in_o that_o case_n he_o know_v in_o some_o measure_n or_o in_o general_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o without_o any_o peculiar_a spiritual_a illumination_n but_o yet_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o wherein_o their_o respect_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a end_n or_o chief_a good_a of_o the_o person_n concern_v do_v stand_v with_o regard_n whereunto_o they_o can_v alone_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o of_o themselves_o they_o can_v understand_v but_o have_v need_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o more_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n whereof_o no_o man_n of_o himself_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o he_o or_o useful_a unto_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v internal_a want_n that_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n such_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n whereof_o that_o accuse_v sin_n against_o natural_a light_n and_o plain_a outward_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n these_o thing_n we_o know_v somewhat_o of_o without_o any_o especial_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o desire_n of_o deliverance_n be_v inseparable_a from_o they_o but_o we_o may_v observe_v here_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v hereof_o of_o ourselves_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o confuse_a as_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n able_a thereby_o to_o manage_v our_o want_n in_o prayer_n aright_o unto_o god_n a_o natural_a conscience_n awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o affliction_n or_o other_o providential_a visitation_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o unfeigned_a and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o gild_n upon_o the_o soul_n but_o until_o the_o spirit_n do_v convince_v of_o sin_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o such_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o mind_n that_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o make_v his_o address_n unto_o god_n about_o it_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o treat_v aright_o with_o god_n about_o the_o gild_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o mere_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v proceed_v under_o that_o sole_a conduct_n and_o guidance_n the_o heathen_n go_v in_o deal_v with_o their_o suppose_a god_n without_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o propitiation_n make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n yea_o prayer_n about_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n discern_v in_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n be_v but_o a_o abomination_n beside_o 2._o we_o all_o know_v how_o small_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o believer_n do_v lie_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o light_n and_o determination_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n for_o 3._o the_o thing_n about_o which_o believer_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o treat_v principal_o and_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o their_o supplication_n be_v the_o inward_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o sin_n in_o they_o hereon_o david_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o original_a and_o all_o know_v actual_a sin_n psal._n 51._o 5._o nor_o yet_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o none_o know_v his_o own_o wander_n whence_o he_o desire_v cleanse_v from_o unknown_a sin_n psal._n 19_o 12._o but_o moreover_o he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o undertake_v the_o inward_a search_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v amiss_o or_o right_a in_o he_o psal._n 139._o 23_o 24._o as_o know_v that_o god_n principal_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n psal._n 51._o 6._o such_o be_v the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n 1_o thess._n 5._o 23._o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v what_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o god_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n gild_n violence_n and_o deceit_n of_o sin_n in_o its_o inward_a act_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o other_o thing_n innumerable_a thereunto_o belong_v make_v up_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o formal_o supplication_n add_v hereunto_o that_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n take_v large_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n so_o call_v every_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v intercourse_n with_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n do_v belong_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o love_n in_o christ_n jesus_n with_o all_o the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o benefit_n which_o thence_o we_o do_v receive_v all_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o he_o with_o their_o faculty_n and_o affection_n in_o brief_a every_o thing_n and_o every_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n do_v consist_v or_o which_o do_v belong_v thereunto_o with_o all_o occasion_n and_o emergency_n of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n comprise_v herein_o and_o that_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o manage_v they_o acceptable_o in_o our_o supplication_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n few_o be_v so_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a as_o to_o assert_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o render_v they_o not_o of_o the_o less_o weight_n or_o moment_n for_o some_o can_v see_v no_o necessity_n of_o thus_o understand_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o promise_v unto_o prayer_n and_o suppose_v that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o without_o it_o but_o those_o who_o so_o speak_v neither_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v nor_o it_o seem_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v for_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o faith_n rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o faith_n respect_v god_n promise_n heb._n 4._o 1._o rom._n 4._o if_o therefore_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v we_o can_v pray_v at_o all_o it_o be_v marvellous_a what_o thought_n such_o person_n have_v of_o god_n and_o themselves_o who_o without_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o their_o own_o want_n and_o without_o a_o understanding_n of_o god_n promise_n wherein_o all_o their_o supply_n be_v lay_v up_o do_v say_v their_o prayer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o continual_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o poverty_n or_o rather_o misery_n of_o devise_a aid_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o pernicious_a effect_n or_o consequent_a that_o they_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o search_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o prescribe_v unto_o man_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v neverneed_a either_o to_o search_v their_o own_o heart_n or_o god_n promise_v about_o it_o and_o this_o whole_a work_n be_v dispatch_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o than_o be_v the_o soul_n prepare_v aright_o for_o this_o duty_n and_o then_o only_o when_o it_o understand_v its_o own_o condition_n the_o supply_n of_o grace_n provide_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o supply_n unto_o its_o want_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o its_o conveyance_n unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n that_o all_o this_o we_o have_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v three_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n i_o join_v the_o end_n we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o direct_v they_o unto_o and_o herein_o also_o be_v we_o in_o ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o man_n may_v lose_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o propose_v undue_a end_n unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o our_o saviour_n say_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v but_o the_o apostle_n james_n affirm_v of_o some_o chap._n 4._o 3._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v amiss_o to_o consume_v it_o on_o your_o pleasure_n to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n and_o not_o express_o unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v be_v to_o ask_v amiss_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o yet_o whatever_o confidence_n we_o may_v have_v of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n if_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o ourselves_o without_o the_o especial_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o aim_n will_v never_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v fail_v and_o do_v so_o in_o this_o kind_n when_o not_o under_o the_o actual_a conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v when_o our_o own_o natural_a and_o distemper_a affection_n do_v immix_v
