say_v that_o the_o spirit_n come_v at_o once_o upon_o all_o in_o one_o way_n and_o prompt_v they_o all_o to_o one_o kind_n of_o word_n be_v to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v or_o have_v be_v prophet_n a_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v prove_v and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o set_a form_n compose_v by_o moses_n and_o sing_v in_o part_n by_o all_o the_o people_n as_o in_o our_o congregation_n now_o it_o be_v also_o sing_v by_o miriam_n and_o the_o woman_n and_o that_o in_o dance_n too_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n or_o sign_n that_o a_o set_a form_n be_v lawful_a for_o miriam_n be_v a_o prophetess_n verse_n 20._o the_o three_o witness_n be_v 3._o david_n a_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n 1_o chron._n 16._o where_o after_o that_o godly_a king_n and_o kingly_a prophet_n have_v bring_v to_o his_o own_o house_n or_o city_n the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o put_v the_o church_n in_o order_n he_o compose_v a_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n which_o he_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o asaph_n verse_n 15._o and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o enjoin_v by_o divine_a instinct_n and_o royal_a prerogative_n the_o people_n to_o say_v save_v we_o o_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o gather_v we_o together_o and_o deliver_v we_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_a verse_n 36._o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o three_o witness_n let_v this_o truth_n be_v justify_v sect_n ii_o have_v see_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n brief_o state_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o use_n in_o all_o our_o action_n there_o be_v that_o will_v have_v we_o answer_v these_o three_o question_n to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o to_o proceed_v according_a as_o the_o answer_n be_v make_v the_o question_n be_v these_o 1._o an_fw-mi liceat_fw-la whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o substance_n 2._o an_fw-mi deceat_fw-la whether_o it_o be_v proper_a or_o become_v the_o party_n that_o perform_v it_o and_o 3._o an_fw-mi expediat_fw-la whether_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v expedient_a for_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o we_o shall_v ask_v these_o question_n concern_v this_o kind_n of_o form_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v but_o whether_o in_o this_o or_o that_o gesture_n in_o this_o or_o that_o habit_n or_o in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o that_o a_o set_a form_n be_v lawful_a appear_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n argum._n 1._o from_o that_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a supply_n which_o it_o bring_v in_o against_o those_o general_a infirmity_n that_o be_v general_o incident_a to_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o their_o approach_n and_o address_n unto_o god_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v never_o nor_o be_v not_o now_o without_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o without_o they_o that_o be_v infirm_a and_o according_a to_o the_o church_n infirmity_n the_o almighty_a suit_n his_o power_n his_o love_n his_o grace_n and_o bounty_n to_o babe_n he_o allow_v milk_n to_o man_n of_o age_n he_o afford_v strong_a meat_n all_o christian_n can_v swim_v through_o the_o turbulent_a sea_n of_o their_o inward_a corruption_n nor_o outward_a temptation_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o such_o soulsaving_a bladder_n neither_o be_v all_o able_a to_o run_v some_o must_v have_v crutch_n even_o to_o sustain_v they_o in_o walk_v in_o those_o way_n that_o be_v call_v holy_a at_o all_o time_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v good_a and_o like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n strive_v most_o when_o it_o be_v hold_v in_o by_o the_o bit_n and_o bridle_n of_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n but_o most_o desperate_o deceitful_a when_o it_o be_v bring_v before_o god_n in_o prayer_n then_o the_o best_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v distract_v and_o the_o weak_a christian_a have_v his_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v almost_o extinguish_v before_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n through_o that_o inability_n and_o unfitnesse_n that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o at_o all_o time_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o time_n which_o make_v god_n oftentimes_o go_v without_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o poor_a creature_n without_o his_o blessing_n there_o be_v three_o common_a infirmity_n attend_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n bring_v in_o and_o furnish_v he_o with_o suitable_a help_n against_o they_o as_o 1._o it_o furnish_v he_o with_o elocution_n against_o his_o barrenness_n there_o be_v that_o have_v rational_a soul_n within_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o a_o common_a discourse_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n not_o be_v able_a though_o in_o thing_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n to_o frame_v or_o find_v out_o word_n to_o cause_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v understand_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o he_o with_o who_o they_o so_o discourse_v how_o shall_v they_o then_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o for_o to_o cause_v the_o almighty_a i_o speak_v after_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a god_n to_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v have_v of_o he_o be_v confuse_v within_o and_o remain_v mute_a without_o now_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n put_v word_n in_o their_o mouth_n lay_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a in_o all_o humility_n to_o let_v god_n know_v the_o want_n of_o his_o soul_n at_o least_o in_o the_o lump_n or_o in_o gross_a know_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o explain_v to_o himself_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n to_o give_v a_o happy_a answer_n to_o those_o very_a word_n which_o in_o sincerity_n be_v put_v up_o unto_o he_o 2._o it_o furnish_v he_o with_o promptness_n against_o his_o dulness_n there_o be_v many_o christian_n even_o out_o of_o love_n with_o their_o own_o prayer_n through_o the_o often_o break_v and_o disjointing_a of_o their_o most_o servant_n petition_n because_o they_o can_v pray_v smooth_o and_o ready_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o neglect_v prayer_n wilful_o and_o constant_o now_o a_o set_a form_n bring_v a_o suitable_a help_n to_o this_o malady_n give_v they_o such_o light_n that_o prompt_o and_o ready_o it_o cause_v they_o to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o he_o who_o without_o a_o hearty_a ask_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o give_v and_o without_o this_o help_n they_o will_v not_o have_v boldness_n to_o ace_n suppose_v that_o because_o they_o love_v not_o such_o prayer_n neither_o from_o themselves_o nor_o other_o that_o god_n love_v they_o not_o when_o he_o hear_v they_o from_o other_o or_o themselves_o 3._o it_o furnish_v he_o with_o knowledge_n against_o his_o ignorance_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o not_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v but_o sometime_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a possible_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o ask_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o if_o they_o will_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n matth._n 6._o 33._o they_o may_v forget_v or_o do_v not_o reckon_v of_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o frame_v or_o methodize_v their_o prayer_n and_o because_o they_o be_v never_o learn_v suppose_v they_o shall_v never_o be_v hear_v so_o in_o a_o slothful_a way_n sit_v down_o cease_v from_o duty_n conclude_v that_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v they_o at_o the_o last_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v