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word_n good_a seed_n sow_v 3,061 5 9.6512 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47146 The fundamental truths of Christianity briefly hinted at by way of question and answer : to which is added a treatise of prayer in the same method / by George Keith. Keith, George, 1639?-1716.; Barclay, Robert, 1648-1690. 1688 (1688) Wing K168; ESTC R14276 61,969 152

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praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o great_a and_o rich_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n and_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o teach_v he_o what_o to_o seek_v and_o pray_v for_o but_o only_o do_v warm_a and_o heat_v man_n affection_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o blind_a devotion_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n cry_v out_o against_o etc._n etc._n that_o heavenly_a and_o sacred_a fire_n that_o god_n send_v down_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o a_o dark_a obscure_a fire_n but_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v and_o have_v light_a as_o well_o as_o heat_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v without_o word_n either_o express_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o understanding_n because_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o understanding_n in_o man_n that_o transcend_v all_o word_n i_o mean_v such_o word_n as_o we_o common_o use_v which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o as_o aristotle_n define_v word_n verba_fw-la sunt_fw-la signarerum_fw-la i_o e._n word_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o high_a degree_n of_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n reach_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n themselves_o without_o these_o word_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v word_n themselves_o or_o where_o the_o word_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o distinct_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o word_n and_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o aristotle_n so_o much_o admire_v for_o his_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n as_o it_o seem_v know_v not_o this_o mystery_n nor_o yet_o do_v his_o follower_n notwithstanding_o of_o which_o because_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v infinite_o bountiful_a and_o gracious_a unto_o man_n do_v not_o only_o enlighten_v and_o shine_v upon_o this_o high_a part_n of_o man_n understanding_n but_o also_o cause_v his_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n thereof_o even_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o imagination_n for_o the_o very_a imagination_n of_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v isa._n 26._o 3._o that_o which_o be_v translate_v in_o and_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v imagination_n see_v also_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 18._o keep_v this_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n etc._n etc._n which_o inferior_a and_o low_a power_n of_o man_n soul_n can_v reach_v to_o divine_a thing_n without_o the_o sign_n of_o word_n therefore_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o good_a and_o pertinent_a word_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a desire_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n will_v establish_v the_o true_a believer_n in_o he_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o good_a word_n be_v as_o real_a a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o good_a work_n or_o desire_n and_o these_o good_a word_n must_v not_o be_v borrow_v word_n from_o the_o mouth_n or_o line_n of_o other_o make_v ready_a to_o our_o hand_n but_o must_v spring_v from_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v water_v they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a after_o a_o heavenly_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o corn_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o ground_n though_o ever_o so_o abundant_o which_o have_v grow_v in_o another_o land_n or_o country_n that_o denominate_v the_o 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heart_n yield_v its_o fruit_n some_o thirty_o some_o sixty_o and_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_v and_o always_o with_o some_o increase_n so_o that_o although_o scripture_n word_n have_v a_o most_o excellent_a service_n and_o use_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o open_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o soil_n be_v with_o seed_n sow_v in_o it_o yet_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o strict_a and_o precise_a number_n of_o scripture_n word_n but_o yield_v a_o increase_n of_o other_o word_n from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o signification_n as_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_v yield_v more_o grain_n than_o what_o be_v sow_v these_o and_o such_o like_a open_n in_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n have_v live_o spring_v up_o in_o i_o as_o concern_v prayer_n time_n after_o time_n and_o have_v at_o the_o present_a writing_n be_v live_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n with_o a_o addition_n of_o many_o more_o which_o here_o i_o present_a to_o all_o friendly_a and_o love_a reader_n to_o who_o hand_n this_o may_v come_v for_o a_o general_a service_n where_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o treat_v of_o thing_n i_o hope_v sober_o and_o fair_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n not_o name_v any_o person_n or_o party_n by_o way_n of_o reflection_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n or_o dislike_v only_o with_o some_o fervency_n but_o yet_o in_o true_a love_n i_o have_v reprove_v and_o argue_v against_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o a_o set_a form_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o spirit_n immediate_a teach_n and_o assistance_n and_o though_o i_o aim_v against_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v that_o read_n to_o be_v prayer_n itself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o simple_o against_o read_v of_o prayer_n which_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o age_n past_a some_o question_n and_o answer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o some_o reason_n that_o all_o prayer_n in_o word_n whether_o conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o utter_v and_o express_v by_o mouth_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v those_o word_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o some_o objection_n or_o seem_a reason_n bring_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n also_o concern_v sing_v or_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n quest._n what_o be_v prayer_n a._n it_o be_v a_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o ask_n of_o he_o in_o faith_n the_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v or_o do_v desire_v q._n what_o be_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n a._n they_o be_v many_o but_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v for_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o sanctify_a his_o great_a name_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o the_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o want_v as_o to_o ourselves_o 3._o we_o be_v also_o to_o pray_v for_o other_o even_o for_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v who_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o expire_v yea_o for_o our_o great_a enemy_n also_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n that_o god_n may_v build_v she_o up_o more_o and_o more_o preserve_v and_o defend_v she_o multiply_v his_o grace_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n more_o abundant_o upon_o she_o and_o upon_o her_o member_n in_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v
as_o a_o natural_a tree_n bring_v forth_o its_o natural_a fruit_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o activity_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v assist_v and_o help_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o especial_o the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o heavenly_a dew_n and_o rains._n and_o certain_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n god_n move_v and_o wrought_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n thereof_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a and_o cause_v they_o all_o to_o concur_v and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o holy_a prayer_n and_o praise_n unto_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o also_o with_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o do_v of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bare_a passive_a instrument_n but_o partly_o active_a and_o partly_o passive_a for_o most_o part_n at_o least_o as_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o variety_n of_o stile_n and_o different_a manner_n of_o expression_n use_v by_o the_o writer_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a capacity_n and_o gift_n whether_o natural_a or_o acquire_v wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o that_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o their_o beautiful_a form_n and_o shape_n and_o diversity_n of_o colour_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o earth_n alone_o nor_o from_o the_o sun_n and_o heaven_n alone_o but_o from_o both_o act_n partly_o together_o and_o as_o the_o child_n which_o the_o mother_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a linement_n and_o proportion_n of_o its_o form_n be_v not_o the_o mother_n child_n alone_o but_o the_o father_n also_o so_o all_o true_a preach_a and_o pray_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o also_o true_a and_o right_a meditation_n and_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o other_o true_a spiritual_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n be_v a_o birth_n of_o two_o parent_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a soul_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o god_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o all_o faithful_a soul_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ_n wife_n because_o as_o the_o wife_n bring_v forth_o true_a and_o lawful_a child_n to_o her_o husband_n lawful_o beget_v of_o he_o so_o the_o faithful_a soul_n bring_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a child_n unto_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o father_n god_n be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o these_o spiritual_a child_n be_v good_a word_n and_o work_n which_o the_o soul_n bring_v forth_o unto_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o preach_a and_o pray_v and_o thanksgiving_n 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the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a but_o they_o may_v be_v active_o employ_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o