or_o spiritual_a faculty_n of_o exercise_v faith_n love_n reverence_n fear_v delight_n and_o other_o grace_n in_o a_o way_n of_o vocal_a request_n supplication_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n phil._n 4._o 6._o this_o gift_n and_o ability_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v bestow_v and_o this_o work_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n insist_v on_o so_o cry_v abba_n father_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o wherein_o we_o shall_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o go_v before_o we_o in_o and_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o believer_n due_o exercise_v in_o duty_n of_o obedience_n do_v confirm_v and_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o our_o endeavour_n we_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v ecstatical_a enthusiastical_a unaccountable_a rapture_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o a_o real_a gracious_a effect_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o thing_n we_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o spirit_n herein_o be_v that_o he_o supply_v and_o furnish_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o due_a comprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o what_o ought_v both_o in_o general_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o our_o particular_a occasion_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o without_o this_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n pray_v that_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o comprehension_n hereof_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o prayer_n be_v destroy_v and_o herein_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_v rom._n 8._o 26._o likewise_o also_o the_o spirit_n 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 it_o be_v that_o expression_n only_o which_o at_o present_a i_o urge_v we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v this_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v otherwise_o namely_o that_o man_n know_v well_o enough_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o only_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o careless_a and_o will_v not_o pray_v for_o what_o they_o know_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v make_v no_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v abominable_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v abide_v by_o the_o truth_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o i_o shall_v further_o evidence_n immediate_o namely_o that_o without_o the_o especial_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n no_o man_n know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v another_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v impudent_a if_o we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n unto_o he_o whereof_o there_o be_v the_o least_o colourable_a pretence_n that_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o effect_v or_o provide_v for_o so_o great_a a_o unwillingness_n be_v there_o to_o allow_v he_o either_o place_n work_v or_o office_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o although_o man_n do_v not_o of_o themselves_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o yet_o this_o defect_n may_v be_v supply_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n prepare_v on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v and_o confine_v man_n unto_o what_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o we_o may_v therefore_o dismiss_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o assistance_n as_o unto_o this_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v so_o set_v down_o and_o fix_v on_o ink_n and_o paper_n that_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v miss_v of_o his_o duty_n therein_o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o our_o ensue_a discourse_n namely_o what_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o affirm_v that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o ourselves_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v universal_o true_a as_o unto_o all_o person_n as_o well_o those_o who_o prescribe_v prayer_n as_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n help_v and_o relieve_v we_o herein_o whether_o we_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o relinquish_v and_o neglect_v his_o assistance_n and_o so_o to_o rely_v only_o on_o such_o supply_n as_o be_v invent_v or_o use_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o be_v plain_o whether_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v unto_o in_o this_o matter_n or_o not_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatever_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o and_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o in_o the_o book_n another_o thing_n to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v unto_o we_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o mouth_n must_v speak_v in_o this_o matter_n mat._n 12._o 34._o there_o be_v therefore_o in_o we_o a_o threefold_a defect_n with_o respect_v unto_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o can_v be_v so_o no_o other_o way_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o therein_o be_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o want_n 2._o we_o know_v not_o the_o supply_v of_o they_o that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o the_o end_n whereunto_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v which_o i_o add_v unto_o the_o former_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o these_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v as_o he_o ought_v and_o we_o can_v no_o way_n know_v they_o but_o by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a it_o will_v be_v evident_a how_o in_o this_o first_o instance_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o our_o want_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o three_o head_n and_o none_o of_o they_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o know_v aright_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o due_a subject_n of_o our_o supplication_n and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o this_o first_o consist_v in_o our_o outward_a strait_n pressure_n and_o difficulty_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o with_o all_o other_o temporal_a thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o those_o thing_n it_o shall_v seem_v wondrous_o clear_a that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v of_o they_o and_o our_o natural_a desire_n about_o they_o yet_o how_o and_o when_o under_o what_o condition_n and_o limitation_n with_o what_o frame_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n what_o submission_n unto_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o therefore_o do_v god_n call_v the_o prayer_n of_o most_o about_o they_o howl_v and_o not_o a_o cry_n unto_o he_o with_o the_o heart_n hos._n 7._o 14._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o voice_n of_o nature_n cry_v in_o its_o distress_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n prayer_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o and_o man_n ofttimes_o most_o miss_v it_o where_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o know_v our_o temporal_a want_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n require_v more_o wisdom_n than_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v furnish_v withal_o for_o who_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n in_o this_o life_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o vain_a life_n which_o he_o spend_v as_o a_o shadow_n eccl._n 6._o 12._o and_o ofttimes_o believer_n be_v never_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n than_o how_o to_o pray_v aright_o about_o temporal_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v in_o pain_n or_o distress_n or_o under_o any_o want_n who_o continuance_n will_v be_v destructive_a to_o his_o be_v but_o he_o may_v yea_o he_o ought_v to_o make_v deliverance_n from_o they_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n so_o
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o nathanael_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o the_o church_n 1682._o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o premise_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o necessity_n benefit_n and_o use_v of_o prayer_n in_o general_n all_o man_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o the_o life_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o religion_n do_v principal_o consist_v therein_o wherefore_o that_o way_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n which_o give_v the_o best_a direction_n for_o it_o with_o the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n unto_o it_o and_o most_o abound_v in_o its_o observance_n have_v therein_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o all_o error_n which_o either_o pervert_v its_o nature_n or_o countenance_v a_o neglect_n of_o a_o due_a attendanceunto_o it_o be_v pernicious_a in_o religion_n so_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o dispute_n about_o any_o of_o its_o vital_a concern_v can_v but_o be_v dangerous_a and_o of_o evil_a consequence_n for_o on_o each_o hand_n these_o pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a regulation_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a in_o our_o religion_n than_o that_o true_a apprehension_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o use_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o declaration_n and_o defence_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v oppose_v or_o undue_o traduce_v be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a also_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n as_o such_o also_o there_o be_v particular_a operation_n ascribe_v unto_o he_o mention_n be_v likewise_o frequent_o make_v of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o aid_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n some_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v experience_n as_o also_o of_o their_o efficacy_n unto_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v receive_v according_o these_o regulate_v themselves_o in_o this_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o expectation_n or_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v accommodate_v with_o other_o aid_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o they_o esteem_v sufficient_a for_o they_o do_v look_v on_o the_o former_a profession_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o ability_n to_o pray_v by_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a empty_a pretence_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o these_o different_a apprehension_n those_o at_o variance_n seem_v to_o be_v almost_o barbarian_n one_o to_o another_o the_o one_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o the_o other_o do_v vehement_o affirm_v for_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o their_o mind_n not_o mere_o by_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o by_o the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o sense_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n communicate_v unto_o one_o another_o for_o whereas_o spiritual_a experience_n of_o truth_n be_v above_o all_o other_o