excuse_v they_o at_o the_o present_a now_o a_o set_a form_n teach_v they_o distinct_o how_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o what_o blessing_n they_o want_v for_o minister_n for_o all_o governor_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o affliction_n when_o to_o call_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o sin_n original_n how_o and_o by_o what_o circumstance_n to_o aggravate_v sin_n actual_a all_o which_o be_v know_v may_v make_v they_o delight_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o ignorance_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o lest_o a_o curse_n and_o not_o a_o blessing_n follow_v and_o attend_v their_o imperfect_a and_o ignorant_a supplication_n which_o fear_n be_v take_v away_o by_o their_o take_n with_o they_o word_n 2._o arg._n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n appear_v to_o be_v lawful_a from_o those_o general_a mercy_n which_o common_o and_o general_o be_v crave_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n sometime_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a providence_n the_o saint_n with_o all_o diligence_n betake_v themselves_o to_o god_n throne_n as_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o david_n concern_v the_o building_n his_o house_n make_v he_o present_o to_o go_v and_o
offer_v the_o calf_n of_o his_o lip_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 17_o 18._o and_o danger_n of_o drown_v make_v the_o disciple_n run_v hasty_o to_o christ._n yet_o there_o be_v ordinary_a season_n wherein_o the_o church_n go_v frequent_o demand_v or_o beg_v mercy_n which_o be_v not_o only_o common_o ask_v but_o common_o grant_v and_o they_o be_v either_o 〈◊〉_d 1._o spiritual_a mercy_n as_o for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n for_o have_v our_o covenant_n and_o interest_n in_o christ_n renew_v to_o we_o for_o have_v our_o corruption_n subdue_v in_o we_o for_o his_o fatherly_a love_n to_o shine_v upon_o we_o and_o his_o spirit_n to_o remain_v with_o we_o 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o direction_n 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o information_n 3._o in_o a_o way_n of_o consolation_n until_o the_o day_n of_o our_o death_n and_o dissolution_n 2._o temporal_a mercy_n as_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n to_o be_v give_v daily_o to_o we_o to_o be_v content_a with_o whatsoever_o portion_n do_v befall_v we_o that_o he_o may_v ever_o bless_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v the_o work_n have_v be_v practise_v by_o we_o and_o the_o call_n he_o have_v choose_v for_o we_o come_v daily_o unto_o god_n for_o those_o mercy_n that_o we_o daily_o want_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reason_n give_v why_o god_n shall_v at_o the_o thrice_o come_v grow_v weary_a of_o our_o prayer_n or_o loath_a our_o petition_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o hear_v they_o twice_o before_o or_o i_o shall_v believe_v that_o come_n daily_o for_o those_o mercy_n i_o may_v daily_o beg_v they_o in_o the_o same_o expression_n since_o it_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o nimbleness_n of_o the_o tongue_n that_o make_v prayer_n accept_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n or_o make_v welcome_a before_o the_o face_n of_o god_n 3._o argum._n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v lawful_a from_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o can_v know_v god_n mind_n better_o than_o those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n who_o can_v know_v god_n thought_n better_a than_o he_o that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o bosom_n joh._n 1._o 18._o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o institution_n and_o gubernation_n of_o church_n set_v form_n enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o god_n and_o his_o people_n 1._o under_o the_o law_n by_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n the_o father_n numb_a 6._o 22._o where_o god_n give_v law_n for_o the_o inbeing_n of_o that_o national_a church_n which_o he_o be_v then_o institute_v viz_o of_o the_o jew_n thus_o say_v god_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n shall_v bless_v the_o people_n on_o this_o wise_a the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thou_o and_o be_v gracious_a to_o thou_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o his_o countenance_n upon_o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o peace_n a_o most_o exact_a pattern_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n must_v use_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherewith_o and_o in_o which_o word_n they_o be_v constant_o to_o bless_v or_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n whence_o arise_v the_o custom_n of_o minister_n under_o the_o goipel_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o the_o like_a form_n of_o word_n before_o the_o dismiss_v of_o the_o assembly_n he_o that_o read_v this_o and_o observe_v it_o may_v call_v it_o a_o common_a prayer_n make_v by_o god_n to_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n 2._o it_o have_v be_v practise_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n at_o the_o permission_n &_o allowance_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o by_o he_o who_o heâ—…_n be_v most_o like_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n even_o david_n of_o who_o prayer_n and_o psalm_n we_o read_v so_o often_o concern_v his_o send_v they_o to_o the_o chief_a musician_n to_o he_o that_o excel_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sing_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o to_o all_o the_o people_n yea_o to_o the_o prieâ—…s_v themselves_o be_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o even_a god_n please_v to_o communicate_v himself_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o temple_n in_o which_o they_o be_v sing_v in_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n to_o the_o people_n particular_o 2_o chron._n 5._o 13._o 4._o where_o the_o priest_n sing_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o 136._o psalm_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n â—…lled_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o stand_v to_o minister_v before_o he_o 2._o by_o he_o who_o life_n be_v lengthen_v out_o by_o god_n even_o hezekiah_n like_o he_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n before_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o after_o he_o have_v a_o lease_n of_o his_o life_n grant_v he_o at_o his_o pray_n after_o his_o come_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o kingdom_n he_o immediate_o go_v about_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a desolation_n through_o the_o impiety_n of_o king_n ahaz_n and_o have_v cleanse_v the_o temple_n and_o the_o offering_n which_o the_o king_n command_v shall_v be_v make_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n for_o all_o the_o people_n and_o have_v appoint_v the_o levite_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o their_o psaâ—…eries_n and_o harp_n he_o and_o his_o prince_n by_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n and_o their_o counsel_n command_v the_o levite_n â—…uch_o power_n have_v magistrate_n in_o church_n affair_n to_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n the_o seeâ—…_n not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o abâ—…lities_n nor_o part_n and_o as_o obedient_a subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n command_n they_o sing_v with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n bow_v down_o their_o head_n and_o worship_v 2_o chron._n 29._o 30._o and_o indeed_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n what_o please_v the_o king_n aught_o to_o please_v all_o the_o people_n the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o of_o asaph_n be_v without_o question_n a_o set_a form_n to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o priest_n likewise_o who_o may_v have_v ability_n and_o part_n of_o their_o own_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o matter_n for_o praise_v the_o lord_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n