_n at_o this_o day_n common_o write_v epistle_n one_o to_o another_o they_o retain_v some_o little_a common_a form_n of_o salutation_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o their_o epistle_n which_o be_v commodious_a and_o not_o think_v strange_a not_o dislike_v but_o if_o a_o man_n yea_o if_o a_o schoolboy_n at_o school_n shall_v always_o write_v to_o his_o father_n or_o kindred_n the_o same_o word_n throughout_o without_o any_o alteration_n they_o will_v say_v he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o void_a of_o understanding_n to_o be_v so_o barren_a as_o to_o have_v no_o new_a matter_n in_o his_o epistle_n even_o when_o daily_a occasion_n be_v give_v 10._o it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n be_v not_o delight_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n and_o novelty_n of_o matter_n and_o method_n in_o new_a style_n and_o flourish_n of_o trope_n and_o figure_n and_o be_v far_o unlike_o those_o squeemish_n stomach_n or_o delicious_a and_o lustful_a appetite_n who_o every_o day_n seek_v after_o variety_n of_o dish_n or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v at_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o he_o require_v answ._n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v not_o delight_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n and_o sentence_n as_o man_n be_v or_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o he_o require_v that_o every_o man_n make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v he_o and_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o delight_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o manifold_a variety_n as_o he_o do_v in_o all_o his_o other_o work_n although_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n yet_o after_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o become_v his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o perfection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o god_n main_o require_v and_o regard_v yet_o he_o command_v we_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a man_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n and_o we_o be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o heart_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o fruitful_a part_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n belong_v to_o it_o our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o elocution_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o service_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a service_n of_o praver_fw-mi as_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o use_v their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n and_o such_o elocution_n also_o and_o variety_n of_o expression_n as_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o do_v as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n lead_v he_o and_o work_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o gift_n he_o have_v give_v he_o without_o affection_n or_o stretch_v and_o strain_v beyond_o his_o measure_n and_o though_o we_o find_v no_o affect_a or_o artificial_a eloquence_n in_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o be_v carnal_a and_o from_o below_o yet_o a_o true_a eloquence_n and_o excellency_n of_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n both_o