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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n pray_v sing_v understanding_n 6,386 5 10.0280 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A54945 A discourse of prayer wherein this great duty is stated, so as to oppose some principles and practices of Papists and fanaticks; as they are contrary to the publick forms of the Church of England, established by her ecclesiastical canons, and confirmed by acts of Parliament. By Thomas Pittis, D.D. one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. Wherefore, that way and profession in religion, which gives the best directions for it, (viz. prayer) with the most effectual motives to it, and most aboundeth in its observance, hath therein the advantage of all others. Dr. Owen in his preface to his late discourse of the work of the Holy SPirit in prayer, &c. Pittis, Thomas, 1636-1687. 1683 (1683) Wing P2314; ESTC R220541 149,431 404

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deliver_v in_o relation_n to_o private_a devotion_n which_o hold_v good_a in_o public_a too_o prohibit_v all_o sinister_a and_o hypocritical_a design_n in_o prayer_n to_o gain_v the_o praise_n and_o acclamation_n of_o man_n and_o when_o thou_o pray_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v for_o they_o love_v to_o pray_v stand_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o street_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v of_o man_n matth._n 6.5_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o value_v at_o all_o how_o i_o be_o recommend_v unto_o man_n if_o their_o approbation_n shall_v render_v those_o action_n that_o gain_v it_o unacceptable_a and_o odious_a unto_o god_n he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o that_o honourable_a although_o despise_v office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v neither_o fear_v the_o frown_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o no_o body_n can_v bestow_v great_a slur_n or_o indignity_n on_o our_o vocation_n or_o person_n than_o our_o receive_v the_o sacred_a character_n may_v forewarn_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o employment_n unacceptable_a to_o the_o guilty_a to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n redargue_v their_o error_n and_o to_o put_v they_o to_o open_a rebuke_n and_o shame_n nay_o by_o chance_n sometime_o to_o their_o very_a face_n and_o in_o do_v this_o we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o bear_v some_o share_n in_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n who_o though_o he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o contemn_v whip_v and_o crucify_a now_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o be_v the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v forwarn_v we_o to_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o espouse_n our_o quarrel_n when_o truth_n remain_v unshaken_a on_o our_o side_n by_o his_o providence_n make_v way_n for_o deliverence_n from_o our_o enemy_n that_o he_o that_o despise_v we_o despise_v christ_n himself_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v he_o despise_v he_o also_o that_o send_v he_o luke_o 10.16_o and_o that_o not_o only_a promise_n of_o temporal_a deliverance_n or_o at_o least_o support_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o our_o adversary_n but_o a_o eternal_a reward_n be_v also_o grant_v to_o he_o that_o continue_v and_o persevere_fw-la unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 10.22_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v quite_o swallow_v up_o by_o those_o strange_a child_n who_o tooth_n be_v spear_n and_o arrow_n and_o their_o tongue_n a_o sharp_a sword_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v work_n enough_o cut_v out_o for_o we_o not_o only_o to_o tire_v the_o most_o active_a and_o indefatigable_a mind_n among_o we_o but_o even_o to_o disturb_v our_o spirit_n and_o break_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o what_o either_o 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above_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o to_o be_v credit_v than_o the_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o man_n this_o great_a apostle_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n 1_o cor._n 14.14_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o such_o language_n as_o this_o if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o undersanding_n be_v unfruitful_a by_o unknown_a tongue_n every_o body_n know_v what_o be_v mean_v but_o in_o the_o latter_a clause_n some_o may_v be_v ignorant_a and_o other_o make_v use_n of_o these_o expression_n and_o their_o own_o vanity_n and_o unskilfulness_n together_o to_o lead_v man_n from_o latin_a service_n into_o a_o rude_a and_o ungovernable_a devotion_n by_o spirit_n therefore_o be_v mean_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n not_o flow_v forth_o in_o extempore_o expression_n now_o but_o in_o strange_a language_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n interpretation_n of_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v exhort_v man_n to_o employ_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n foremention_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la the_o 12_o in_o the_o next_o he_o explain_v it_o by_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a particular_a text_n quote_v the_o pray_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v apparent_o the_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n if_o i_o pray_v say_v he_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a that_o be_v though_o he_o understand_v the_o language_n himself_o yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o other_o his_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o prayer_n can_v not_o render_v they_o beneficial_a to_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o he_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o may_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n too_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o language_n 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understand_v whether_o they_o be_v include_v in_o it_o or_o no_o unless_o man_n can_v think_v it_o rational_a to_o set_v their_o hand_n at_o all_o adventure_n to_o every_o paper_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o when_o they_o may_v sign_v a_o bond_n instead_o ofa_fw-mi release_n or_o make_v away_o a_o estate_n instead_o of_o make_v it_o sure_a to_o they_o but_o i_o may_v be_v confident_a man_n be_v wary_a enough_o in_o this_o and_o need_v not_o unless_o they_o be_v foolish_a to_o a_o proverb_n any_o monitor_n to_o caution_n they_o in_o it_o though_o their_o want_n of_o skill_n may_v cause_v they_o to_o advise_v in_o some_o nice_a and_o critical_a difficulty_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a