common_a people_n of_o christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o idolatry_n which_o at_o length_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o device_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o those_o abomination_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o graphical_o represent_v and_o act_v so_o violent_o affect_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a impose_v they_o on_o their_o practice_n which_o gradual_o harden_v they_o with_o a_o obdurate_a credulity_n for_o although_o they_o see_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n doctrinal_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o about_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o all_o the_o conductive_a principle_n of_o man_n and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n reason_n and_o sense_n yet_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o obstinate_a pretence_n of_o believe_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v admit_v in_o practice_n man_n i_o say_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v have_v dispute_v long_o enough_o about_o vagrant_a form_n accident_n without_o subject_n transmutation_n of_o substance_n without_o accident_n sacrifice_n bloody_a and_o unbloody_a before_o they_o have_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o gross_a idolatry_n have_v not_o this_o engine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o its_o introduction_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_v inveagle_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o and_o at_o length_n comprise_v in_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v continual_o to_o use_v in_o divine_a service_n their_o whole_a soul_n become_v leaven_v and_o taint_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o and_o love_n unto_o these_o abomination_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o become_v gradual_o corrupt_v be_v not_o at_o once_o objective_o and_o doctrinal_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o consideration_n of_o man_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o their_o truth_n or_o error_n a_o method_n due_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o gradual_o insinuate_v into_o their_o practice_n by_o additional_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o poisonous_a pill_n who_o operation_n when_o it_o be_v swallow_v be_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o their_o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o mad_o avow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o all_o beside_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o idolatry_n namely_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v so_o act_v and_o represent_v in_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o take_v great_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n until_o they_o be_v mad_a on_o their_o idol_n for_o when_o all_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n excite_v by_o outward_a spectacle_n they_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o have_v therefore_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n shall_v have_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n have_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o universal_o receive_v at_o least_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o introduce_v and_o so_o establish_v as_o to_o procure_v and_o cause_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a person_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n alone_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o fatal_a engine_n of_o the_o church_n ruin_n from_o who_o murderous_a efficacy_n few_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n or_o soul_n have_v all_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o leave_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o irregularity_n may_v have_v prevail_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o many_o mistake_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o this_o monster_n of_o the_o mass_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o many_o have_v never_o be_v conceive_v nor_o bring_v forth_o at_o least_o not_o nourish_v into_o that_o terrible_a form_n and_o power_n wherein_o it_o appear_v and_o act_v for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n receive_v their_o tephilloth_n or_o prayer-book_n from_o armillus_n that_o be_v antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v determine_v and_o establish_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v profess_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o outward_a advantage_n liturgy_n compose_v in_o compliance_n therewithal_o be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o this_o mischief_n but_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o external_a cause_n alone_o otherwise_o where_o ever_o those_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o most_o so_o to_o do_v form_n of_o prayer_n answerable_a unto_o those_o deviation_n will_v quick_o be_v insinuate_v and_o the_o present_a various_a liturgy_n that_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o little_a other_o use_n than_o to_o establish_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o peculiar_a error_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hereby_o do_v god_n suffer_v contempt_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n of_o man_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v unto_o his_o institution_n and_o his_o care_n of_o they_o but_o do_v first_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n and_o then_o like_o uzzah_n put_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o force_n to_o hold_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o shake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o the_o first_o invention_n yet_o the_o first_o public_a recommendation_n and_o prescription_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v the_o insinuation_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o corrupt_a modes_n of_o worship_n into_o the_o public_a administration_n this_o be_v fear_v from_o person_n infect_v with_o heresy_n that_o may_v creep_v into_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o arian_n compose_v prayer_n hymn_n and_o doxology_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o insert_v in_o they_o passage_n confirm_v their_o own_o profession_n and_o condemn_v that_o of_o their_o adversary_n now_o however_o this_o invention_n may_v be_v approve_v while_o it_o keep_v within_o bound_n yet_o it_o prove_v the_o trojan_a horse_n that_o bring_v in_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o