demonstration_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o enlighten_v and_o conviction_n of_o other_o hence_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o supply_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v admire_v that_o the_o use_n or_o necessity_n of_o they_o herein_o shall_v be_v contradict_v nor_o can_v they_o understand_v what_o they_o intend_v who_o seem_v to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o all_o his_o circumstance_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o make_v use_n in_o his_o so_o do_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o prayer_n they_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o only_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n do_v denote_v namely_o that_o which_o be_v vocal_a some_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o a_o conviction_n of_o their_o reality_n that_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n they_o despise_v and_o reproach_v the_o 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from_o the_o roman_a breviaries_n and_o missal_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o they_o be_v here_o mention_v only_o to_o evince_v the_o use_n of_o a_o sedate_n enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o which_o shall_v principal_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v unto_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o edification_n without_o strife_n or_o contention_n now_o this_o can_v be_v without_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o two_o sole_a rule_n of_o judgement_n herein_o namely_o scripture-revelation_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o although_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o former_a yet_o where_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o water_n face_n answer_v unto_o face_n so_o do_v scripture_n revelation_n and_o spiritual_a experience_n unto_o one_o another_o all_o other_o reason_n from_o custom_n tradition_n and_o feign_a consequence_n be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n the_o inquiry_n before_o we_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o unto_o their_o prayer_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o that_o work_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o thereby_o antecedent_o hereunto_o it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v whether_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v only_o vain_o pretend_v unto_o by_o some_o that_o be_v deceive_v but_o the_o determination_n hereof_o depend_v absolute_o on_o the_o forego_n enquiry_n it_o may_v be_v handle_v joint_o with_o they_o and_o needs_o no_o distinct_a consideration_n he_o that_o will_v not_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n must_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o experience_n other_o safe_a guide_n he_o have_v none_o yet_o will_v it_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whence_o this_o duty_n spring_v wherein_o it_o be_v found_v from_o whence_o as_o unto_o its_o essence_n it_o can_v vary_v as_o also_o from_o general_o receive_v principle_n of_o religion_n suit_v thereunto_o with_o the_o uncorrupted_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o former_a age_n much_o direction_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o testimony_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o experience_n wherefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a ensue_a discourse_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o consideration_n and_o exposition_n of_o some_o of_o those_o text_n
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
be_v content_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n free_v from_o that_o labour_n and_o travel_v of_o mind_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o imposition_n be_v the_o grave_a wherein_o they_o be_v bury_v for_o at_o length_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v provoke_v with_o their_o sloth_n and_o unbelief_n do_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o do_v officiate_v in_o divine_a worship_n and_o hereby_o they_o lose_v also_o one_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o mediatory_a life_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o be_v and_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o reference_n unto_o their_o whole_a worship_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o although_o they_o have_v indulge_v divers_a enthusiast_n who_o revelation_n and_o act_n pretend_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v venture_v at_o notion_n about_o mental_a prayer_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o themselves_o yet_o as_o unto_o free_a prayer_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n or_o otherwise_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o fierce_a opposer_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n so_o to_o be_v for_o shake_v this_o foundation_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o entire_a systeme_n of_o humane_o devise_v prayer_n for_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o mass_n with_o all_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o religion_n if_o vanity_n and_o imagination_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n which_o be_v lay_v thereon_o will_v tumble_v into_o the_o pit_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v here_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o first_o occasion_n of_o write_v this_o discourse_n be_v the_o perusal_n of_o mr._n cressy_n preface_n to_o his_o church_n history_n wherein_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o advance_v the_o pretend_a mental_a prayer_n of_o some_o of_o his_o enthusiast_n he_o reflect_v with_o much_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n upon_o that_o free_a pray_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o all_o his_o pretence_n be_v examine_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o their_o prayer_n private_a and_o public_a and_o have_v prevail_v thereby_o on_o many_o dispose_v unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o by_o their_o own_o gild_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v well_o detect_v by_o evince_v the_o idolatry_n whereby_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o their_o devotion_n be_v vitiate_a and_o render_v unacceptable_a but_o this_o also_o be_v of_o weight_n with_o i_o that_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o systeme_n and_o order_n of_o their_o whole_a devotion_n and_o its_o exercise_n be_v apparent_o compose_v and_o fit_v unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o yet_o do_v they_o continue_v under_o a_o incredible_a delusion_n as_o to_o oppose_v revile_v and_o condemn_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n on_o this_o consideration_n that_o those_o who_o make_v they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n nor_o his_o aid_n which_o be_v all_o confine_v unto_o their_o church_n but_o if_o any_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n maintain_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v do_v more_o to_o exclude_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n in_o prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n than_o their_o church_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o great_o mistake_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a work_n with_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o i_o say_v not_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o that_o cause_v any_o to_o embrace_v their_o way_n of_o devotion_n but_o to_o return_v the_o thing_n plead_v for_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n 1._o no_o person_n no_o church_n be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a constitution_n precept_n or_o approve_a example_n to_o confine_v themselves_o in_o their_o public_a or_o private_a worship_n unto_o set_n or_o humane_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n if_o any_o such_o constitution_n precept_n or_o example_n can_v be_v produce_v which_o hitherto_o have_v not_o be_v do_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v withal_o and_o whilst_o other_o be_v leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n in_o their_o use_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enervate_v all_o plea_n for_o their_o imposition_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o promise_v make_v and_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n unto_o it_o as_o unto_o peculiar_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n to_o deny_v this_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o to_o bring_v present_a ruin_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o distress_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o look_v after_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o promise_a aid_n and_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n without_o this_o all_o those_o promise_n be_v despise_v and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o flourish_n of_o word_n without_o truth_n power_n or_o efficacy_n in_o they_o but_o 4._o this_o they_o be_v command_v to_o do_v and_o have_v bless_a experience_n of_o success_n therein_o the_o former_a be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o testimony_n live_v and_o die_v 5._o beyond_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o they_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o natural_a light_n in_o outward_a circumstance_n there_o be_v nothing_o needful_a unto_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o public_a worship_n in_o its_o assembly_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v it_o be_v what_o christ_n never_o appoint_v nor_o the_o apostle_n ever_o practise_v nor_o the_o first_o church_n after_o they_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n 6._o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o therein_o they_o may_v express_v a_o agreement_n as_o in_o doctrine_n by_o a_o joint_a confession_n of_o faith_n so_o in_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o material_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o order_n and_o method_n thereof_o on_o which_o foundation_n they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n communicate_v