think_v you_o that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n or_o that_o any_o to_o who_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n be_v reveal_v shall_v be_v more_o cautious_a and_o exact_a in_o relation_n to_o their_o secular_a welfare_n than_o they_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o their_o eternal_a advantage_n will_v they_o beg_v a_o serpent_n instead_o of_o a_o fish_n or_o desire_v a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n a_o little_a child_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o gull_v and_o cheat_v but_o when_o such_o a_o exchange_n be_v proffer_v will_v throw_v it_o away_o with_o rage_n and_o contempt_n but_o further_a that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o be_v that_o where_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n without_o reason_n and_o desire_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v whether_o it_o be_v advantageous_a or_o unprofitable_a to_o they_o they_o choose_v what_o be_v no_o object_n of_o their_o choice_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o apprehend_v any_o goodness_n at_o all_o in_o that_o who_o nature_n and_o accommodation_n to_o they_o they_o be_v total_o ignorant_a of_o
upremeditated_a effusion_n of_o man_n in_o their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n their_o invention_n so_o vary_v the_o phrase_n and_o transpose_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o all_o be_v the_o same_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o different_o place_v between_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n that_o they_o be_v frequent_o alter_v till_o they_o become_v obscure_a and_o be_v so_o cloud_v either_o with_o fog_n or_o dust_n that_o a_o consider_v man_n of_o part_n and_o memory_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v either_o out_o when_o they_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o rubbish_n and_o how_o shall_v another_o search_v out_o that_o which_o he_o that_o hide_v it_o can_v find_v sixthly_a if_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a devotion_n be_v either_o inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a then_o they_o must_v be_v so_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n that_o utter_v they_o or_o else_o to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o join_v with_o and_o consent_v to_o they_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a to_o the_o minister_n only_o why_o shall_v the_o people_n trouble_v themselves_o or_o any_o man_n startle_v they_o about_o it_o unless_o man_n think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o devout_a raise_v cloud_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o dispel_v they_o bring_v scruple_n and_o pain_n into_o man_n conscience_n that_o casuistical_a divinity_n may_v come_v the_o more_o into_o fashion_n and_o they_o like_o quack_n may_v sit_v grave_o in_o their_o chair_n to_o scry_v water_n and_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o take_v fee_n of_o their_o wander_a patient_n this_o be_v plain_a force_n of_o a_o trade_n and_o make_v man_n sick_a that_o they_o may_v cure_v the_o disease_n or_o rather_o live_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v the_o people_n perplex_v their_o mind_n about_o that_o in_o which_o only_a the_o minister_n be_v concern_v let_v every_o man_n bear_v his_o own_o burden_n and_o in_o this_o case_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n we_o be_v willing_a and_o choose_v to_o bear_v we_o for_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o ezek._n 18.20_o yet_o certain_o he_o who_o have_v due_o consider_v that_o intention_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n will_v not_o charge_v a_o minister_n with_o a_o fault_n because_o he_o can_v effect_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o mind_v three_o or_o four_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n invent_v matter_n and_o word_n to_o express_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o which_o he_o must_v reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v invent_v before_o he_o can_v understand_v it_o himself_o and_o raise_v his_o affection_n and_o desire_n in_o proportion_n to_o what_o he_o utter_v when_o he_o pray_v and_o direct_v his_o intention_n to_o the_o great_a god_n to_o who_o he_o address_v or_o else_o those_o that_o be_v so_o much_o for_o these_o extemporary_a effusion_n must_v conclude_v that_o the_o minister_n need_v not_o pray_v himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v busy_a in_o invent_v matter_n and_o word_n for_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o teach_v other_o to_o be_v devout_a when_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o devotion_n at_o all_o and_o that_o his_o business_n in_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o not_o for_o himself_o 2._o if_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v either_o inconvenient_a or_o unlawful_a to_o the_o people_n than_o indeed_o all_o the_o former_a reason_n be_v ineffectual_a and_o more_o will_v be_v so_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o but_o than_o whoever_o assert_v this_o as_o none_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v without_o limitation_n do_v i_o have_v this_o farther_z in_o this_o place_n to_o urge_v against_o he_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o public_a prayer_n at_o all_o for_o all_o prayer_n be_v either_o utter_v in_o word_n that_o be_v premeditate_v or_o conceive_v before_o and_o this_o on_o all_o hand_n will_v be_v yield_v to_o be_v a_o form_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o language_n promote_v by_o what_o help_v soever_o as_o he_o that_o pronounce_v it_o do_v not_o think_v of_o before_o he_o be_v call_v to_o utter_v it_o which_o they_o that_o affect_v it_o call_v either_o pray_v extempore_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v utter_v by_o a_o minister_n in_o a_o public_a congregation_n will_n howsoever_o be_v a_o set_a form_n to_o the_o people_n for_o both_o matter_n and_o word_n must_v be_v frame_v and_o fix_v by_o the_o minister_n invention_n and_o pronounce_v too_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o people_n ear_n they_o must_v understand_v and_o consider_v they_o before_o they_o can_v rational_o consent_v to_o the_o petition_n and_o with_o earnest_a wish_n say_v amen_o and_o consequent_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o the_o minister_n which_o though_o i_o have_v the_o faculty_n i_o can_v know_v unless_o i_o be_v a_o enthusiast_n reason_n and_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o exclude_v by_o a_o late_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n whether_o the_o prayer_n be_v premeditate_v or_o extempore_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o who_o manage_v this_o controversy_n