but_o hezekiah_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v otherwise_o and_o these_o hold_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o give_v obedience_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n at_o the_o build_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n we_o shall_v find_v by_o zerubbabel_n that_o dear_a saint_n of_o god_n the_o use_n of_o set_a form_n ezra_n 3._o 11._o but_o 3._o set_a form_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o son_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 11._o 2._o in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n urge_v and_o desire_v our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o practiâ—…_n of_o john_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v behind_o johns_n follower_n in_o serve_v who_o be_v so_o far_o before_o they_o in_o a_o master_n our_o saviour_n though_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o charge_v they_o when_o they_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o doubt_v of_o its_o be_v do_v by_o they_o or_o say_v of_o they_o than_o we_o be_v to_o doubt_v of_o their_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o â—…ead_n of_o neither_o sure_o christ_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n to_o the_o full_a even_o in_o this_o point_n of_o a_o set_a form_n since_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o he_o col._n 2._o 9_o and_o indeed_o by_o they_o who_o be_v set_v against_o set_a form_n this_o set_a form_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v set_v aside_o sure_a upon_o no_o other_o account_n since_o it_o be_v scripture_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n proud_a soul_n who_o by_o a_o counterfeit_a humility_n before_o god_n will_v thus_o affront_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o cast_v out_o this_o savoury_a prayer_n as_o unsavoury_a salt_n because_o it_o be_v a_o set_a form_n as_o if_o their_o own_o extemporary_a ejaculation_n be_v better_a worth_a hear_n than_o that_o that_o be_v compose_v by_o christ_n and_o recommend_v to_o his_o church_n upon_o deliberate_a meditation_n but_o very_o very_o for_o all_o their_o arrogancy_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o prayer_n that_o he_o have_v make_v shall_v be_v use_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o
he_o 4._o set_a form_n have_v be_v use_v by_o a_o holy_a apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o be_v speak_v by_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a be_v speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n paul_n inform_v the_o thessalonian_n 2_o thes._n 3._o 17._o concern_v the_o mark_n and_o note_n that_o he_o give_v all_o his_o epistle_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o assure_v or_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a say_v touch_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o 〈◊〉_d write_v or_o certainty_n of_o that_o that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o mark_n itself_o be_v a_o salutation_n a_o prayer_n use_v in_o every_o epistle_n it'â—…_n this_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o you_o all_o and_o this_o prayer_n indeed_o be_v the_o close_a of_o every_o epistle_n as_o rom._n 16._o 24._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 23._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 14._o gal._n 5._o 18._o ephes._n 6._o 24._o phil._n 4._o 23._o col._n 4._o 18._o 1_o thes._n 5._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 21._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 22._o titus_n 3._o 15._o phil._n 21._o do_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n constant_o use_v this_o form_n declare_v that_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v no_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o close_a so_o how_o frequent_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o epistle_n be_v this_o prayer_n put_v up_o by_o the_o sâ—…me_a spirit_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o that_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o practice_n may_v by_o this_o be_v know_v 5._o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v use_v in_o and_o by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n our_o enemy_n themselves_o or_o many_o of_o they_o be_v content_v therewith_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v now_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n present_a and_o past_a and_o command_v for_o the_o future_a to_o use_v 〈◊〉_d form_n suppose_v a_o christian_a congregation_n be_v sing_v psal._n 6._o 1._o lord_n in_o thy_o wrath_n reprove_v i_o not_o though_o i_o deserve_v thy_o ire_n ne_o yet_o correct_v i_o in_o thy_o rage_n o_o lord_n i_o thou_o desire_v will_v not_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o know_v and_o may_v not_o all_o that_o understand_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o be_v more_o usual_a in_o the_o congregation_n than_o to_o sing_v praise_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o song_n compose_v by_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o first_o sing_v we_o read_v of_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n exod._n 15._o a_o prayer_n be_v there_o compose_v by_o some_o holy_a man_n in_o all_o probability_n moses_n revel_v 15._o 3._o and_o use_v by_o the_o whole_a people_n in_o praise_v god_n yet_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n keep_v no_o sabbath_n nor_o they_o after_o the_o flood_n know_v not_o or_o keep_v not_o the_o seven_o day_n holy_a though_o we_o read_v of_o none_o until_o moses_n so_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o day_n be_v without_o this_o eminent_a point_n of_o worship_n as_o sing_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v we_o know_v that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n universal_o use_v it_o both_o private_o and_o public_o and_o by_o saint_n paul_n we_o be_v enjoin_v so_o to_o do_v colos._n 3._o 18._o argum._n 4._o set_a form_n seem_v to_o be_v lawful_a for_o whatever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o sanctify_a of_o a_o prayer_n by_o god_n may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o he_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n that_o god_n regard_v he_o take_v prayer_n by_o weight_n and_o not_o by_o measure_n as_o he_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o leg_n of_o a_o man_n neither_o be_v he_o satisfy_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o a_o man_n he_o regard_v the_o fixedness_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o expression_n now_o there_o be_v three_o grace_n that_o god_n require_v in_o every_o prayer_n without_o which_o no_o prayer_n be_v accept_v and_o with_o which_o no_o prayer_n shall_v be_v reject_v as_o 1._o faithfulness_n or_o sincerity_n we_o must_v pray_v in_o faith_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v obtain_v in_o truth_n james_n 1._o 6._o we_o must_v lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o without_o doubt_v 〈◊〉_d set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v send_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o have_v faith_n though_o but_o as_o small_a as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n it_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v do_v not_o christ_n pray_v in_o faith_n when_o he_o cry_v thrice_o to_o his_o father_n that_o the_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o be_v not_o paul_n a_o sinner_n do_v not_o his_o heart_n say_v amen_o when_o his_o pen_n write_v so_o often_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o be_v not_o the_o prodigal_n in_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n strong_a in_o faith_n and_o be_v he_o not_o hear_v in_o what_o he_o pray_v yea_o in_o more_o than_o he_o pray_v for_o which_o argue_v that_o his_o prayer_n be_v mix_v with_o abundance_n of_o faith_n and_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n 2._o man_n must_v pray_v with_o earnestness_n or_o feel_o there_o must_v be_v a_o fervency_n in_o the_o breast_n a_o earnest_a desire_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o