with_o each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o member_n 7._o whereas_o the_o difference_n about_o prayer_n under_o consideration_n concern_v christian_a practice_n in_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n great_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v where_o it_o be_v not_o obstruct_v and_o cloud_v by_o prejudices_fw-la sloth_n or_o adverse_a principle_n and_o opinion_n therefore_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n consist_v principal_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o those_o concernment_n of_o prayer_n which_o relate_v unto_o practice_n and_o experience_n and_o hence_o it_o follow_v 8._o that_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o compose_v these_o difference_n among_o we_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o all_o of_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o that_o diligence_n frequency_n fervency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o season_n as_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o time_n wherein_o they_o who_o ever_o they_o be_v who_o trouble_v other_o may_v for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v near_o unto_o trouble_v themselves_o this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o lead_v we_o all_o into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o a_o agreement_n in_o notion_n be_v of_o little_a use_n or_o value_n but_o i_o confess_v hope_n be_v weak_a concern_v the_o due_a application_n of_o this_o remedy_n unto_o any_o of_o our_o evil_n or_o distemper_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o
deny_v all_o internal_a real_a efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o deride_v all_o their_o effect_n have_v so_o far_o diffuse_v and_o rivet_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o that_o little_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o retreat_n unto_o those_o aid_n and_o relief_n this_o evil_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v reserve_v for_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o although_o the_o work_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v much_o neglect_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o age_n past_a of_o such_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o all_o his_o internal_a grace_n and_o operation_n as_o now_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o pelagian_n who_o be_v most_o guilty_a do_v fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n they_o have_v escape_v the_o record_n and_o monument_n that_o remain_v of_o their_o deportment_n bold_n effort_n they_o be_v of_o atheistical_a inclination_n in_o man_n open_o avow_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o utter_a want_n of_o all_o experience_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a neither_o do_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o office_n meet_v with_o better_a entertainment_n among_o many_o and_o by_o some_o have_v be_v treat_v with_o scurrility_n and_o blasphemy_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n be_v great_a and_o fierce_a but_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v those_o who_o live_v not_o on_o a_o traditionary_a faith_n will_v not_o forsake_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n or_o renounce_v faith_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o all_o flesh_n almost_o have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v general_o lose_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n nor_o will_v long_o abide_v yea_o multitude_n all_o the_o world_n over_o seem_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a unless_o it_o be_v where_o they_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o great_a pretence_n of_o a_o flourish_a state_n in_o religion_n than_o that_o of_o some_o church_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n especial_o one_o at_o this_o day_n but_o if_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o from_o among_o themselves_o concern_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o for_o set_v aside_o the_o multitude_n of_o atheist_n antiscripturist_n and_o avow_a disbeliever_n of_o the_o supernatural_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o herd_n that_o remain_v influence_v into_o a_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o man_n uphold_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o extravagant_a secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n be_v not_o very_o high_o considerable_a yea_o their_o present_a height_n seem_v to_o be_v on_o a_o precipice_n what_o inroad_n in_o other_o place_n bold_a opinion_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o operation_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o pretence_n of_o morality_n in_o opposition_n to_o evangelical_n grace_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n be_v make_v every_o day_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o although_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o poison_n discover_v themselves_o daily_o in_o the_o decay_v of_o piety_n the_o increase_n of_o immorality_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o the_o abound_a of_o flagitious_a sin_n expose_v nation_n unto_o the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o security_n of_o most_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n proclaim_v itself_o in_o various_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o deplore_v whereas_o therefore_o one_o mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o deliverance_n out_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o declaration_n of_o its_o nature_n with_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o spring_n and_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o derive_v its_o efficacy_n which_o be_v attempt_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n may_v i_o hope_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v of_o some_o use_n unto_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n errata_fw-la pag._n 13._o l._n 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 16._o l._n 15._o supplication_n and_o it_o be_v l._n 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 18._o l._n 13._o these_o r._n therefore_o l._n 14._o in_o r._n for_o l._n 15._o but_o r._n put_v p._n 23._o l._n 17._o r._n out_o for_o p._n 28._o l._n 1._o r._n prophecy_n p._n 41._o margin_n deal_n abba_n father_n the_o meaning_n of_o it_o l._n 7._o r._n ymma_fw-la l._n 9_o in_o regard_n r._n be_v require_v l._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 51._o l._n 12._o what_o whereas_o r._n that_o p._n 72._o l._n 26._o like_v not_o p._n 73._o these_o word_n in_o the_o margin_n omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o quotation_n which_o be_v omit_v the_o whole_a be_v as_o follow_v omnino_fw-la oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la orationis_fw-la tempore_fw-la in_o curiam_fw-la intrare_fw-la coelestem_fw-la illam_fw-la utique_fw-la curiam_fw-la in_o qua_fw-la rex_fw-la regum_fw-la stellato_fw-la sedet_fw-la solio_fw-la circumdante_fw-la innumerabili_fw-la &_o inessabili_fw-la beatorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la exercitu_fw-la quanta_fw-la ergo_fw-la cum_fw-la reverentia_fw-la quanto_fw-la timore_fw-la quantâ_fw-la illuc_fw-la humilitate_fw-la accedere_fw-la debet_fw-la è_fw-la palude_fw-la sua_fw-la procedens_fw-la ranuncula_fw-la vilis_fw-la quam_fw-la tremebundus_fw-la quam_fw-la denique_fw-la humilis_fw-la &_o solicitus_fw-la &_o toto_fw-la intentus_fw-la animo_fw-la majestatali_fw-la gloriae_fw-la bernard_n serm._n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la orandi_fw-la modis_fw-la p._n 74._o l._n 7._o r._n prayer_n p._n 119._o l._n 22._o other_o there_o be_v p._n 120._o l._n 28._o unwearied_a r._n unvaried_a p._n 142._o l._n 2._o this_o r._n their_o p._n 144._o l._n 21._o affliction_n r._n affection_n p._n 175._o l._n 21._o their_o r._n these_o p._n 201._o l._n 26._o the_o r._n their_o p._n 202._o l._n 11._o r._n noxious_a l._n 14._o r._n obnoxious_a the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o prayer_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n therein_o with_o a_o brief_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o form_n chap._n i._n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n be_v either_o general_a and_o not_o confine_v with_o a_o respect_n unto_o any_o one_o duty_n more_o than_o another_o or_o particular_a with_o respect_n unto_o some_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o they_o all_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o all_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o particular_a duty_n in_o they_o but_o there_o be_v moreover_o sundry_a especial_a work_n or_o operation_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o although_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o general_a head_n of_o sanctification_n yet_o they_o fall_v under_o a_o especial_a consideration_n proper_a unto_o themselves_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o aid_n or_o assistance_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o prayer_n in_o the_o whole_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o comprise_v meditation_n supplication_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o signal_n duty_n of_o religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o most_o pregnant_a notion_n with_o its_o practical_a language_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n concur_v in_o their_o suffrage_n with_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o they_o both_o of_o they_o joint_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a duty_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o without_o it_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o person_n live_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n they_o think_v the_o duty_n of_o vow_n prayer_n and_o praise_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n yea_o although_o they_o find_v out_o external_a ceremonious_a way_n of_o solemnize_n their_o devotion_n yet_o it_o be_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n alone_o which_o be_v