on_o that_o side_n opposite_a to_o our_o church_n turn_v their_o dark_a part_n to_o we_o as_o the_o moon_n do_v before_o a_o change_n and_o like_o the_o little_a fox_n that_o spoil_v our_o vine_n whilst_o the_o grape_n yet_o hang_v tender_a upon_o the_o branch_n be_v so_o hard_o hunt_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o after_o they_o have_v run_v out_o at_o length_n several_a mile_n from_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o unkennele_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v shelter_n in_o the_o wood_n march_v upon_o dead_a or_o quickset_n hedge_n and_o at_o last_o will_v have_v no_o refuge_n but_o to_o earth_n themselves_o when_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n hinder_v their_o be_v dig_v out_o again_o however_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o well_o watch_v and_o observe_v these_o person_n we_o may_v find_v they_o out_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o morning_n when_o they_o thump_v and_o dig_v to_o make_v their_o way_n through_o and_o for_o the_o great_a part_n though_o some_o be_v of_o a_o more_o quick_a and_o crafty_a invention_n if_o we_o well_o observe_v the_o frequent_a prayer_n of_o any_o one_o man_n pretend_v this_o gift_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v either_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o nimble_a nature_n quick_a invention_n with_o volubility_n of_o language_n pronounce_v with_o a_o endear_n tone_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n cant_v to_o the_o people_n or_o else_o a_o art_n of_o express_v himself_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o memory_n or_o frequent_a use_n most_o ready_o and_o sometime_o though_o not_o always_o prudent_o in_o phrase_n and_o sentence_n diversify_v and_o transpose_v according_a to_o the_o various_a position_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o be_v a_o faculty_n only_o of_o amuse_v but_o not_o edify_v the_o people_n make_v grateful_a percussion_n on_o their_o ear_n and_o screw_v up_o their_o affection_n by_o turn_v round_o the_o wheel_n and_o all_o to_o be_v but_o mechanical_a clockwork_n or_o a_o jack_n to_o roast_v meat_n for_o their_o own_o belly_n for_o how_o often_o have_v we_o hear_v these_o gift_a man_n pretend_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o unpremeditated_a method_n or_o none_o at_o all_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o quick_a invention_n whilst_o they_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v be_v believe_v that_o all_o even_o their_o very_a matter_n and_o word_n be_v dart_v into_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o all_o may_v be_v shoot_v back_o to_o heaven_n yet_o upon_o wise_a recollection_n by_o memory_n and_o observation_n we_o have_v conclude_v that_o their_o nimble_a effusion_n have_v consist_v of_o many_o piece_n of_o set_a form_n jumble_v together_o like_o epicurus_n atom_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n or_o at_o least_o of_o many_o preconceive_a sentence_n express_v the_o matter_n of_o former_a petition_n in_o a_o new_a dress_n diversify_v by_o art_n vary_a and_o fix_v in_o divers_a place_n as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o memory_n or_o the_o fancy_n so_o that_o this_o be_v often_o like_o the_o change_n of_o bell_n and_o may_v be_v manage_v by_o the_o same_o art_n four_o will_v make_v four_o and_o twenty_o and_o upon_o five_o they_o may_v ring_v six_o score_n i_o shall_v leave_v this_o therefore_o at_o present_a as_o a_o point_n that_o deserve_v no_o far_a consideration_n among_o any_o religious_a man_n that_o be_v think_v and_o wise_a but_o shall_v
we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v through_o future_a contingency_n such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o foresee_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o see_v which_o way_n the_o balance_n will_v incline_v because_o he_o know_v the_o path_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n this_o great_a god_n as_o he_o many_o time_n suspend_v his_o favour_n till_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o so_o like_o a_o tender_a father_n he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o bread_n to_o spoil_v nor_o a_o serpent_n to_o sting_v we_o and_o therefore_o sometime_o when_o he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n he_o adapt_n his_o favour_n to_o our_o necessity_n now_o give_v we_o more_o than_o we_o ask_v and_o then_o cut_v his_o answer_n short_a of_o our_o petition_n because_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v that_o we_o ask_v too_o much_o he_o wise_o consider_v what_o store-house_n we_o have_v and_o our_o capacity_n of_o receive_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o and_o change_v the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n to_o bestow_v his_o gift_n and_o confer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n and_o his_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o as_o member_n of_o this_o great_a community_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o he_o give_v we_o one_o thing_n more_o convenient_a when_o we_o most_o earnest_o beg_v another_o now_o change_v the_o mean_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o obtain_v a_o end_n afford_v other_o that_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a sometime_o he_o change_v the_o end_n itself_o and_o order_n the_o mean_n we_o have_v petition_v for_o in_o order_n to_o one_o design_n to_o produce_v what_o be_v better_o and_o much_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o yet_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o act_v best_o because_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o most_o suitable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n final_o we_o may_v petition_v for_o many_o thing_n which_o if_o grant_v to_o we_o will_v thwart_v god_n general_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o particular_a wise_a design_n which_o we_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n he_o accept_v our_o prayer_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o or_o last_o we_o may_v sometime_o beg_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v incentives_n to_o our_o own_o or_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v our_o request_n because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o that_o we_o may_v consume_v it_o on_o our_o lust_n or_o pleasure_n james_n 4.3_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o five_o enquiry_n into_o what_o thing_n man_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o chap._n vii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o six_o head_n propound_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o latitude_n of_o prayer_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o join_v in_o it_o