service_n as_o the_o imagination_n the_o memory_n the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o its_o institutive_a faculty_n which_o be_v open_v and_o make_v alive_a in_o man_n through_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n can_v see_v and_o behold_v god_n as_o he_o do_v reveal_v and_o discover_v himself_o to_o his_o child_n many_o time_n without_o all_o word_n so_o much_o as_o inward_o conceive_v or_o remember_v though_o all_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o word_n and_o through_o they_o as_o through_o the_o lattess_n to_o show_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o will_n love_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n give_v they_o not_o only_o to_o think_v and_o understand_v what_o his_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o holy_a will_n be_v but_o also_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o thus_o the_o faculty_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v give_v it_o be_v most_o noble_o and_o excellent_o exercise_v when_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o service_n immediate_o and_o attain_v to_o their_o noble_a and_o best_a end_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n also_o manifest_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o make_v active_a with_o all_o its_o power_n ability_n and_o faculty_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o co-work_n with_o he_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v the_o more_o delight_v and_o have_v the_o more_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o those_o work_n when_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o have_v a_o share_n in_o they_o as_o the_o mother_n have_v in_o the_o child_n who_o she_o have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o for_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o mother_n to_o love_v their_o own_o child_n who_o they_o have_v conceive_v and_o bear_v and_o suffer_v 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ability_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o become_v as_o so_o many_o dead_a and_o unactive_a trunk_n stock_n or_o stone_n or_o as_o if_o we_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o divine_a revelation_n inspiration_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n help_v we_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v divine_a thing_n to_o meditate_v to_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o etc._n etc._n do_v pass_v through_o we_o as_o a_o sound_n pass_v through_o a_o hollow_a cave_n or_o as_o water_n through_o a_o bare_a conduit_n these_o and_o such_o like_a absurd_a consequence_n be_v but_o the_o idle_a and_o foolish_a dream_n of_o man_n vain_a imagination_n who_o as_o it_o too_o much_o appear_v have_v never_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o or_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o
he_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o and_o remain_v still_o in_o his_o own_o freedom_n although_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n by_o use_v set_a form_n may_v and_o do_v quench_v the_o spirit_n as_o unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o limit_v or_o quench_v or_o grieve_v of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o case_n because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n remain_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o to_o be_v help_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o pray_v in_o word_n either_o in_o the_o conceive_n or_o utter_v they_o they_o grant_v indeed_o so_o far_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a to_o pray_v acceptable_o unto_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n stir_v up_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o excite_v in_o we_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o the_o do_v of_o this_o as_o they_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a help_v of_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o when_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v as_o otherwise_o but_o why_o do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n remain_v in_o the_o true_a church_n see_v they_o general_o confess_v it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o some_o considerable_a time_n since_o they_o say_v it_o cease_v with_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n but_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o for_o this_o that_o be_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o because_o some_o of_o these_o gift_n which_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o less_o necessary_a do_v cease_v or_o discontinue_v that_o therefore_o this_o allo_fw-la do_v cease_v with_o those_o other_o and_o see_v they_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o discern_v whereby_o to_o know_v whether_o this_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n or_o no._n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o some_o have_v it_o and_o as_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n be_v cease_v in_o respect_n to_o help_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o word_n so_o other_o do_v as_o confident_o say_v to_o wit_n the_o socinian_o and_o pelagian_n that_o it_o be_v cease_v in_o all_o other_o respect_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o either_o to_o help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n or_o excite_v our_o affection_n but_o that_o man_n by_o his_o free_a will_n help_v by_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o immediate_a help_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v pray_v sufficient_o both_o with_o good_a word_n and_o fervent_a affection_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o will_v say_v they_o be_v help_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n mediate_o and_o remote_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o why_o do_v they_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o help_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o exciting_a the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o and_o as_o near_o and_o immediate_o and_o close_o as_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o not_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o and_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o such_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n do_v not_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n as_o well_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n counsel_n understanding_n as_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o intellectual_a grace_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n shall_v not_o these_o intellectual_a grace_n be_v make_v fruitful_a by_o the_o spirit_n and_o understanding_n in_o who_o they_o reside_v and_o be_v place_v as_o well_o as_o these_o other_o in_o the_o will._n again_o will_v they_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o spirit_n help_v we_o to_o conceive_v word_n at_o least_o in_o meditation_n or_o will_v they_o confine_v we_o to_o see_v ☞_o form_n of_o meditation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n i_o suppose_v not_o see_v no_o such_o set_a form_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o they_o themselves_o take_v liberty_n to_o their_o meditation_n upon_o religious_a matter_n and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n these_o say_a meditation_n and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v reckon_v at_o time_n the_o spirit_n help_v they_o to_o conceive_v these_o meditation_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o word_n and_o further_o the_o word_n of_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whence_o come_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n no_o influence_n upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o man_n who_o conceive_v they_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o conception_n if_o they_o say_v nay_o they_o will_v render_v the_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n of_o small_a value_n what_o the_o people_n in_o that_o respect_n but_o if_o they_o say_v the_o spirit_n do_v help_v they_o to_o form_v these_o conception_n of_o the_o word_n of_o their_o set_a prayer_n than_o such_o a_o gift_n be_v not_o cease_v in_o the_o true_a church_n for_o it_o be_v in_o these_o man_n who_o pen_v and_o conceive_v those_o prayer_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v in_o man_n now_o to_o conceive_v other_o word_n of_o prayer_n but_o 4._o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n not_o only_o tend_v to_o limit_v and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n and_o quench_v it_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o operation_n but_o also_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v the_o understanding_n and_o divers_a other_o faculty_n and_o ability_n or_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n and_o virtue_n seat_v and_o plant_v in_o they_o altogether_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o respect_n of_o prayer_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o exercise_v the_o understanding_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o paul_n say_v i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o for_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n than_o there_o be_v no_o room_n nor_o place_n nor_o liberty_n leave_v for_o it_o to_o bring_v forth_o prayer_n in_o any_o other_o form_n the_o which_o seem_v very_o as_o absurd_a to_o i_o as_o who_o will_v limit_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o only_o such_o a_o limit_a and_o determine_v number_n of_o form_n of_o vegetable_n flower_n and_o fruit_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o limit_v she_o as_o to_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n of_o each_o form_n which_o we_o know_v be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o the_o form_n of_o all_o live_n and_o grow_v thing_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o spring_v out_o from_o their_o respective_a seed_n principle_n and_o cause_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o grow_v but_o wither_v and_o die_v and_o as_o the_o form_n of_o vegetable_n must_v not_o be_v limit_v and_o stint_v to_o such_o peculiar_a figure_n and_o dimension_n much_o less_o the_o form_n of_o animal_n and_o yet_o far_o less_o the_o form_n and_o figure_n of_o man_n body_n and_o face_n for_o among_o all_o the_o many_o million_o of_o mankind_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n never_o be_v any_o two_o find_v but_o do_v more_o or_o less_o differ_v in_o outward_a form_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o face_n or_o countenance_n and_o sure_o as_o differ_v as_o man_n body_n and_o face_n be_v so_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o do_v the_o thought_n or_o conception_n of_o their_o understanding_n differ_v and_o to_o limit_v they_o all_o to_o one_o form_n of_o inward_a conception_n of_o word_n be_v as_o vain_a as_o to_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o man_n to_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o visage_n or_o countenance_n and_o he_o who_o will_v go_v about_o to_o limit_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o child_n body_n and_o face_n in_o the_o mother_n womb_n to_o another_o shape_n and_o form_n than_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v design_v to_o have_v will_v do_v amiss_o and_o be_v occasion_n of_o cause_v the_o womb_n to_o miscarry_v and_o render_v it_o barren_a rather_o than_o any_o way_n to_o help_v it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v answer_v by_o some_o that_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n may_v show_v itself_o in_o other_o exercise_n and_o performance_n whereas_o man_n also_o may_v use_v his_o gift_n free_o as_o in_o preach_v write_v conference_n etc._n etc._n but_o why_o not_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o these_o other_o for_o to_o restrict_n yea_o and_o to_o hinder_v and_o stop_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o intellectual_a grace_n seat_v therein_o in_o one_o respect_n be_v of_o a_o tendency_n to_o stop_v its_o fruitfulness_n and_o render_v it_o barren_a in_o other_o respect_n a_o woman_n that_o be_v with_o