their_o natural_a necessary_a fundamental_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v which_o they_o do_v own_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a story_n extant_a record_v the_o monument_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o degenerate_a christianity_n it_o may_v be_v speak_v there_o be_v not_o more_o frequent_a account_n give_v of_o their_o sacred_a invocation_n and_o supplication_n unto_o their_o suppose_a god_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o historical_a monument_n and_o story_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o christian_a nation_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o eminent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o god_n without_o which_o converse_n we_o have_v no_o present_a advantage_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o such_o as_o will_v turn_v unto_o our_o eternal_a disadvantage_n in_o that_o misery_n whereof_o they_o be_v uncapable_a this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o exercise_v towards_o he_o all_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o do_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o acceptable_a acknowledgement_n of_o that_o homage_n and_o revenue_n of_o glory_n which_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o exhibit_v in_o their_o due_a kind_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o use_n and_o advantage_v the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v unto_o ourselves_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o express_v every_o one_o can_v add_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n for_o it_o will_v be_v say_v by_o who_o be_v it_o ever_o discommend_v and_o i_o wish_v i_o see_v reason_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o reply_n for_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o but_o the_o declare_a opinion_n of_o many_o do_v evidence_n that_o neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o its_o necessity_n do_v find_v that_o acceptance_n and_o esteem_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v not_o further_o insist_v upon_o it_o for_o my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n property_n uses_n effect_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o gracious_a duty_n as_o it_o be_v the_o vital_a breath_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v original_n in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n whereof_o the_o neglect_n be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o practical_a atheism_n for_o he_o that_o pray_v not_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n its_o direction_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n manner_n and_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o constant_a use_n and_o practice_n both_o from_o especial_a command_n and_o our_o state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a variety_n of_o inward_a and_o outward_a occasion_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o or_o we_o may_v be_v exercise_v withal_o argument_n motive_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o constancy_n fervency_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o know_a example_n of_o its_o mighty_a efficacy_n and_o marvellous_a success_n the_o certain_a advantage_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v receive_v thereby_o in_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o strength_n with_o peace_n and_o consolation_n with_o sundry_a other_o of_o its_o concernment_n although_o much_o treat_v of_o already_o by_o many_o may_v yet_o be_v further_o consider_v and_o improve_v but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v my_o present_a design_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o his_o gracious_a operation_n in_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o work_n and_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o and_o towards_o believer_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o his_o operation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o other_o particular_a grace_n or_o duty_n what_o ever_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o hope_v will_v sufficient_o vindicate_v and_o confirm_v truth_n but_o hereby_o believer_n be_v instruct_v as_o in_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o duty_n itself_o so_o in_o the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n or_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o where_o frequent_a plain_a revelation_n concur_v in_o multiply_v command_n and_o direction_n with_o continual_a experience_n as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o this_o case_n their_o instruction_n be_v firm_a and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v fix_v on_o their_o mind_n as_o this_o render_v a_o enquiry_n hereinto_o both_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o so_o than_o that_o wherein_o the_o spiritual_a life_n and_o comfort_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v and_o which_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o so_o gracious_a a_o condescension_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o goodness_n so_o moreover_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n herein_o above_o all_o other_o his_o operation_n require_v that_o something_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o vindication_n of_o it_o but_o the_o enmity_n hereunto_o seem_v to_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o these_o latter_a age_n i_o mean_v among_o such_o as_o pretend_v unto_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n in_o former_a age_n of_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v a_o reproach_n but_o as_o now_o the_o contradiction_n herein_o be_v great_a and_o fierce_a so_o be_v there_o not_o any_o difference_n concern_v any_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o party_n at_o variance_n be_v more_o confident_a and_o satisfy_v in_o and_o about_o their_o own_o apprehension_n than_o they_o be_v who_o dissent_v about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o those_o who_o oppose_v what_o be_v ascribe_v by_o other_o unto_o he_o herein_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deny_v and_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o refuse_v a_o communion_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o work_n so_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o but_o moreover_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o conception_n that_o they_o revile_v and_o speak_v evil_a contemptuous_o and_o despiteful_o of_o what_o they_o do_v oppose_v hence_o ability_n to_o pray_v as_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o grace_n or_o a_o duty_n or_o any_o way_n useful_a among_o man_n that_o it_o be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v as_o a_o paltry_a faculty_n fit_a to_o be_v explode_v from_o among_o christian_n and_o at_o length_n it_o be_v traduce_v as_o a_o invention_n and_o artifice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o the_o surprisal_n and_o offence_n of_o many_o sober_a person_n the_o unadvisedness_n of_o which_o insinuation_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v manifest_v other_o again_o profess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n in_o this_o world_n of_o all_o the_o aid_n assistance_n or_o gift_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o communicate_v and_o help_v they_o withal_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o inestimable_a and_o herein_o they_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o all_o trouble_n distress_n temptation_n and_o persecution_n such_o assurance_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v with_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o their_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o rather_o judge_v that_o they_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o great_a sin_n to_o themselves_o by_o who_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reproach_v hence_o i_o know_v not_o any_o difference_n about_o religious_a thing_n that_o be_v manage_v with_o great_a animosity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o worse_a consequent_n than_o this_o which_o be_v about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o hinge_n on_o which_o all_o other_o difference_n about_o divine_a worship_n do_v turn_v and_o depend_v it_o may_v therefore_o be_v well_o worth_a our_o while_n yea_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n sedate_o and_o diligent_o to_o inquire_v into_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n
thing_n that_o have_v some_o low_a and_o mean_a resemblance_n of_o what_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n suggest_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o mystery_n contain_v therein_o the_o principal_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n conceal_v from_o himself_o and_o much_o more_o from_o other_o only_o it_o be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o church_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n that_o believer_n may_v search_v and_o diligent_o inquire_v into_o what_o be_v signify_v and_o foretell_v therein_o that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v gradual_o lead_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n according_a as_o he_o be_v please_v gracious_o to_o communicate_v of_o his_o save_v light_a unto_o they_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o david_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n that_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o minister_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o as_o have_v mystery_n in_o they_o which_o they_o can_v not_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o comprehend_v but_o as_o this_o gift_n be_v cease_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o by_o any_o pretend_a unto_o so_o be_v it_o confine_v of_o old_a unto_o a_o very_a few_o inspire_a person_n and_o belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n for_o we_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o believer_n and_o herein_o a_o preference_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o those_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v which_o i_o know_v it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n make_v use_v of_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n without_o