because_o i_o find_v what_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n confine_v by_o some_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o so_o as_o if_o that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o their_o select_v and_o cull_v member_n for_o their_o religious_a society_n or_o church_n so_o call_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n that_o they_o design_v to_o have_v saint_n only_o to_o partake_v of_o public_a ordinance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o pretermit_v or_o else_o exclude_v other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n brief_o inquire_v whether_o prayer_n be_v a_o universal_a duty_n or_o only_o concern_v good_a man_n or_o true_a saint_n now_o though_o such_o a_o question_n upon_o a_o naked_a proposal_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v be_v on_o a_o sudden_a answer_v and_o a_o return_n may_v be_v make_v as_o extemporary_a as_o some_o man_n prayer_n be_v or_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o only_o hem_v and_o spit_v they_o forth_o with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n yet_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o some_o debate_n for_o that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n and_o the_o perverse_a wit_n of_o some_o man_n have_v render_v it_o useful_a and_o necessary_a too_o because_o we_o find_v some_o think_n and_o melancholy_a man_n unless_o they_o be_v person_n who_o deserve_v a_o more_o severe_a denomination_n even_o in_o this_o low_a world_n endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n necessary_a betwixt_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n though_o our_o saviour_n say_v let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n matth._n 13.30_o but_o however_o they_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o distrust_v the_o prayer_n of_o mix_a congregation_n which_o be_v a_o misfortune_n no_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v against_o in_o their_o own_o unless_o they_o be_v discerner_n o●_n heart_n and_o can_v better_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n and_o sincere_a christian_a than_o by_o those_o inward_a and_o obscure_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o describe_v saint_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o however_o this_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o neglect_n inadvertency_n or_o wicked_a disposition_n of_o one_o man_n can_v hinder_v the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v any_o communion_n in_o prayer_n through_o the_o world_n that_o be_v public_a in_o a_o congregat_v assembly_n no_o more_o than_o the_o vain_a glory_n of_o the_o pharisee_n obstruct_v the_o petition_n of_o the_o humble_a publican_n or_o to_o come_v full_a home_n to_o the_o point_n than_o judas_n hinder_v the_o grateful_a service_n of_o christ_n disciple_n because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o nay_o a_o contrary_a notion_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o it_o a_o forbearance_n of_o all_o joint_a petition_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o no_o wicked_a man_n be_v among_o we_o will_v destroy_v all_o public_a and_o family_n prayer_n because_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o assurance_n and_o we_o can_v in_o this_o case_n at_o most_o make_v only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o those_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o who_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o and_o quote_v a_o text_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o jer._n 17.9_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v some_o case_n in_o which_o the_o great_a god_n will_v not_o hear_v though_o good_a man_n intercede_v and_o pray_v as_o when_o the_o most_o of_o a_o community_n have_v fall_v into_o and_o yet_o continue_v obstinate_o enough_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o cry_a sin_n that_o a_o general_a calamity_n be_v judge_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o member_n when_o a_o irrevocable_a sentence_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o they_o if_o further_a consideration_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o though_o noah_n daniel_n and_o job_n be_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v neither_o deliver_v son_n nor_o daughter_n they_o shall_v at_o most_o only_o deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 14.20_o yet_o their_o goodness_n and_o prayer_n may_v avail_v even_o in_o such_o a_o day_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o themselves_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v in_o some_o other_o case_n where_o god_n sentence_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a and_o there_o yet_o remain_v some_o hope_n of_o repentance_n that_o wicked_a man_n prayer_n have_v be_v hear_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v resolve_v to_o amend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o great_a and_o vast_a city_n of_o niniveh_n who_o sin_n be_v so_o lofty_a and_o aspire_a that_o it_o pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o ascend_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v according_a to_o his_o commission_n open_o declare_v their_o intend_a ruin_n and_o by_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o time_n proclaim_v from_o that_o power_n above_o the_o cloud_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o day_n their_o city_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v be_v destroy_v when_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o humble_v themselves_o by_o give_v public_a testimony_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n jonah_n 3.6_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o their_o resolution_n be_v not_o only_o sigh_v and_o sniul_a pretension_n