child_n and_o have_v twin_n in_o her_o womb_n that_o be_v hard_o for_o to_o make_v she_o miscarry_v in_o the_o one_o but_o she_o will_v miscarry_v also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o he_o that_o seek_v to_o kill_v one_o of_o the_o twin_n in_o the_o mother_n belly_n shall_v be_v in_o hazard_n to_o kill_v the_o other_o also_o but_o why_o shall_v the_o one_o be_v kill_v or_o choke_v more_o than_o the_o other_o or_o why_o shall_v the_o divine_a beget_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o in_o its_o reason_n and_o imagination_n be_v strangle_v more_o than_o these_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n see_v they_o have_v both_o one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n as_o they_o have_v one_o mother_n which_o be_v the_o soul._n and_o also_o see_v what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o will_n and_o desire_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o great_a dependency_n what_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o love_v he_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o on_o reasonable_a account_n and_o for_o reasonable_a cause_n yea_o they_o have_v the_o best_a and_o great_a reason_n for_o to_o love_v he_o and_o those_o reason_n be_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reasonable_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n do_v common_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o according_a as_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a do_v most_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o desire_v thereof_o do_v embrace_v what_o be_v present_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a good_a or_o only_o seem_v and_o apparent_a so_o that_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o man_n be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a dictate_v which_o raise_v and_o spring_v up_o from_o their_o understanding_n and_o intellectual_a faculty_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a and_o thus_o either_o wisdom_n or_o folly_n rule_v the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n with_o their_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o action_n all_o good_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o wise_a and_o good_a counsel_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n beget_v in_o they_o and_o all_o bad_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v lead_v by_o foolish_a and_o evil_a counsel_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o so_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o every_o bad_a or_o evil_a man_n be_v a_o fool_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o scripture_n and_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v folly_n and_o the_o real_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o see_v therefore_o all_o good_a inclination_n motion_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n rise_v from_o good_a and_o wise_a counsel_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n we_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v operate_v in_o both_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o beget_v those_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o truth_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o good_a inclination_n and_o affection_n which_o afterward_o he_o beget_v and_o cause_v to_o arise_v in_o the_o will._n but_o these_o good_a and_o wise_a meditation_n and_o counsel_n can_v be_v without_o word_n at_o least_o inward_o speak_v or_o conceive_v in_o the_o reason_n or_o rational_a understanding_n of_o man._n and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v no_o less_o help_n and_o assist_v the_o understanding_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v good_a word_n than_o it_o do_v help_v the_o will_n to_o conceive_v good_a desire_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o great_a mistake_n and_o error_n of_o judgement_n in_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v only_o excite_v or_o beget_v in_o his_o child_n good_a desire_n and_o affection_n but_o do_v not_o suggest_v unto_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a word_n of_o meditation_n and_o that_o as_o well_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o as_o to_o preach_v and_o see_v preacher_n be_v not_o stint_v to_o set_v form_n of_o word_n in_o preach_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v any_o more_o stint_a to_o set_v form_n in_o pray_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v as_o near_o and_o ready_a to_o assist_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o man_n preach_v not_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o long_a premeditation_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o less_o danger_n to_o utter_v or_o express_v unsound_a and_o impertinent_a word_n in_o their_o deliberate_a and_o long_o premeditate_a sermon_n than_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v find_v by_o frequent_a experience_n that_o even_o in_o those_o long_o study_v and_o premeditate_a sermon_n many_o man_n have_v utter_v very_o impertinent_a and_o unsound_a yea_o false_a and_o hurtful_a word_n and_o expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o much_o or_o long_a time_n to_o study_v or_o premeditate_v a_o discourse_n that_o make_v it_o good_a or_o soundp_n see_v they_o who_o err_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o have_v receive_v or_o drink_v in_o wrong_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wrong_v and_o false_a traditional_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n may_v preach_v very_o unsound_a and_o erroneous_a sermon_n although_o they_o have_v take_v a_o long_a time_n to_o study_v and_o prepare_v they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o former_a reply_n if_o man_n shall_v study_v beforehand_o their_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o their_o sermon_n than_o they_o be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n to_o speak_v impertinent_a and_o unsound_a word_n in_o prayer_n than_o in_o preach_v but_o rather_o they_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o such_o a_o danger_n because_o in_o prayer_n man_n common_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o controversy_n or_o disputable_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a 3._o he_o who_o preach_v or_o pray_v by_o the_o true_a and_o real_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o keep_v faithful_o and_o careful_o unto_o the_o same_o although_o what_o he_o do_v either_o preach_v or_o pray_v proceed_v from_o premeditation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mouth_n can_v utter_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v first_o conceive_v it_o which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a kind_n of_o premeditation_n yet_o he_o need_v eth_z not_o any_o long_a time_n for_o the_o say_a premeditation_n for_o when_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v once_o well_o prepare_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v ing_z etc._n etc._n the_o which_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n at_o time_n may_v require_v a_o considerable_a season_n long_o or_o short_a as_o the_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o grow_v up_o in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n i●_n the_o least_o space_n of_o time_n imaginable_a as_o in_o moment_n or_o instant_n when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o assist_v the_o understanding_n by_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o can_v be_v and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v forth_o and_o conceive_v as_o many_o solid_a and_o live_a meditation_n 〈◊〉_d truth_n as_o may_v sufficient_o yield_v matter_n 〈◊〉_d discourse_n in_o true_a and_o sound_a and_o live_a word_n for_o divers_a hour_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o suggest_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n as_o a_o moment_n or_o instant_n but_o only_o as_o much_o as_o to_o furnish_v the_o speaker_n with_o two_o or_o three_o sentence_n or_o perhaps_o but_o one_o sentence_n at_o first_o before_o that_o one_o sentence_n be_v well_o speak_v further_a matter_n may_v and_o do_v oft_o arise_v from_o open_n of_o life_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o speaker_n to_o speak_v more_o and_o so_o continual_o still_o new_a matter_n may_v be_v and_o oft_o be_v afford_v to_o continue_v his_o speech_n long_o or_o short_a as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o require_v or_o as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o service_n be_v see_v or_o feel_v and_o indeed_o various_a and_o manifold_a as_o well_o as_o wonderful_a be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o his_o servant_n who_o mouth_n he_o do_v open_a either_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n for_o sometime_o as_o one_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o pure_a silence_n and_o in_o holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n his_o heart_n at_o the_o present_a time_n be_v