or_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o that_o they_o pray_v against_o how_o earnest_o will_v a_o poor_a afflict_a soul_n upon_o a_o road_n beg_v a_o alm_n of_o the_o passenger_n and_o will_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n beg_v of_o another_o and_o to_o both_o use_n one_o kind_n of_o petition_n let_v any_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o our_o saviour_n side_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o put_v their_o finger_n to_o his_o brow_n and_o they_o will_v feel_v blood_n come_v out_o of_o his_o flesh_n sure_o denote_v the_o earnestness_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v within_o how_o feel_o do_v the_o prodigal_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v be_v but_o admit_v as_o a_o servant_n to_o his_o father_n house_n since_o he_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o son_n he_o know_v it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v his_o father_n servant_n than_o his_o own_o master_n and_o if_o a_o man_n look_v the_o space_n between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n joel_n 2._o 17._o he_o shall_v see_v it_o wet_a with_o the_o tear_n of_o they_o that_o be_v pray_v in_o a_o set_a form_n 3._o man_n must_v pray_v with_o submissiveness_n and_o humility_n in_o this_o grace_n a_o set_a form_n have_v a_o eminent_a excellency_n the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o fluency_n may_v even_o puff_v up_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o thing_n man_n hand_n may_v even_o tremble_v when_o they_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a see_v christ_n prostrate_v himself_o upon_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o this_o to_o conclude_v if_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o time_n of_o use_v a_o set_a form_n that_o of_o st_n paul_n colossian_n 3._o 16._o where_o he_o will_v sing_v psalm_n with_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v in_o vain_a argum._n 5._o it_o seem_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n be_v show_v to_o the_o divine_a make_v use_n of_o and_o use_v in_o heaven_n a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n revel_v 15._o 3._o if_o heaven_n here_o be_v take_v for_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o bless_a the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o seat_n of_o god_n than_o a_o majore_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_fw-la we_o argue_v what_o be_v do_v by_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a above_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v by_o that_o part_n that_o be_v militant_a beneath_o if_o by_o heaven_n here_o be_v signify_v the_o church_n as_o it_o often_o in_o this_o book_n do_v than_o it_o hold_v out_o the_o same_o truth_n the_o song_n be_v two_o first_o the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o which_o we_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a description_n show_v its_o ekcellency_n revel_v 14._o 3._o and_o second_o the_o song_n of_o moses_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o large_a narrâ—…tion_n exod._n 18._o however_o it_o be_v set_v form_n be_v in_o heaven_n hold_v out_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v content_v with_o and_o delight_v in_o such_o a_o form_n nothing_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o what_o the_o mind_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v satisfy_v with_o and_o by_o god_n therefore_o who_o eye_n can_v behold_v
the_o substance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o how_o they_o must_v turn_v be_v by_o say_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o direction_n which_o be_v itself_o a_o prayer_n institute_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o they_o and_o give_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o there_o be_v 1._o a_o supplication_n to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o for_o the_o remove_n the_o sin_n of_o all_o of_o what_o person_n or_o degree_n soever_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n it_o be_v sin_n that_o first_o bring_v down_o judgement_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o sin_n must_v first_o be_v remove_v by_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o intercession_n of_o all_o for_o each_o other_o and_o of_o every_o one_o for_o all_o every_o single_a person_n desire_n that_o god_n will_v be_v favourable_a to_o his_o brother_n as_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o himself_o receive_v we_o gracious_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o covenant-condition_n or_o promise_v make_v of_o all_o that_o if_o god_n will_v receive_v they_o they_o will_v render_v to_o he_o praise_n call_v the_o calf_n of_o their_o lip_n so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n which_o be_v a_o give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n heb._n 13._o 15._o in_o this_o promise_n every_o one_o engage_v for_o himself_o and_o each_o man_n become_v a_o surety_n for_o his_o brother_n so_o will_v we_o render_v and_o because_o optima_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la est_fw-la nova_fw-la vita_fw-la they_o will_v trust_v no_o more_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o in_o god_n only_o as_o fatherless_a child_n have_v hope_n and_o from_o he_o only_o when_o they_o be_v in_o want_n expect_v mercy_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n ashur_n shall_v not_o save_v we_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v let_v pass_v many_o truth_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o substance_n and_o method_n of_o this_o prayer_n appoint_v to_o and_o give_v by_o this_o holy_a prophet_n for_o the_o people_n to_o collect_v and_o cull_v out_o one_o that_o make_v for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o that_o truth_n to_o the_o obey_n of_o which_o we_o be_v by_o authority_n now_o command_v and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v by_o turbulent_a spirit_n eager_o dehort_v viz._n touch_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n establish_v in_o england_n by_o all_o legal_a power_n since_o the_o reformation_n a_o book_n which_o have_v be_v often_o crucify_a among_o and_o between_o thief_n yet_o never_o can_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o god_n best_a servant_n or_o his_o peculiar_a people_n may_v lawful_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o he_o and_o beg_a blessing_n of_o he_o to_o he_o that_o read_v this_o text_n with_o understanding_n this_o observation_n need_v no_o far_a proof_n nor_o debate_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o impose_v a_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o until_o that_o i_o have_v 1._o show_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v 2._o whether_o such_o a_o form_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v 3._o whether_o such_o a_o form_n be_v decent_a or_o comely_a for_o a_o saint_n to_o use_v 4._o whether_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o a_o saint_n or_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o increase_v to_o use_v such_o a_o form_n 5._o at_o what_o season_v this_o form_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v 6._o in_o what_o place_n it_o be_v most_o expedient_a to_o use_v this_o kind_n of_o form_n 7._o answer_v some_o objection_n that_o be_v urge_v against_o such_o a_o form_n all_o which_o if_o god_n permit_v we_o shall_v handle_v in_o these_o seven_o several_a section_n brief_o and_o plain_o sect_n i._o let_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n see_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o set._n form_n of_o prayer_n be_v and_o that_o may_v be_v do_v by_o this_o description_n it_o be_v a_o hearty_a call_n upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o word_n prescribe_v by_o another_o or_o premeditate_a by_o ourselves_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o judgement_n or_o receive_v of_o mercy_n from_o or_o for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o in_o all_o these_o point_v it_o agree_v to_o and_o hold_v affinity_n with_o other_o prayer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o