its_o belly_n for_o he_o who_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o engine_n and_o occasion_n to_o corrupt_v those_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v power_n in_o they_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v and_o confine_v unto_o and_o this_o take_v place_n effectual_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o second_o race_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o western_a roman_a empire_n to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n alone_o namely_o of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o alone_o that_o the_o mass_n with_o its_o transubstantiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v be_v introduce_v until_o the_o world_n inflame_v with_o those_o idol_n drench_v itself_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o those_o abomination_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v that_o no_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o liturgy_n compose_v no_o impose_v use_v of_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a
of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v express_o reveal_v and_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o to_o insist_v on_o they_o all_o be_v endless_a this_o we_o principal_o labour_v in_o as_o that_o whereby_o not_o only_o must_v the_o controversy_n be_v final_o determine_v but_o the_o person_n that_o manage_v it_o be_v eternal_o judge_v what_o be_v add_v concern_v the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n herein_o claim_v no_o more_o of_o argument_n unto_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o than_o it_o have_v evidence_n of_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v suit_v unto_o those_o divine_a testimony_n but_o whereas_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n unto_o they_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o as_o contain_v the_o principal_a act_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v here_o somewhat_o at_o large_a on_o all_o occasion_n insist_v on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o who_o concernment_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o unless_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n produce_v and_o insist_v on_o do_v not_o contain_v that_o sense_n and_o understanding_n which_o the_o word_n do_v determinate_o express_v for_o that_o only_o be_v plead_v or_o that_o some_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o it_o all_o other_o contest_v about_o this_o matter_n be_v vain_a and_o useless_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n plead_v herein_o as_o shall_v be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o condemnatory_n of_o all_o those_o outward_a aid_n of_o prayer_n by_o set_a compose_a form_n which_o be_v almost_o every_o where_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o device_n be_v ancient_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o measure_n receive_v general_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o a_o no_o less_o general_a apostasy_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o place_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o shall_v not_o judge_v of_o what_o advantage_n it_o may_v be_v or_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o what_o acceptance_n they_o have_v find_v therein_o where_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o abuse_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n be_v only_o this_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v gracious_o promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o which_o they_o may_v be_v call_v unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o who_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o truth_n hereof_o to_o expect_v those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n and_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o they_o receive_v thereby_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v it_o on_o all_o occasion_n rise_v up_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o divine_a instruction_n of_o the_o sacred_a word_n but_o moreover_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v there_o be_v some_o general_o allow_v principle_n which_o though_o not_o always_o due_o consider_v yet_o can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v modest_o deny_v that_o give_v direction_n towards_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n herein_o and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o sollow_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n multiply_v divine_a command_n with_o our_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o give_v life_n and_o light_n unto_o this_o principle_n to_o own_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v to_o own_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v pray_v unto_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a relation_n or_o of_o office_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o other_o also_o so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n of_o family_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o child_n and_o household_n this_o also_o derive_v from_o those_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o all_o society_n of_o his_o own_o erection_n and_o that_o those_o in_o the_o relation_n mention_v be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v commit_v unto_o their_o care_n and_o so_o be_v it_o frequent_o enjoin_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o their_o flock_n by_o virtue_n of_o especial_a institution_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v nor_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v of_o be_v question_v by_o any_o but_o practical_o the_o most_o of_o man_n live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v this_o but_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o from_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a relation_n unto_o the_o institute_v office_n of_o minister_n and_o public_a teacher_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o contest_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v than_o at_o present_a we_o have_v it_o be_v holy_a practice_n that_o must_v reconcile_v difference_n in_o religion_n or_o they_o will_v never_o be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o world_n 3._o every_o one_o who_o pray_v either_o by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o unto_o all_o the_o use_n property_n and_o circumstance_n of_o prayer_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o instance_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o his_o best_a the_o consirmation_n and_o