empty_a of_o all_o thought_n or_o meditation_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o particular_a subject_n or_o matter_n of_o discourse_n and_o not_o have_v one_o particular_a subject_n more_o than_o another_o in_o his_o view_n but_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n single_o exercise_v towards_o god_n sudden_o and_o as_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n a_o particular_a subject_n be_v present_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o open_n of_o some_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o here_o the_o lord_n choose_v his_o text_n for_o he_o and_o ground_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v empty_a before_o of_o thought_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n be_v now_o fill_v with_o live_a thought_n and_o meditation_n concern_v they_o be_v make_v fruitful_a to_o bring_v they_o forth_o by_o the_o shower_n or_o rain_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o a_o moment_n or_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n and_o at_o other_o time_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o as_o a_o little_a at_o first_o give_v and_o then_o a_o little_a more_o as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o order_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n either_o of_o the_o speaker_n or_o hearer_n do_v require_v it_o as_o even_o in_o natural_a conception_n of_o natural_a thing_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o fruitful_a understanding_n and_o a_o quick_a and_o ready_a invention_n upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n how_o sudden_o and_o as_o in_o a_o moment_n will_v plenty_n of_o good_a and_o pertinent_a matter_n arise_v in_o they_o to_o discourse_v of_o if_o in_o a_o lawyer_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o law_n if_o in_o a_o physician_n to_o discourse_v of_o physic_n or_o in_o a_o philosopher_n to_o discourse_v of_o moral_a or_o natural_a subject_n of_o philosophy_n the_o which_o extemporary_a and_o ready_a discourse_n when_o they_o come_v from_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o real_a fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n have_v always_o more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o intelligent_a and_o discern_a hearer_n than_o long_o study_v or_o premeditate_a speech_n which_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n smell_v of_o the_o lamp_n and_o have_v more_o of_o art_n than_o of_o nature_n in_o they_o and_o more_o of_o form_n than_o substance_n and_o extemporary_a discourse_n that_o flow_v and_o spring_v free_o from_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o the_o noble_a and_o generous_a part_n or_o faculty_n of_o a_o well_o compose_v and_o clear_a mind_n be_v like_o fresh_a water_n that_o have_v new_o stream_v from_o the_o live_a spring_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o that_o on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a than_o discourse_n long_o since_o premeditate_a and_o treasure_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n which_o through_o their_o oldness_n contract_v a_o certain_a tincture_n and_o lose_v of_o their_o freshness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o savour_n even_o as_o water_v long_o keep_v in_o a_o cistern_n and_o if_o these_o extemporary_a discourse_n of_o natural_a thing_n flow_v only_o from_o a_o natural_a fruitfulness_n of_o man_n understanding_n have_v more_o acceptance_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o judicious_a hearer_n than_o long_o study_v sermon_n dress_v up_o with_o paint_v of_o art_n how_o much_o more_o be_v those_o extemporary_a speech_n to_o be_v value_v and_o how_o much_o great_a authority_n have_v they_o and_o true_a and_o real_a acceptance_n with_o all_o discern_a hearer_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o rich_a and_o fruitful_a soil_n of_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n abundant_o water_v and_o make_v fruitful_a with_o the_o descending_n of_o the_o venly_a shower_n and_o rain_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o again_o reply_v that_o the_o limit_v or_o confine_v of_o he_o that_o pray_v to_o a_o set_a form_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n for_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v still_o at_o liberty_n to_o have_v as_o many_o and_o as_o various_a good_a and_o holy_a meditation_n and_o conception_n of_o thought_n and_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o contain_v or_o comprehend_v only_o he_o be_v outward_o limit_v to_o those_o form_n as_o to_o his_o tongue_n and_o mouth_n whereas_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n do_v remain_v free_a to_o abound_v in_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n and_o meditation_n for_o the_o people_n who_o hear_v they_o may_v also_o abound_v in_o these_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n who_o notwithstanding_o do_v not_o open_v a_o mouth_n in_o the_o assembly_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o pray_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v as_o there_o be_v many_o good_a thought_n and_o meditation_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n for_o their_o own_o particular_a comfort_n and_o profit_v such_o as_o these_o which_o the_o people_n have_v who_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o there_o be_v also_o many_o which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o profit_v of_o other_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppress_v but_o utter_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v lead_v and_o order_v according_a to_o his_o appoint_a time_n and_o season_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n move_v and_o require_v a_o man_n to_o bring_v forth_o these_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o certain_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o he_o will_v so_o move_v and_o require_v where_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v give_v to_o the_o man_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o also_o for_o other_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a limit_v and_o confine_v the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n not_o to_o give_v he_o liberty_n either_o in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n to_o bringforth_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v in_o his_o mind_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n be_v not_o this_o like_o the_o hinder_v the_o child_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mother_n belly_n when_o its_o appoint_a time_n be_v come_v and_o to_o make_v her_o womb_n its_o grave_a than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o cruel_a but_o 5._o there_o be_v this_o great_a hurt_n and_o inconveniency_n to_o limit_v and_o confine_v both_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n to_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n the_o one_o to_o speak_v and_o read_v they_o the_o other_o to_z hear_v they_o that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o those_o set_a and_o stint_a prayer_n will_v either_o always_o or_o at_o most_o time_n suit_n and_o agree_v with_o the_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n the_o scripture_n say_v that_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n be_v like_o picture_n of_o gold_n in_o apple_n of_o silver_n and_o concern_v isaiah_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a soul._n and_o indeed_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o preach_v or_o pray_v how_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a it_o be_v now_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o calendar_n such_o prayer_n on_o such_o a_o day_n and_o other_o on_o other_o day_n as_o the_o calendar_n or_o order_n of_o the_o service_n require_v can_v these_o form_n be_v always_o or_o for_o most_o part_n seasonable_a to_o the_o people_n state_n and_o condition_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o inward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o spiris_fw-la shall_v regular_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o season_n and_o day_n of_o the_o year_n which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o think_v or_o imagine_v or_o how_o do_v these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o tell_v we_o daily_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o agree_v with_o paul_n word_n rom._n 28._o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o most_o of_o those_o set_a form_n be_v conceive_v in_o such_o general_a word_n that_o they_o may_v suit_v or_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v to_o suit_n or_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o a_o general_a way_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o suit_v they_o in_o their_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v another_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o prayer_n so_o much_o that_o relieve_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o people_n as_o the_o life_n that_o go_v along_o in_o word_n that_o be_v utter_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o speaker_n as_o god_n give_v he_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o various_a and_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n according_a to_o which_o sense_n of_o their_o various_a state_n he_o be_v furnish_v both_o with_o suitable_a
weight_n and_o measure_n i_o answer_v the_o comparison_n and_o example_n in_o this_o case_n be_v most_o unequal_a those_o weight_n and_o measure_n be_v but_o dead_a thing_n whether_o they_o be_v standard_n or_o those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o they_o but_o all_o true_a prayer_n be_v a_o live_a thing_n and_o must_v have_v a_o live_a form_n of_o its_o own_o and_o can_v borrow_v the_o form_n of_o another_o even_o as_o a_o rose_n or_o tulip_n or_o lily_n or_o any_o other_o flower_n or_o vegetable_a or_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o spring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o ground_n must_v have_v its_o own_o proper_a live_a form_n and_o figure_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v like_a to_o other_o thing_n of_o its_o kind_n yet_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o they_o and_o may_v yea_o and_o do_v always_o more_o or_o less_o vary_v from_o they_o in_o form_n and_o shape_n or_o figure_n and_o quantity_n as_o well_o as_o colour_n and_o taste_v and_o smell_v at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n and_o no_o art_n or_o device_n of_o man_n can_v bring_v forth_o a_o herb_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n precise_o of_o the_o same_o quantity_n and_o shape_n with_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o true_a prayer_n in_o great_a part_n and_o although_o one_o prayer_n may_v be_v like_o another_o as_o to_o the_o word_n and_o may_v have_v the_o same_o word_n when_o the_o prayer_n be_v short_a as_o contain_v perhaps_o one_o or_o two_o sentence_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o prayer_n do_v not_o borrow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o other_o prayer_n but_o both_o the_o prayer_n have_v their_o own_o proper_a form_n that_o natural_o spring_v from_o that_o divine_a life_n and_o inward_a sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o soul_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o prayer_n of_o christ_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n when_o he_o pray_v three_o time_n say_v the_o same_o word_n which_o instance_n some_o bring_v for_o use_v a_o constant_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o who_o will_v or_o dare_v say_v but_o that_o those_o few_o word_n thrice_o utter_v by_o he_o do_v immediate_o spring_v