save_v in_o this_o that_o it_o call_v upon_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o use_v the_o word_n which_o have_v be_v either_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n luke_n 11._o 2._o or_o 2._o prescribe_v by_o another_o and_o enjoin_v to_o we_o as_o david_n require_v his_o subject_n the_o levite_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o psalm_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v the_o first_o psalm_n as_o it_o appear_v that_o ever_o he_o public_o give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o sanctuary_n 1_o chron._n 16._o 4_o 6_o 7_o &_o 3_o or_o 3._o such_o as_o have_v be_v premeditate_v by_o we_o for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o as_o occasion_v serve_v use_v of_o we_o and_o such_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prodigal_n luke_n 15_o he_o sit_v down_o and_o deliberate_v within_o himself_o what_o to_o say_v that_o his_o father_n may_v again_o receive_v he_o i_o will_v arise_v say_v he_o and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n etc._n etc._n ver._n 18._o and_o at_o his_o come_n to_o the_o father_n use_v the_o same_o word_n before_o resolve_v upon_o such_o a_o prayer_n be_v also_o almost_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n father_n if_o it_o be_v thy_o will_n let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o which_o he_o â—…ttered_v three_o several_a time_n in_o his_o passion_n mat._n 26._o 4._o and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o the_o more_o orderly_o help_v of_o we_o in_o our_o call_n upon_o god_n now_o some_o there_o be_v that_o say_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v that_o christian_n in_o this_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o give_v themselves_o or_o limit_v themselves_o this_o day_n or_o this_o week_n or_o this_o year_n to_o that_o kind_a of_o prayer_n frame_v or_o compose_v by_o or_o for_o ourselves_o or_o other_o last_o week_n or_o last_o year_n but_o hold_v it_o altogether_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a other_o there_o be_v that_o suppose_v such_o prayer_n at_o some_o time_n for_o none_o that_o ever_o i_o hear_v of_o maintain_v they_o in_o all_o point_n place_n or_o in_o all_o time_n necessary_a but_o neveâ—…_n unlawful_a to_o be_v good_a and_o help_v against_o their_o speak_v any_o thing_n rash_o before_o god_n and_o unadvised_o with_o their_o lip_n before_o he_o who_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n fear_v lest_o they_o offer_v strange_a fire_n from_o the_o censer_n of_o their_o deceitful_a heart_n may_v bring_v fire_n from_o the_o almighty_a to_o consume_v their_o soul_n suppose_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n that_o to_o come_v every_o day_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o suit_n may_v make_v we_o at_o last_o to_o be_v know_v for_o good_a subject_n though_o not_o for_o great_a gallant_n and_o this_o opinion_n from_o the_o text_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o observation_n which_o to_o confirm_v take_v these_o three_o substantial_a witness_n the_o first_o where_o of_o shall_v be_v 1._o joel_n a_o prophet_n of_o god_n he_o command_v the_o people_n of_o judah_n that_o grievous_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o iniquity_n to_o turn_v unto_o god_n will_v have_v a_o trumpet_n blow_v in_o zion_n joel_n 2._o 1._o enjoin_v all_o to_o come_v to_o mourning_n and_o weep_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o offence_n make_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o and_o prescribe_v a_o prayer_n to_o the_o priest_n themselves_o who_o be_v especial_o excite_v and_o enjoin_v to_o weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o be_v command_v to_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n etc._n etc._n joel_n 2._o 17._o the_o second_o witness_n be_v 2._o moses_n a_o man_n of_o god_n exod._n 15._o where_o after_o the_o people_n delivery_n from_o egypt_n slavery_n and_o phardohs_n bondage_n and_o after_o they_o have_v see_v the_o egyptian_n dead_a upon_o the_o shore_n not_o one_o of_o theâ—…_n be_v kill_v by_o they_o moses_n and_o israel_n sing_v a_o psalm_n of_o thanksgiving_n ver_fw-la 1._o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v who_o make_v or_o compose_v that_o song_n it_o must_v be_v answer_v moses_n by_o revel_n 15._o 3._o and_o as_o a_o set_a form_n use_v by_o the_o people_n to_o
appoint_v by_o authority_n and_o every_o one_o in_o that_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v pray_v or_o use_v that_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v in_o the_o common_a prayer_n viz._n almighty_a god_n which_o in_o thy_o wrath_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n david_n do_v stay_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o pestilence_n threescore_o and_o ten_o thousand_o and_o yet_o remember_v mercy_n do_v save_v the_o rest_n have_v pity_n upon_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n that_o now_o be_v visit_v with_o great_a sickness_n and_o mortality_n that_o like_a as_o then_o thou_o do_v command_v thy_o angel_n to_o cease_v from_o punish_v so_o it_o may_v now_o please_v thou_o to_o withdraw_v from_o we_o this_o plague_n and_o grievous_a sickness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o this_o i_o say_v in_o a_o general_a sickness_n to_o be_v general_o use_v be_v both_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o as_o god_n both_o in_o joel_n 2._o 17._o and_o here_o do_v behold_v his_o people_n with_o his_o mercy_n and_o heal_v their_o land_n so_o may_v he_o be_v also_o reconcile_v to_o that_o people_n through_o the_o hearty_a pour_v forth_o of_o their_o soul_n before_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o set_a form_n 2._o answ._n it_o may_v be_v use_v when_o all_o general_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o present_a mercy_n or_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a blessing_n when_o our_o kingdom_n peace_n and_o happiness_n consist_v next_o under_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n person_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o all_o loyal_a subject_n at_o once_o or_o in_o a_o hour_n to_o be_v pray_v o_o lord_n save_o the_o king_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o land_n over_o must_v needs_o be_v effectual_a when_o our_o ox_n be_v strong_a for_o labour_n and_o our_o sheep_n bring_v forth_o thousand_o in_o our_o street_n when_o there_o be_v no_o complain_v in_o our_o gate_n then_o for_o that_o kingdom_n at_o once_o to_o be_v praise_v his_o name_n as_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n o_o most_o merciful_a father_n which_o of_o thy_o gracious_a goodness_n have_v hear_v the_o devout_a prayer_n of_o thy_o church_n and_o turn_v our_o dearth_n and_o scarcity_n into_o cheapness_n and_o plenty_n we_o give_v thou_o most_o humble_a thanks_o for_o this_o thy_o especial_a bounty_n beseech_v thou_o to_o continue_v this_o thy_o lovingkindness_n unto_o we_o that_o our_o land_n may_v yield_v her_o fruit_n of_o increase_n to_o thy_o glory_n and_o our_o comfort_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n may_v not_o heaven_n be_v delight_v at_o this_o hymn_n so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o their_o several_a assembly_n use_n and_o send_v up_o the_o same_o praise_n as_o israel_n do_v exod._n 15._o or_o as_o deborah_n do_v judg._n 5._o 1._o 3._o answ._n it_o may_v chief_o be_v use_v when_o man_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o place_n to_o worship_n in_o one_o way_n the_o great_a god_n this_o be_v a_o fit_a time_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o with_o each_o other_o to_o say_v o_o lord_n open_z thou_o our_o lip_n and_o our_o mouth_n shall_v show_v forth_o thy_o praise_n at_o our_o first_o meeting_n be_v very_o meet_a and_o proper_a when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o those_o about_o we_o with_o lift_v up_o voice_n call_v uenite_fw-la exultemus_fw-la o_o come_v let_v we_o sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o hearty_o rejoice_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v able_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o