unlawful_a this_o luther_n do_v for_o germany_n and_o calvin_n for_o geneva_n and_o for_o the_o french_a church_n who_o liturgye_n be_v still_o use_v by_o they_o yet_o i_o find_v this_o weigh_v not_o much_o with_o you_o though_o you_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v little_a to_o oppose_v to_o it_o beside_o a_o strange_a fondness_n and_o passion_n you_o have_v entertain_v for_o the_o contrary_a and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v better_o please_v with_o such_o extemporary_a prayer_n than_o with_o form_n for_o can_v any_o one_o wonder_n that_o a_o prayer_n which_o people_n never_o hear_v before_o and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o fancy_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o party_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o novelty_n give_v shall_v gratify_v carnal_a and_o itch_a ear_n more_o than_o the_o fix_a and_o settle_a prayer_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o form_n dictate_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o join_v in_o these_o with_o devotion_n require_v we_o due_o to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o strain_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n with_o much_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n or_o we_o can_v be_v affect_v by_o they_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o sensual_a delight_n in_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o tone_n with_o which_o they_o be_v sometime_o deliver_v make_v the_o hearer_n imaginarily_o devout_a though_o they_o come_v to_o they_o without_o take_v pain_n to_o strain_v their_o mind_n to_o true_a devotion_n but_o you_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o image_n and_o relic_n and_o mediatory_a saint_n have_v the_o very_a same_o effect_n on_o people_n long_o ago_o which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v they_o into_o their_o worship_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o have_v now_o bring_v in_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n fond_a of_o what_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o people_n fondness_n of_o your_o peculiar_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o i_o find_v some_o of_o you_o use_v it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n especial_o since_o ill_a people_n be_v fond_a of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o good_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o many_o undeniable_a instance_n which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v true_o and_o of_o itself_o spiritual_a 3._o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o nothing_o can_v general_o induce_v our_o clergy_n to_o decline_v these_o extemporary_a prayer_n but_o their_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n that_o they_o be_v not_o convenient_a in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o extemporary_a prayer_n will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o most_o of_o we_o and_o less_o burdensome_a than_o the_o service_n we_o use_v you_o may_v think_v otherwise_o but_o assure_v your_o self_n that_o you_o be_v mistake_v and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o those_o that_o have_v try_v both_o whether_o be_v most_o easy_a there_o be_v such_o both_o among_o you_o and_o we_o who_o have_v make_v the_o experiment_n and_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o they_o to_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n which_o of_o the_o two_o service_n they_o look_v on_o to_o be_v the_o great_a burden_n to_o he_o that_o perform_v they_o whatever_o you_o may_v think_v if_o we_o will_v indulge_v ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o to_o pass_v a_o extemporary_a prayer_n on_o our_o auditory_a or_o to_o turn_v the_o head_n of_o our_o sermon_n into_o one_o last_o i_o have_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v more_o especial_o request_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v believe_v that_o i_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o desire_v and_o study_v the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n endeavour_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n ever_o shall_v in_o all_o my_o undertake_n and_o if_o you_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n with_o i_o you_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o my_o concrn_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o man_n that_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n shall_v not_o have_v his_o spirit_n move_v within_o he_o to_o see_v a_o well-meaning_a people_n so_o strange_o mislead_v as_o to_o content_v themselves_o to_o meet_v together_o perhaps_o for_o some_o year_n with_o a_o design_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o yet_o hardly_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n immmediate_a apointment_n in_o their_o meeting_n now_o to_o my_o thought_n this_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o you_o since_o a_o man_n may_v frequent_v some_o meeting_n among_o you_o for_o some_o year_n and_o never_o hear_v a_o prayer_n a_o psalm_n or_o chapter_n which_o have_v be_v immediate_o dictate_v by_o god_n and_o never_o be_v call_v on_o to_o bow_v his_o knee_n to_o god_n or_o see_v either_o minister_n or_o people_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o that_o humble_a posture_n last_o never_o see_v any_o body_n offer_v to_o administer_v or_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o food_n of_o life_n in_o the_o lord's-supper_n these_o be_v melancholy_a reflection_n to_o i_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v require_v these_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n that_o i_o endeavour_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o you._n i_o have_v only_o to_o add_v my_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you._n and_o to_o beseech_v he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o purchaser_n of_o his_o church_n by_o a_o price_n inestimable_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o blessing_n to_o these_o my_o endeavour_n for_o your_o soul_n instruction_n