from_o life_n in_o he_o and_o not_o from_o a_o bare_a remembrance_n of_o the_o word_n former_o speak_v and_o beside_o the_o time_n be_v so_o short_a betwixt_o those_o three_o prayer_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o well_o one_o as_o three_o the_o frame_n and_o bent_n of_o his_o heart_n remain_v the_o same_o the_o whole_a time_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v still_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o after_o one_o thing_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n may_v be_v do_v when_o his_o prayer_n be_v rather_o a_o breathe_n forth_o of_o his_o earnest_a desire_n after_o one_o only_a thing_n and_o consist_v at_o this_o time_n more_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n than_o in_o the_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v in_o and_o with_o great_a understanding_n also_o then_o that_o call_v discursive_a prayer_n where_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v much_o exercise_v the_o which_o sort_n of_o breathe_n after_o one_o thing_n express_v in_o one_o or_o two_o sentence_n and_o sometime_o in_o one_o or_o two_o word_n yea_o sometime_o but_o one_o only_a word_n as_o to_o say_v father_n according_a to_o gal._n 4._o 6._o be_v common_o call_v the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n and_o by_o other_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n and_o by_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n which_o differ_v much_o from_o that_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v discursive_a where_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v much_o exercise_v and_o the_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o many_o thought_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n inward_o conceive_v and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v excite_v after_o divers_a thing_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a that_o at_o several_a time_n a_o man_n can_v pray_v the_o same_o word_n without_o add_v or_o diminish_v if_o he_o speak_v from_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o from_o a_o bare_a remembrance_n for_o even_o in_o natural_a discourse_n upon_o any_o natural_a subject_n a_o man_n that_o speak_v from_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o inward_a fruitfulness_n of_o his_o understanding_n he_o will_v vary_v in_o expression_n though_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o to_o argue_v for_o the_o use_v a_o constant_a set_a form_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n which_o have_v but_o one_o sentence_n or_o word_n in_o it_o many_o time_n to_o discursive_a prayer_n which_o have_v common_o many_o hold_v not_o good_a and_o be_v as_o improper_a and_o unequal_a as_o who_o will_v say_v when_o the_o child_n cry_v unto_o the_o father_n twice_o or_o thrice_o every_o day_n father_n give_v i_o bread_n use_v the_o same_o word_n that_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o child_n discourse_n at_o any_o time_n to_o his_o father_n in_o answer_v his_o father_n any_o question_n or_o ask_v any_o other_o thing_n of_o he_o and_o use_v many_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v obtain_v it_o he_o shall_v still_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o form_n of_o speech_n we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o in_o converse_n and_o society_n of_o man_n with_o man_n they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o they_o discourse_v and_o talk_v one_o to_o another_o and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o will_v make_v their_o converse_n very_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a and_o will_v look_v very_o odd_a and_o import_v in_o he_o that_o always_o use_v these_o same_o word_n on_o the_o same_o subject_n of_o discourse_n either_o want_n of_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n or_o some_o pedantic_a affectation_n although_o in_o all_o intercourse_n of_o speech_n there_o be_v some_o short_a form_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o common_o use_v and_o if_o two_o man_n shall_v preach_v on_o the_o same_o text_n and_o have_v the_o same_o subject_n of_o discourse_n if_o they_o shall_v both_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n in_o kind_n and_o number_n without_o addition_n or_o diminition_n it_o will_v be_v general_o conclude_v that_o the_o one_o have_v steal_v his_o discourse_n from_o the_o other_o or_o at_o least_o borrow_a it_o and_o not_o conceive_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o understanding_n for_o as_o much_o as_o one_o man_n child_n differ_v from_o another_o in_o form_n and_o figure_n of_o body_n as_o much_o or_o rather_o more_o do_v the_o birth_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n in_o conceive_v and_o utter_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o discourse_n differ_v from_o another_o yea_o as_o the_o child_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o father_n and_o mother_n though_o ever_o so_o many_o do_v considerable_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o form_n and_o figure_n especial_o of_o the_o face_n so_o every_o man_n speech_n or_o discourse_n whether_o in_o preach_v or_o pray_v will_v somewhat_o differ_v one_o time_n from_o another_o if_o he_o bring_v it_o from_o his_o heart_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o from_o his_o bare_a memory_n although_o the_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n may_v be_v much_o the_o same_o and_o common_o those_o man_n who_o understanding_n be_v natural_o more_o pertinent_a and_o fruitful_a when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v on_o the_o same_o matter_n or_o subject_n the_o form_n of_o their_o speech_n or_o write_n do_v most_o differ_v and_o so_o it_o may_v in_o prayer_n whereas_o other_o man_n who_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o fruitful_a in_o word_n but_o they_o may_v be_v as_o fruitful_a and_o sometime_o more_o fruitful_a in_o good_a and_o holy_a affection_n when_o they_o preach_v or_o pray_v the_o form_n of_o their_o word_n and_o speech_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v well_o near_o the_o same_o though_o always_o there_o will_v be_v some_o difference_n as_o much_o as_o one_o child_n who_o be_v very_o like_a to_o his_o brother_n do_v differ_v from_o he_o or_o as_o one_o 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liberty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grow_v up_o together_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garden_n as_o lovely_a plant_n and_o flower_n each_o one_o have_v their_o proper_a shape_v form_n and_o fruit_n all_o of_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a smell_n and_o taste_v and_o of_o a_o lovely_a beauty_n and_o all_o useful_a and_o profitable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o general_n without_o any_o envy_n or_o grudge_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o manifold_a and_o various_a grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o bestow_v upon_o all_o and_o all_o grow_a and_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o holy_a root_n and_o ground_n and_o now_o these_o two_o main_a objection_n be_v answer_v at_o length_n which_o do_v require_v the_o open_n or_o explain_v of_o divers_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v of_o service_n to_o some_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o answer_v some_o other_o wherein_o i_o may_v be_v more_o brief_a 3._o they_o object_n that_o some_o have_v good_a heart_n and_o great_a love_n and_o strong_a affection_n towards_o god_n and_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o have_v weak_a head_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v not_o able_a well_o to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o these_o be_v help_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n well_o and_o pious_o compose_v answ._n none_o have_v such_o weak_a head_n or_o understanding_n if_o they_o have_v good_a heart_n or_o any_o measure_n of_o true_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n which_o beget_v in_o they_o those_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n have_v be_v and_o be_v also_o in_o they_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o beget_v in_o they_o or_o help_v they_o to_o conceive_v good_a thought_n and_o word_n of_o prayer_n sufficient_a for_o they_o as_o be_v above_o prove_v and_o make_v apparent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o its_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o will_n and_o whatever_o the_o will_n cleave_v unto_o or_o the_o heart_n love_v be_v first_o propose_v and_o represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n in_o thought_n as_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o elocution_n either_o none_o or_o small_a god_n require_v but_o of_o every_o man_n as_o he_o give_v he_o and_o he_o who_o can_v pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dumb_a if_o he_o pray_v with_o his_o heart_n shall_v be_v accept_v but_o he_o who_o can_v read_v a_o prayer_n if_o his_o heart_n and_o understanding_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o exercise_v in_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o in_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o love_n to_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o they_o will_v soon_o find_v himself_o furnish_v with_o word_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la whereby_o to_o express_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o indeed_o in_o true_a and_o real_a love_n there_o be_v for_o most_o part_n a_o admirable_a force_n or_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o man_n eloquent_a both_o to_o praise_v the_o thing_n he_o love_v most_o and_o also_o to_o find_v out_o reason_n and_o argument_n wherewith_o to_o persuade_v to_o the_o obtain_v it_o he_o who_o love_v a_o woman_n and_o great_o desire_v to_o have_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n he_o need_v not_o go_v to_o a_o book_n and_o steal_v or_o borrow_v a_o oration_n or_o form_n of_o discourse_n to_o speak_v unto_o she_o in_o order_n to_o persuade_v she_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o will_v but_o cold_o come_v from_o he_o and_o if_o she_o do_v know_v it_o as_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o good_a discern_a can_v but_o discover_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o borrow_a speech_n she_o will_v not_o perhaps_o accept_v it_o nor_o answer_v it_o but_o the_o natural_a and_o simple_a word_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v most_o prevail_v and_o have_v the_o great_a force_n it_o be_v not_o eloquence_n or_o excellency_n of_o speech_n that_o god_n require_v or_o regard_v the_o profit_n and_o service_n of_o it_o be_v unto_o man_n and_o not_o unto_o god._n it_o stir_v up_o man_n affection_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o servant_n but_o do_v not_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n than_o more_o simple_a and_o mean_a word_n yet_o god_n will_v