be_v otherwise_o not_o take_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o god_n presence_n in_o who_o house_n he_o now_o appear_v and_o fill_v a_o seat_n one_o live_v coal_n cast_v among_o many_o dead_a may_v and_o will_v quicken_v many_o so_o one_o sinner_n zeal_n may_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o zeal_n of_o that_o christian_n that_o sit_v next_o he_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o in_o prayer_n may_v rather_o provoke_v he_o than_o a_o single_a or_o silent_a petitioner_n the_o angel_n and_o church_n write_v we_o one_o way_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n râ—…v_n 4._o 11._o sure_a than_o the_o saint_n may_v join_v in_o one_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n even_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o with_o one_o mouth_n since_o they_o be_v frail_a may_v use_v this_o one_o petition_n before_o they_o go_v o_o god_n make_v clear_a our_o heart_n within_o we_o and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o and_o that_o without_o sin_n and_o without_o offence_n 4._o answ._n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o supreme_a authority_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v rule_v other_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v ruler_n what_o supreme_a authority_n enjoin_v if_o lawful_a be_v to_o be_v obey_v if_o possible_a this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o the_o levite_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 30._o the_o king_n and_o his_o prince_n command_v they_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o david_n unto_o which_o they_o yield_v all_o obedience_n god_n promise_v to_o give_v to_o his_o church_n king_n for_o its_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n for_o its_o nurse_n mother_n they_o ought_v therefore_o to_o look_v to_o all_o their_o family_n and_o provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o the_o weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o by_o some_o mean_n remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a if_o he_o command_v we_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o praise_v the_o lord_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o that_o in_o a_o set_a form_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v though_o our_o part_n and_o ability_n be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o eminent_a and_o since_o he_o command_v it_o let_v the_o great_a serve_v a_o while_n the_o lâ—…ss_n and_o he_o that_o be_v old_a for_o a_o small_a season_n teach_v he_o that_o be_v the_o young_a and_o if_o we_o that_o be_v grow_v in_o year_n must_v eat_v of_o the_o child_n mess_n by_o our_o father_n direction_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v every_o king_n let_v we_o fall_v to_o it_o cheerful_o especial_o since_o the_o meat_n be_v wholesome_a that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o wed_v to_o our_o own_o pallate-pleasing_a humour_n but_o that_o we_o can_v eat_v of_o any_o wholesome_a dish_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o else_o how_o shall_v our_o moderation_n he_o know_v to_o all_o man_n sect_n vi_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v speak_v of_o touch_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o place_n where_o they_o may_v be_v make_v that_o that_o be_v lawful_a may_v be_v do_v in_o any_o place_n that_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o in_o a_o absolute_a or_o positive_a way_n but_o by_o way_n of_o comparison_n only_o and_o shall_v defend_v this_o conclusion_n that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a than_o in_o priâ—…ate_n most_o of_o those_o set_a form_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o make_v for_o this_o truth_n they_o be_v public_a our_o saviour_n indeed_o be_v private_a and_o use_v only_o for_o that_o time_n whether_o the_o prodigal_n be_v public_a or_o no_o in_o the_o parable_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a kind_n since_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o house_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o the_o father_n immediate_o at_o the_o close_a of_o his_o petition_n the_o church_n therefore_o or_o if_o that_o offend_v the_o congreation_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v judge_v a_o more_o proper_a place_n for_o set_v form_n than_o any_o other_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v to_o this_o opinion_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o reason_n set_a form_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v use_v in_o public_a than_o in_o private_a for_o there_o man_n be_v and_o must_v be_v more_o close_o than_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o private_a there_o be_v many_o secret_a sin_n which_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o a_o powerful_a way_n accuse_v he_o of_o and_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n befall_v he_o which_o he_o must_v pray_v against_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a that_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v know_v of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n in_o public_a we_o insist_v upon_o general_n and_o confess_v so_o that_o every_o man_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o he_o that_o make_v that_o confession_n but_o now_o in_o private_a we_o must_v unbosom_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o show_v he_o all_o our_o heart_n take_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o by_o enlarge_n ourselves_o upon_o the_o particular_a aggravation_n of_o our_o belove_a sin_n and_o make_v know_v our_o soul_a iniquity_n with_o david_n say_v against_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v
the_o least_o iniquity_n and_o who_o soul_n be_v whole_o incline_v and_o universal_o a_o lover_n of_o that_o that_o be_v good_a will_v not_o suffer_v that_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n by_o say_v therefore_o that_o this_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o do_v declare_v that_o god_n love_v and_o delight_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o then_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v they_o to_o be_v use_v so_o near_o himself_o nor_o the_o user_n of_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o eminency_n and_o high_a excellency_n in_o such_o a_o form_n nothing_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v glorious_o excellent_a its_o wall_n and_o gate_n and_o street_n be_v whole_o excellent_a and_o in_o the_o vision_n so_o describe_v revel_v 21._o and_o in_o scripture_n the_o excellency_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o so_o much_o as_o it_o approach_v towards_o heaven_n sure_o then_o a_o set_a form_n may_v be_v excellent_a since_o after_o moses_n his_o death_n it_o be_v sing_v by_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n and_o here_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o song_n and_o therefore_o a_o set_a form_n for_o the_o people_n 3._o it_o hold_v out_o that_o there_o may_v be_v strong_a desire_n and_o ardent_a affection_n in_o such_o a_o form_n what_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o heaven_n be_v out_o of_o infinite_a joy_n and_o unconceivable_a delight_n which_o so_o fill_v the_o soul_n that_o eternity_n itself_o be_v short_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o deliver_v the_o rapture_n that_o in_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a complacency_n possess_v their_o soul_n in_o those_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n that_o with_o god_n they_o receive_v above_o their_o affection_n be_v screw_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pin_n and_o utmost_a line_n of_o the_o creature_n possibility_n and_o in_o that_o ecstasy_n sing_v a_o set_a form_n must_v needs_o denote_v that_o ardent_a and_o vehement_a zeal_n may_v possess_v a_o saint_n in_o the_o use_v such_o a_o form_n all_o these_o three_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o by_o say_v that_o this_o â—…ong_n be_v in_o heaven_n to_o conclude_v this_o section_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v