that_o you_o may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n and_o i_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o be_v the_o true_a teacher_n of_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o be_v able_a to_o seal_v the_o instruction_n of_o his_o minister_n to_o your_o heart_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o to_o guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 5_o l._n 20._o for_o word_n read_v word_n pa._n 13_o l._n 10_o r._n the_o timbrel_n p._n 14_o l._n 16_o r_o contrary_a p._n 24_o l._n 22_o for_o judge_v it_o r._n judge_n of_o it_o p._n 33_o ult_n r._n pursuance_n p._n 39_o ult_n levitical_a p._n 41_o l._n 15_o r._n omit_v p._n 45_o l._n 11_o instead_o of_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n r_o promise_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o word_n in_o prayer_n without_o the_o use_n of_o sett_n and_o premeditate_a form_n p_o 54_o l._n 6_o r._n rashness_n p._n 72_o l._n 15_o and_o 16_o r._n people_n p._n 73_o l._n 3_o r._n thorough_o p._n 83_o l._n 16_o instead_o of_o the_o first_o of_o put_v in_o a_o semi-colon_n p._n 97_o l._n 7_o r._n deceive_v p._n 98_o l._n 25_o r._n meditate_a p._n 101_o l._n 11_o r._n calendar_n p_o 112_o l._n 1_o after_o the_o same_o r._n person_n p._n 114_o l._n 16_o r._n in_o the_o next_o p._n 115._o l._n 4_o de_fw-la which_o ibid._n p_o 16_o for_o much_o deelare_v r._n much_o more_o declare_v p._n 118_o l._n 17_o after_o for_o ic_fw-mi r._n and_o that_o p._n 120_o l._n 1._o after_o and_o r._n to_o p._n 127_o l._n 1_o after_o scripture_n a_o colon_n ib._n 3_o after_o supper_n a_o comma_n p._n 131_o l._n 7_o de_fw-la be_v 137_o l._n 16_o de_fw-la their_o ib._n l._n 18_o r._n receive_v p._n 149_o de_fw-la a._n p._n 164_o l_o 14._o for_o own_v r._n own_o 169_o l._n 3._o after_o table_n a_o comma_n comma_n much_o to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v urge_v out_o of_o the_o rabbin_n but_o the_o author_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o confine_v himself_o to_o scripture_n see_v durel_n and_o knox_n book_n of_o disc._n the_o author_n intention_n be_v not_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o scripture_n require_v kneel_v at_o the_o lord's-supper_n but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o practise_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o compare_v our_o receive_n it_o with_o the_o jew_n partake_v of_o their_o altar_n to_o which_o they_o approach_v with_o adoration_n
to_o express_v our_o desire_n in_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v one_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a 7._o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o account_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v further_o observe_v 1._o that_o no_o worship_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n john_n four_o 24_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o prayer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o signify_v extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o exclude_v form_n will_v appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o here_o we_o find_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v with_o it_o and_o whoever_o sing_v otherwise_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v but_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o sing_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o we_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v pray_v by_o a_o set_n and_o prepare_v form_n of_o word_n the_o most_o spiritual_a song_n consist_v of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o impose_v word_n and_o so_o may_v the_o most_o spiritual_a prayer_n pray_v therefore_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n be_v so_o far_o from_o meaning_n or_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o use_v of_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a prayer_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o for_o either_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o to_o sing_v to_o god_n in_o extemporary_a hymn_n or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o extemporary_a prayer_n since_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o interpret_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o contrary_a 2._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a we_o find_v the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o form_n so_o do_v moses_n so_o do_v david_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o and_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o on_o the_o cross_n when_o in_o his_o agony_n he_o repeat_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o psal._n xxii_o in_o syriack_n and_o as_o some_o believe_v the_o whole_a psalm_n by_o which_o act_n he_o recommend_v to_o we_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o his_o die_a breath_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n of_o express_v our_o condition_n to_o god_n and_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o therefore_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n vi_fw-la 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n judas_n 20._o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 15_o signify_v pray_v with_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pray_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n as_o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o sing_v by_o a_o form_n 3._o we_o have_v a_o promise_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v assist_v we_o with_o this_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o word_n without_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o rom._n viij_o 26_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v utter_v those_o inward_a motion_n in_o the_o heart_n call_v here_o groan_n be_v that_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v and_o indeed_o only_o can_v help_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v with_o this_o grace_n be_v to_o pray_v in_o and_o with_o the_o spirit_n whether_o we_o use_v word_n or_o no_o and_o if_o we_o do_v use_v they_o whether_o we_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n