have_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o gift_n and_o it_o be_v but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o want_v of_o exercise_n in_o improve_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o that_o make_v they_o think_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a why_o may_v not_o man_n find_v word_n and_o expression_n as_o ready_a and_o easy_a wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o they_o find_v they_o wherewith_o to_o seek_v a_o thing_n from_o man_n which_o few_o or_o none_o do_v in_o borrow_a form_n of_o speech_n compose_v by_o another_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o some_o king_n or_o great_a person_n that_o some_o who_o be_v feeble_a mind_v and_o want_v courage_n make_v their_o address_n by_o borrow_a word_n or_o by_o something_o write_v on_o a_o paper_n or_o by_o some_o other_o they_o get_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n for_o god_n invite_v the_o weak_a and_o mean_a to_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o mean_a word_n where_o the_o heart_n be_v sincere_a be_v accept_v of_o he_o yea_o suppose_v the_o word_n be_v break_v and_o imperfect_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o grammar_n of_o the_o language_n they_o may_v be_v use_v at_o least_o in_o private_a and_o as_o for_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n these_o 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aaron_n or_o that_o aaron_n put_v any_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n only_z aaron_n and_o hur_z helped_z to_o hold_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sure_o moses_n in_o his_o prayer_n here_o use_v not_o any_o form_n of_o prayer_n borrow_v from_o aaron_n or_o any_o body_n else_o although_o some_o from_o this_o passage_n and_o moses_n his_o being_n less_o eloquent_a than_o aaron_n have_v argue_v for_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n but_o we_o can_v find_v it_o in_o scripture_n that_o moses_n stand_v with_o a_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o read_v or_o pray_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o the_o mountain_n but_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o rod._n 4._o they_o object_n that_o many_o by_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o pious_a and_o godly_a prayer_n both_o in_o public_a and_o also_o in_o private_a have_v find_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n refresh_v thereby_o and_o what_o they_o do_v read_v or_o hear_v read_v have_v oft_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n in_o they_o and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god._n and_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o all_o they_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o always_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n pray_v by_o the_o book_n answ._n i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o read_n or_o hear_v read_v word_n of_o prayer_n whether_o in_o public_a or_o private_a if_o these_o word_n have_v be_v origina_o conceive_v by_o the_o spirit_n
of_o god_n help_n and_o assistance_n may_v and_o do_v at_o time_n refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o may_v and_o do_v excite_v or_o stir_v up_o true_a and_o live_a breathe_n and_o hearty_a desire_n and_o supplication_n in_o they_o with_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n at_o season_n but_o than_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o read_n or_o hear_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v put_v in_o their_o true_a and_o right_a place_n and_o account_v and_o value_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o and_o not_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v when_o hear_v or_o read_v those_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v account_v hear_v and_o read_v as_o they_o be_v and_o not_o prayer_n which_o they_o be_v not_o for_o hear_v and_o read_v be_v thing_n differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_a from_o pray_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v with_o the_o same_o and_o the_o great_a service_n and_o advantage_n that_o read_v or_o hear_v word_n of_o prayer_n read_v by_o another_o unto_o we_o have_v or_o indeed_o can_v have_v be_v but_o preparatory_a to_o excite_v or_o stir_v up_o unto_o prayer_n and_o then_o only_o can_v they_o do_v so_o much_o but_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o concur_v and_o give_v his_o assistance_n with_o they_o but_o if_o people_n confound_v these_o so_o differ_v thing_n and_o set_v up_o the_o bare_a read_n or_o hear_v what_o be_v read_v in_o the_o place_n or_o room_n of_o true_a prayer_n as_o if_o they_o be_v true_a prayer_n itself_o they_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o withdraw_v that_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o read_v and_o hear_v those_o word_n however_o so_o good_a yea_o though_o scripture_n word_n and_o altogether_o blast_v and_o make_v ineffectual_a and_o unprofitable_a those_o exercise_n which_o otherwise_o and_o in_o themselves_o consider_v be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n confound_v but_o keep_v distinct_a he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o thing_n judge_v or_o esteem_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o or_o above_o what_o it_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o which_o in_o this_o very_a case_n be_v downright_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n as_o to_o judge_n that_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o whatever_o be_v not_o true_a prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v so_o and_o real_o so_o judge_v and_o esteem_v be_v false_a and_o a_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n for_o i_o know_v no_o midst_n betwixt_o true_a divine_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n under_o that_o head_n of_o worship_n see_v all_o pretend_a divine_a worship_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a and_o if_o false_a it_o be_v a_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n now_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v well_o examine_v and_o consider_v whether_o the_o putting_z reading_z and_o hear_v read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a in_o so_o high_a a_o place_n as_o many_o put_v they_o if_o not_o most_o or_o all_o who_o use_v they_o have_v not_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o deny_v that_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o those_o exercise_n which_o otherwise_o he_o may_v and_o will_v give_v especial_o when_o those_o read_v prayer_n do_v altogether_o exclude_v those_o real_a prayer_n which_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o enable_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o bring_v they_o forth_o in_o word_n without_o any_o set_a form._n and_o why_o be_v it_o that_o many_o sensible_a and_o tender_a soul_n feel_v no_o virtue_n in_o many_o or_o most_o of_o those_o read_v prayer_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n feel_v great_a deadness_n and_o heavyness_n and_o great_a weight_n and_o burden_n in_o hear_v they_o which_o have_v occasion_v many_o to_o with_o draw_v and_o seek_v where_o to_o find_v a_o people_n where_o true_a and_o live_a prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v to_o be_v find_v which_o effectual_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v their_o soul_n and_o heart_n along_o to_o join_v with_o they_o for_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a prayer_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v most_o effectual_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o where_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n join_v and_o go_v along_o by_o the_o move_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n both_o in_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n that_o be_v true_a prayer_n again_o if_o people_n shall_v not_o so_o far_o mis-place_n those_o thing_n as_o to_o judge_n read_v and_o hear_v read_v prayer_n to_o be_v prayer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n yet_o if_o they_o lean_a too_o much_o on_o they_o and_o rely_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o they_o shall_v and_o have_v more_o a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o they_o than_o unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o also_o will_v make_v their_o read_n and_o hear_v or_o any_o other_o exercise_n ineffectual_a unto_o they_o and_o altogether_o unprofitable_a but_o secoud_o i_o shall_v neither_o be_v so_o hard_a nor_o uncharitable_a but_o be_o very_o far_o from_o it_o as_o to_o judge_n that_o all_o they_o who_o hear_v or_o read_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o private_a and_o public_a and_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v extemporary_a prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o to_o conceive_v or_o express_v word_n of_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o true_a devotion_n and_o never_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o my_o charity_n be_v so_o large_a and_o free_a in_o that_o respect_n that_o i_o believe_v among_o all_o people_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o many_o of_o those_o call_v heathen_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o one_o only_a god_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v at_o time_n visit_v with_o gentle_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v they_o true_o to_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o true_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o the_o lord_n do_v by_o high_a and_o sovereign_a act_n of_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o condescendence_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o another_o what_o he_o do_v to_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o their_o do_v what_o he_o only_o require_v of_o they_o and_o be_v please_v with_o in_o they_o 5._o it_o be_v object_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dictate_v unto_o any_o man_n in_o our_o day_n the_o word_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o that_o case_n those_o word_n will_v be_v as_o good_a canonical_a scripture_n as_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n or_o of_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o their_o psalm_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v answ._n these_o word_n of_o prayer_n which_o come_v true_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v and_o assist_v the_o speaker_n to_o conceive_v and_o express_v they_o be_v no_o doubt_n real_a divine_a testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n but_o to_o compare_v or_o equal_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o we_o do_v not_o so_o to_o infer_v it_o be_v unequal_a for_o if_o all_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o original_o do_v live_o and_o pure_o proceed_v and_o spring_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hadbeen_a writ_n and_o ad_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o bulk_n or_o volumn_n of_o it_o have_v be_v too_o great_a yea_o many_o volume_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v they_o and_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v read_v they_o all_o therefore_o god_n have_v wise_o and_o gracious_o order_v it_o by_o his_o divine_a providence_n that_o a_o part_n of_o these_o many_o testimony_n which_o have_v come_v from_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v leave_v upon_o record_n and_o preserve_v to_o all_o future_a generation_n which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o which_o have_v be_v unquestionable_o receive_v in_o all_o age_n among_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v have_v a_o true_a discern_a to_o favour_v these_o holy_a write_n and_o testimony_n and_o that_o what_o have_v be_v so_o write_v shall_v be_v general_o receive_v as_o unquestionable_a testimony_n and_o oracle_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o acknowledge_v as_o a_o public_a standard_n rule_n and_o touch-stove_n whereby_o to_o judge_n and_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n hold_v forth_o by_o any_o now_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o this_o public_a standard_n and_o touchstone_n of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v too_o large_a and_o voluminous_a but_o compendious_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v read_v over_o and_o diligent_o search_v and_o examine_v in_o a_o short_a time_n