lawful_a since_o they_o be_v heavenly_a and_o heavenly_a since_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o question_n a_o liceat_fw-la whether_o set_v form_n be_v lawful_a yea_o or_o no._n sect_n iii_o the_o second_o question_n be_v a_o deceat_fw-la whether_o this_o set_a form_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v comely_a and_o decent_a or_o suitable_a for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o whether_o it_o become_v a_o soul_n in_o come_v to_o the_o infinite_a god_n to_o come_v often_o and_o always_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o word_n whether_o this_o do_v not_o take_v away_o some_o reputation_n either_o from_o he_o that_o pray_v or_o from_o the_o gospâ—…l_v he_o profess_v or_o from_o god_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o or_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o he_o seem_v to_o pray_v by_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o negative_a it_o be_v not_o uncomely_a nor_o undecent_a neither_o do_v diminish_v the_o respect_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o nor_o the_o honour_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o these_o reason_n as_o 1._o reas._o it_o become_v the_o saint_n that_o now_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o choose_v saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o kingdom_n heb._n 6._o 12._o who_o step_n shall_v we_o walk_v in_o if_o we_o decline_v they_o where_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v ever_o walk_v we_o may_v easy_o discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o a_o set_a form_n and_o there_o holy_a action_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o for_o our_o information_n but_o imitation_n nothing_o become_v a_o saint_n better_o that_o will_v enjoy_v god_n than_o to_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n wherein_o he_o see_v universal_o the_o saint_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o they_o again_o in_o their_o so_o do_v to_o be_v eternal_o glorify_v of_o god_n praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o upright_a psalm_n 33._o 1._o and_o to_o praise_n god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o david_n take_v nothing_o from_o god_n glory_n neither_o diminish_v hezekiahs_n righteousness_n the_o prodigal_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n become_v he_o as_o well_o as_o josephs_n garment_n do_v when_o he_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o prison_n garment_n to_o come_v before_o pharaoh_n to_o write_v after_o david_n copy_n become_v any_o royal_a saint_n and_o penitent_a sinner_n 2._o reas._o it_o become_v the_o saint_n in_o speak_v unto_o god_n especial_o in_o prayer_n orderly_o ready_o and_o prompt_o to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v unto_o he_o in_o speak_v to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n or_o grave_a counsellor_n it_o be_v decent_a and_o beautiful_a to_o have_v our_o thought_n so_o digest_v and_o our_o word_n so_o compose_v as_o prompt_o without_o hesitation_n or_o stammer_n to_o express_v our_o thought_n which_o both_o discourage_v he_o that_o speak_v and_o take_v away_o something_o from_o the_o grandour_n of_o he_o speak_v to_o since_o we_o be_v not_o careful_a how_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o suit_n to_o his_o greatness_n now_o mens_fw-la break_a and_o insignificant_a expression_n especial_o in_o puklick_a be_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o speaker_n and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o bring_v in_o contempt_n the_o majesty_n of_o that_o god_n they_o come_v before_o make_v that_o duty_n the_o cause_n of_o people_n mirth_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o fear_n through_o their_o often_o impertinency_n and_o stumbling_n all_o which_o be_v prevent_v by_o this_o set_a form_n for_o by_o this_o have_v his_o word_n petition_n phrase_n well_o and_o orderly_o compile_v make_v all_o that_o hear_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o that_o majesty_n that_o he_o come_v before_o and_o holiness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o god_n he_o speak_v to_o in_o offer_v the_o best_a of_o his_o store_n ever_o study_v acceptable_a word_n as_o the_o preacher_n do_v eccles._n 12._o 10._o and_o not_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a 3._o reas._o it_o become_v they_o in_o prayer_n to_o use_v the_o word_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o and_o enjoin_v they_o by_o god_n their_o saviour_n what_o better_a language_n can_v fit_v or_o what_o word_n more_o take_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o those_o word_n that_o have_v be_v prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o he_o who_o always_o please_v he_o matth._n 3._o 17._o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o command_v this_o can_v our_o invention_n make_v more_o melodious_a sound_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n than_o his_o son_n meditation_n in_o a_o word_n what_o can_v become_v we_o better_o than_o humble_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o all_o other_o learning_n may_v do_v we_o good_a let_v we_o learn_v let_v we_o learn_v to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 4._o reas._o it_o become_v they_o in_o all_o their_o address_n unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n to_o help_v their_o natural_a infirmity_n by_o those_o mean_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o he_o the_o prodigal_n make_v not_o only_o a_o prayer_n but_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o pray_n and_o accept_v after_o the_o same_o prayer_n make_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n christ_n himself_o be_v hear_v in_o his_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o not_o every_o way_n according_a to_o his_o desire_n for_o the_o cup_n pass_v not_o from_o he_o but_o a_o angel_n come_v and_o strengthen_v he_o luke_n 22._o 43._o there_o be_v several_a infirmity_n lie_v upon_o the_o common_a and_o weak_a christian_a which_o press_v he_o down_o so_o sore_o that_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v both_o unable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o open_v his_o lip_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pray_a manner_n now_o for_o that_o man_n to_o use_v such_o help_n as_o he_o have_v see_v use_v by_o other_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o his_o foot_n be_v not_o unseemly_a especial_o since_o he_o in_o who_o wisdom_n dwell_v have_v leave_v we_o both_o precept_n and_o pattern_n so_o to_o do_v 5._o reas._o it_o become_v they_o in_o all_o their_o address_n unto_o god_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o not_o too_o presumptuous_a in_o their_o own_o ability_n and_o those_o often_o time_n but_o in_o conceit_n only_o whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v even_o in_o prayer_n a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o rash_a with_o his_o mouth_n and_o speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n it_o