any_o other_o end_n use_v or_o mystical_a instruction_n all_o which_o concur_v in_o their_o prophetical_a composure_n for_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o prayer_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o whatever_o any_o pretend_v or_o plead_v thence_o follow_v that_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v do_v the_o same_o much_o less_o that_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v always_o so_o to_o do_v for_o there_o be_v now_o a_o more_o plentiful_a and_o rich_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n upon_o they_o than_o be_v upon_o those_o of_o old_a and_o as_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o god_n command_n so_o god_n command_n be_v suit_v unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o person_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v not_o to_o make_v use_n constant_o in_o their_o so_o do_v of_o the_o gift_n aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v peculiar_o dispense_v and_o communicate_v therein_o on_o pretence_n of_o what_o be_v do_v under_o the_o old_a be_v to_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n wherefore_o although_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o promise_a grace_n and_o assistance_n nor_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n do_v plead_v for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v compose_v by_o some_o and_o read_v by_o other_o or_o themselves_o and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n yet_o such_o as_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o who_o own_o it_o their_o duty_n constant_o to_o use_v and_o improve_v the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o such_o principle_n or_o practice_n as_o will_v plain_o annihilate_v the_o promise_n thus_o much_o then_o we_o may_v suppose_v ourselves_o to_o have_v obtain_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o give_v unto_o believer_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n or_o his_o own_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o pray_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n therein_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v and_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o oppose_v in_o general_n this_o one_o promise_n unto_o the_o open_a reproach_n and_o bold_a contempt_n that_o be_v by_o many_o cast_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n who_o framer_n unless_o they_o can_v blot_v this_o text_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n will_v fail_v at_o last_o in_o their_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o need_v to_o plead_v any_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o way_n of_o promise_n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v express_o assign_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o promise_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o one_o promise_v to_o that_o purpose_n wherein_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o include_v therefore_o the_o know_a multiplication_n of_o they_o add_v strength_n unto_o our_o argument_n chap._n iii_o gal._n 4._o 6._o open_v and_o vindicated_n the_o next_o general_a evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n under_o consideration_n be_v the_o account_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n herein_o be_v in_o general_n express_v and_o '_o this_o be_v gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n cry_v abba_n father_n a_o account_n as_o be_v say_v be_v here_o give_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_v before_o explain_v and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o word_n first_o the_o subject_a on_o who_o he_o be_v bestow_v and_o in_o who_o he_o work_v be_v believer_n or_o those_o who_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n and_o because_o we_o be_v son_n he_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o privilege_n of_o adoption_n we_o obtain_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a appellation_n or_o description_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o promise_v and_o give_v unto_o this_o purpose_n he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n that_o the_o original_a ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v his_o eternal_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n as_o proceed_n from_o he_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o evince_v but_o there_o be_v something_o more_o particular_a here_o intend_v he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o communication_n to_o believer_n there_o be_v therefore_o include_v herein_o that_o especial_a regard_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o work_n mention_v as_o it_o be_v a_o evangelical_n mercy_n and_o privilege_n he_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n not_o only_o because_o of_o his_o eternal_a procession_n from_o he_o but_o 1._o because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o unction_n consecration_n and_o sanctification_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n here_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o give_v a_o example_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v in_o and_o towards_o all_o his_o member_n 2._o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o and_o by_o he_o that_o he_o be_v communicate_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o fatherand_n he_o whereon_o upon_o his_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mediation_n in_o a_o state_n of_o humiliation_n according_a to_o it_o he_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v he_o on_o who_o he_o will_v for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mediation_n act_v 2._o 33._o chap._n 5._o 31._o 2_o formal_o in_o that_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v derive_v unto_o we_o from_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o spiritual_a life_n in_o who_o they_o be_v all_o treasure_v and_o lay_v up_o unto_o that_o purpose_n col._n 2._o 19_o eph._n 4._o 16._o col._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o second_o the_o work_n of_o this_o spirit_n in_o general_a as_o bestow_v on_o believer_n be_v partly_o include_v partly_o express_v in_o these_o word_n in_o general_n which_o be_v include_v he_o enable_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o suitable_o unto_o that_o state_n and_o
better_o but_o for_o evident_a reason_n we_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o man_n although_o they_o shall_v not_o here_o be_v plead_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o know_v that_o from_o he_o which_o have_v not_o be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o person_n endow_v sometime_o with_o a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o light_n and_o illumination_n improve_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v have_v lose_v both_o their_o light_n and_o gift_n also_o and_o thus_o suitable_o unto_o my_o design_n and_o purpose_n i_o have_v give_v a_o delineation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n promise_v unto_o and_o bestow_v on_o all_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n chap._n ix_o duty_n infer_v from_o the_o precede_a discourse_n the_o issue_n of_o all_o inquiry_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v how_o we_o may_v improve_v they_o unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o know_v they_o happy_a be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v they_o and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o our_o practice_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o a_o due_a and_o constant_a return_v of_o glory_n unto_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o that_o free_a gift_n of_o he_o who_o nature_n we_o have_v inquire_v into_o 2._o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v gracious_o enable_v unto_o thereby_o and_o 1._o we_o ought_v continual_o to_o bless_v god_n and_o give_v 〈◊〉_d glory_n to_o he_o for_o this_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 1._o and_o supplication_n grant_v unto_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n on_o their_o part_n of_o all_o holy_a intercourse_n with_o god_n and_o of_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o how_o do_v the_o world_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o fruit_n of_o divine_a bounty_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o wander_v after_o vain_a imagination_n whilst_o it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o manage_v its_o conviction_n nor_o how_o at_o all_o to_o deal_v with_o god_n about_o its_o concern_v that_o world_n which_o can_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n can_v never_o have_v aught_o to_o do_v with_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n there_o be_v by_o who_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v be_v revile_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o under_o the_o shade_n of_o many_o pretence_n do_v they_o hide_v themselves_o from_o the_o light_n in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o by_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v act_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v forth_o his_o spirit_n even_o on_o they_o also_o who_o will_v quick_o cause_v they_o to_o look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v and_o it_o appear_v two_o way_n how_o great_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v to_o enjoy_v and_o improve_v this_o privilege_n 1._o in_o that_o both_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o prophet_n pray_v direct_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o without_o limitation_n that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o fury_n on_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n psal._n 79._o 6._o jer._n 10._o 25._o and_o 2._o in_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o faith_n in_o obedience_n be_v denominate_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v rom._n 10._o 13._o for_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o fruit_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n so_o eminent_o annex_v unto_o it_o or_o it_o be_v place_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o declare_v the_o