exemplification_n hereof_o be_v one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o they_o that_o the_o chief_a and_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v unto_o god_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o own_o duty_n towards_o he_o will_v admit_v that_o we_o shall_v expect_v any_o acceptance_n with_o he_o unless_o our_o design_n be_v to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o best_a that_o we_o have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n himself_o declare_v in_o the_o prophet_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a you_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v tear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a and_o sick_a shall_v i_o accept_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n but_o curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a 4._o in_o our_o reasonable_a service_n the_o best_a wherewith_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n consist_v in_o the_o intense_a sincere_a act_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o mind_n according_a unto_o their_o respective_a power_n through_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a assistance_n we_o can_v attain_v and_o if_o we_o omit_v or_o forgo_v in_o any_o instance_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o present_a ability_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o sick_a and_o the_o lame_a if_o man_n can_v take_v it_o on_o themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o the_o like_o outward_a mode_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o best_a that_o he_o have_v endow_v they_o withal_o for_o his_o service_n they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consideration_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aid_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n he_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o duty_n oblige_v whether_o he_o pray_v by_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o or_o with_o other_o and_o for_o they_o also_o there_o be_v not_o by_o these_o mean_v perfection_n attainable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n neither_o can_v all_o attain_v the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o unto_o the_o usefulness_n of_o prayer_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v but_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o according_a
possible_a when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o work_v natural_o towards_o god_n however_o unskilled_a and_o rude_a their_o expression_n may_v be_v a_o deep_a sense_n may_v be_v leave_v upon_o their_o mind_n with_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o error_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o they_o but_o the_o bound_a and_o direct_v of_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o a_o form_n of_o word_n perhaps_o little_o suit_v unto_o their_o occasion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o their_o affection_n tend_v only_o to_o stifle_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o former_a security_n 2._o other_o such_o as_o by_o education_n and_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v so_o far_o bring_v under_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n as_o conscientious_o according_a unto_o their_o light_n to_o attend_v unto_o prayer_n as_o unto_o other_o duty_n also_o now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n will_v be_v more_o full_o determine_v afterward_o where_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v speak_v unto_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o can_v believe_v until_o further_a conviction_n that_o any_o one_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v his_o request_n and_o petition_n in_o word_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o what_o he_o do_v by_o any_o advantage_n beyond_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o prayer_n man_n may_v by_o sloth_n and_o other_o vicious_a distemper_n of_o mind_n especial_o of_o a_o negligence_n in_o get_v their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n due_o affect_v with_o the_o matter_n and_o object_n of_o prayer_n keep_v themselves_o under_o a_o real_a or_o suppose_a disability_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o whereas_o prayer_n in_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o common_a illumination_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v also_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o person_n do_v real_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o about_o he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o help_v they_o to_o express_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o either_o private_o or_o in_o their_o family_n but_o those_o who_o will_v never_o enter_v the_o water_n but_o with_o flag_n or_o bladder_n under_o they_o will_v scarce_o ever_o learn_v to_o swim_v and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a use_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v become_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v all_o progress_n or_o growth_n in_o gift_n or_o grace_n when_o every_o one_o have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o be_v his_o best_a and_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o what_o he_o have_v before_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o he_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o external_n prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o ae_z spiritual_a gift_n explain_v and_o vindicated_n what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n enable_v believer_n to_o pray_v or_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n belong_v principal_o unto_o the_o internal_a spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n therein_o wherein_o we_o have_v occasional_o only_o divert_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n either_o free_o or_o impose_v and_o indeed_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n testimony_n herein_o do_v upon_o the_o matter_n render_v all_o further_a dispute_n about_o these_o thing_n needless_a for_o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v require_v unto_o all_o acceptable_a prayer_n and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o effect_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o believer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a use_n there_o remain_v of_o such_o pretend_a aid_n but_o moreover_o prayer_n fall_v under_o another_o consideration_n namely_o as_o to_o its_o external_a performance_n and_o as_o the_o duty_n be_v discharge_v by_o any_o one_o in_o lesser_a or_o great_a society_n