be_v like_o the_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n always_o banish_v and_o yet_o ever_o here_o for_o interest_n and_o advantage_n quick_o turn_v prudence_n into_o subtlety_n and_o this_o as_o soon_o will_v erect_v a_o fortress_n to_o defend_v itself_o if_o it_o do_v not_o also_o expel_v honesty_n out_o of_o its_o neighbourhood_n nay_o this_o private_a interest_n of_o honour_n and_o wealth_n too_o frequent_o rule_v abundance_n of_o man_n in_o the_o make_n law_n submit_v to_o they_o and_o execute_v they_o too_o even_o against_o all_o right_a and_o public_a advantage_n this_o we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v former_o at_o rome_n for_o though_o there_o be_v sufficient_a and_o notorious_a evidence_n that_o the_o book_n find_v by_o petilius_n in_o numa_n grave_n be_v certain_o he_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v adjudge_v by_o the_o senate_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o present_a custom_n and_o law_n of_o the_o city_n and_o consequent_o may_v tell_v tale_n and_o make_v discovery_n and_o lay_v that_o common_a which_o be_v then_o enclose_v they_o be_v without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n sentence_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o thus_o we_o may_v without_o uncharitableness_n suppose_v that_o many_o deal_n with_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v convince_v or_o else_o dread_v the_o evidence_n will_v not_o have_v patience_n to_o attend_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o what_o our_o church_n profess_v and_o injoin_v be_v naked_a truth_n yet_o because_o either_o its_o embracement_n or_o defence_n may_v at_o present_a or_o succeed_a time_n lay_v they_o open_v to_o some_o temporal_a trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n they_o will_v neither_o be_v honest_a to_o god_n nor_o baal_n but_o trim_a betwixt_o both_o keep_v their_o own_o boat_n upright_o let_v the_o tide_n and_o the_o wave_n beat_v which_o way_n they_o will_v and_o by_o another_o metaphor_n cut_v with_o whisker_n or_o shave_v all_o off_o and_o either_o they_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o opinion_n or_o if_o they_o profess_v one_o they_o will_v leave_v it_o when_o a_o storm_n arise_v and_o follow_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o only_o whilst_o the_o loaf_n last_o but_o desert_n he_o if_o he_o once_o want_v bread_n in_o a_o instance_n hint_v at_o a_o little_a before_o when_o idolatry_n be_v like_a to_o fall_v at_o ephesus_n and_o then_o the_o image_n can_v not_o stand_v by_o the_o powerful_a preach_v of_o st._n paul_n the_o people_n begin_v to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n but_o at_o last_o demetrius_z a_o city_n orator_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v master_n of_o his_o company_n assemble_v all_o his_o craftsman_n together_o and_o inform_v they_o that_o their_o livelihood_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n and_o their_o trade_n set_v at_o nought_o if_o such_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n shall_v be_v prevalent_a among_o they_o as_o soon_o therefore_o as_o they_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o religion_n their_o trade_n be_v involve_v by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v out_o their_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o the_o image_n of_o diana_n be_v that_o which_o support_v they_o they_o quick_o give_v a_o check_n to_o their_o own_o hesitation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o grandeur_n of_o diana_n be_v present_o concern_v they_o grow_v full_a of_o wrath_n for_o what_o they_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o and_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o large_a throat_n they_o can_v make_v even_o for_o the_o full_a space_n of_o two_o hour_n great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n act_n 19_o so_o wonderful_o prevalent_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o gain_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a godliness_n for_o or_o against_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n who_o only_o value_v the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n but_o do_v not_o regard_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o now_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o this_o can_v any_o of_o we_o secure_v ourselves_o that_o they_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whatever_o friendship_n there_o may_v be_v among_o themselves_o do_v not_o share_v in_o this_o thing_n can_v we_o conclude_v that_o they_o exalt_v not_o schism_n for_o wealth_n or_o reputation_n or_o upon_o any_o equilibrious_a or_o probable_a argument_n so_o much_o as_o hope_v that_o they_o adhere_v to_o a_o party_n where_o all_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n without_o some_o respect_n and_o design_n that_o be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o protestant_a interest_n if_o not_o then_o among_o english_a man_n that_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o much_o more_o in_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o christian_n at_o large_a it_o be_v neither_o the_o external_a deportment_n of_o man_n their_o fluency_n of_o language_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o seem_a zeal_n or_o rapture_n that_o can_v evidence_n to_o we_o that_o their_o worship_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o glory_n or_o greatness_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n since_o gain_v will_v force_v man_n to_o appear_v godly_a in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o tooth_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bite_v never_o so_o severe_o if_o they_o please_v they_o will_v run_v on_o still_o till_o you_o do_v not_o only_o catch_v they_o but_o hold_v they_o fast_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o shell_n and_o pick_v out_o the_o kernel_n if_o we_o can_v find_v any_o in_o such_o a_o controversy_n as_o this_o and_o a_o maggot_n be_v not_o get_v into_o the_o nut_n let_v we_o travel_v from_o the_o porch_n to_o the_o temple_n and_o view_v both_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o altar_n if_o that_o word_n be_v not_o profane_a and_o see_v well_o whether_o the_o fire_n heat_v parallel_v to_o the_o blaze_n it_o make_v among_o they_o let_v we_o look_v into_o the_o modes_n by_o which_o our_o brethren-adversary_n make_v their_o address_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o judge_v whether_o their_o prayer_n or_o deportment_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o respect_n which_o in_o solemn_a invocation_n be_v rational_o due_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o christian_a man_n pretend_v to_o adore_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o native_a protestant_n of_o england_n who_o dissent_n from_o the_o liturgy_n and_o church_n establish_v in_o this_o nation_n by_o law_n among_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n without_o premeditation_n in_o relation_n unto_o word_n and_o as_o some_o affirm_v matter_n too_o expect_v in_o this_o assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o rational_a faculty_n and_o external_a help_n though_o it_o be_v no_o way_n promise_v in_o this_o sense_n and_o so_o they_o can_v ponder_v beforehand_o what_o be_v sit_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o maker_n now_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o power_n which_o dispose_v and_o confer_v the_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o admit_v such_o address_n which_o must_v be_v indigested_a and_o therefore_o rude_a if_o these_o man_n themselves_o be_v to_o petition_v any_o earthly_a prince_n for_o either_o a_o pardon_n or_o place_n of_o advantage_n they_o will_v very_o well_o consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n