benefit_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o have_v thereby_o no_o heart_n can_v conceive_v that_o treasury_n of_o mercy_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o one_o privilege_n in_o have_v liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n at_o all_o time_n according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n this_o be_v the_o relief_n the_o refuge_n the_o weapon_n and_o assure_a refreshment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o condition_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n that_o he_o have_v grant_v a_o ampliation_n of_o this_o privilege_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n be_v now_o pour_v forth_o from_o above_o and_o enlarge_v in_o his_o dispensation_n both_o intensive_o and_o extensive_o those_o on_o who_o he_o be_v bestow_v do_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o large_a measure_n than_o they_o do_v former_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n thence_o be_v that_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n in_o their_o access_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o cry_a abba_n father_n which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v among_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o of_o old_a they_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o the_o new_a lay_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a letter_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v especial_o methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o by_o they_o who_o seem_v real_o to_o prefer_v the_o pomp_n of_o legal_a worship_n before_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_n but_o to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n understand_v their_o difference_n well_o enough_o and_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o some_o will_v make_v use_n of_o argument_n or_o a_o pretence_n of_o they_o for_o such_o help_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n as_o seem_v not_o compliant_a with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n before_o describe_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o indeed_o they_o can_v prove_v nothing_o from_o thence_o for_o do_v they_o not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o principal_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o people_n be_v then_o carnal_a and_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o carnal_a ordinance_n do_v in_o this_o particular_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o which_o be_v mere_o so_o and_o only_o so_o nor_o have_v that_o we_o know_v of_o any_o use_n of_o they_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o have_v unquestionable_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n pour_v on_o they_o shall_v either_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o or_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o different_a dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o we_o where_o different_a fruit_n and_o effect_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v be_v set_v free_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n know_v the_o difference_n and_o will_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o it_o again_o it_o be_v extensive_o enlarge_v in_o that_o it_o be_v now_o communicate_v unto_o multitude_n whereas_o of_o old_a it_o be_v confine_v unto_o a_o few_o then_o the_o dew_n of_o it_o only_o water_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n now_o the_o shower_n of_o it_o be_v pour_v down_o on_o all_o nation_n even_o all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o every_o assembly_n of_o mount_n zion_n through_o the_o world_n call_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v offer_v unto_o god_n through_o the_o effectual_a work_n
yea_o abuse_v to_o the_o worst_a imaginable_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a witness_v hereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n declare_v 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o for_o among_o they_o of_o old_a there_o be_v multitude_n of_o false_a pretender_n unto_o vision_n dream_n revelation_n and_o such_o spiritual_a ecstasy_n some_o of_o who_o wear_v a_o rough_a garment_n to_o deceive_v which_o go_v not_o alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o all_o such_o appear_a austerity_n as_o may_v beget_v a_o opinion_n of_o sanctity_n and_o integrity_n in_o they_o and_o when_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v grow_v corrupt_a and_o superstitious_a this_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v credit_n with_o they_o above_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v hypocritical_a liar_n and_o we_o be_v abundant_o warn_v of_o such_o spirit_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o be_v foretell_v that_o such_o there_o will_v be_v by_o who_o many_o shall_v be_v delude_v and_o all_o such_o pretender_n unto_o extraordinary_a intercourse_n with_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v by_o the_o unerring_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o desire_v only_a liberty_n so_o to_o do_v but_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o assert_v these_o devotion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v not_o false_a pretender_n unto_o what_o they_o profess_v nor_o design_n to_o deceive_v but_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v yet_o neither_o will_v this_o give_v we_o the_o least_o security_n of_o their_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n partly_o natural_a partly_o diabolical_a whereby_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o person_n may_v be_v so_o possess_v with_o false_a image_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o with_o so_o vehement_a a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n that_o no_o assurance_n of_o they_o can_v be_v give_v by_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v pretend_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v dispose_v unto_o such_o a_o frame_n and_o act_n or_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o delusion_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v prompt_v by_o superstition_n and_o be_v encourage_v doctrinal_o to_o a_o expectation_n of_o such_o imagination_n that_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a wonder_n that_o more_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o extravagancy_n than_o that_o any_o have_v so_o do_v we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o have_v have_v their_o imagination_n so_o fix_v on_o thing_n evil_a and_o noxioo_v by_o satanical_a delusion_n that_o they_o have_v confess_v against_o themselves_o thing_n and_o crime_n that_o have_v render_v they_o obnoxion_n unto_o capital_a punishment_n whereof_o they_o be_v never_o real_o and_o actual_o guilty_a wherefore_o see_v these_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o devotion_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v such_o as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a actuation_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v rational_o be_v account_v for_o nor_o render_v perceptible_a unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o other_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v only_o fond_a imagination_n of_o delude_a fancy_n which_o superstitious_a credulous_a person_n have_v gradual_o raise_v themselves_o unto_o or_o such_o as_o they_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o withal_o by_o satan_n through_o a_o groundless_a unwarrantable_a desire_n after_o they_o or_o expectation_n of_o they_o but_o what_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v call_v it_o neither_o be_v prayer_n nor_o can_v on_o any_o account_n be_v so_o esteem_v that_o we_o allow_v of_o mental_a prayer_n and_o all_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o holy_a meditation_n be_v before_o declare_v nor_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n or_o necessity_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n of_o mortify_v the_o affection_n and_o passion_n of_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o god_n with_o complacency_n in_o he_o so_o far_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o be_v that_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pure_a adhesion_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o we_o inquire_v into_o and_o i_o say_v whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v herein_o yet_o it_o have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v so_o esteem_v though_o under_o that_o name_n and_o notion_n it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o prayer_n be_v a_o natural_a duty_n the_o notion_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o concurrent_a voice_n of_o nature_n deceive_v not_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v not_o compliant_a therewith_o at_o lest_o what_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v prayer_n now_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n this_o duty_n be_v that_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n wherein_o from_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sovereign_n be_v selfsufficiency_n rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n power_n righteousness_n and_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o universal_a dependence_n on_o he_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n as_o to_o their_o being_n life_n happiness_n and_o all_o their_o concernment_n they_o address_v their_o desire_n with_o faith_n and_o trust_n unto_o he_o according_a as_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n do_v require_v or_o ascribe_v praise_n and_o glory_n unto_o he_o for_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n centre_n in_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n conceive_v of_o it_o under_o any_o other_o notion_n whatever_o the_o gospel_n direct_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a mercy_n we_o all_o do_v desire_n but_o it_o change_v nothing_o in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o introduce_v a_o duty_n of_o another_o kind_n and_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o that_o which_o be_v know_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o this_o general_a nature_n of_o prayer_n