be_v active_a and_o fruitful_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o also_o it_o be_v true_a the_o same_o paul_n speak_v of_o a_o case_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n pray_v but_o the_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a as_o it_o happen_v at_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v so_o inspire_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 13._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v like_a that_o as_o the_o soul_n understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a so_o it_o be_v unactive_a and_o be_v use_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o passive_a instrument_n like_o a_o pen_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n as_o when_o the_o outward_a ear_n of_o a_o man_n receive_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o strange_a language_n which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v other_o case_n also_o wherein_o the_o understanding_n and_o rational_a faculty_n of_o man_n may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o not_o use_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n when_o he_o immediate_o inspire_v he_o as_o when_o the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n or_o mind_n be_v excite_v and_o whole_o employ_v and_o exercise_v by_o the_o spirit_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o other_o the_o visual_a or_o intentive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o whereby_o a_o man_n have_v a_o sense_n or_o perception_n of_o divine_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n without_o any_o use_n or_o exercise_v of_o his_o understanding_n reason_n or_o imagination_n as_o in_o a_o spiritual_a rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n but_o for_o most_o part_n the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n be_v use_v and_o employ_v yea_o and_o the_o memory_n also_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n so_o as_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v and_o seasonable_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n for_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n whether_o inward_a or_o outward_a it_o only_o imply_v a_o most_o near_o and_o close_o or_o intimate_v conjunction_n and_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n operation_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o use_v and_o solomon_n who_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v write_v both_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ecclesiaste_n and_o proverb_n by_o divine_a immediate_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n yet_o he_o say_v eccles._n 12._o 10._o he_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o that_o faculty_n or_o ability_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v call_v by_o logician_n invention_n as_o well_o as_o his_o judgement_n not_o that_o he_o have_v any_o trouble_n or_o difficulty_n to_o find_v out_o those_o acceptable_a word_n but_o the_o spirit_n make_v his_o understanding_n fruitful_a with_o plenty_n of_o matter_n and_o seasonable_a and_o suitable_a word_n he_o free_o and_o without_o any_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o his_o mind_n use_v such_o acceptable_a word_n 6._o it_o be_v object_v that_o even_o they_o who_o pray_v ex_fw-la empore_fw-la by_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o congregation_n of_o people_n do_v stint_n or_o limit_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o hearer_n and_o their_o understanding_n and_o attension_n to_o consider_v what_o they_o who_o speak_v say_v no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o hear_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n read_v unto_o they_o answ._n this_o be_v altogether_o deny_v for_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o one_o can_v never_o be_v think_v to_o stint_v the_o same_o spirit_n or_o limit_v the_o operation_n thereof_o in_o another_o or_o many_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o do_v ever_o accord_n and_o agree_v with_o itself_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o what_o it_o move_v the_o speaker_n to_o speak_v it_o move_v and_o incline_v the_o hearer_n to_o consider_v and_o where_o true_a unity_n be_v witness_v with_o one_o inward_a voice_n and_o cry_v of_o their_o heart_n they_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n unto_o god_n their_o heart_n at_o every_o sentence_n say_v amen_n to_o what_o they_o feel_v and_o perceive_v to_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o who_o speak_v nor_o do_v it_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n and_o attention_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n and_o open_n in_o themselves_o for_o many_o yea_o and_o most_o time_n what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v through_o one_o do_v excite_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hearer_n into_o more_o faithfulness_n so_o that_o they_o have_v more_o open_v and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n than_o what_o the_o speaker_n word_n do_v import_v as_o oft_o also_o the_o like_a fall_v out_o in_o discourse_v upon_o a_o natural_a subject_n where_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v more_o to_o some_o hearer_n than_o they_o do_v to_o the_o speaker_n himself_o exciting_a clear_a and_o full_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o truth_n in_o he_o and_o thus_o even_o natural_a art_n have_v be_v perfect_v when_o the_o first_o inventor_n have_v but_o some_o small_a beginning_n other_o by_o those_o beginning_n have_v be_v excite_v to_o find_v out_o more_o perfect_a thing_n as_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o first_o word_n of_o a_o sentence_n to_o a_o man_n memory_n which_o he_o have_v forget_v do_v oft_o excite_v his_o memory_n to_o remember_v the_o whole_a sentence_n nor_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o straight_o or_o narrow_a but_o it_o can_v well_o enough_o attend_v to_o what_o another_o man_n say_v in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n and_o also_o to_o what_o god_n inward_o do_v suggest_v or_o reveal_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o hearer_n understanding_n and_o spirit_n be_v manifest_a in_o this_o also_o that_o after_o one_o have_v pray_v in_o word_n if_o the_o same_o spirit_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v in_o preach_v or_o prayer_n by_o any_o of_o the_o hearer_n he_o be_v free_a to_o do_v it_o without_o give_v any_o offence_n which_o be_v the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 7._o it_o be_v object_v that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v most_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n who_o by_o often_o hear_v of_o the_o same_o prayer_n can_v commit_v it_o to_o memory_n and_o so_o it_o pass_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o remain_v with_o they_o whereas_o extemporary_a prayer_n pass_v away_o for_o most_o part_n as_o a_o sound_n and_o be_v little_o remember_v answ._n this_o also_o be_v altogether_o deny_v viz._n that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v most_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n for_o admit_v or_o suppose_v that_o the_o hearer_n common_o by_o oft_o hear_v these_o set_a form_n have_v they_o all_o perfect_a in_o their_o memory_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a understanding_n of_o they_o for_o man_n may_v and_o do_v remember_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o again_o either_o these_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v few_o or_o many_o if_o few_o they_o can_v give_v a_o large_a understanding_n to_o the_o people_n if_o many_o they_o can_v be_v well_o remember_v by_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o will_v fill_v many_o volume_n they_o can_v give_v so_o great_a occasion_n to_o edify_v and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n as_o these_o prayer_n which_o proceed_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o holy_a man_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v many_o more_o and_o contain_v much_o more_o matter_n than_o the_o great_a book_n of_o ever_o so_o many_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n can_v for_o on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v as_o i_o reckon_v why_o man_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o set_v form_n of_o preach_v but_o be_v allow_v free_o to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n because_o that_o be_v more_o edify_v to_o the_o people_n than_o set_v form_n to_o preach_v by_o will_v be_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v as_o good_a concern_v pray_v as_o preach_v and_o though_o word_n of_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n without_o the_o spirit_n pass_v away_o as_o a_o empty_a transient_a sound_n yet_o by_o and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o in_o speaker_n and_o hearer_n they_o take_v impression_n both_o upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o memory_n of_o people_n who_o be_v make_v tender_a and_o sensible_a and_o though_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o word_n speak_v be_v not_o remember_v yet_o if_o they_o have_v