first_o or_o pour_v they_o forth_o as_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v always_o furnish_v we_o with_o fit_a word_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v that_o he_o will_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v furnish_v some_o with_o such_o word_n for_o we_o find_v both_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n dictate_v immediate_o by_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v example_n in_o the_o hymn_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o zacharias_n and_o in_o the_o song_n or_o prayer_n of_o simeon_n and_o in_o act_n four_o 24_o but_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o may_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o this_o gift_n more_o than_o for_o any_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n pray_v and_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o we_o be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o pray_v extemporary_a prayer_n from_o any_o example_n of_o inspire_a man_n in_o scripture_n than_o to_o sing_v extemporary_a hymn_n from_o the_o like_a example_n to_o which_o yet_o none_o i_o think_v pretend_v 5._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o even_o those_o who_o compose_v their_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n do_v not_o general_o offer_v they_o to_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n till_o they_o have_v first_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o form_n thus_o david_n first_o pen_v his_o psalm_n and_o then_o deliver_v they_o to_o be_v sing_v 1._o chron._n xuj_o 7_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o prophet_n 1._o cor._n fourteen_o 26_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v suppose_v every_o one_o to_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o have_v they_o ready_a and_o reduce_v into_o form_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o come_v together_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o have_v a_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o place_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a not_o only_o from_o the_o word_n which_o natural_o import_v this_o and_o can_v hardly_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v but_o likewise_o from_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o what_o these_o prophet_n have_v prepare_v and_o what_o be_v reveal_v immediate_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o vers_n 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n which_o show_v that_o these_o psalm_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v so_o far_o be_v these_o inspire_a man_n from_o countenance_v a_o extemporary_a unpremeditated_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n except_o where_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o it_o and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o scripture-proof_n be_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n worship_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o conceive_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o tongue_n their_o necessity_n to_o god_n without_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n 8._o it_o lie_v therefore_o my_o friend_n on_o your_o teacher_n who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n for_o your_o principle_n or_o else_o to_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v lay_v aside_o prayer_n by_o form_n command_v by_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n to_o make_v room_n for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v of_o man_n own_o invention_n but_o further_a that_o place_n eccl._n v._n 1.2_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o strong_a argument_n against_o such_o prayer_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rash_a with_o our_o mouth_n or_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rashnesh_a to_o trust_v the_o express_v all_o our_o desire_n to_o such_o uncertain_a and_o unpremeditated_a word_n as_o our_o invention_n suggest_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o he_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o promise_n of_o be_v supply_v to_o we_o
the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o dull_a and_o tedious_a so_o mal._n i._n 13_o you_o say_v also_o what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o and_o you_o snuff_v at_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appoint_v be_v always_o more_o spiritual_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n be_v own_o invention_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o men._n 4._o it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o you_o when_o people_n complain_v of_o be_v dull_a and_o unaffected_a by_o mere_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n read_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o true_o proceed_v from_o a_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a heart_n estrange_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o reason_n that_o sermon_n please_v and_o affect_v more_o than_o a_o chapter_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o the_o novelty_n and_o outward_a ornament_n of_o they_o rather_o than_o the_o 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find_v it_o allege_v as_o a_o six_o pretence_n for_o not_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o your_o meeting_n that_o a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o and_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o then_o what_o need_v it_o take_v up_o the_o minister_n time_n to_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o less_o his_o or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o sinful_a to_o neglect_v it_o the_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v minister_n be_v not_o set_v apart_o for_o difficult_a thing_n only_o which_o other_o can_v perform_v but_o they_o be_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n that_o god_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a as_o for_o example_n god_n have_v command_v his_o minister_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o