all_o man_n universal_o understand_v well_o enough_o in_o who_o the_o first_o innate_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o extinguish_v or_o woeful_o deprave_v this_o may_v be_v do_v among_o some_o by_o a_o long_a traditional_a course_n of_o a_o atheistical_a and_o brutish_a conversation_n but_o as_o large_a and_o extensive_a as_o be_v the_o conviction_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n so_o be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o first_o act_n of_o nature_n towards_o a_o divine_a be_v be_v in_o invocation_n jonahs_n mariner_n know_v how_o every_o one_o to_o call_v on_o his_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o trust_v or_o affiance_n in_o god_n act_v whereby_o man_n glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o where_o desire_n or_o praise_n be_v not_o offer_v unto_o he_o neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v without_o express_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o prayer_n whatever_o else_o there_o may_v be_v wherefore_o this_o contemplative_a devotion_n wherein_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o soul_n be_v ecstasy_v into_o a_o advance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n have_v no_o one_o property_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o mankind_n prayer_n without_o a_o actual_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a excellency_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o fear_n love_n confidence_n and_o gratitude_n be_v a_o monster_n in_o nature_n or_o a_o by-blow_n of_o imagination_n which_o have_v no_o existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la these_o person_n therefore_o have_v best_o find_v out_o some_o other_o name_n wherewith_o to_o impose_v this_o kind_n of_o devotion_n upon_o our_o admiration_n for_o from_o the_o whole_a precinct_n of_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v utter_o exclude_v and_o what_o place_n it_o may_v have_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v
judge_v by_o they_o a_o serve_v of_o god_n with_o the_o best_a that_o they_o have_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o of_o any_o dissent_n about_o they_o but_o whereas_o a_o persuasion_n not_o only_o of_o their_o lawfulness_n but_o of_o their_o necessity_n be_v make_v use_n of_o unto_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n be_v high_o concern_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v make_v some_o enquiry_n thereinto_o i_o say_v it_o be_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o use_n as_o give_v occasion_n or_o a_o suppose_a advantage_n unto_o man_n to_o oppose_v deny_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n of_o prayer_n with_o its_o cause_n and_o end_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v that_o be_v that_o any_o way_n consider_v these_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o their_o use._n for_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_n or_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o such_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n as_o they_o choose_v for_o their_o best_a and_o hope_v for_o acceptance_n in_o unless_o they_o be_v express_o idolatrous_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o case_n or_o the_o like_a which_o be_v plain_a either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n revelation_n it_o be_v a_o silly_a apprehension_n and_o tend_v to_o atheism_n that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o all_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o act_n towards_o he_o according_a to_o that_o sovereign_a light_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n what_o the_o form_n intend_v be_v how_o compose_v how_o use_v how_o in_o some_o case_n impose_v be_v thing_n so_o know_v to_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o prayer_n be_v god_n institution_n and_o the_o read_n of_o these_o form_n be_v that_o which_o man_n have_v make_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o likeness_n thereof_o or_o in_o compliance_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v provide_v the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o or_o other_o to_o compose_v prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o we_o or_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o inference_n the_o direct_a contrary_a rather_o ensue_a on_o the_o proposition_n lay_v down_o it_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o beside_o the_o provision_n of_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o moreover_o promise_v do_v not_o communicate_v unto_o his_o church_n such_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o shall_v enable_v they_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a pretend_a help_n to_o pray_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v not_o admit_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v christian_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v provide_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o preach_v and_o command_v all_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o make_v one_o sermon_n to_o constant_o read_v in_o all_o assembly_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o variation_n unless_o we_o shall_v grant_v also_o that_o he_o cease_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n our_o enquiry_n therefore_o will_v be_v what_o place_n or_o use_v they_o may_v have_v therein_o or_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o perform_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o which_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o promise_v unto_o any_o to_o help_n or_o assist_v they_o in_o compose_v prayer_n for_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o or_o his_o assistance_n unto_o that_o end_n in_o particular_a nor_o foundation_n to_o build_v faith_n or_o expectation_n of_o receive_v he_o upon_z wherefore_o he_o be_v not_o in_o any_o especial_a or_o gracious_a manner_n concern_v in_o that_o work_n or_o endeavour_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o fall_v under_o his_o care_n as_o communicate_v gift_n in_o general_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v afterward_o examine_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v no_o where_o peculiar_o promise_v for_o that_o end_n nor_o have_v we_o either_o command_n or_o direction_n to_o ask_v for_o his_o assistance_n therein_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n i_o answer_v beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o plead_v at_o large_a in_o the_o explication_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v promise_v direct_o to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o they_o that_o make_v prayer_n for_o other_o which_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v be_v pray_v but_o suppose_v it_o a_o duty_n in_o general_a so_o to_o compose_v prayer_n for_o our_o own_o or_o the_o use_n of_o other_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o aid_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o not_o as_o unto_o his_o peculiar_a assistance_n in_o prayer_n not_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o sanctifier_n the_o author_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o every_o gracious_a work_n and_o duty_n in_o we_o it_o may_v be_v the_o prayer_n compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v also_o pretend_v but_o as_o the_o inspiration_n or_o assistance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o work_n be_v a_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ordinary_o promise_v or_o that_o any_o person_n can_v now_o pretend_v unto_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v dictate_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v use_v afterward_o by_o other_o as_o mere_a form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v into_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o some_o of_o these_o external_a aid_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o one_o consideration_n utter_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o of_o these_o prayer_n be_v prepare_v by_o great_a and_o holy_a man_n martyr_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o indeed_o have_v any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o promise_n of_o especial_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o work_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v but_o the_o person_n intend_v be_v as_o likely_a to_o partake_v of_o that_o assistance_n as_o any_o other_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v always_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o such_o purpose_n as_o to_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o for_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o single_a person_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o especial_a promise_n give_v unto_o any_o this_o work_n of_o compose_v prayer_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o unto_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v thereunto_o however_o it_o may_v be_v a_o common_a duty_n and_o fall_n under_o the_o help_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o general_n so_o some_o man_n from_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n above_o other_o which_o they_o attain_v by_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o comprehension_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o to_o be_v use_v and_o plead_v in_o our_o supplication_n may_v set_v down_o and_o express_v a_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o outward_a form_n of_o it_o that_o shall_v declare_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v pray_v for_o much_o more_o accommodate_v to_o the_o condition_n want_n and_o desire_n of_o christian_n than_o other_o can_v who_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o they_o be_v nor_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v have_v for_o those_o prayer_n as_o they_o be_v call_v which_o man_n without_o such_o light_n and_o experience_n compose_v of_o phrase_n and_o expression_n gather_v up_o from_o other_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o invent_v by_o themselves_o and_o cast_v into_o a_o contexture_n and_o method_n such_o as_o they_o suppose_v suit_v unto_o prayer_n in_o