in_o the_o preach_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n servant_n that_o stand_v on_o record_n far_o surpass_v all_o the_o eloquence_n that_o either_o the_o master_n or_o disciple_n of_o that_o artificial_a eloquence_n so_o much_o admire_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o arrive_v or_o ever_o can_v arrive_v at_o mere_o as_o such_o and_o likewise_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v in_o respect_n of_o use_v any_o word_n at_o all_o in_o prayer_n whether_o extempore_o or_o by_o set_a form_n because_o to_o speak_v proper_o god_n be_v not_o move_v by_o any_o word_n and_o have_v need_n of_o they_o who_o know_v all_o ove_z most_o secret_a thought_n and_o desire_n without_o word_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o word_n be_v use_v to_o man_n because_o they_o have_v a_o leisure_n to_o excite_v their_o affection_n then_o i_o say_v and_o variety_n of_o word_n with_o new_a matter_n as_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v they_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o like_a service_n and_o that_o more_o effectual_o as_o abundant_a experience_n do_v prove_v then_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n especial_o when_o the_o read_n be_v account_v prayer_n whereof_o we_o find_v no_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o ever_o at_o any_o time_n read_v be_v account_v prayer_n though_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n may_v and_o oft_o do_v follow_v and_o accompany_v serious_a read_n and_o hear_v 11._o they_o object_n that_o solomon_n forbid_v man_n to_o be_v rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n or_o to_o let_v their_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n say_v he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o answ._n but_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v therefore_o let_v thy_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o set_a form_n of_o word_n for_o here_o only_o he_o reprove_v vain_a repetition_n and_o the_o pharisaical_a spirit_n which_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n as_o christ_n do_v also_o reprove_v the_o same_o and_o certain_o solomon_n be_v far_o from_o forbid_v all_o extemporary_a prayer_n in_o these_o word_n eccles._n 5._o 2._o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o few_o word_n as_o well_o as_o marry_v for_o he_o use_v it_o himself_o at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o at_o other_o time_n although_o i_o shall_v willing_o grant_v that_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n without_o the_o spirit_n where_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n irreverent_o ramble_v and_o wander_v into_o airy_a imagination_n be_v here_o and_o every_o where_o else_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n and_o whereas_o some_o also_o except_o against_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n as_o be_v monstrous_a like_o because_o of_o the_o smallness_n or_o shortness_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o conception_n and_o birth_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o prayer_n however_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n that_o can_v have_v no_o place_n against_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n unless_o such_o objector_n will_v also_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n make_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o old_a as_o be_v monstrous_a or_o monster_n on_o that_o account_n but_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v more_o sober_a and_o though_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o time_n be_v very_o short_a as_o perhaps_o a_o moment_n or_o instant_n betwixt_o the_o conception_n and_o birth_n of_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o word_n or_o expression_n yet_o the_o substance_n and_o root_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o life_n of_o true_a prayer_n do_v chief_o consist_v be_v long_a time_n conceive_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o its_o outward_a birth_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o mouth_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a abide_a thing_n in_o the_o soul._n 12._o many_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v use_v or_o do_v as_o yet_o use_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n discover_v many_o weakness_n in_o those_o prayer_n as_o vain_a repetition_n impertinent_a say_n light_n and_o airy_a phrase_n and_o unsound_a matter_n and_o expression_n to_o the_o cause_v many_o people_n to_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v pious_o and_o religious_o affect_v with_o those_o prayer_n and_o see_v few_o if_o any_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o word_n conceive_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o yet_o public_a prayer_n in_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o people_n be_v necessary_a be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o sound_a word_n then_o to_o adventure_v on_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n without_o the_o spirit_n answ._n as_o for_o all_o these_o weakness_n which_o man_n have_v discover_v or_o may_v discover_v in_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v they_o reflect_v as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o man_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o principle_n and_o when_o most_o of_o these_o weakness_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v in_o man_n who_o pray_v without_o any_o pretence_n unto_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o belief_n that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o such_o man_n i_o confess_v shall_v lay_v aside_o their_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la pray_v and_o wait_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v help_n from_o he_o to_o pray_v first_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o it_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o these_o also_o who_o pretend_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o so_o but_o be_v mere_o guide_v by_o their_o float_a and_o airy_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n shall_v desist_v from_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o come_v with_o silence_n both_o outward_a and_o inward_a and_o in_o the_o same_o wait_n for_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n to_o help_v their_o infirmity_n whether_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v or_o with_o distinct_a and_o audible_a expression_n but_o sure_o these_o who_o indeed_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n keep_v close_o and_o chaste_o to_o the_o same_o throughout_o from_o first_o to_o last_o bewray_v none_o of_o these_o weakness_n and_o though_o they_o may_v use_v repetition_n yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v to_o use_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o savour_n of_o life_n in_o they_o they_o be_v not_o vain_a but_o profitable_a and_o like_o the_o warble_a note_n repeat_v sound_v of_o a_o skilful_a musician_n in_o a_o musical_a descant_n which_o render_v the_o method_n more_o sweet_a and_o please_a and_o such_o serious_a grave_a and_o weighty_a repetition_n we_o find_v oft_o in_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o these_o also_o who_o use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n have_v need_n that_o they_o use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n for_o some_o who_o have_v hear_v these_o set_a form_n have_v be_v as_o much_o disgu_v and_o offend_v with_o the_o many_o repetition_n they_o find_v there_o as_o other_o with_o those_o elsewhere_o now_o it_o may_v at_o time_n happen_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v partly_o assist_v and_o help_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o conceive_v word_n of_o prayer_n and_o good_a and_o servant_n affection_n and_o yet_o through_o humane_a weakness_n may_v discover_v some_o frailty_n in_o his_o prayer_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o discourage_v but_o great_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v by_o all_o who_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o without_o mixture_n even_o a_o pure_a offer_n and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v pure_a and_o suppose_v few_o or_o none_o in_o many_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o the_o spirit_n help_v they_o to_o conceive_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o pray_v by_o a_o set_a form_n for_o if_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v once_o receive_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n give_v his_o assistance_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o who_o desire_v it_o and_o who_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o it_o or_o fit_a to_o bestow_v it_o on_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o to_o pray_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la with_o word_n true_o edify_v quicken_a and_o refresh_v as_o people_n do_v but_o wait_v a_o little_a time_n in_o sincerity_n for_o such_o a_o divine_a gift_n it_o will_v be_v give_v to_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o they_o and_o until_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v better_a to_o pray_v with_o affection_n of_o heart_n though_o without_o all_o word_n and_o wait_v in_o silence_n for_o a_o further_a gift_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o to_o be_v rash_a or_o hasty_a to_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n either_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la or_o in_o a_o set_a form._n and_o to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o many_o who_o can_v bear_v well_o long_o or_o much_o silence_n such_o as_o be_v serious_a and_o best_a affect_v as_o they_o find_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o lord_n may_v read_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o unto_o their_o family_n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o that_o read_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n or_o worship_n but_o only_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o excite_v prayer_n and_o good_a affection_n and_o desire_v in_o they_o as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o concur_v and_o give_v his_o blessing_n unto_o the_o same_o and_o also_o for_o information_n and_o doctrine_n what_o be_v there_o say_v all_o along_o in_o this_o treatise_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n help_v to_o conceive_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v also_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o sing_v and_o praise_v god_n with_o a_o psalm_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o the_o one_o serve_v equal_o for_o the_o other_o for_o all_o sing_v and_o praise_v with_o a_o psalm_n or_o psalm_n in_o gospel_n time_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o some_o have_v a_o psalm_n to_o utter_v or_o express_v in_o word_n and_o other_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o unity_n of_o spirit_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o not_o a●_n audible_a noise_n pronounce_v the_o same_o word_n as_o some_o have_v a_o doctrine_n and_o some_o a_o revelation_n some_o a_o interpretation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o the_o end_n ☞_o