that_o neither_o inconvenience_n or_o absurdity_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o the_o one_o nor_o rudeness_n or_o too_o much_o familiarity_n enter_v into_o the_o composition_n of_o the_o other_o nay_o whosoever_o be_v choose_v to_o present_v it_o be_v usual_o person_n not_o only_o of_o integrity_n but_o prudence_n too_o not_o only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o prince_n but_o they_o who_o have_v a_o deportment_n suitable_a to_o majesty_n that_o can_v demean_v themselves_o with_o such_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n accompany_v with_o a_o correspondent_a desire_n not_o only_o to_o represent_v the_o grievance_n of_o the_o petitioner_n but_o their_o affection_n too_o signify_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o seriousness_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o external_a gravity_n and_o submission_n express_v in_o the_o gesture_n and_o action_n of_o their_o body_n and_o can_v any_o think_v that_o the_o great_a god_n when_o we_o make_v religious_a address_n to_o he_o can_v be_v well_o please_v with_o what_o we_o account_v a_o affront_n to_o man_n since_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a live_a and_o infinite_a be_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o have_v find_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o ancient_o worship_v mercury_n by_o rail_v and_o hercules_n by_o throw_v stone_n at_o he_o but_o sure_o the_o god_n who_o christian_n pretend_v to_o serve_v be_v neither_o deaf_a that_o he_o can_v hear_v nor_o because_o he_o be_v strong_a be_v he_o become_v insensible_a reverence_n and_o a_o most_o awful_a fear_n be_v suitable_a ornament_n for_o he_o to_o wear_v who_o pretend_v to_o approach_v the_o almighty_a to_o adore_v he_o for_o he_o be_v
in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n especial_o over_o such_o fish_n as_o carry_v money_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v not_o in_o plain_a term_n endeavour_v to_o make_v party_n in_o the_o church_n that_o their_o own_o may_v at_o last_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a by_o whatever_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o religion_n convey_v delight_n by_o that_o variety_n which_o please_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o as_o well_o preach_v extempore_o as_o pray_v so_o in_o their_o sermon_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n and_o study_v that_o they_o can_v accommodate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o expression_n too_o that_o their_o pain_n may_v bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o auditory_a and_o the_o fashion_n and_o example_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n among_o they_o and_o i_o can_v divine_v what_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o different_a regard_n to_o prayer_n and_o preach_v unless_o they_o have_v more_o care_n in_o those_o speech_n they_o direct_v unto_o man_n than_o they_o take_v about_o those_o which_o they_o present_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v no_o great_a promise_n of_o a_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o one_o than_o they_o have_v also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o other_o do_v they_o think_v that_o text_n in_o the_o eight_o to_o the_o roman_n prove_v effectual_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v that_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o the_o context_n it_o will_v only_o evidence_n our_o saviour_n most_o earnest_a and_o wise_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o always_o accompany_v he_o the_o support_n of_o our_o mind_n under_o the_o great_a pressure_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n or_o most_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v we_o direction_n for_o the_o proper_a head_n and_o ●●●●er_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o resolve_n still_o by_o some_o benign_a and_o secret_a influence_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o describe_v to_o other_o to_o proportion_v our_o affection_n and_o elevate_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o concernment_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n to_o who_o we_o petition_v and_o because_o if_o i_o be_v the_o great_a critic_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v always_o abhor_v the_o sound_n any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o word_n we_o know_v as_o in_o profane_a author_n be_v frequent_o equivocal_a and_o restrain_v according_a to_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o nor_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o but_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v for_o end_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v end_v here_o to_o make_v these_o word_n against_o their_o own_o will_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o think_v man_n that_o be_v not_o either_o knavish_a or_o mad_a to_o express_v a_o promise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o our_o invention_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v as_o well_o rely_v if_o they_o be_v please_v with_o such_o way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o write_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n 16.13_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divine_a inspiration_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v necessary_a if_o god_n will_v deliver_v a_o law_n by_o the_o mouth_n or_o writing_n of_o any_o select_v out_o of_o the_o race_n of_o man_n our_o gift_a brethren_n may_v if_o they_o please_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o 10_o of_o st._n matthew_n vers_n 19_o and_o 20_o to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o premeditation_n or_o study_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v hard_o enough_o for_o they_o since_o our_o saviour_n there_o inform_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o need_v take_v no_o thought_n what_o or_o how_o the_o shall_v speak_v because_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o that_o hour_n i._n e._n when_o they_o may_v have_v occasion_n and_o he_o use_v a_o argument_n to_o raise_v and_o to_o confirm_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v say_v he_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o and_o yet_o i_o fancy_v that_o if_o our_o extempore_o man_n be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o put_v under_o those_o condition_n which_o this_o text_n suppose_v and_o be_v accuse_v of_o something_o capital_a before_o a_o magistrate_n they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v all_o way_n of_o clear_v themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n what_o ever_o at_o last_o become_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o this_o