be_v a_o pity_n that_o some_o man_n will_v venture_v a_o fall_n so_o rash_o as_o they_o do_v since_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o lawful_o use_v stilt_n prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o themselves_o or_o limit_v the_o main_a ingredient_n of_o their_o sermon_n or_o petition_n be_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v to_o the_o almighty_a what_o do_v thou_o or_o why_o be_v it_o thus_o serve_v he_o we_o must_v but_o ever_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n heb._n 12._o 28._o it_o become_v a_o saint_n to_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o 2_o question_n a_o deceat_fw-la sect_n iv._o the_o three_o question_n be_v a_o expediat_fw-la grant_v set_v form_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a yet_o be_v they_o expedient_a those_o set_a form_n may_v be_v make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n ignorance_n and_o to_o use_v they_o now_o may_v seem_v to_o set_v we_o to_o school_n again_o shall_v we_o always_o be_v child_n shall_v we_o use_v standing-stool_n now_o we_o be_v grow_v man_n but_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o young_a come_n in_o and_o old_a go_v out_o it_o have_v babe_n upon_o the_o breast_n and_o of_o a_o big_a size_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v all_o of_o grow_v man_n the_o age_a in_o his_o age_n may_v want_v the_o same_o food_n the_o child_n have_v in_o his_o childhood_n for_o their_o sake_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v count_v necessary_a 2._o consider_v that_o though_o thou_o and_o i_o and_o a_o hundred_o more_o may_v or_o can_v and_o do_v pray_v smooth_o and_o ready_o and_o walk_v strong_o yet_o thousand_o there_o be_v that_o can_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o there_o be_v help_n for_o they_o and_o if_o the_o father_n or_o master_n of_o the_o family_n will_v have_v we_o to_o taste_v of_o the_o child_n mess_n let_v we_o not_o be_v surly_a and_o since_o there_o be_v many_o weak_a and_o infirm_a we_o ought_v to_o reach_v they_o how_o to_o hold_v their_o crutch_n and_o then_o we_o may_v go_v whither_o our_o discretion_n will_v lead_v we_o if_o it_o be_v therefore_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v expedient_a in_o this_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n i_o answer_v in_o the_o affirmative_a my_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o reas._o it_o be_v expedient_a especial_o in_o public_a that_o the_o poor_a saint_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a understand_v what_o they_o say_v themselves_o or_o what_o they_o hear_v from_o other_o how_o many_o a_o poor_a christian_n can_v apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o common_a discourse_n without_o two_o or_o three_o time_n go_v it_o over_o before_o their_o understanding_n can_v receive_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o so_o as_o to_o judge_v or_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n some_o be_v not_o able_a no_o not_o in_o their_o understanding_n to_o follow_v a_o ready_a or_o a_o smooth-tongued_a preacher_n they_o know_v not_o the_o term_n of_o a_o prayer_n nor_o the_o part_n of_o a_o prayer_n they_o may_v say_v amen_o to_o that_o that_o in_o this_o case_n will_v damn_v they_o and_o they_o themselves_o make_v such_o bawlk_n in_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n as_o concern_v themselves_o now_o by_o their_o often_o hear_v or_o use_v a_o set_a form_n they_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v the_o scope_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o prayer_n in_o that_o form_n compose_v 2._o reas._o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o prayer_n public_a chief_a be_v so_o order_v qualify_v and_o season_v that_o the_o generality_n at_o least_o may_v cheerful_o and_o feel_o say_v amen_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o congregation_n diversity_n of_o head_n differ_v in_o colour_n so_o there_o may_v â—…e_v and_o too_o frequent_o be_v diversity_n of_o judgement_n differ_v in_o affection_n he_o possible_o pray_v for_o that_o that_o i_o pray_v against_o now_o set_v form_n be_v so_o compose_v as_o that_o the_o general_a part_n of_o christian_n join_v in_o and_o to_o the_o pray_v of_o it_o that_o be_v therefore_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v ask_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n wish_v to_o obtain_v and_o fit_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o of_o those_o people_n heart_n that_o at_o any_o time_n be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o all_o may_v say_v feel_o amen_n amen_n unto_o which_o do_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o these_o divide_v time_n be_v a_o sovereign_a help_n and_o motive_n 3._o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o saint_n of_o small_a part_n have_v such_o help_n as_o may_v not_o discourage_v their_o devotion_n or_o damp_n their_o faith_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o cedar_n there_o be_v some_o lesser_a some_o small_a in_o the_o mount_n than_o other_o they_o must_v be_v deal_v withal_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o over-driven_a lest_o they_o die_v a_o poor_a soul_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v his_o request_n know_v in_o so_o ready_a a_o way_n as_o other_o grow_v sad_a and_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n about_o his_o eternal_a condition_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o insufficiency_n go_v with_o gray_a hair_n and_o with_o sorrow_n to_o the_o grave_n he_o see_v a_o full-grown-christian_a skip_n over_o hill_n and_o leap_v over_o mountain_n and_o he_o himself_o not_o able_a to_o walk_v he_o may_v cry_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o now_o to_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o this_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n may_v make_v he_o see_v and_o speak_v of_o his_o imperfection_n and_o the_o selfsame_a prayer_n make_v he_o confeâ—…s_v they_o and_o be_v humble_a for_o they_o which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o perfection_n and_o assure_v he_o that_o though_o he_o come_v last_o to_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o â—…ven_n 4._o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o strong_a man_n bear_v with_o and_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o help_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a otherwise_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v on_o earth_n as_o fish_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n the_o great_a one_o will_v devour_v the_o lesser_a if_o the_o horse_n in_o a_o army_n be_v not_o well_o guide_v they_o may_v spoil_v the_o order_n of_o the_o inâ—…ntry_n all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edify_v and_o charity_n hear_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o here_o be_v a_o poor_a man_n can_v pray_v teach_v he_o to_o pray_v if_o it_o be_v by_o book_n and_o though_o he_o learn_v there_o be_v still_o a_o young_a generation_n come_v up_o that_o must_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o pray_v even_o as_o john_n or_o jesus_n teach_v their_o disciple_n their_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 18._o 10._o iâ—…_n be_v expedient_a therefore_o to_o have_v set_v form_n always_o in_o the_o church_n as_o help_n always_o ready_a for_o such_o as_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v come_v in_o sect_n v._o have_v go_v thus_o far_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n we_o come_v now_o unto_o two_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o they_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v when_o this_o set_a form_n chief_o may_v be_v use_v circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n may_v alter_v even_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o second_o circumstance_n shall_v be_v where_o they_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v that_o now_o or_o this_o day_n which_o will_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o morrow_n and_o i_o may_v do_v that_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n in_o one_o place_n which_o without_o sin_n i_o can_v do_v in_o another_o when_o therefore_o chief_o may_v this_o set_a form_n be_v use_v since_o it_o be_v always_o lawful_a and_o never_o in_o itself_o necessary_a 1._o answ._n it_o may_v be_v use_v of_o all_o when_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o and_o sufferer_n under_o the_o same_o judgement_n their_o case_n here_o in_o the_o text_n all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v like_a to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n each_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o pull_v down_o judgement_n and_o here_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o have_v and_o use_v the_o same_o word_n to_o keep_v away_o vengeance_n when_o a_o whole_a nation_n a_o country_n a_o town_n and_o a_o family_n feel_v all_o the_o same_o rod_n certain_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o all_o to_o use_v the_o word_n if_o a_o nation_n be_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o dearth_n or_o famine_n nay_o suppose_v a_o plague_n for_o that_o nation_n at_o a_o set_a time_n