to_o pour_v on_o water_n in_o this_o form_n be_v no_o such_o difficult_a thing_n but_o a_o child_n or_o any_o else_o may_v perform_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord's-supper_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n office_n to_o perform_v these_o and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o delegate_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o other_o or_o omit_v they_o because_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o quite_o different_a sacredness_n efficacy_n and_o force_n when_o perform_v by_o a_o person_n ordain_v and_o authorize_v to_o this_o purpose_n then_o when_o perform_v by_o another_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n hold_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o read_v the_o scripture_n a_o man_n may_v read_v they_o at_o home_n a_o child_n may_v read_v they_o in_o church_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o assurance_n of_o efficacy_n and_o a_o blessing_n as_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o person_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n ordinance_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o experience_n as_o i_o have_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n from_o what_o they_o have_v feel_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o read_v will_v attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o you_o my_o friend_n know_v and_o own_o this_o as_o i_o hope_v the_o generality_n of_o you_o do_v you_o must_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o pretence_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v not_o know_v it_o you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v from_o ignorance_n and_o not_o consider_v the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v your_o teacher_n duty_n to_o inform_v you_o better_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v allow_v by_o their_o directory_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n we_o have_v this_o rule_n there_o in_o express_a word_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v read_v over_o in_o order_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o you_o can_v show_v but_o one_o meeting_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o which_o this_o have_v be_v due_o perform_v we_o will_v not_o accuse_v you_o so_o general_o of_o violate_v god_n command_n in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o such_o meeting_n you_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o you_o will_v excuse_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o observe_v to_o you_o how_o insignificant_a general_a rule_n be_v without_o descend_v to_o a_o particular_a determination_n of_o circumstance_n here_o we_o have_v in_o your_o directory_n a_o general_a rule_n such_o as_o it_o be_v for_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o be_v particular_a as_o the_o calendar_n in_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v i_o question_v if_o it_o yet_o be_v ever_o once_o observe_v or_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v practical_a to_o observe_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o almost_o in_o every_o other_o general_a rule_n and_o therefore_o to_o leave_v the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v order_v by_o such_o general_a rule_n only_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o teach_v people_n to_o neglect_v it_o v._o these_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o i_o can_v possible_o think_v of_o or_o have_v hear_v urge_v for_o your_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o other_o may_v be_v pretend_v but_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o if_o i_o have_v i_o will_v have_v give_v they_o a_o due_a consideration_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o those_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o excuse_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n from_o manifest_a breach_n of_o god_n command_n in_o prefer_v man_n invention_n to_o his_o institution_n after_o all_o i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o look_v on_o all_o these_o to_o be_v only_a pretence_n and_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n negligence_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v give_v we_o 2_o tim._n four_o 3_o for_o the_o time_n will_v come_v say_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n a_o itch_a ear_n here_o can_v signify_v nothing_o so_o proper_o as_o a_o ear_n that_o love_v novelty_n and_o variety_n because_o therefore_o our_o church_n give_v the_o people_n little_a that_o be_v new_a in_o her_o prayer_n or_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o retain_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o hence_o
the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v man_n from_o stir_v up_o or_o use_v the_o gift_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2._o other_o of_o you_o go_v further_o and_o affirm_v that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o join_v in_o a_o worship_n where_o they_o be_v use_v or_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o speak_v public_o to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o join_v their_o voice_n but_o their_o heart_n only_o with_o he_o upon_o these_o principle_n you_o forsake_v our_o worship_n and_o many_o of_o you_o think_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o present_v at_o our_o religious_a assembly_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n therefore_o that_o you_o shall_v understand_v what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o our_o worship_n which_o you_o thus_o forsake_v be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v and_o these_o principle_n of_o your_o worship_n and_o your_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v your_o forsake_v our_o assembly_n to_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v each_o of_o these_o principle_n apart_o ii_o and_o first_o for_o that_o position_n of_o your_o directory_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n for_o enable_v their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v