they_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o a_o close_a consultation_n with_o their_o own_o thought_n can_v possible_o suggest_v and_o not_o only_o with_o seriousness_n prepare_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o believe_v too_o they_o will_v condescend_v to_o advise_v with_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v if_o possible_o avoid_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n nay_o in_o such_o case_n whether_o they_o will_v fee_v bribe_n or_o make_v the_o great_a friend_n they_o can_v i_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n that_o i_o may_v say_v nothing_o of_o make_v public_a commotion_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o as_o in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n gift_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o such_o promise_n of_o assistance_n be_v only_o intend_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o not_o to_o reach_v this_o present_a age_n so_o though_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o divers_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n they_o will_v submit_v their_o spirit_n and_o condescend_v to_o the_o contrivance_n of_o head_n of_o matter_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o no_o other_o than_o their_o mother_n tongue_n now_o why_o shall_v this_o great_a care_n be_v have_v in_o their_o sermon_n to_o the_o people_n when_o they_o 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receive_v from_o our_o saviour_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n 12.43_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o let_v their_o ear_n be_v never_o so_o much_o circumcise_v they_o render_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a circumcision_n who_o praise_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n rom._n 2.29_o and_o how_o far_o such_o contrivance_n may_v comport_v with_o sincerity_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o that_o hypocrisy_n which_o have_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v it_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o adjust_a and_o content_v myself_o with_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n have_v
the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o a_o utterance_n of_o our_o petition_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o it_o conclude_v indeed_o against_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o latin_a and_o justify_v our_o own_o in_o english_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o it_o can_v neither_o strengthen_v the_o enthusiast_n nor_o detract_v from_o the_o worth_n or_o reputation_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v liturgy_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o the_o real_a opposition_n which_o be_v here_o make_v of_o spirit_n to_o understanding_n and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o naked_a word_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o verse_n without_o any_o paraphrase_n upon_o they_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o though_o st._n chrysostom_n interpretation_n of_o the_o whole_a do_v not_o in_o every_o part_n agree_v with_o this_o yet_o he_o expound_v spirit_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o evidence_n their_o vanity_n by_o defend_v their_o extravagancy_n by_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v win_v from_o they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v trump_v they_o up_o to_o the_o world_n and_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o twelve_o of_o zechariah_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v gain_v but_o little_a countenance_n from_o hence_o for_o their_o irrational_a and_o loose_a way_n of_o worship_n though_o as_o a_o neat_a commentator_n of_o their_o own_o descant_n upon_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v pour_v out_o as_o by_o whole_a pailful_n trapp_n in_o loc_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o text_n but_o that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v by_o his_o benign_a operation_n confer_v so_o much_o favour_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o who_o be_v harden_v through_o their_o own_o infidelity_n to_o the_o affront_a and_o crucify_a the_o blessed_a jesus_n shall_v so_o relent_v for_o their_o former_a wickedness_n that_o they_o will_v pray_v to_o god_n and_o petition_n for_o their_o pardon_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o very_a person_n who_o they_o put_v so_o death_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v indeed_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o so_o it_o no_o more_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n to_o dictate_v matter_n and_o expression_n to_o all_o those_o who_o devout_o pray_v than_o it_o prove_v all_o saint_n under_o this_o dispensation_n to_o be_v perfect_a jew_n that_o crucify_v their_o saviour_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o the_o world_n make_v 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their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o practice_n better_o than_o we_o who_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o far_o off_o and_o quote_v some_o passage_n from_o the_o ancient_a father_n to_o justify_v their_o extravagant_a devotion_n now_o i_o only_o reply_v 1._o we_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o miraculous_a operation_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v well_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n do_v as_o well_o dictate_v prayer_n to_o some_o for_o the_o help_n of_o other_o as_o it_o inspire_v some_o to_o deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v derive_v downward_o to_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o cease_v afterward_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o cease_v when_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a law_n be_v complete_v and_o knowledge_n and_o part_n become_v the_o fruit_n of_o liberal_a education_n and_o the_o spirit_n co-operation_n with_o human_a industry_n 2._o that_o the_o father_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o this_o extempore_o wild_a way_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o late_a patron_n of_o this_o conceive_a method_n when_o they_o urge_v any_o expression_n from_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o squeeze_v a_o few_o particular_a passage_n hard_o either_o by_o a_o false_a rehearsal_n or_o else_o by_o criticise_v and_o large_a interpretation_n they_o draw_v their_o word_n off_o from_o the_o sense_n which_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o place_n do_v willing_o afford_v they_o 3._o that_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v disclaim_v by_o a_o late_a nonconformist_a writer_n who_o be_v eminent_a both_o in_o vent_v and_o