wherein_o upon_o his_o word_n and_o expression_n do_v depend_v their_o conjunction_n with_o he_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o consequent_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o in_o assembly_n of_o his_o appointment_n as_o church_n and_o family_n and_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n one_o shall_v pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o join_v with_o he_o thus_o be_v minister_n enable_v to_o pray_v in_o church-assembly_n as_o other_o christian_n in_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n parent_n in_o their_o family_n and_o in_o secret_n every_o believer_n for_o himself_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n give_v unto_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o express_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v in_o word_n fit_v and_o suit_v to_o lead_v on_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o unto_o a_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n i_o do_v not_o confine_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o assembly_n every_o one_o may_v and_o usual_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v for_o himself_o also_o for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v for_o himself_o in_o private_a and_o alone_a he_o can_v have_v none_o to_o pray_v in_o public_a and_o society_n wherefore_o take_v prayer_n as_o vocal_a without_o which_o adjunct_n it_o be_v not_o complete_a and_o this_o ability_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o also_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o meet_v with_o such_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n from_o many_o and_o which_o have_v other_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o yea_o to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o it_o even_o from_o family_n and_o closet_n also_o what_o they_o be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o examine_v and_o judge_v it_o be_v by_o some_o not_o only_o to_o be_v separable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n but_o no_o way_n to_o belong_v thereunto_o a_o fruit_n they_o say_v it_o be_v of_o wit_n fancy_n memory_n elocution_n volubility_n and_o readiness_n of_o speech_n namely_o in_o they_o in_o who_o on_o other_o account_n they_o will_v acknowledge_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v at_o least_o in_o no_o considerable_a degree_n some_o while_n since_o indeed_o they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o esteem_n of_o this_o ability_n by_o cry_v out_o that_o all_o those_o who_o thus_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v but_o babble_n and_o talk_v nonsense_n but_o those_o who_o have_v any_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v pray_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n receive_v do_v use_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a relief_n that_o any_o can_v find_v in_o cavil_v at_o some_o expression_n which_o perhaps_o good_a and_o wholesome_a in_o themselves_o yet_o suit_v not_o their_o palate_n or_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o miss_v of_o due_a order_n and_o decency_n yet_o be_v not_o their_o failure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o extravagancy_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o in_o suppose_a quaint_a and_o elegant_a expression_n use_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o herein_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o this_o countenance_n that_o this_o ability_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o natural_a endowment_n before_o mention_v only_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v set_v off_o by_o a_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n but_o a_o little_a beneath_o a_o intolerable_a impudence_n thus_o it_o seem_v be_v it_o with_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o pray_v as_o god_n enable_v they_o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o common_a voice_n of_o mankind_n example_n of_o scripture_n express_v testimony_n and_o command_n be_v able_a to_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v way_n unto_o the_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o every_o man_n be_v to_o pray_v or_o call_v upon_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v able_a with_o respect_n
unto_o his_o own_o condition_n relation_n occasion_n and_o duty_n certain_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o forfeit_v all_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n unto_o atheism_n or_o utter_o bury_v all_o their_o operation_n under_o the_o fury_n of_o brutish_a affection_n but_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o deity_n he_o own_v in_o word_n of_o his_o own_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o need_v not_o be_v teach_v nor_o direct_v unto_o the_o artificial_a help_n of_o constant_a form_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a invention_n and_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o that_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o do_v so_o pray_v and_o those_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v betake_v themselves_o to_o other_o relief_n as_o unto_o the_o read_n of_o prayer_n compose_v unto_o some_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n though_o not_o absolute_o to_o their_o occasion_n as_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o thing_n they_o will_v pray_v for_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a can_v as_o i_o conceive_v but_o sometime_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o not_o only_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o of_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o perform_v and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o by_o the_o prevalency_n of_o ignorance_n the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o infatuation_n of_o superstition_n be_v divert_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o scripture_n direction_n to_o say_v a_o paternoster_n it_o may_v be_v a_o ave_fw-la or_o a_o credo_fw-la for_o their_o prayer_n intend_v it_o for_o this_o or_o that_o end_n the_o benefit_n it_o may_v be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n or_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o be_v no_o way_n mention_v or_o include_v in_o what_o they_o utter_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o prayer_n in_o it_o but_o a_o mere_a take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a with_o the_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n person_n tie_v up_o unto_o such_o rule_n and_o form_n never_o pray_v in_o their_o life_n but_o in_o their_o