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
common_a people_n of_o christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o that_o idolatry_n which_o at_o length_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o device_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o those_o abomination_n be_v not_o only_o express_v but_o graphical_o represent_v and_o act_v so_o violent_o affect_v the_o carnal_a mind_n of_o man_n superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a impose_v they_o on_o their_o practice_n which_o gradual_o harden_v they_o with_o a_o obdurate_a credulity_n for_o although_o they_o see_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n doctrinal_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o about_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o may_v easy_o have_v see_v that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n unto_o all_o the_o conductive_a principle_n of_o man_n and_o christian_n namely_o faith_n reason_n and_o sense_n yet_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o obstinate_a pretence_n of_o believe_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v admit_v in_o practice_n man_n i_o say_v of_o corrupt_a mind_n may_v have_v dispute_v long_o enough_o about_o vagrant_a form_n accident_n without_o subject_n transmutation_n of_o substance_n without_o accident_n sacrifice_n bloody_a and_o unbloody_a before_o they_o have_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o gross_a idolatry_n have_v not_o this_o engine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o its_o introduction_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o this_o mean_v inveagle_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o and_o at_o length_n comprise_v in_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v continual_o to_o use_v in_o divine_a service_n their_o whole_a soul_n become_v leaven_v and_o taint_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o and_o love_n unto_o these_o abomination_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o become_v gradual_o corrupt_v be_v not_o at_o once_o objective_o and_o doctrinal_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o consideration_n of_o man_n to_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o their_o truth_n or_o error_n a_o method_n due_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o gradual_o insinuate_v into_o their_o practice_n by_o additional_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o gild_n of_o the_o poisonous_a pill_n who_o operation_n when_o it_o be_v swallow_v be_v to_o bereave_v man_n of_o their_o sense_n reason_n and_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o mad_o avow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o all_o beside_o as_o be_v before_o intimate_v the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o idolatry_n namely_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v so_o act_v and_o represent_v in_o those_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o to_o take_v great_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o carnal_a man_n until_o they_o be_v mad_a on_o their_o idol_n for_o when_o all_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n excite_v by_o outward_a spectacle_n they_o will_v make_v mad_a work_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o have_v therefore_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o idolatrous_a worship_n shall_v have_v be_v introduce_v into_o the_o church_n in_o general_n have_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o universal_o receive_v at_o least_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o introduce_v and_o so_o establish_v as_o to_o procure_v and_o cause_v the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o thousand_o of_o holy_a person_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n alone_o be_v bring_v in_o that_o fatal_a engine_n of_o the_o church_n ruin_n from_o who_o murderous_a efficacy_n few_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n or_o soul_n have_v all_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o liberty_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o leave_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o irregularity_n may_v have_v prevail_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o many_o mistake_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o practice_n yet_o this_o monster_n of_o the_o mass_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o many_o have_v never_o be_v conceive_v nor_o bring_v forth_o at_o least_o not_o nourish_v into_o that_o terrible_a form_n and_o power_n wherein_o it_o appear_v and_o act_v for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o christian_n receive_v their_o tephilloth_n or_o prayer-book_n from_o armillus_n that_o be_v antichrist_n it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v determine_v and_o establish_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v profess_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o outward_a advantage_n liturgy_n compose_v in_o compliance_n therewithal_o be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o this_o mischief_n but_o this_o arise_v from_o that_o external_a cause_n alone_o otherwise_o where_o ever_o those_o who_o have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n once_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v common_a for_o the_o most_o so_o to_o do_v form_n of_o prayer_n answerable_a unto_o those_o deviation_n will_v quick_o be_v insinuate_v and_o the_o present_a various_a liturgy_n that_o be_v among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o little_a other_o use_n than_o to_o establish_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o peculiar_a error_n which_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hereby_o do_v god_n suffer_v contempt_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n of_o man_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o trust_v unto_o his_o institution_n and_o his_o care_n of_o they_o but_o do_v first_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n and_o then_o like_o uzzah_n put_v forth_o a_o hand_n of_o force_n to_o hold_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o shake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o the_o first_o invention_n yet_o the_o first_o public_a recommendation_n and_o prescription_n of_o devise_a form_n of_o prayer_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v to_o prevent_v the_o insinuation_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o corrupt_a modes_n of_o worship_n into_o the_o public_a administration_n this_o be_v fear_v from_o person_n infect_v with_o heresy_n that_o may_v creep_v into_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o orthodox_n and_o the_o arian_n compose_v prayer_n hymn_n and_o doxology_n the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o insert_v in_o they_o passage_n confirm_v their_o own_o profession_n and_o condemn_v that_o of_o their_o adversary_n now_o however_o this_o invention_n may_v be_v approve_v while_o it_o keep_v within_o bound_n yet_o it_o prove_v the_o trojan_a horse_n that_o bring_v in_o all_o evil_n into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o its_o belly_n for_o he_o who_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o engine_n and_o occasion_n to_o corrupt_v those_o prayer_n which_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v power_n in_o they_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v and_o confine_v unto_o and_o this_o take_v place_n effectual_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o second_o race_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v destroy_v the_o western_a roman_a empire_n to_o speak_v brief_o and_o plain_o it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n alone_o namely_o of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o devise_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o they_o alone_o that_o the_o mass_n with_o its_o transubstantiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v be_v introduce_v until_o the_o world_n inflame_v with_o those_o idol_n drench_v itself_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o testimony_n against_o those_o abomination_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v soon_o discover_v that_o no_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o liturgy_n compose_v no_o impose_v use_v of_o they_o in_o the_o primitive_a
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
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
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
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 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