darken_n too_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o almost_o as_o ancient_a as_o any_o now_o live_v in_o defend_v they_o nay_o and_o he_o have_v reason_n too_o when_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o he_o say_v become_v opposite_a to_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n he_o admit_v scripture_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o will_v have_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o command_n for_o prayer_n in_o the_o sacred_a writing_n be_v so_o many_o law_n to_o enjoin_v their_o own_o extempore_o way_n and_o method_n yet_o though_o he_o adventure_n at_o some_o promise_n i_o can_v find_v that_o he_o meddle_v with_o the_o command_n so_o as_o to_o appropriate_v any_o one_o to_o extempore_o prayer_n though_o he_o be_v very_o good_a at_o criticism_n and_o inference_n but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n when_o rivet_v by_o custom_n skulk_v so_o within_o a_o man_n that_o though_o possess_v with_o it_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o it_o be_v such_o another_o thing_n as_o what_o the_o vulgar_a call_v arminianism_n which_o a_o man_n may_v sometime_o be_v charge_v with_o when_o he_o yet_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o another_o great_a writer_n who_o aphorism_n when_o dr._n hammond_n have_v peruse_v present_o reply_v this_o man_n be_v a_o arminian_n but_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o 4._o if_o any_o will_v defend_v 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part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v have_v separate_v from_o it_o and_o it_o may_v give_v some_o rebuke_n to_o the_o bold_a confidence_n of_o such_o man_n as_o be_v not_o so_o harden_v that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n or_o that_o the_o shame_n which_o attend_v it_o will_v be_v worse_o to_o they_o than_o the_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o check_v the_o rude_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o to_o exalt_v themselves_o assume_v too_o large_a a_o familiarity_n with_o their_o maker_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o very_o little_o more_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o how_o much_o i_o have_v already_o tire_v any_o that_o have_v have_v patience_n to_o read_v this_o discourse_n quite_o through_o yet_o because_o extravagant_a and_o very_a lofty_a man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o as_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dictate_v matter_n and_o word_n to_o all_o saint_n when_o they_o thus_o pray_v extempore_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o have_v blaspheme_v in_o this_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a as_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v than_o they_o themselves_o have_v blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v only_o entreat_v treat_v the_o impartial_a reader_n who_o i_o suppose_v be_v come_v thus_o far_o with_o i_o to_o our_o journey_n end_n 1._o to_o consider_v if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v argumentative_a to_o convince_v he_o than_o the_o blasphemy_n remain_v in_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o adversary_n on_o their_o own_o side_n 2._o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v thus_o inspire_v they_o will_v be_v equal_o canonical_a with_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o because_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o saint_n peter_n inform_v we_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v 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sundry_a age_n but_o we_o must_v receive_v such_o large_a appendix_n that_o they_o will_v not_o only_o surmount_v all_o popish_a tradition_n though_o they_o shall_v superadd_a those_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o evangelist_n without_o any_o or_o but_o a_o little_a hyperbole_n that_o if_o they_o be_v write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n because_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o be_v so_o various_a and_o long_a and_o beside_o this_o it_o will_v level_v the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prayer_n to_o the_o rude_a and_o indigested_a and_o extravagant_a conception_n which_o our_o natural_a enthusiast_n utter_v in_o those_o which_o all_o man_n call_v extempore_o prayer_n 3._o if_o these_o man_n have_v that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o such_o a_o inspiration_n to_o which_o so_o bold_a a_o pretence_n be_v make_v then_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v be_v render_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o since_o it_o will_v frame_v tedious_a and_o long_a prayer_n contrary_a to_o that_o plain_a fullness_n and_o convenient_a brevity_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o that_o be_v record_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o even_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o then_o the_o example_n mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v change_v by_o extraordinary_a motion_n from_o his_o own_o spirit_n last_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o extempore_o mens_fw-la pretension_n their_o prayer_n can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o inspiration_n dictate_v to_o the_o speaker_n matter_n and_o word_n because_o this_o sudden_a deceive_a knack_n be_v plain_o discoverable_a by_o those_o that_o know_v and_o can_v use_v it_o also_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o quickness_n of_o invention_n in_o one_o who_o remember_v scripture_n phrase_n who_o have_v a_o voluble_a and_o ready_a 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may_v add_v boldness_n and_o bashfulness_n fear_n and_o a_o good_a assurance_n and_o the_o like_a hence_o a_o right_n reverend_a prelate_n not_o long_o since_o decease_v when_o before_o he_o arrive_v at_o this_o honour_n though_o he_o be_v always_o a_o very_a great_a man_n he_o be_v please_v to_o write_v concern_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v willing_a to_o subject_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n that_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o infusion_n into_o good_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v only_o to_o spiritualise_v their_o judgement_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v both_o sanctify_a and_o raise_v which_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o form_n of_o devotion_n as_o in_o conceive_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o all_o that_o i_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a but_o if_o any_o reader_n shall_v find_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v neither_o in_o this_o discourse_n obviate_v in_o the_o state_n nor_o 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