occasional_a ejaculation_n which_o break_v from_o they_o almost_o by_o surprisal_n and_o there_o have_v not_o be_v any_o one_o more_o effectual_a mean_n of_o bring_v unholiness_n with_o a_o ungodly_a course_n of_o conversation_n into_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o this_o one_o of_o teach_v man_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n by_o their_o say_v read_v or_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o other_o man_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o understand_v not_o and_o certain_o be_v not_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n affect_v withal_o for_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n whereby_o our_o whole_a course_n be_v principal_o influence_v and_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v our_o conversation_n in_o walk_v before_o god_n which_o principal_o regard_v the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v influence_v and_o regulate_v by_o our_o attendance_n unto_o and_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o who_o prayer_n be_v hypocritical_a be_v a_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o whole_a course_n and_o he_o who_o be_v but_o negligent_a in_o they_o be_v equal_o negligent_a in_o all_o other_o duty_n now_o whereas_o our_o whole_a obedience_n unto_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o such_o a_o irrational_a supposition_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o pray_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v able_a but_o read_v the_o form_n of_o other_o instead_o thereof_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 2._o all_o the_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a either_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o new_a be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o express_v the_o gracious_a conception_n of_o their_o mind_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n before_o describe_v i_o call_v it_o their_o own_o ability_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o outward_a aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o other_o or_o a_o antecedaneous_a prescription_n of_o a_o form_n of_o word_n unto_o themselves_o not_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_n sometime_o it_o be_v say_v they_o spread_v forth_o their_o hand_n sometime_o that_o they_o list_v up_o their_o voice_n sometime_o that_o they_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n and_o cry_v sometime_o that_o they_o pour_v out_o their_o heart_n when_o overwhelm_v all_o according_a unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n the_o solemn_a benediction_n of_o the_o priest_n institute_v of_o god_n like_o the_o present_a form_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n give_v out_o and_o write_v discourse_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v in_o part_n mystical_a and_o in_o part_n prophetical_a we_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o some_o plead_v indeed_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n have_v sundry_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o use_n among_o they_o even_o at_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o their_o synagogue_n but_o they_o pretend_v and_o plead_v what_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o i_o challenge_v any_o learned_a man_n to_o give_v but_o a_o tolerable_a evidence_n unto_o the_o assertion_n for_o what_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n among_o the_o talmudist_n be_v mix_v with_o such_o ridiculous_a fable_n as_o the_o first_o suit_v the_o number_n of_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bone_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o man_n as_o full_o defeat_v its_o own_o evidence_n 3._o the_o command_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o pray_v thus_o according_a unto_o our_o own_o ability_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o all_o the_o command_v we_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v at_o all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o respect_n unto_o outward_a form_n aid_n or_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o prayer_n itself_o be_v so_o describe_v limit_v and_o determine_v as_o that_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n can_v be_v intend_v for_o whereas_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v earnest_o and_o servent_o with_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n continual_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n so_o as_o not_o to_o take_v care_n ourselves_o about_o our_o present_n concern_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o heart_n unto_o god_n to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o those_o thing_n be_v suit_v unto_o any_o kind_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o ability_n which_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o the_o entire_a discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v evident_o intimate_v in_o these_o precept_n and_o direction_n such_o various_a occasional_a work_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n such_o act_n of_o gracious_a affection_n as_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o a_o constant_a use_n of_o a_o prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n 4._o when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n own_o ability_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o do_v include_v therein_o the_o conscientious_a diligent_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o ability_n unto_o they_o or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o the_o due_a use_n exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o such_o mean_n there_o be_v and_o such_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o as_o 1._o the_o diligent_a search_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o their_o frames_n disposition_n inclination_n and_o act_n that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n indeed_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v absolute_o unsearchable_a unto_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o that_o be_v as_o unto_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o hence_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v search_v and_o try_v he_o and_o lead_v and_o conduct_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n according_a unto_o what_o he_o find_v in_o he_o and_o not_o leave_v he_o whole_o to_o act_n or_o be_v act_v according_a unto_o his_o own_o apprehension_n of_o himself_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o but_o yet_o where_o we_o do_v in_o sincerity_n inquire_v