and_o their_o tongue_n to_o express_v convenient_a desire_n to_o god_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v what_o promise_n or_o foundation_n it_o have_v in_o scripture_n i_o profess_v to_o you_o serious_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o can_v make_v i_o never_o can_v find_v any_o such_o promise_v make_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o meet_v any_o dissenter_n that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v any_o such_o exclusive_a of_o the_o use_n of_o form_n if_o then_o there_o be_v none_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v not_o be_v it_o not_o too_o much_o presumption_n in_o the_o compiler_n of_o your_o directory_n to_o obtrude_v this_o doctrine_n on_o the_o world_n or_o persuade_v people_n to_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o nay_o as_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n for_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o command_n in_o scripture_n require_v we_o to_o worship_n or_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o a_o conceive_v extemporary_a or_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o example_n in_o a_o settle_a ordinary_a congregation_n where_o it_o be_v practise_v if_o then_o you_o can_v show_v none_o of_o these_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o promise_n nor_o command_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worship_n build_v on_o it_o a_o vanity_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v seven_o 7_o if_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o confute_v a_o adversary_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a but_o this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o consequence_n that_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v both_o grateful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o they_o and_o set_v it_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v under_o the_o follow_a head_n iii_o 1._o first_o therefore_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o whoever_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o faith_n sincerity_n fervency_n love_n humility_n conformity_n to_o god_n will_n understanding_n and_o decency_n of_o expression_n pray_v acceptable_o to_o he_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whoever_o pray_v without_o these_o do_v want_v it_o 2._o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o himself_o can_v attain_v these_o grace_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o beget_v they_o in_o we_o 3._o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acquire_v by_o natural_a mean_n a_o ability_n to_o express_v himself_o decent_o in_o prayer_n though_o he_o can_v so_o acquire_v faith_n or_o any_o other_o inward_a grace_n so_o that_o decency_n of_o expression_n be_v the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o not_o always_o a_o part_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n may_v have_v all_o these_o qualification_n and_o therefore_o his_o prayer_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o the_o dissenter_n 1._o from_o the_o assembly_n large_a catechism_n which_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v how_o be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n to_o be_v use_v the_o answer_n be_v the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v not_o only_o for_o direction_n as_o a_o pattern_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v other_o prayer_n but_o may_v be_v also_o use_v as_o a_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 2._o many_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o turn_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o metre_n and_o then_o sing_v they_o line_n by_o line_n after_o the_o minister_n as_o for_o example_n the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o five_o psalm_n run_v thus_o in_o the_o translation_n they_o use_v give_v ear_n unto_o my_o word_n o_o lord_n my_o meditation_n weigh_v hear_v my_o loud_a cry_n my_o king_n my_o god_n for_o i_o to_o thou_o will_v pray_v this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o any_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o by_o their_o use_v it_o as_o they_o do_v they_o plain_o practice_v pray_v by_o a_o form_n and_o do_v further_o also_o allow_v that_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o praise_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n with_o sing_v and_o that_o they_o may_v repeat_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n with_o what_o reason_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v against_o we_o that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n sing_v in_o verse_n and_o after_o the_o minister_n read_v it_o be_v commendable_a but_o the_o same_o say_v or_o sing_v in_o prose_n be_v unlawful_a 5._o extemporary_a conceive_a prayer_n may_v want_v these_o spiritual_a qualification_n of_o prayer_n as_o i_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o contend_v most_o for_o they_o and_o they_o often_o be_v manifest_o deficient_a be_v sometime_o perform_v without_o reverence_n or_o decency_n of_o expression_n and_o by_o some_o even_o without_o understanding_n and_o where_o these_o qualification_n be_v find_v other_o may_v be_v want_v the_o scripture_n observe_v that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v long_a prayer_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n he_o may_v want_v faith_n humility_n fervency_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n and_o therefore_o such_o prayer_n be_v not_o always_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 6._o therefore_o when_o god_n promise_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o supplication_n to_o his_o people_n zach._n twelve_o 10_o this_o promise_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o enable_v all_o man_n who_o be_v god_n child_n to_o conceive_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o express_v with_o their_o mouth_n convenient_a desire_n without_o a_o form_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o every_o one_o to_o 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